August 28th, 2014
The Quiet Resort of Bethany Beach, Delaware, was really quiet then. On Labor Day, those streets were rolled up. Bethany did not have, on those early days, a pharmacy…it was a dry town. Only one grocery store. That’s how small it was.
During the winter there were only 500 of us living there. So one summer, former Bethany Beach Councilman, Moss Wagner, and others in town like Ken Cloud, who owned Clouds, a children’s store, decided that a proper burial would be most appropriate. A sending away the summer….not to forget it but to remember it.
Gather friends…or the ones that were left in town and celebrate!! Share your memories, even shed a few tears…..dress up!
My photos here are from September of 1993.
Moss is at the head of the funeral. You can see it says R.I.P. Summer ’93.
The Jazz Funeral was usually around 4:30 p.m. My friend, Sharon, and I would try to make it every year. Then, we would bring our families to enjoy family entertainment, including the ritual of the lifeguards running towards the water for one last swim.
This photo is also from September, 1993. If you look closely, the lifeguards are naked. The bathing suits are around their necks. Usually, the girls did not take the suits off, but at times they would show a little breast. If you notice on the photo, people are walking on the beach….nobody is looking….the most natural thing in the world. Those were the good times…haha.
This Labor Day Week-End, it is a bit different. On Friday, 8/29, there is a Silent Auction to be held at Bethany Blues at 6 N. Pennsylvania Avenue from 3 – 4:45 p.m. It is a fundraising event for the Sussex Country Big Brothers and Sisters.
And, on Monday, Labor Day, at 5:30 p.m. the Jazz Funeral will start on the Boardwalk. It is big, it is fun, and it is still family entertainment. I am not sure if they do some sort of swimming….it would be with clothes on, believe me.
Anyway, everyone is invited to participate. We did have a beautiful summer, so why not remember it in this special way. Have fun. Cry your heart out, will you?
This sleepy little town has come a long way….
May 21st, 2014
Lightship Overfalls is one of only 17 remaining lightships out of 179 built from 1820 to 1952. A National Historic Landmark designation was given to “Big Red” in 2011. It is one of 7 lightships in this country still open to the public. It is also a perfectly restored example of a now extinct fleet of floating lighthouses.
A lightship is a floating lighthouse; aiding navigation at night…it has a horn to warn mariners in fog, and a radio beacon for longer range identification.
The mission of the Overfalls Foundation is to “collect, preserve, honor and teach the maritime history of Lewes, the Delaware Bay, and the coastal region, using the Lightship Overfalls, the American Lightship Museum, as well as Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame”.
Lightship Overfalls is located at Canalfront Park, 219 Pilottown Rd., in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8050. This is a must stop visit while in Lewes. Guided tours, above and below decks are offered 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday. For detailed information, please visit http://www.overfalls.org
Friday , May 23rd….SEASON OPENING PARTY AND AUCTION – at The Virden Center from 6 until 9 p.m. at the University of Delaware Campus, 700 Pilottown Rd., in Lewes. Tickets are $45 and are available online at http://www.overfalls.org, or by calling 302-593-7962. $50 at the door. There will be live and silent auctions. The wine wall will be back by popular demand where guests can purchase a chance to win wine at a bargain price.
Saturday, May 24th…3rd ANNUAL MARITIME CELEBRATION AT ZWAANENDAEL MUSEUM in Downtown Historic Lewes….Stop by their booth and say hello.
Wednesday, June 24th…GRAND OPENING DEDICATION for the Stephanie Anne Pilot House and the Lightship Museum at Overfalls Lightship at 4 p.m.
Lots of events are held throughout the summer….please check their website, above mentioned….don’t miss “Sundowners” at the ship in June, July, and August.
Don’t forget to also vote for 2014 Hall of Fame Nomination….nominations are closing soon. You can vote by visiting the website, as well.
Have a great day!!
Please note that information for this post was taken from http://www.overfalls.org.
May 11th, 2014
We took off early this a.m. for Cafe Papillon, located at the Penny Lane Mall, 42 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It is right on the ocean block. It is one of my favorite places in the summer to grab an authentic crepe. Tel. 302-227-7568. Website? http://www.cafepapillon.com. Cafe Papillon has been in Rehoboth Beach for over 20 years.
Jerome was at his usual spot….cooking away. Always very serious. He never changes. These photos are new today, but I could show you the ones from years back and he truly does look the same. Scarf and all. We got there just in time. A line was starting to form. Jerome would be cooking 2 crepes for us; a strawberry and nutella and an egg, smoked, salmon, cheese and tomato. Cafe Papillon is at street level, so customers can get up close and personal.
Love to see how easily he prepares them….mine was looking awesome.
At Cafe Papillon there is outdoor seating.
But, for John, Miochael and I…sitting on one of Rehoboth Beach’s iconic benches, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was priceless! Our crepes were delicious!
I take this photo every time I go to Rehoboth’s award-winning boardwalk. My kids reminded me of it. Never get tired of it. It feels so good to be here and I don’t take it for granted.
The sky is so blue today and the ocean is perfect. Not too many people this morning…..Mother’s Day activities are on the schedule.
The Nation’s Summer Capital is ready for Summer of 2014….with that comes, meters, crowds….heat waves. All are very much welcomed.
Have a wonderful day!!! 74 degrees? We’ll take it any time.
1 Comment