Part 1

Henry Hudson explored the northeastern coast of the United States over 400 years ago. He made four journeys across the Atlantic from England, with the last exploration in 1610-1611. Some records suggest Hudson was born in circa 1570, which would have made him 40 years old on his last voyage. He was employed by the English Muscovy Company to search for a Northwest Passage, a predicted short cut to Asia. At the time of his explorations, most of Europe had little to no understanding of the geography of the Northeast, nor of the brutal conditions sailing in the arctic waters. Believing that the arctic would be ice free in the summer months due to the almost continuous sunshine 24 hours each day, Hudson attempted to sail his ship, the Hopewell, over the North Pole. Brutal weather conditions forced him to turn back. Still, he was the first European to have sailed that far north. The following year, Hudson attempted the trip again, this time along the Russian coast. Again, he failed but did not lose a single crew member.

On August 28, 1609, Henry Hudson, sailing under the Dutch flag aboard the Halve Maen (Half Moon), entered and recorded Delaware Bay during his westward exploration of the New World.

Hudson, an experienced navigator originally commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to find a northwest passage to Asia, had redirected his mission after ice-blocked northern routes and instead sailed across the Atlantic to explore the North American coast.

The Halve Maen, a small and maneuverable Dutch vessel suited for exploration, carried Hudson along shores he had already partially charted.

He reached Delaware Bay on August 28, 1609, which was the first documentation of the Bay. Although he did not explore the bay in depth, the Aug 28 entry was an important milestone that encouraged further European interest, exploration, and eventual settlement in the region.

In early September, 1609, Robert Juet described the Half Moon sailing along the New Jersey coast and entering what we now call Delaware Bay. On September 1, he recorded their latitude (about 39°3′), variable easterly and southerly winds, and deep water that gradually shallowed as they sailed north-northwest. On September 2, the weather was hazy, and the wind was from the south. As they steered north the depth of the Bay dropped quickly from about 21 fathoms (126 feet) to 12 fathoms (72 feet).

They saw a large fire on the shore before sunrise, then land that looked like a group of broken islands. Nearer to the shore the water was about seven fathoms (42 feet) deep. They followed the northeast coast until they came to a wide bay. Juet called it a “great lake” (The Delaware Bay), about ten leagues long with many shoals at its entrance and a strong current flowing out. They anchored at 5 p.m. in eight fathoms (48 feet). On September 3, they stayed at anchor, took on fresh water and local provisions (beef, pork, and some wine), then left and continued their voyage. According to local Milford historian, Dave Kenton, Hudson and his crew of 17 sailed in the Bay on August 28, 1609, and began taking depth soundings to determine if this bay and river could lead to a northwest passage. They anchored at the entrance to a pleasant creek, and Hudson called this spot “Paradise Point”. Most historians place this spot at the mouth of the Mispillion, very near to where our familiar Cedar Beach and Slaughter Beach came into being 200 years later! Due to erosion, it is thought that actual landing was about 400 feet out into the bay, near Conch Bar and the Greco canal. Map #2, below.

Hudson’s voyage while failing to uncover a passage to Asia, expanded European maps of the continent, strengthened Dutch claims, notably around the Hudson River that he explored shortly after Delaware Bay, and helped set the stage for subsequent Dutch and English colonization; development profoundly affected indigenous peoples and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of North America.

When he returned to England in 1609, the Dutch East India Company hired him to find a northwest passage in their ship, the Half Moon. He was not successful, but his voyage was embryonic for later Dutch colonization in parts of present-day New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut. When he returned to England, a group of merchants hired him to again search for the Northeast Passage. After fighting through freezing weather Hudson arrived at the ‘Hudson Bay’ in northeast Canada, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Arctic Ocean. However, he and his crew could go no further due to winter conditions and waited there until the spring. While Hudson wanted to continue the search, his crew wanted to return home to England. It is not clear exactly what took place that led to a mutiny, but Hudson and a few crew members were abandoned in a small open boat on June 23, 1611, and left, never to be seen again. The rest of the crew returned to England to face investigations. Note the location on Map #1, indicating where he was marooned.

The above information gives a concise description of Hudson’s voyages. For those interested in more information, see Part 2 below for more details:

Part 2

Before we begin to feel badly about the crew’s mutiny, let’s think about the conditions they endured:

Ships like the Half Moon (Halve Maen, pictured above) and the Hopewell (pictured below) in Henry Hudson’s 1609-1610 voyages were small, robust early-17th-century merchant/exploration vessels built for the Dutch and English trades.

Key characteristics and typical contents:

Type, Size & Rig

• Hull form: shallow-draft, high-sterned “jacht”/small merchantman suitable for coastal and transoceanic work.
• Dimensions (Half Moon: ~70 Amsterdam feet long, ~16 ft wide ~8 ft depth)
• Masts and Rigging: three masts with a typical six-sail arrangement for the period.
• Tonnage holds ~30-100 tons; (Hudson’s voyage crew lists ~16-20).

Construction & Equipment

• Wooden built hull with substantial freeboard and a pronounced stern castle for berthing and defense.
• Basic navigation instruments of the time: compass, astrolabe/sea quadrant, log line, lead line, charts and pilot books, and ship logs.
• Small arms and ordnance: a few swivel guns and light cannons (e.g., small 3-6 lb guns) plus muskets, pikes, boarding tackles for defense and deterrence. (Hudson River Maritime Museum)
• Tools and small boats: ship’s longboat/launch & smaller rowing boats for shore parties; carpentry tools and anchors and anchor cables. (gothamhistory.com)

Life aboard & carrying capacity

• Limited below-deck space: crew slept in cramped bunks or on the deck
• The captain had a small cabin aft.
• Fitted to carry several months provisions for crew and any planned trading or exploration range, but vulnerable to spoilage and rationing on long voyages.
• Contemporary voyage journals (Robert Juet aboard Hudson) described exchanges, food, sounding depths, and small boat operations

It should be noted that while Hudson did not find the Passage he sought, he is hailed in England as a great explorer whose diligent work on coastal mapping helped promote colonization up and down the Atlantic coastline.

