I was raised Presbyterian, but I never heard of communion tokens growing up. The idea was, right before taking communion, you presented a metal token to show that you were in good standing—fit to receive the sacrament. John Calvin suggested that tokens be used “to prevent the profanation of the Lord’s Table.” No token? No…
I’m starting to think about how volume 2 in my Delaware history book series will emerge. Certainly one person who towers over 19th century Delaware, and must be included, is John M. Clayton. He’s one of only two Delawareans to have a marble statue in the US Capitol. He earned that statue due to his…
Had a meeting with a bookstore owner the other day in New Castle, DE. Before the meeting I popped into a Walgreens to get some bottled water. Set a copy of my “Delaware Before the Railroads” book on the counter while I got out my wallet to pay. Turns out the clerk is doing archeology…
Rhoad built the roads. Rhoad Shankland, a trained lawyer and surveyor, is mainly remembered for laying out Georgetown, DE. It’s one of the best designed towns in Sussex County, with a lovely circular park at town center “for publick use.” Shown here is the compass he used for the task. But there’s another side to…
