Stewart Home

Founder of Port Penn

David Stewart, Sr. the founder of Port Penn had great plans for this community. The family home is one of the multiple stops along the walking tour in Port Penn, Delaware. His dream was to develop Port Penn as a strong and firm competitor with other ports. Some of the more established ports were in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware. Unfortunately, due to its limited ability to expand and the transportation changes, it didn’t happen. The home stayed in the family for six generations.

 

To learn more about what you can see on the walking tour visit last week's post, "Cleaver Family Home".  

Who Are They?

Look Who’s Having Fun

But who are they? No names were found on either photograph. But there appears to be an acronym on the back. What could ALDP stand for? Adding another post without words hoping for answers.

Who are they?

Who is having fun?

Unknown Activity

Unknown Faces

Some unknown faces are found in this photograph. Another addition to my collection from eBay. It lacks any written messages on the back, there aren’t any stamps. Therefore this one is a true mystery, for now.

Cleaver Family Home

Joseph Cleaver

The Cleaver family home in Port Penn, Delaware served as more than a family home. Located along the self-guided walking tour of Port Penn. Built in 1834 near the river in it also served as an office. The floor plan is laid out like that of an urban townhome. Joseph had hopes that he would be a successful trade merchant. With the focus of him working to make trades happen between the Delaware River and the New Castle County farmlands. He did earn the title of one of the best-known merchants.

To learn more about what can be on the walking tour visit last week's post, “Mail Order House". 

Pennsylvania Ancestors

Researching Pennsylvania 

In researching your family history have you found any ancestors in Pennsylvania? While attending the 2017 FGS conference I spoke with members of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. The Society offers a large number of resources to aid you in your research. 

Liberty Bell

Mail Order House

Hubbs House

The mail-order house in this photograph was built around 1915. Located in Port Penn, Delaware it is along a local walking tour through the town's history. During the late 19th century ordering your home from Sears, Roebuck and Company were quite common. You would receive your lumber, pre-cut of course, and instructions. This convenience made it easy for you to construct your home on-site upon arrival.

Mail Order House

It arrived in pieces by the way of the railroad in Delaware City. This home with its overhang on the second story was a statement of wealth in this community. During the time it was built most who live in the area were concerned with the convenience and function of the home. The members of this community were mainly middle-class families. But this home with its statement of wealth, the Quillen family could add a little more. To learn more about the Port Penn walking tour visit last week's post, “Muskrat Shacks“. 

Who's Jerry?

Jerry

Luckily there was some writing on the back, Jerry. Unfortunately, that is all I found, written on the back. Purchased in an eBay auction there is little known about Jerry at this time.  One most noteworthy clue, he’s in uniform.

Death Certificate

Cause of Death Code

There have been numerous times while reviewing death certificates the cause of death is illegible. Have you ever wondered what that handwritten number meant in the “cause of death section”? Actually, that code can be the answer to your question as to the cause of death. Sometimes overlooked as chicken scratches on death certificates it can hold the information you’re looking for.

Julia Katherine Elfrank

Known as the ICD, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, yes, I’m glad they have an acronym also. We didn’t start using it here in the United States until around 1898.

Where are these codes you might ask, well don’t fear. Thanks to Wolfbane Cybernetic in Scotland you can now search for those answers. Please keep in mind that not all death certificates have this code. If you do have one on a death certificate in your research, this just might help.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless

Wordless Wednesdays have always been fun. We have all come across many photographs that lack information. Purchased on an eBay auction there is little information provided.  

Muskrat Shacks

Skinning Shacks

Muskrat shacks were a common sight along the Delaware River. While taking a walking tour through the village of Port Penn I saw this shack. Muskrats served as a food resource for many, from fried muskrat to even steamed muskrat legs and smothered in onions. Yeah, this local meal isn’t on my list to try.  I will admit I’m surprised to hear it’s still served in some restaurants. The Wagon Wheel, a restaurant in Smyrna, was known for their muskrat dish also known as “marsh rabbit”. As you noticed I said was as it closed back in 2015, but don’t worry. If you have a hankering to give it a try the Milford Moose Family Center is hosting an event on the 10th of February 2018. Yeah, that’s right you can try everything from muskrat, raccoon, deer oysters, and frog legs. 

 

At one point in time, I’m sure this area was full of these little rodents. This was the perfect feeding ground for them, full of cattail roots and small fish. With the females having two to three litters a year and up to eight in each litter. Well, you can only imagine how many of these little rodents you would see running around here.

Wearing Muskrat

They weren’t only trapped for food but also their fur, known as pelts.  Those who supported their families in this area used these skinning shacks. Their pelts were in high demand because of the warmth they provided, making coats, hats, and other winter clothing. Some of these shacks were actually lived in, used as homes after the trapping season.

As for my ancestor, I don’t know of any who were in this line of work. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn a few sampled this local meal or even wore a muskrat hat. I’m curious do you have any in your family history?

Heirloom Restoration

Family Heirloom Restoration

While attending the 2017 FGS conference in Pittsburgh I took time to visit a few booths. Restoration of our family bibles, photo albums, and other treasured items are of concern to many. That’s why I was happy to speak with Tim De La Vega, President of H.V. Chapman & Sons Bookbinders.

Heirloom Piece

In the video below you can catch some of the interviews, I had with him while at the event. I know that I have a few pieces that are in need of some care. What about you? What about the condition of your family bible, diary, or photo album?