References:

• Wikipedia.com
• ChatGPT (SBHS note: “Some content was created or assisted by artificial intelligence, and it may contain errors or require independent verification.”)
• Details.gothamhistory.com
• Hudson River Valley National Heritage
• National Library of Congress
• Dave Kenton 11/06, Diane Hindman, maps

It is thought that during the 1600s Captain Robert Hart sailed from England or a nearby port, to the area around the now Delaware Bay. With the voyage taking between 6-12 weeks, his mission is believed to have involved charting the coastlines and identifying potential sites for settlement and trade. During this time, European powers, especially the English, Dutch, and French, were heavily involved in exploring and colonizing various parts of North America. The Delaware River was significant for early exploration as it served as a vital transportation route for goods and people. Various explorers, including the Dutch and the Swedes, were known to have navigated the Delaware during this time in ships that traveled across the Atlantic primarily designed for trade, exploration, and colonization. To accomplish these tasks a variety of ships were needed. Typically, smaller vessels, called Barks weighed 50 to 200 tons, and carried approximately 10 to 30 men. Slightly larger ships called Carracks ranged in size from 100 to 400 tons and were manned by 60 to 150 men. Galleons could range from 200 to 2,000 tons and carried 200 to 400 persons. It is likely that Captain Hart sailed on a Carrack or Galleon to explore the region known today as Slaughter Beach.

The Delaware River and the nearby coastline were vital for exploration and trade, fishing and settlement. Various explorers frequently navigated these waters during the period, drawn by the opportunities for fishing and settlement. The name “Slaughter” itself is speculated to derive from early expeditions or mapmakers, with theories linking it to local natural features, such as beach plums, rather than violent events as myths sometimes suggest. Early maps of Delaware frequently mentioned Slaughter Creek, confirming its long-standing significance to navigators and settlers in the region.

The region around Slaughter Beach has roots dating back to 1664, with land grants from the Duke of York and later William Penn. This area was part of lands owned by early land-grant holders, hinting at the presence of trading posts or supply stations for maritime activity. The land between Cedar Creek and Prime Hook has been known as Slaughter Neck since the land grants were awarded by the Duke of York between 1676 and 1679.

In 1677 Governor Andros patented Robert Hart Sr. 900 acres on the north side of Cedar Creek known as “Hart’s Range”. In 1680 and 1681, as chief of surveyors, he was granted by Kent County Court and Whorekill (now Lewes) Court adjoining lands known as “Hart’s Delight”, also on the north side of Slaughter Beach. This land descended to his son Robert Hart Jr. The Hart lands lay between the Cedar and Mispillion Creeks and extended eastward to the Bay, from Cedar Beach to now Harrison Ave. Hart’s exploration and subsequent naming of the land reflect the dynamic settlement patterns in the region. The name “Hart’s Delight” likely indicates not just ownership but also the promise of fertile land and abundant resources.

When Captain Hart acquired the land grant for what is now the north end of Slaughter Beach, the region was rich in biodiversity, including a variety of plants, fish, and animals. The strategic location of Hart’s Delight, with its access to fertile lands and the bustling waterways, exemplified the opportunities that drove many explorers, mariners and traders to the region.

The area around Cedar Creek would have featured marshlands with grasses, sedges, and other wetland plants that thrive in coastal ecosystems. Upland areas were likely covered with hardwood forests, including species such as oak, maple, and hickory. Along the coastline, he would have found salt-tolerant vegetation such as beach grasses and sea oats, which help stabilize sandy dunes. Various wildflowers would have bloomed in the area, providing habitat for pollinators. The diverse ecosystems around Slaughter Beach in the 1600s would have provided a wealth of resources for early settlers like Captain Hart, facilitating both subsistence and trade, even possibly with the migrating native members of the Lenape tribe. The American shad and hickory shad were common in the rivers and coastal waters, especially during migration periods. Atlantic sturgeon, a significant fish species from the period, inhabited these waters. Various species of flounder would have been prevalent in the tidal zones. Menhaden, an Algonquin word, refers to a fish known for their use by the indigenous people as fertilizer with their crops. The area would have been home to numerous bird species, including shorebirds, wading birds, and migratory species like ducks and geese. Various mammals, such as fox, deer, and raccoons, occupied the woodlands and marshes. The region was likely host to several reptiles, including turtles and snakes, particularly in wetland areas. The coastal waters teemed with marine life, including crabs, oysters, and clams, contributing to the local economy through fishing and gathering.

This rich natural environment played a crucial role in the lives of the inhabitants and the development of the region. With abundance of natural resources it’s easy to understand why Captain Hart called this area “Hart’s Delight”.

While specific details of Captain Hart’s life, including his origins and the extent of his travels, remain largely undocumented, it is widely recognized that he played a role in the early development in Slaughter Neck. The strategic location of Hart’s Delight, with its access to fertile lands and the bustling waterways, exemplified the opportunities that drove many explorers to the region. As mariners and traders, figures like Hart were instrumental in mapping and claiming land in a time of rapid colonial expansion. Over time other historic Slaughter Beach families became owners of these lands: e.g. Fisher, Carter, Mills, Jackson, Pierce, Watson, Marshall, Pierce. Some properties are still owned and occupied by descendants of Drapers, Simpsons, Davis and Bennetts.

References:

• Wikipedia
• “The Mysterious Journey of Captain Hart and Other Tales” by B. Tessier
• ChatGPT (SBHS note: “Some content was created or assisted by artificial intelligence, and it may contain errors or require independent verification.”)
• Ancestry: Delaware history, Cedar Creek Hundred, Sussex County, Delaware
• Milford Times, July 7, 2025, Terry Rogers: History of Slaughter Beach
• Slaughter Beach Historical Society website: What’s in a Name

Bill McSpadden is known for undertaking a variety of projects that benefited the Town of Slaughter Beach. The ones that may have the longest-lasting impacts for children and adults alike were those that encouraged us to engage with nature in very enjoyable and meaningful ways. They also furthered environmental benefits that our town enjoys today.

