October 30th, 2014
When I asked my friends if they wanted to go ghost hunting with Delmarva Historic Haunts, they were a little skeptical. But, they got out of their box and decided to join in….why not? Last Saturday, October 25th, was the perfect night for such an adventure. But, first things first…..hungry we were and we did not have to be at the Lewes Historical Society until 10:15 p.m. You heard right….the event was the second of the evening…both sold out!! There is an interest about the paranormal, really.
We arrived in Lewes with no idea where we would eat….then, the place around the corner. Touch of Italy located at 101 2nd St. in the heart of Lewes. It was the perfect dinner; a table just for us in the corner, no rush, stay as long as you want. Their website is http://www.touchofitaly.com. Tel. 302-827-2730.
A little wine and bread on the table.
Insalata Caprese
Traditional Cheese Ravioli
The Eggplant!!
The Bolognese!!
The Penne Pesto with Chicken…Awesome!!
The service was so good. We all decided that the food was excellent and the perfect restaurant for such an interesting evening.
Last year I heard about Delmarva Historic Haunts. It was at this same time when, again, the Lewes Historical Society had them come to Lewes for a ghost hunting experience. When you think about it, Lewes is the first town in the First State. These homes and buildings are some of the oldest in the state. To understand the present, you have to unleash the past. And, that’s what we were going to do.
We were going to visit the buildings that are under the Lewes Historical Society charge. We met at the Lewes Historical Society Complex….at the School House. This school house c 1898 is one of the few one room schools left in Delaware.
Everything was ready…the earlier ghost hunting brought a lot of activity to the visitors.
Rick Coherd is the Founder and CEO of Delmarva Historic Haunts, which started in 2011. What he told us was that “The Past is the Future with The Lights On”. These buildings have seen wars, births, deaths, families….they have been lived. To know more about Delmarva Historic Haunts, please visit htpp://www.delmarvahistorichaunts.com.
In the school house, there was a presentation and some of the instruments that they use for sensing paranormal activity.
Delmarva Historic Haunts take their work seriously. They offer “paranormal investigations and programs to help fund historical sites”. On that evening $2,500 were raised. Delmarva Historic Haunts donated those funds to the Lewes Historical Society. Thanks!!
So, for the ones that want to joke around…he asked that we would not pinch our friends to pretend an entity had done so, if you get my drift. We were divided into groups. I was given a K-2 which lights up when sensing paranormal activity.
They also brought along, what they called a torch….a flashlight. Then, another instrument for temperature.
In each of the homes, a docent was present explaining the history of the structure or museum. Then, the next part of the tour was in the darkness, pretty much. So no more photos from me at this time.
In the Lewes Historical Society Complex there are 9 buildings. These buildings “tell the story of Lewes through the centuries since its founding”.
On this particular night we visited:
Rabbits Ferry House c 1740
Burton-Ingram House c 1789
Thompson Country Store c 1800
Old Doctor’s Office c 1840
Midway School c 1898
We also walked through Lewes towards the Cannonball House c 1760. This house was struck by a British cannonball during the War of 1812. It is located at the corner of Bank and Front Streets. Walking around Lewes at that time of the night when you are ghost hunting is an experience in itself.
So, you want to know if we saw or felt anything right?
Every time we entered one of the buildings we would go to the first designated room. We would say our names…..someone would ask to show their presence. The torch or flashlight would be placed on a table. We would stand back. The ones, like me, that were holding the K-2 would have them out for everyone to see if their were changes in the light colors.
There was plenty of action, in all the dwellings. My neighbor, Chris, was one of those very skeptical. We were all in the Thompson Country Store. Darkness….questions asked, and flashlight kept going on and off depending on the question. Nobody was touching it. Chris said: “My thighs are so cold from the inside out”. They put the temperature gage and you could see the temperature dropping very rapidly. I think she was freaking out! My K-2 was flashing like crazy, and the guy next to me was feeling that coldness from the inside out, as well, from the toes to his chest.
The funny thing is, Chris is never cold. She hardly wears a coat so as I write this I am laughing because just to see her face was priceless as she described it. Lol!!
We were in the Cannonball House….3rd floor where activity is usually encountered. But, just as we got into the room, they said we had to move to the next museum. Everyone had left the room, except my friend, Debbie, and I. I turned around with my K-2 on hand and said “Come on aren’t you going to light this up?” OMG the K-2 started flashing like crazy going into different colors. Debbie and I were looking at each other and were then leaving the room and it was at the 3rd step of the stairs when it completely stopped. One more flashing after leaving the building and one more flashing on the corner…..I think the whole town has paranormal activity.
