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Replica passenger railway station coming to Lewes library

May 31, 2023

After more than four years of planning, and approvals from Delaware Department of Transportation and the City of Lewes, a collaborative effort among the Lewes Public Library, Lewes in Bloom’s Art in Bloom committee, Lewes Parks & Recreation Commission, and Schell Brothers is poised to start construction the week of Monday, June 5.

The Lewes Junction Library-Arts Project is intended to enhance the appeal of the Lewes Public Library outdoor spaces by constructing a replica Lewes railroad passenger station, embellished with imaginative works of art. 

Representatives from the Lewes Public Library and Art In Bloom chose the railroad theme for the project as a metaphor for movement in and out of Lewes beginning in the 19th century and continuing through the first half of the 20th century, when the railroad was a principal method of freight and passenger transportation.

A faux Lewes railroad station surrounding the library’s emergency power generator equipment will be constructed on the library’s northwest side, adjacent to the Lewes-Georgetown Trail. A children’s reading wall adorned with book-inspired artwork will enclose the solar inverters, and attractive fencing will surround the BPW transformer. Together, these enclosures will help make the outdoor area near the library’s utility equipment safer and more child-friendly. Schell Brothers, a long-standing supporter of the Lewes Public Library, is donating the construction of these enclosures.

“We are grateful to Schell Brothers and excited to host a fun and fascinating reminder of Lewes’ heritage while enhancing the safety of our utility facilities close to the popular Lewes-Georgetown Trail,” said Chanta Howard Wilkinson, library board president.

The replica station will mimic the original Lewes Railroad Station of the early 1900s once located at this site, while complementing the architectural style of the Lewes Public Library. The station enclosure will also complement the nearby Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association railroad exhibit with the 1917 red caboose brought on site in 2022.

Alyssa Titus, Schell Brothers marketing director, said, "We have always been and continue to be committed to the community, and look forward to the new amenities and artwork.  These enhancements to the common areas and shared spaces at the Lewes library will provide people, especially children, an area to gather, relax, read or simply enjoy the environment.”

After completion of enclosure construction, which may take up to eight weeks, Art in Bloom and the library will begin efforts to add artwork on the rear of the station enclosure and windows, and the children’s reading wall. Sue Sandmeyer, Art in Bloom co-chair, said, “Art in Bloom is very excited to continue its mission to enhance the beautification and cultural environment of historic Lewes, especially in collaboration with the Lewes Public Library, Lewes Parks & Recreation Commission and Schell Brothers.”

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