Four projects that Bill worked on produced the most notable impacts on our town environment: (1) The Delaware Bay horseshoe crab sanctuary; (2) Leading our town to be a national Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation; (3) Leading or co-leading projects that provided educational opportunities for children; and (4) coordination of annual spring beach grass planting for dune protection. These projects may seem straightforward and uncomplicated to do, but, in fact, they required long-term, committed efforts that had to be coordinated with many agencies and organizations to reach fruition. Bill worked closely with ERDG (Ecological Research & Development Group led by Glen Gauvry), DNREC (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control), and the Slaughter Beach Town Council that sought approvals to end live horseshoe crab harvesting from the beach and preventing them from collection, dead or alive, for fertilizer production. The project demonstrated that the town protected horseshoe crabs, and other wildlife, in multiple ways. Importantly, volunteers began conducting annual town horseshoe crab censuses and getting the public to “just flip ’em” instead of picking them up by the tail, which severely damages their critical tail muscles. Horseshoe crabs’ tails are essential in righting themselves when flipped on their backs along a beach. After several years of promoting and implementing these programs, ERDG declared that Slaughter Beach had achieved official horseshoe crab sanctuary status in 2004.

Bill’s second major nature-promoting project proved more complex. The goal was to have our town become a Certified Wildlife Refuge by the National Wildlife Federation. This challenge required specific coordination efforts with various relevant organizations in order to attain certification. Those organizations included the Delaware Nature Society, led by Brian Winslow; DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship, with significant help from Anthony Gonzon and others from the Division of Fish and Wildlife; DelDOT (Delaware Department of Transportation), for street improvements to Bay Avenue; the National Wildlife Federation, the Slaughter Beach Town Council; and 20-30 residents’ properties that agreed to committing to specific actions for wildlife support. There were detailed requirements for each signed-up resident’s property, and the Town as a whole. They included providing food, water, shelter, resting and nesting areas, as well as undeveloped spaces for wildlife and parking for visitors. At the behest of Bill and Harry Ward, a town leader and multi-term Mayor, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship produced signage stations displaying wildlife photos and explanatory labelling at each Town cross street as well as at the Town Pavilion adjoining the firehouse. The Division of Fish and Wildlife (FWS) and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which has several miles of border with the Town, provided letters of support. The time and effort needed to reach the end goal took several years, and Bill, our Town, and individual participating citizens were recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as Certified Wildlife Habitats. Our Town was just the third town in the state to accomplish this goal in 2015.

Bill’s third major undertaking was to guide the project to install a 345 foot, Y-shaped elevated walkway. Instead of wooden pallets just sitting in the marsh, the walkway would enable school students, town citizens, and other visitors, a path to walk above the marsh so they could see and experience wetland marshes, wetland plants, and many creatures that lived there. The concept and design phase was financed through the DNREC Bayshore Initiative, contributions from the Delaware Nature Society, and the Dogfish Head Brewery. The construction phase of the boardwalk and viewing area with all its pilon supports, viewing areas, benches, and telescopes, would end up costing approximately $400,000 and several years’ effort to be finalized. DelDOT financed most of the construction funds through a DelDOT Transportation Alternative Grant.

It is noteworthy that about 10 Slaughter Beach residents, including Bill and Harry Ward, had installed the 30-foot pole and osprey nest several years earlier. It was placed and raised 100-feet plus into the marsh from the expected end points where the boardwalk viewing spots were projected to be. Ospreys actually began nesting from the day the initial pole and nest box was installed, so public viewing of ospreys occurred long before the boardwalk was completed.

Overall, the wildlife viewing, boardwalk, and saltmarsh access project ran from 2016 to its completion in 2019. The boardwalk was officially opened on April 12, 2019. Below is a photo of officials at the ceremony. The photo shows Bill McSpadden being recognized by state and local officials for his work in developing Slaughter Beach to be recognized as Community Wildlife Habitat.

Lastly, Bill’s commitment to naturalist goals was his coordination of public beach grass planting with DNREC-supplied American beach grass. This effort entailed acquiring and coordinating appropriate planting of beach grass every March. Although dune grass planting was largely performed by townspeople and volunteers, coordinating dune planting in areas which had lost the most grass or sand required good judgment by Bill and other citizens. Such coordination assured that new grass was planted on dune areas that were most damaged during winter storms. Bill’s efforts continued at least 10-12 years before the Town itself began coordinating the task sometime about 2015-16. All in all, nature could not have had a more tenacious leader than Bill when it came to preservation of our town’s exquisite natural beauty.

Grace “Bubbles” Pierce-Beck, Noted Environmentalist

By Diane McFaul Hindman

Grace Pierce-Beck (1926-2008) was one of Delaware’s most influential environmentalists, a petite, soft spoken woman, also known as “Bubbles” by her friends; who battled against polluters and in support of our fragile shoreline and to protect our horseshoe crabs.

In her early years, she lived around New Castle County and she spent many summers on the Chesapeake Bay where she learned about fishing and native plants from her father. After World War II, she lived in Dover and spent summers in Slaughter Beach, at 435 Bay Ave, adding to her love of nature having “spent my life between 2 Bays”. It was through local politics that Pierce-Beck met former Delaware Gov. Russell W. Peterson. She worked with Peterson to win passage of Delaware’s landmark Coastal Zone Act in 1971. She learned through Peterson “that you could reconcile conservative Republicanism with environmentalism.” She then went on to Washington to work as a lobbyist for the Wilderness Society.

Her husband’s illness prompted her to leave her Washington job and go back to Delaware. Over time, she took on key environmental issues along with being credited with inspiring the 20-year court battle between the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Delaware Audubon Society against the former Texaco oil refinery at Delaware City. In Delaware, circa the late 1990s, the case produced the largest settlement from a citizen’s suit.