Delmarva Historic Haunts is planning on coming back in November. I will let you know. You have to have an open mind….
Check the website for the Lewes Historical Society by clicking on http://www.historiclewes.org.
Events coming up:
November 14th – Lunch & Learn. The Wreath-Making Industry of Milton.
December 6th – The 41st Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes.
See you!!
October 24th, 2014
For the past couple of years every time the end of October approaches I start thinking about Delmarva Historic Haunts. I wanted to go on one of the haunts…..Lewes is the perfect town for such an experience. Aren’t you curious?
Lewes is The First Town in The First State. It was founded in 1631 and then incorporated in 1883. That makes it Delaware’s oldest settlement. Its history is on display throughout various historic buildings in Downtown Lewes.
We are meeting Delmarva Historic Haunts, http://www.delmarvahistorichaunts.com at 10:15 p.m. at the Lewes Historical Society Complex….at the Schoolhouse. The haunt will begin at 10:30 p.m. There is another “haunt” at 7 p.m. but I think the later one will be bone-chilling! Yikes!
I am dragging a few of my usual suspects. They are always game for something outside of their box.
I cannot help to think of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church located at Mulberry St. and Second St. The parish was established in 1681 and the original building was completed in 1724…..This church has the oldest cemetery in the State. The graveyard is a snapshop of time.
The 2 oldest graves are by the corner and against the wall of the church. The graves connect the past with the present.
The Labyrinths at St. Peter’s are a path of peace.
So will it bone-chilling or not? I will just have to let you know!!
Note: An affiliate of NBC News will be filming on Saturday at this event. You can find Delmarva Historic Haunst on Facebook.
October 15th, 2013
I think I am curious, definitely…The First Town in The First State!! So much history, connecting the past with the present.
The Lewes Historical Society, http://www.historiclewes.org, will be hosting Delmarva Historic Haunts, http://www.delmarvahistorichaunts.com, to explore the curious happenings in Historic Lewes, Delaware. You do not have to walk far to be immersed in the history of Lewes.
On 2nd and Market Streets you will find Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. The Parish was established in 1681 and it does have the oldest cemetery in Delaware. You can visit the cemetery….plenty of visitors do.
You will have 2 opportunities to investigate paranormal activities in Historic Lewes. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 10/19 – 2 times to choose from. Either 7 p.m. until 10 p.m., or, 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
Saturday, 10/26 – The same schedule.
It is $25 per person. If you are planning on bringing children, please note that they have to be 13 years of age and older. Reservations are required. Call 302-645-7670. Please meet at the Lewes Historic Complex at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in the Midway School #178.
By participating in this haunt, you will investigate some of the mysterious activities. Delmarva Historic Haunts will show you the data that has been collected. They have done plenty of research of paranormal activity in the area and in locations like Gettysburg, Ft. Delaware, and many more.
The CANNONBALL HOUSE – It was built around 1765. It is now the home of The Lewes Historical Society’s Maritime Museum. It is a rare example of a Lewes house remaining on one site its entire existence. Location? The corner of Bank Street and Front Street.
The rest of the tour will take place visiting the Museums of The Lewes Historical Society at the Historic Complex. There are 9 buildings dating from the mid 1600’s to the late 1800’s. Location? 110 Shipcarpenter Street.
BURTON-INGRAM HOUSE – It dates to 1789. It is noted for the fine Federal period and colonial furnishings. This is an elegant home with several extraordinary museum pieces.
OLD DOCTOR’S OFFICE – Circa 1840. It houses collections of mid to late nineteenth century medical instruments. It is the only example of Greek Revival architecture in Lewes. It cannot be confirmed if it was the only building of that style constructed in Lewes. It contains about 500 volumes of medical texts.
RABBIT’S FERRY HOUSE – It dates to around 1740. This house is an example of rural Sussex County architecture. It reflects the hard and simple life of Southern Delaware’s 18th century farmers. This house if the home of the Lewes Historical Society’s fine collection of 18th century kitchen ware and furnishings.
You have the town, the experts and the buildings to become a paranormal investigator if only for a few hours…..have a great time!!
Note: Information for this post has been taken from The Lewes Historical Society’s website. Check it out!!
August 4th, 2012
Lewes was named after the town of Lewes in England, which is also located in a county named Sussex, from which Sussex County takes its name. They also have the same seal.
