Civic league event takes deeper dive into Dewey Beach history
The history of Dewey Beach from 1962 to the present was the topic of interest Nov. 1 for a large crowd that attended the Dewey Beach Civic League’s Remembrance of Dewey Past Part 2 event. Town Manager Bill Zolper welcomed everyone, and Civic League President Diane Hanson served as emcee.
Tom Draper traveled from Florida to share stories of his time as a seasonal police officer the first year alcohol was banned on the beach, 40 years ago. Cara Wilson noted that in 1936, her family paid $25 for four lots on the ocean block of Collins Avenue. Cara is a member of the Wenke family, and the event was somewhat of a family reunion for all the siblings who are the children of Pauline and Henry Wenke.
Todd Hawk shared photos of his family and himself as a young boy. He spoke about the dance/beach club that had to be shut down during World War II due to light restrictions. What fun it was for kids who could roam free in Dewey after the 1962 storm and discover lots of unusual finds was a memory from Kay Miller. Eileen Thomas shared photos of the house her grandfather moved that they believed was held together by the chimney.
John Carney shared his fond memories of Chicken Ed’s, which was a business venture started by Ed Riggin in 1978. For $3.95, customers got a half-chicken, pickles, chips and a roll. Ed recalled that Robert Pierpoint of CBS once ordered 50 chicken dinners. Phil Winkler showed a photo of his home from the 1980s when it had KGB painted on it, meaning Kinder, Gentler, Beach house. Memories of crabbing, rainbows and a large grill being flipped over in a storm were shared by Ellen Dickey.
Harry Wilson shared how he started making skimboards and continued to pursue this craft, even after he blew up a building and almost killed himself. Since then, Dewey Beach has hosted years of international skimboard championship events. He brought several skimboards to show how they have become sleeker and more functional over time. He also shared considerations on the movement of the sand and waves in the ocean as well as practical effects on the process of building skimboards.
Tera Keplinger brought back the civic league’s continuing efforts to address important issues by sharing a postcard. It was an invitation sent out in 2003 to discuss overcrowded coastal roadways and what the future might hold, highlighting the truth that some things just never change!
Former Mayor Diane Hanson brought attendees back to the present by sharing how Dewey Beach transitioned from a dirty bar town to a family-friendly beach resort. The first step was getting a town trash-removal plan that included valet service so trash cans were not left out on the street. An important aspect was requiring this trash service for all rentals. Then Dewey went to the dogs with a variety of dog events for greyhounds, golden retrievers, doodles, and even chihuahua races, which all helped bring families to town. The Dewey Business Partnership started family-friendly events such as the Easter Bunny visits, Halloween activities for kids, Santa at Christmas and the Dewey Dunk on New Year's Day. These events have thrived for 14 years and have helped immensely to create the family-friendly town Dewey is now known as.
Participants showed many photos, and there was time for mingling before and after the program. Organizers extend thanks to those who attended and presented for this special event.
