Newark post., 1919-06-25
HISTORICAL BUILDING
IS RE-DEDICATED
Structure Erected in l74O
Recently Moved to
Brandywine Park

Much local interest was mani
tested in the rededication of the
Delaware State Historical Build
ing on its new site, Brandywine
Park, on Tuesday afternoon.
The Society Of Colonial Danes
and the Society of Colonial Wars
were instrumental in moving the
building. Mrs. Charles r. Miller,
as chairman Of the joint committee
was largely instrumental in ac-
complishing the change of site.
The building is unchanged as to
structure and materials, but has
been materially improved by the
addition Of a cellar foundation,
modern plumbing, and fireproof
storing facilities for valuable docu
mentS.
The numerous members of these
two societies who attended the eN-
ercises from all parts OF the State,
and their United guests, were en-
thusiastic over. the new location
and the scenic setting of the old
building.
Mrs. Preston Lea, vice-president
of the Society of Colonial Danes,
presided.
The Rev. Charles L. Candee, Of
Westminster Church, pronounced
the invocation and delivered the
opening address. He dwelt upon
the cultural and education as well
as spiritual inspiration Of the
church in the days when the His
torical Building was known as the
First Presbyterian Church.
The second speaker was Christ
opher L. Ward. He commented
upon the scarcity Of details to be
found concerning the early days of
the old building. He told of the
fifty years when school was held
in the Historical Building. The
girls were taught by Miss Mary
Mahaffy and the boys by Professor
Klund.
Leroy Harvey presented the
financial report on the removal
and restoration of the building.
Edward Candy May, the archi-
tect in charge of the restoration,
called the Historical Building a
monument of deed significance to
the people of Delaware. Describ-
ing the structure, he said:
Il found the brick in the build
ing made Of red clay of hand
made type, from England in all
probability, and this brick had
been laid up in a strong lime NOR
tar, and in many places the mortar
was harder than the brick. AT
several places on the exterior |
found numerals that proved that
the building was erected in 174O.
On the old north wall the year
1741 was indicated by black brick
headers spaced the entire length of
the facade. This idea was preserv-
ed and | have had the numerals
placed back in the building as they
were originally located.
II found practically all the
work. except the roof rafters, put
together with heavy handmade
iron nails. The first floor windows
were enclosed with wood shutters,
which | was able to have repaired
and rehung on the original iron
hardware. The shutter stay backs
were all missing except one, but
[ was able to get others made to
match this one and you will find
them installed.
"This building also has pipes
constructed 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. I was also
Informed that a large chandelier
hung from the ceiling, but | was
unable to find any trace OF thl,
fixture and designed the new one
from a model of the Georgian type
of fixture which | found in the
works of Adam Brothers of Eng
land. All the other fixtures III the
main part of the building have
been reproduction to harmonic
with the old kerosene oil bracket
lamps and to coincide with the cen
ter ceiling fixture. "