Paul Lovett to discuss ‘Bill Bright, Saint or Sinner’ Sept. 28

Paul Lovett’s next Rehoboth Beach History Lecture, “Bill Bright, Saint or Sinner,” is set for 7:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Sussex Room at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel.

The bearded gentlemen pictured were instrumental in founding Rehoboth Beach. But Bill Bright’s vision included bringing the railroad into town and making it a place where guests would enjoy the sinful pleasures of dancing and card playing. That was in conflict with the tenets of the town’s Methodist Episcopal founders.

Some 150 years later, Billy Joel would capture his sentiments with these lyrics: “And they say there's a heaven for those who will wait; some say it's better, but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints; the sinners are much more fun. You know that only the good die young.”

A donation of $25 is requested for lecture attendance. Proceeds in excess of expenses will go to sustain the 1910 Rehoboth Avenue diorama project. To reserve a seat, contact Lovett at paul@pdlovett.com or 302-893-9391.