Milford chronicle., 1957-06-28
MiIten NOIC Planning
For Anniversary
During August

continued from page one)
and Rehobcth Beach got a taste Of
what Milton is up to when a half
dozen citizens marched down the
boardwalk recently in full 1907 att
tire; the men complete with high
beaver hats-the ladies in the cos
tunes of that day. They evoked
many glances and questions were
popped right and left!
what in the world is going on?'
someone would ask.
Come to Milton August 2-3-4
and find out" would be the laconic
reply.
There will be time spent in re-
calling the early industry of the
community and tours will point
out the homes of at least three for
mer Delaware Governors. They
are David Hazard who served the
state from 1880 to 1898; Samuel
Paynter, 1924 to 1927; and James
Ponder, 1S71-1S75.
Attention will be called to the
early importance of Milton as a
port town: a ship-building center
and a leading grain gathering and
-four mill center. Today one such
mill survives, still using water
power from a nearby pond
The growth of the community
is described by Scharf as "slow
and steady" and on March II, 1865,
an act was passed in the General
Assembly Incorporating the town.
The first town commissioners
were: William Y. Coulter, Robert
l.. Lacey, George w. Atkins, Sam
uel Martin and Hon. James Ponder
On February z, 1877, through an
amendment, the number of COM
missioners was increased from five
to nine and a re-inc0rporation act
dated March 3, 1881, changed the
name commissioners to cOuncilmen.
In the late 1800's sailing ships
plowed from the BrOadkill River
whaffs to Philadelphia and New
York, delivering grain and cord
wood. The community developed
its religious activities and churches
soon were built. Among the oldest
congregations is st. John the Bap-
tist Protestant Episcopal congre-
cation.
Today the community has sew
eral industries, but raising chick
ems and crops seems to be the
chief financial support. There is
chicken processing plant, hosiery
mill and several other small indus
tries in the area offering employ
ment.
Mr.. Carey says that every effort
will be made through the sesqui-
centennial TO point up the COM
munity's beautiful setting with the
Broadkiln winding about the town
and three ponds or lakes right at
it's doorsteps Nature lovers, he
said, will get thrill out of a visit,
and those who have boats can take
interesting cruises down the lush
banks Of the narrow but navigable
river.
Those assisting Mr.. Carey in Mil
tons first really big undertaking
in a long time are the following
chairmen:
General Arrangement, Richard
Hudson: Advertising, Sam Shapi-
rO; Fund Raising, r. NJ. Scott, Jr.;
Publicity, Thomas s. Hughes; Pro-
motion, Leroy Davidson Research, F,
Ernest COnwell.
Decorating and Preparation,
Harmon Davidson; Welcoming,
Mayor Charles Barker; Parade and
Street Dance, Everett Johnson;
Contests, Robert Miller; CONNER
cial Exhibition, Edward Scott, III;
Invitation, Mrs. Mary Morgan;
Flower and Antique Show, Miss
Sarah Atkins; Souvenir Program,
Mrs. Priscilla Wilkerson; Baby
Parade, Mrs. Mary Hughes.
Also, Housing and Registration.
Mrs Edna Brasure; Barbecue, HI.
G. WagamOn; church participation,
Rev. W. e. Watts; Costumes, Mrs.
Helen Barker; Fireworks, George
II. Johnson; Tours, Mrs. Edith
Conwell; Luncheon and Dinners,
DR.. James @. White and Fashion
Show, Mrs. Catherine Crouch.