As a long-time Delaware resident, Grace was one of the first to recognize the importance of horseshoe crabs. She was instrumental in passing regulations to save horseshoe crabs in Delaware. As a town councilwoman in Slaughter Beach in the early 1980s, Pierce-Beck urged local officials to remove only the dead crabs from the beach and let the live ones return to Delaware Bay. Representative V. George Carey, R-Milford, said initially he didn’t understand why Pierce-Beck was so passionate about the crabs. But later he came to understand her concern and worked with her to protect the animals. He described her as “the queen of horseshoe crabs.”

She received local and national recognition for her efforts and in 2008 was named to the Delaware Commission for the Women’s Hall of Fame. State environmental Secretary John A. Hughes said Pierce-Beck had a knack for finding a solution rather than fighting a point. “We owe her our lasting gratitude,” Hughes said. “Her fingerprints are all over many of the important things of modern-day environmentalism.”

“She was probably one of the most forceful, gentle souls that I ever met,” said Christophe A.G. Tulou, a former Delaware environmental secretary, “the policy, the process. She knew Delaware.”

Compiled by Diane McFaul Hindman, with credit to articles by Molly Murray, the News Journal, Delaware State News, and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame 2008.

References:

• horseshoecrab.org press release, October 2008 (PDF)
• Grace Pierce-Beck portrait, Outdoor Writers Association of America (Artwork Archive)
• Grace Pierce-Beck obituary, Legacy.com

Compiled by Linda Bennett White

From the time the Slaughter Beach Corporation was formed in 1920, and incorporated in 1931, four people were the main developers of the Town of Slaughter Beach. They are Thomas and Edna Simpson, who developed the south end of Bay Avenue, George H. Draper, Jr., who developed the area around what is now the fire station, and Charles E. Reed, who platted the north end of Bay Avenue.

Thomas & Edna Simpson

Thomas Simpson inherited the beach properties that were on the south end of Slaughter Beach from his father, Isaac R. Simpson, who was noted as one of the wealthiest men of the area. Those lots began south of the intersection of Slaughter Beach Road. Below is the plot plan of “Simpson’s First Addition”, dated 1922, which showed plots on the marsh side as well as the bay front lots. The “First Addition” started with plots on Bay Avenue south of what was to become Slaughter Beach Road. The lots on the bay side were all at least 50′ wide, with the exception of lot #6, which is only 35′ wide. There is no reason noted for the skinny lot, and it remains the only 35′ wide lot in the town. This is the location of the Willis Hammond house, built in 1924. These marsh lots were left undeveloped, perhaps because of poor land percolation, making them unbuildable.

Simpson’s Second Addition, 1924

Simpson’s Second Addition was platted in 1924 between the first addition and the third addition, and ended at West Virginia Avenue. These are all 50-foot lots, and the roads are all 40 feet wide. Although it shows the roads running into the marsh side, no development ever took place on the marsh side. The First and Second Additions are essentially the same as they are today. If you research parcel history on the south side, many parcels still have the notation Simpson’s First or Second Addition. Property records are public and available at sussexcountyde.gov. The notation of Simpson’s Third Addition is on the right of the plot plan above. Simpson’s Third Addition ran from south of West Virginia Avenue and ended at Simpson Avenue. Below is a plot plan of Simpson’s Third Addition, as updated in 1998.

The original plot plan of Simpson’s Third Addition is not available online, since a number of the plots were changed in size with the 1998 revision.

Simpson’s Fourth Addition (and last addition) ran from Simpson Avenue to what was the end of Slaughter Beach at that time, and consisted of 7 lots.

Tragically, Thomas Simpson died suddenly in 1933, and left all his properties to his wife. Since widows could not own land outright other than a dower right allowance, Edna Simpson had to have a co-signer when selling any of the lots. Many of the deeds on file for Edna Simpson as seller also has co-signers Marian and Norman Moore; probably relatives since there are so many of them with their joint names.

The owner of the seven lots was Charles E. Reed, and those were noted in his estate inventory in 1942. Calvin Clendaniel purchased the lots from the estate of Charles E. Reed, and in 1983 he had the 7 lots replatted into four larger lots. The plot plan below shows how the seven lots became four. Lot #4 was the last lot south incorporated in Slaughter Beach and had the address of 195 Bay Avenue. The property south of that was developed much later from J. Howard Isaacs properties, and became the Southern Pointe Shores subdivision.

Thomas Simpson also contributed to development of Slaughter Beach by purchasing the Slaughter Beach Hotel in 1921 and then selling it to the Slaughter Beach Corporation in 1922.

George H. Draper, Jr.

George developed the central part of Slaughter Beach, around where Slaughter Beach Road meets Bay Avenue and the surrounding areas where the fire hall, parking lots, tennis courts, and playground are now. He was one of the founding members of the Slaughter Beach Corporation, who were responsible for developing the infrastructure in Slaughter Beach before it became a town. He was also the founder of the Slaughter Beach Water Company, which was originally a windmill and water tower located near the Slaughter Beach Hotel. In 1922, George bought the 2-story dance hall next to the hotel, split it into 2 sections and moved them across the road to make 2 cottages.

George & Laura Draper, in 1975, were recognized for the donation of property to the Town of Slaughter Beach. The picture below was published in the Milford Chronicle and the headline was “Mr. Draper’s 86th Birthday Present”. The article went on to say, “The Slaughter Beach Town Council read a resolution to George H. Draper on Saturday afternoon that named their new recreation area in his honor. Property for the Draper Recreation Area at Slaughter Beach was loaned to the beach residents for use as the town council saw fit. A basketball court and a tennis court have been placed on the acreage, and Mayor Clara Russell and her council wished to thank their benefactor this way. September 2nd was Mr. Draper’s birthday, and the surprise service Saturday was a pre-birthday present for the long-time resident of the beach. He is shown here with Mrs. Draper.”

