As can be seen from the cover of this c. 1955 Lewes Chamber of Commerce brochure, the residents of Lewes and the Chamber formerly encouraged not only tourism growth but industrial growth as well. © The Lewes Historical Society

With thoughts of warm breezes blowing off the bay and the feel of sand between our toes beginning to take shape in our minds, it's time once again to start thinking about summer at the beach. The February/March 2003 Collection Highlight focuses on our extensive Lewes travel brochure collection.

Known today as a quiet resort town with excellent restaurants, fishing, shops, and beaches -- Lewes has been promoted as a travel destination since the latter nineteenth century; many of the brochures and pamphlets were produced and distributed by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Citing its advantageous location where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the town's undeniable historic charm and its modern conveniences, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce of the 1950s and early 1960s promoted a summer wonderland that could be enjoyed by the whole family. Seafood restaurants were prolific -- many weekends found visitors from Wilmington and Philadelphia just for a taste of Lewes' fresh catches -- and sailing, swimming and relaxation were the order of most days. Appreciation of the historic nature of the town was a pastime made easier with the then recent publication of Virginia Cullen's classic The History of Lewes, Delaware and Vicinity. On the surface, Lewes was a sleepy coastal town with few worries.

Yet these brochures also allow us to better understand an ancient town that was just beginning to come of age in the middle twentieth century. What strikes the researcher most about these pamphlets and brochures is the hope the town had to become a larger commercial and industrial center. In a c. 1962 brochure, the Chamber of Commerce states, "Authorization by the Delaware River & Bay Authority for the establishment of ferry service between Lewes and Cape May, New Jersey is realization of a long-sought dream! Plans are moving forward to have the ferry in operation by July 1, 1964. New access roads and possibly a new high level bridge across the canal will be added incentives for industry to locate here." In an article from the New York Times from 1964, the headline reads, "Can Cape May Ferry Save Lewes, Del.?" Industry and commerce were down -- the menhaden fisheries that thrived off the coast began to close their doors -- crime rates rose, children whose families had lived in the area for hundreds of years could not justify staying in Lewes after school because of the lack of any meaningful employment.

Forty years ago, the message was not only to enjoy Lewes during the summer, but to stay and bring your businesses with you. It was quite a different situation on the shores of the southern Delaware in the early 1960s than it is at the dawn of the 21st century.

For more information, please contact us at research@historiclewes.org.

Past Collection Highlights