Historic Lewes is a gem and visitors can’t wait to come back and visit this town whose residents are friendly and have made sure Lewes keeps it charm and small town atmosphere.
So…What’s Going On?
Saturday, 8/4 – The Historic Farmers’ Market will be held on this day at Shields Elementary School at 910 Shields Ave. in Lewes. 8 a.m. until Noon. Please do not bring pets. More info? Please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, 8/4 – Lewes Historical Society’s Antique Show from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Lewes Historical Society celebrates its 49th Annual Antique Show. Admission will be $5 per person, children under 12 are free. If you wish to enter the show earlier than 9 a.m. for a sneak preview, then, the admission will be $15/person. This event benefits educational preservation programs at The Lewes Historical Society. For more info, please visit http://www.historiclewes.org.
Saturday, 8/4 – Lewes Night Out from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. This event will be held at Blockhouse Pond/Smith Park, located at the corner of Park Ave. and Johnson Street in Lewes. It is sponsored by the Lewes Police Dept., and it is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local crime efforts. Residents in neighborhoods throughout Lewes and across the nation for National Night Out are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.
The events planned for the evening include a cookout, youth and family events, visits from police officers and a variety of entertainment. More info? Please visit http://www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 8/4 – Concert on the Green at The Villages of Five Points from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., at The Gazebo, featuring “33 1/3”. Bring friends, family and your own chair. This event is sponsored and coordinated by Make My Day Event Planning. Check http://www.thevillagesoffivepoints.com.
Sunday, 8/5 – Yoga with Dimitra at Lewes Canalfront Park, located at 211 Front St. in Lewes. 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. every Sunday morning until September 15th. Please bring a towel or your own mat. It is free!!
Sunday, 8/5 – Market on the Green at The Villages of Five Points from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This local and organic market will be at the Villages of Five Points Town Center until 9/30. More info? Please visit http://www.thevillagesoffivepoints.com.
Sunday, 8/5 – Valhallas Pirates – Cape May Lewes Ferry – Reservations are required. Please call 1-800-643-3779. The Crew of the Valhalla is a dangerous lot, planning to seize the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Led by the fierce Captain Charles Black…Historical and Theatrical entertainment for children and adults. The crew is renowned for their realistic portrayal of pirates and sailors. More info? Visit http://www.valhallaspirates.com. Also, please visit http://www.capemaylewesferry.com. CM Departures: 4:30SB Show/6:15 at leisure. LW Departures: 6:15NB Show/8:00SB at leisure. Cost $18 for 14 years of age and older. $13.50 for children 6-13 years old. $9.00 for children 5 years old and younger.
Tuesday, 8/7 – Summer Concerts at Stango Park, next to the Lewes Public Library. 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., featuring Oh Boy! Rockabilly. Bring your chair.
Saturday, 8/11 – It is the 6th Annual Tomato Festival from 8 a.m. until Noon, at the Lewes Historical Society Complex located at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Bring everyone to celebrate National Farmers Market Week. Visit the tasting tent. Learn the history and lore. In May of 1883, the Supreme Court ruled that the tomato was not a fruit but a vegetable. Visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, 8/11 – Delaware Lighthouse Festival from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Location? On the Green at the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May Lewes Ferry, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive. This festival features a variety of exhibits, programs, and activities highlighting a number of Delaware lighthouses, including Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, the Harbor of Refuge Light Station and more. Musical entertainment, food and drinks from area restaurants, children’s activities, raffles, display booths and so much more. More info? Please visit http://www.delawarelighthousefestival.com
Tuesday, 8/14 – Lewes Terminal Hosts “Phantoms of the Ferry”. 7:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., spend a night with the “Phantoms of the Ferry”. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has teamed up with Delmarva Historic Haunts, the lab group of Gettysburg Paranormal, to bring you a night of haunted history uncovering the mysterious past of long ago sailors. Hundreds of unidentified sailors’ bodies washed ashore on the beaches of Lewes. The land beneath the Lewes Ferry Terminal served as burial grounds for these lost seafarers, and some say they are still with us today. Buffet dinner followed by a Paranormal 101 class. Students will learn the skills it takes to be an investigator from a real, on the road crew. $35 per person. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Reservations are recommended. To reserve your tickets, please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-643-3779.
More info? Please visit http://www.cmlf.com/programs/phantom-of-the-ferry.
Have a good one!!
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