Charles E. Reed: 90 Lots North of Slaughter Beach Road

The Slaughter Beach Corporation was the basis of moving toward forming and incorporating the town of Slaughter Beach. The Slaughter Beach Corporation was formed to provide some infrastructure to make the area more attractive to visitors and others as a resort area. The corporation of 1922 provided for the renovation and improvement of the hotel, including garages and stables. A large dance hall was being rebuilt and remodeled, and an “orchestra is engaged for the summer”. It also provided that a six-foot-wide boardwalk that extended along the shore and included a pavilion. In February 1931, a meeting of the property owners and the members of the boardwalk community was held in the dance hall to consider incorporating. A draft charter to provide structure to the newly formed township was unanimously approved. After much discussion, and Mr. Holzmuellar, the Chairman, led the group to discuss the need for a draw bridge rather than a stationary one, which would facilitate those boats coming ‘from the bay to the canal back of Slaughter Beach’. A town council was formed and the newly appointed council members were: C.D. Holzmueller, H.H. Mulholland, Thomas Simpson, Everett Deputy, Mr. Archer, Charles E. Reed, and Clesson Bridgham. These members owned the vast majority of the beach area. One of the first people selected to be the ‘Chief Prohibition Officer’ was Mr. Charles Cullen. Prohibition was eliminated by the 21st amendment on December 5th 1933, so Mr. Cullen’s role was relatively short lived. Included in the first business of the new town was an order that all property owners were required to get their boardwalks in order by 7/1/31, with the town agreeing to fill in the boardwalk between houses on streets owned by the town. Copies of the election and tax assessments were placed in public places, such as the Dance Hall, Hitchen’s store, Mr. Pettyjohn’s store, and Mr. Pearce’s store. On July 12, 1932, George Draper was named President, with that title later changed to Mayor. There were a number of steps required to organize and file the legal documents required to create the new Town of Slaughter Beach.

The steps to incorporate the town were meticulously chronicled in the town minutes. There were several town meetings in 1931 to organize the government, each of which has detailed information about the tasks to submit a formal petition to the Delaware House of Representatives. The final charter was submitted as House Bill #204, and was reported as passed by local newspapers on July 9, 1932. Aspects of The Slaughter Beach Corporation, founded in 1922, was systematically transferred to the new incorporated town. There was an election of the Town commissioners and a president. The “president” title was later changed to “mayor”, and the “commissioners” were later renamed to “councilmen”. Infrastructure started by the Slaughter Beach Corporation was taken over by the new incorporated town. This included a community water system and electrical service, and related support services for the Town.

Meeting minutes from 1932 to 1935 detailed actions taken to address the needs of the new Town. Below is the first page of meeting minutes of February 10, 1931, starting the process of incorporation. There is a hand-written note at the top of the page that this was the beginning of the incorporation process.

Information sources were:

• 1931-1936 Meeting minutes of the Town of Slaughter Beach.
• Newspapers.com

Compiled by Linda Bennett White

A bustling shipping industry grew up around the Mispillion River from 1840-1940. David Kenton wrote about a number of these captains in an article in the spring, 2000, Milford Historical Society Newsletter, the title of which was “Steamboats, Schooners, and Railroads 1840-1940”. While a few captains appear in this article, Captain William Murphy had roots closest to Slaughter Beach. Murphy’s Cannery had several “firsts” for the canning business and helped launch a number of other businesses:

• First successful canner of lima beans
• One of the first to introduce out-of-season fruits and vegetables to Delaware.
• John Burris, of Milford, was the first trucker for the cannery, and launched Burris Logistics, still in business today.
• One of first canneries to have dynamo powered machinery & electric lights.
• One of the first canneries to truck goods over state lines.

The brand name of the cannery was “Catherine’s Choice”. This label is the only one known to exist.

Below is the only known photo of Murphy’s Cannery, and it appeared with an article in the Milford Chronicle, August 16, 1912.

Established 1954

This article is dedicated to the contributions of all of the members of the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company of Station 89 and this article mentions just a few. The company began in October, 1954, ten days after Hurricane Hazel battered the town of Slaughter Beach. There was a fire in the restaurant business of James “Jimmy” Wilson. Before the closest fire company in Milford could respond, the building was a total loss. The day after the fire, several residents of Slaughter Beach met to propose a plan to have firefighting equipment available to fight fires quickly while waiting for the support of other fire companies. Some of those involved were Conrad Fassel, Tom Plummer, George Cohee, Ben Young, and Al and Bob Sleva. An organizational meeting was held at the Mispillion Lighthouse Restaurant to create the new company. Following the meeting, an election of officers was held. The first officers were President George Cohee, Secretary Ben Young, Treasurer James Wilson, and Chief Conrad Fassel. Three hundred dollars were raised to buy their first piece of equipment, a 1927 American LaFrance Pumper, that was purchased from Teddy Walius of the Ellendale Fire Company.

In 1999, Richard “Dick” Caldwell, (1932-2021) Vice-President and Archivist, created a 40-page spiral-bound booklet documenting the history of the Slaughter Beach Fire Company. The booklet was updated and revised in 2007, and the front cover is the photo on the right. Dick held many other positions within the Company; Fire Police Captain, Rescue Captain, Safety Officer, and Company Chaplain. The Memorial Fire Company 89 has posted more recent history on their website: https://memorialfire89.com. Below are listed just a few of the many devoted members and contributors to the creation and history of the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company of Slaughter Beach.

Richard “Dick” Caldwell (1932-2021) was involved with the Memorial Fire Company for many years, and held several positions over that time. He contributed his talents in many other ways as well. He was a veteran, serving in the Army from 1953-1955, he was a teacher in the Milford School District, where he also served as an assistant football and wrestling coach and was the President of the Milford Teachers’ Association.

From 1973 to 1992 he was Director of Student Teaching at Delaware State College. This is just a short list of the contributions that he made. In addition, his brother, John Caldwell (1934-2019) also served the Company for 52 years.

