Rehoboth paved its streets 100 years ago
This year marks the 100th anniversary of paved roads in Rehoboth Beach.
According to a July 17, 1925 article in The Evening Journal, Mayor J. Harry Satterfield announced a project to pave Rehoboth Avenue and First Avenue shortly after being re-elected for another term.
“In a few days, work will begin to slag the entire circle near the beach on Rehoboth Avenue, and then up First Avenue to the lake,” the article stated. “It will take about 25 cars of slag, which have been ordered, and when completed, will make a splendid macadam road, which will easily handle the light pleasure car traffic that it will be used for.”
The article later stated: “[This] is only the beginning of paved roads throughout the resort.”
That same year saw the completion of paved roads connecting Rehoboth Beach to Georgetown, and by extent, places like Washington, D.C. The link attracted many legislators, diplomats and government employees, helping turn Rehoboth Beach into “The Nation’s Summer Capital.”
The same 1925 article in The Evening Journal tells a harrowing story of a car accident in Rehoboth Beach where a woman narrowly escaped serious injury. This is an example of just how much information was released to the public a century ago.
“Miss Brenda Hazzard of Wilmington had a narrow escape from having both legs cut off Wednesday evening when an automobile driven by Charles Gilbert of Havre de Grace, Md., collided with an automobile on which she was riding on the running board. The car driven by Gilbert was turning as the car on which Miss Hazzard was riding, driven by Miss Virginia Lingo, was coming down the street. The car crashed into Miss Lingo’s car, striking within 10 inches of where the girl was standing. Miss Hazzard received a twisted ankle, while a dog which was riding in the car was thrown through the windshield. William Lingo, a small boy who was riding on the opposite running board, was thrown to the street, while Miss Lingo was saved from injury by the steering wheel.”
No charges were filed when Gilbert arranged an amicable settlement to cover damages.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
