Walking tour of historic Milton set May 14

The Milton Historical Society’s walking tour program has resumed.

A Boats, Buttons, Beans & Beer walking tour will step off at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 14, at the Dogfish Head Brewery, 6 Cannery Village Center, Milton.

Due to its prominence as a shipbuilding center, Milton’s economic heyday was in the mid-19th century. That era concluded in 1915 when the last ship was launched.

With the depletion of natural resources, the rise of rail and steam power, and the silting over of the river, Miltonians needed to find other sources of income to replace the lost industry.

Entrepreneurial folks found ways to make do with cottage industries like button-making and creating holly wreath decorations.

Agriculture was a constant. Since the 17th century, the area’s economy has been tied to agriculture and the river. From early days to the present, farmers worked the ground, sending crops to distant (and not-so-distant) places.

The program is free to MHS members and $5 per person for nonmembers, payable in cash or check. Space is limited to 15 attendees; reservations are required. To save a spot, call 302-684-1010 or email info@historicmilton.org.