Bob Chalmers (1943-2023) was another devoted member of the Fire Company, and his obituary even featured the logo of the Company. He held many positions of importance to the Company from 2007 to 2021. He served as Director #1 for 5 years, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2021; Director #2 for 2017, Fire Police 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2021. He filled many other support roles in his long contribution of service.

Donald E. “Donnie” Evans, Jr. (1936-2025): was another lifetime member of the Fire Company, and was a primary ambulance driver. He contributed historic interviews and several photos to the Slaughter Beach Historical Society. His association with Slaughter Beach began early when his family made trips every year to vacation here. He moved to Slaughter Beach permanently and lived at 217 Bay Avenue until his death. His obituary read “In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald’s honor to the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company.”

Edward C. Evans (1900-1961) Edward was with the Carlisle Fire Company in Milford in 1932, when he was injured fighting a fire in Milford. He went on to become a seven times Mayor of the town of Milford. He participated in many activities of Slaughter Beach, where he was the President of the Memorial Fire Company, the Town alderman, and Town treasurer. He was instrumental in expanding the Fire Company, noted in an article posted on https://memorialfire89.com. “From late 1956 until fall of 1958, the fire company experienced a period of inactivity. In September 1958, Edward Evans of Milford convened a meeting at his summer cottage for the purpose of reestablishing and reincorporating the Memorial Volunteer Fire Company. Some of the members present were Pete Manlove, Jr. Hitchens, Dick Caldwell, Herman Sharp Jr., Connie Fassel, Howard Hitchens, Rich Shockley, and Bob Sleva. The name “Memorial Volunteer Fire Company” was to become the official name of the organization to honor all veterans of WWII fought by the United States of America. This name was accepted and remains the official department name today. The name Memorial is also in memory of Howard Wilkins and Howard Hozemuller of the Carlisle Fire Company, who assisted with fire protection at Slaughter Beach prior to their deaths in the service of their country.” Edward’s wife, Essie (1902-1986), was also involved with the Ladies Auxiliary.

Conrad H. “Connie” Fassel (1925-1999) “Connie” was one of the original organizers of the Memorial Fire Company, and was the first fire chief at its inception in 1954. He was involved with many of the early activities of the Fire Company, such as construction of the original fire hall, and procuring the first pieces of firefighting equipment. His wife, J. Louise Fassel (1930-2008) was a charter member of the Fire Company and served for 50 years, establishing the Ladies Auxiliary.

Lemuel C. “Jr.” Hitchens, Jr. (1925-1997) was a colorful local personality who dedicated his life to establishing and supporting the Fire Company. According to several sources, Junior was an overseer of the construction and expansions of the building housing the Fire Company. He also established several charitable events, including the Children’s Christmas Party, Santa’s visit at the fire hall, and Santa’s visit to the Milford Hospital and local nursing homes. The first line of communications for the volunteers was set up at his store, and when the alarm sounded, he closed the store and answered the call as a fireman. He was responsible for keeping the water tankers full. The Fire Company named him as “Chief Emeritus” posthumously in 1999.

His 1965 parade uniform hangs on a mannikin on display on the second floor of the fire hall. His jacket and a closeup of his nameplate are included here. In addition, his wife, Irene Hitchens (1927-2016) was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Memorial Fire Company in Slaughter Beach. Curt Esposito shared a memory of Junior with the Slaughter Beach Historical Society, noting that “Junior and Irene (his wife) were great friends of the Esposito family for decades and really looked after my parents as they both fell terminally ill in 1965. Junior, the fire chief emeritus, of course arranged for the Slaughter Beach ambulance to transport my Dad to his final resting place at the West Point Cemetery (10 June) to be so sadly joined by my mother on 25 June – which would have marked their 33rd wedding anniversary to the day in 1932.”

Herman W. Sharp (1927-2007): From his obituary, Mr. Sharp was a 51-year life member, past chief and past president of Memorial Fire Co. in Slaughter Beach, a member of the Milford Elks Lodge 2401, American Legion Post 3 in Milford, Masonic Temple Lodge No. 9 AF&AM in Milford, Milford Moose Lodge 2316 and a member and past president of the Kent County Board of Realtors.

Richard Franklin Shockley (1933-2011) was Director #1 from 2007-2008, Director of the building committee, Director at Large, Director Emeritus, and Vice-President, among his many roles. He was a farmer, and his second job was supporting the Town of Slaughter Beach. He became interested in the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company through his service in the Delaware National Guard. The great Nor’easter of March 6-8, 1962, impelled him to become a fireman himself through collaboration with the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company during their efforts alongside the Delaware National Guard to resolve the horrific damage to the Oak Orchard area caused by the storm. His involvement in the aftermath of the storm led him to a full fire company membership with the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company in October, 1962. He continued his service of 50 years to our fire company and community until his death on Dec 3, 2011. His parade uniform is also on the second floor of the fire hall with other fire company memorabilia. His obituary stated that “In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Richard Franklin Shockley Playground Park in care of the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company.

Robert “Captain Bob” Sleva: (1935-2026) Bob was one of the original founders of the Fire Company. He was a legendary figure in Slaughter Beach and participated in the history of Slaughter Beach for many years.

Harlan R. Swain. Jr. “Swainy” “Sandy” (1946-2009) Harlan was a veteran of the Delaware Army National Guard, serving in the artillery crew. He worked at George & Lynch Construction as a mechanic never missing a days work for over 40 years. Sandy served with pride and was a life member of the Memorial Fire Company of Slaughter Beach. During his many years of service he served as the Building Superintendent, Chief Engineer and was President for 17 years. He was also awarded Fireman of the Year several times. In December of 2008, Sandy was honored by the fire company with the President Emeritus Award. His funeral took place at the Station 89 Fire Hall at Slaughter Beach, where he received full firefighter honors.

C. William “Bill” Warner (1947-2016): Bill was a long-time member of the Memorial Fire Company where he served as past president and as a fire policeman. He also spent over 40 years as an instructor with Delaware State Fire School. His obituary calls him a “Proud Firefighter.”

