May 22, 2009

Four Delaware Locations Added to the National Register of Historic Places

REHOBOTH BEACH — In a ceremony held on Rehoboth Beach’s Boardwalk on Thursday, May 21, state officials marked the addition of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Fountain to the National Register of Historic Places, the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation because of their significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture.

A Rehoboth Beach landmark, the fountain was erected in 1929 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Delaware branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, an important civic organization that took a prominent role in promoting social welfare causes in Delaware from the 1870s to the 1960s.

 "It is an honor to be Governor of a state with such a rich, amazing historical heritage,” said Governor Markell at today’s event. “In a time of relentless change and uncertainty, monuments like the ones just added to the National Register of Historic Places give us a sense of being part of a community that existed before us and one that will continue to exist after we are gone."

The presentation also featured comments by Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock; Rehoboth Beach Mayor Samuel R. Cooper; Timothy A. Slavin, Director of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs; and community leader, Mrs. Evelyn Dick Thoroughgood.

In addition to the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Fountain, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) has recently received notification from the United States Department of the Interior that the following Delaware properties have also been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places:

• The Carney Agricultural Complex, Christiana Hundred, New Castle County

• Rosemont, Brandywine Hundred, New Castle County

• The West Ninth Street Commercial Historic District, Wilmington, New Castle County

Nominations for listing these properties in the National Register were prepared and submitted by HCA with assistance and support from the property owners. Detailed profiles of each of the properties can be found on the attached information sheet.