Evening journal., 1919-06-18
STATE HISTORICAL
Home REDEDICATED
Colonial Wars and Colonial
lanes Societies to Pre-
serve Old Building
WAS CHURCH AND
SHOOL IN EARLY DAYS

he Historical Building was dedi-
c!ed anew 10 patriotic service for
Ilaware. at exercises held yesterday
aernoon by the Society Of Colonial
lmcs and the Society Of Colonial
rars. The historic structure Was re-
loved TO its new and beautiful site
n Brandywine Park Drive by these
NO societies. Mrs Charles r. Miller,
As chairman OF the joint committee
was largely instrumental in the sue
cessful accomplishment OF the caange
of site.
Unchanged as 10 structure, and made
Of the original materials, the re
erected building has been materially
improved by the addition OF a cellar
foundation, modern plumbing and fire
proof facilities for the storing OF yalu-
able historical relics.
The - members Of the two societies
who attended the exercises yesterday
from towns all over the state. were
enthusiastic over the beautiful scenic
setting Of the old building in its new
location.
Mrs. Preston Lea. vice-president Of
the Society Of Colonial Danes. pre-
sided
The Rev. Charles l.. Candee. Of West
minister Church. pronounced the Inyo-
cation and delivered the opening 1d-
dress. lie dwelt upon the cultural and
educational as we'll as spiritual inspira-
tion OF the church in. the days when
the Historical Building was known as
the First Presbyterian Church. Mr..
Candee said the minister in those early
days was generally the best educated
ann in the community. and It was due
10 the efforts OF such ministers that
young men were encouraged 10 seek
education. The spread Of higher edu-
Gallon today, he said might be traced
10 the olden time minister.
The second speaker was Christopher
L. Ward. lie commented upon the
scarcity Of details to he found concern
ing the early days Of the old building
lie told OF the nifty years when school
was held in the Historical Building. The
girls were taught by Miss Mary Ma
haffy and the boys by Professor
Klund
Leroy Harvey presented the financial
report on the removal and restoration
Of the building.
Edward Csnby May, the architect in
charge Of the restoration. called the
Historical Building monument Of deep
significance TO the people Of Delaware.
Describing the structure. he said:
Il found the brick in the building
made Of red clay Of a handmade
fTsnn from Enn~fa1vH 10, Al
ity. and this brick had been laid up
in strong lime mortar. and in many
places the mortar was harder than the
brick. AZ several places on the ex-
terror l found numerals that proven
that the building was erected in i1iO.
On the old north wall the year i7i was
indicated by black brick headers spaced
the entire length of the facade. This
idea>Nyas preserved and have had the
numerals placed hack in the building as
hey were originally located.
j found practically all the work. ex-
.ept the roof rafters, put together win
heavy handmade ron nails. The llfst
floor windows We're enclosed with wool
shutters, which was able 10 have re-
paired and chung on the original iron
hardware. The shutter stay backs were
M missing except one, but was able
% set Others made 10 match this one
and you will find them installed.
This building also has pipes con-
structed for gas and electric wiring
The old building was in all probability.
lighted by kerosene oil lamps, which
Were supported by brackets on the
walls 7 was also informed that large
chandelier hung from the ceiling, but
was unable TO find any trace Of this
1xiure and designed the new one from
4 model OF the Georgian type Of fixture
which ] found in. the works OF Adam
Brothers OF England. All the other fix
lures in the main part Of the building
have been a reproduction TO harmonic
with the old kerosene oil bracket lamps
and to coincide with the center ceiling
fixture.
AS the building now stands recon
structed. it is my intention to say that
an old materials were reused and that
any new designs used were taken from
the English Georgian Architecture and
carefully studied
A social hour. with ice cream and
cake served. followed the dedication.
The rooms were adorned with pink
roses. Among those assisting i'm the
service Of the refreshments were Miss
Elizabeth Draper, Mrs. Victor r. Wool
lev. Mrs. Alfred Warner, Jr., and Mrs
David Lindsay, Jr.