The community of Slaughter Beach continues to honor all the firemen and supporters who have served it. These plaques are prominently displayed in the lower-level meeting area of the fire hall, where many of the town meetings are held. Also at that meeting area are dozens of historical photos of the activities of the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company, Station 89.

By Linda Bennett White

The Draper family has been a consistent influence in the history of the Slaughter Beach area. Starting with Alexander Draper (1630-1691), the family continued to have a great deal of input in shaping the history of what was to become Slaughter Beach. Alexander Draper received a “patent” or grant to 1000 acres in 1681, which was then determined to be the original founding of the area. He was not the first to be granted property in the area, but he was the first to receive property granted by Governor Edmund Andros of New York, and then settled in the area. This article attempts to highlight the contributions of the Draper family, but by no means can document everyone.

Alexander Draper: He was born in February, either 1629 or possibly 1630, in Bolton, England. Records show that he was a resident of Northampton County, Virginia, in April, 1658, at the age of 26, which may or not be correct based on his birth year. By January, 1662, Draper, and several other settlers moved out of Northampton County, specifically Hungar’s Parish, because they were termed “delinquent of dues” to the Church of England. This was a common cause of the migration of settlers to the Southern Delaware area. Records show that many from Northampton County moved to northwest to Annemessex in neighboring old Somerset County in the Colony of Maryland. Circa 1676, Alexander Draper started selling off his Maryland properties because that colony was now collecting taxes and dues for the Church of England. The migration to southern Delaware had begun. At that time, Sussex County was known as Deal County. Dave Kenton added some aerial maps for more details in his publication of “Early History of Slaughter Neck in Photos and Maps”. The first one notes the location of “Little Bolton” and Draper-Davis Landing. “This site along Cedar Creek was the spot selected by Alexander Draper in 1677 for his “Little Bolton” tract of 1,000 acres. The original land grant described 3.5 miles of frontage along the southeast side of Cedar Creek beginning at “Ennal’s Branch” and extending upstream to Rutt Road. This landing site was used by four generations of Draper’s descendants and later by the Davis family who traded farms and lands with the Draper families from the earliest period of settlement.”

Ennal’s Branch: The photo below shows the division line between “Little Bolton,” and “Draper’s Addition.” Lands to the southwest in this aerial view were owned by Alexander Draper, Sr. and inherited by his son, Alexander Draper, Jr. in 1713. Alexander, Jr. filed for a new patent in 1719 for 1,210 acres that is shown to the east (left) of Ennal’s branch in this view. This 1,210 acre farm was purchased in 1772 by John Campbell, Esq., (1700-1778) of Worcester County, Maryland, and was inherited by his son, John Campbell, Jr. (1787-1858). John Campbell, Jr. died without a will, so this farm was split up by Orphans Court. The remainder of this farm, 452 acres, still known as the Campbell Farm, is owned by Bay View Estates LLC. The owners of Bay View Estates LLC are Everett, Linda (White) and Jay Bennett, who inherited this land through their great-grandfather, Charles E. Reed. At the time of his death in 1942, Charles E. Reed owned the majority of the lands originally granted to Alexander Draper.

Many generations of Drapers continued to live and contribute to the farming and development of the area. George Henry Draper, Sr. (1848-1933) was engaged in farming in 1870, served in the Levy Court for seven years, and in 1890 went into the canning and ice business with David Reis. When David Reis died in 1903, George Sr. went into business with David Hirsch, under the name of Draper and Hirsch, Inc. A few years later, George Sr. and his sons bought out Hirsch’s interest and continued the business as Draper and Company, Inc. The Draper canning business was active for many years after that. His son, George Henry Draper, Jr.(1889-1979) was still involved in the family farm and cannery, but expanded his efforts to developing the town of Slaughter Beach. In 1922, the name of George H. Draper, Jr. was recognized as one of the organizers of the Slaughter Beach Corporation. Local newspapers dated June 15, 1922, announced that “for the purpose of improving the resort and making it one of the most attractive in Delaware, the cottagers at Slaughter Beach have formed a corporation known as the Slaughter Beach Corporation, and work of rebuilding has already commenced” The incorporators were William C. Smith, Thomas Reed, Thomas Simpson, Jr., J. Pierce Simpson, George H. Draper Jr., and George S. Grier. They were all from Milford and owned properties in Slaughter Beach. Some improvements at the time were the remodeling of the hotel, with garages and stables added, A dance pavilion with accommodations for an orchestra, a boardwalk, and plans to add more infrastructure later.

A certificate of incorporation was issued and a copy is shown above. The incorporation was announced in June 15, 1922, in newspaper articles to advertise the improvements of Slaughter Beach. There were two articles dated June 15, 1922, published in the Wilmington News Journal, announcing the Slaughter Beach Corporation and their plans and goals for the area. The Corporation was the basis of moving toward forming and incorporating the town of Slaughter Beach. The Slaughter Beach Hotel, built in 1865, and after a number of owners, was deeded to Thomas Simpson and his brother John Pierce Simpson in 1922. The brothers sold it to the Slaughter Beach Corporation, led by George T. Reed, George Grier, William Smith, and George H. Draper Jr. Part of the hotel complex was a large 2-story “dance hall”, pictured below.

The Slaughter Beach Corporation purchased the local hotel on June 1, 1922, and the articles mention the existence of a large dance pavilion next to the hotel. It was during this time that the old 2-story dance hall was moved across the street to the bay side, and split into two cottages. Documentation provided by Dave Kenton states that the “old” dance hall was replaced by the “new” dance hall while the Slaughter Beach Corporation owned the hotel and the “center of the beach”. The center of the beach was the area around what is now the intersection of Slaughter Beach Road and Bay Avenue.

The Corporation wanted to improve the hotel and its amenities, install a pavilion, and coordinate the building of a boardwalk. The 2-story dance hall was split and moved across the road to what is now 349 Bay Avenue and 347 Bay Avenue. On the left above is the half that was originally moved to 349 Bay Avenue. Later in the 1980s, it was moved to the next lot north to 351 Bay Avenue, elevated on pilons and had substantial remodeling done. Above on the right is the other half of the dance hall at 347 Bay Avenue, and to this day remains essentially as it did in 1922. Below on the lower left, is the “new” dance hall, erected around 1922, and was only one story.

The Slaughter Beach Corporation added other infrastructure until the formation of the Town of Slaughter Beach took over the task of building a town beginning in 1931. Included in the first business of the new town was an order that all property owners were required to get their boardwalks in order by July 1, 1931, with the town agreeing to fill in the boardwalk between houses on streets owned by the town. Copies of the election and tax assessments were placed in public places, such as the (new) dance hall, Hitchen’s store, Mr. Pettyjohn’s store, and Mr. Pearce’s store. On July 12, 1932, George H. Draper Jr. was named the first official President, with that title later changed to Mayor. He continued to be active in Town activities and contribute to the town development in many aspects.

In 1975, the Town Council issued a resolution to honor Mr. and Mrs. George H. Draper, Jr. as “Distinguished Citizens” for their contributions to the development of the town. The 1975 document to the right is the original resolution certificate, copy courtesy of Laura Draper Carter. The following sign was erected in recognition of his donation to the town.

George also was a founder of the Slaughter Beach Water Company, founded in 1951. Prior to World War II, the company had 2 wells that served the residents of Slaughter Beach. A memo sent out to lot owners around 1958 indicated that there were no full-time residents at that time since the memo indicates that the service is available only from May 1 to October, then is disconnected for the winter. This was a major convenience since private wells were not permitted that close to the Bay. The first system was a windmill that pump water into a water tower. This was originally located next to the Slaughter Beach hotel, across from the fire hall. Below is a rare photograph of the windmill

and water tower. The electricity for the pumps was paid directly to the Lincoln-Ellendale Electric Company. Typical rates were:

Tapping fee for new connections: $5.00
Charge for May 1-October 1: $15.00
Electric Fee: Divided equally between the houses connected to the service.

There was also a reconnect fee of $5.00 for frozen or leaking lines George was the original operator of the system and in 1973, he turned the operations over to his son, Frank S. Draper. The Artesian Water Company purchased the system in 2018, and has made several improvements since then.

Frank S. Draper (1939-2023) continued the family’s contributions to Slaughter Beach. He managed the SB Water Company from 1973 until it was sold in 2018. Frank added 2 more wells to the system, one at the south end of Bay Avenue and another at the north end, on Sandpiper Drive. Frank was involved with the family farms and canning business, and served as mayor of Slaughter Beach from 2004 to 2012. He was a graduate of the University of Delaware, and a member of the Delaware National Guard. Frank was extremely social and loved the community in which he lived. As a result, he volunteered and served the Greater Milford Community in a variety of leadership roles throughout his life including Milford School Board, Milford Trust Company Board of Directors, Mayor of Slaughter Beach, Mispillion Kennel Club Board of Directors, Milford Historical Society, and Founding Corporate Member of the Shawnee Country Club. His obituary suggested that donations be made to the Slaughter Beach Fire Company.

Thomas H. Draper (1941-2017) was a sixth great-grandson of Alexander Draper. A successful businessman, Tom founded WTHD radio in Milford, and Draper Media, and was the owner of WBOC and WRDE, but he never forgot his roots. Thomas Henry Draper was born and raised in Milford, Delaware, in 1941. His schooling took him to Brown University in Providence, R.I. There, he excelled on the lacrosse field and was the captain of the 1964 team, and named All-American that year as well. He eventually would end up in Brown University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from college in 1967, Mr. Draper moved back home to Sussex County, Delaware, and in 1967 bought a radio station that became WTHD (his initials). Five years later Draper signed on WAFL-FM in Milford, Delaware. Draper’s broadcasting career would take a big turn in the late 1970s when WBOC-TV’s then-owner, the A.S. Abel Co., put the station up for sale. After extensive negotiations, Tom was able to purchase WBOC. He expanded the radio and TV stations and founded Draper Media to continue their growth.

Tom Draper never forgot his roots. Tom and Joana Donovan wrote a book about Alexander Draper and his descendants that was published in 2002. It was a 266-page hardcover book, he and contributed greatly to the historical documentation of the Slaughter Beach area. He was frequently seen riding his bike to the beach along Slaughter Beach Road, going by farms his sixth great-grandfather had owned. Tom had asked the current owners of those farms that if they were ever to sell them, he would definitely be interested. He got his chance in 2010 with the 141 acre Simpson Farm when heirs of Charles E. Reed decided to sell it. Tragically, he was hit while riding his bike to the beach and died from his injuries. In a twist of fate, the area where he was hit was once part of his sixth great-grandfather’s holdings, and was across the road from the Simpson Farm that he had purchased.

Above on the right is the memorial erected to Tom after the accident. It is on Slaughter Beach Road along a wooded area of the Campbell Farm, also once owned by Alexander Draper. The Adopt-A-Highway Memorial was added in November, 2018.

References and Acknowledgements

• Scharf, J. Thomas, 1888, History of Delaware, 1609-1888, Volume #1, by L. J. Richards & Company, Philadelphia
• Hill, J. Bennett, 1970, The Bennett Family of Sussex County, Delaware, 1680-1860, with Branches into the Warren, Shockley, and Other Families, Milford Chronicle Publishing Company
• Draper, Thomas H., Donovan, Joana, 2002, Alexander Draper (1630-1691) Early Settler of Delmarva and His Descendants, Gateway Press, Baltimore
• Turner, C.H.B. 1909, Some Records of Sussex County Delaware, Allen, Lane, & Scott, Philadelphia
• Deeds, maps, documents, and photos from the Reed and Bennett families
• Historical articles and photos by Dave Kenton
• Ancestry.com: Delaware Land Records 1677-1945