This week in Delaware history

By Roger Martin
Special to the Coastal Point

1917 — Despite the recent formation of the Farmers Protective Association, chicken thieves still abounded in the Middletown area.

1993 — James Allen Red Dog, convicted of murder and rape, became the second person executed in the state since 1946.

March 4

1901 — Delaware, due to the failure of the General Assembly to elect a U.S. senator, was not represented in that chamber in Washington between 1901 and 1902.

1943 — An explosion occurred at the Triumph factory in nearby Elkton, Md. The factory was a producer of incendiary bombs and 20-milimeter shells for the war effort — 15 people were killed while 75 others were wounded.

March 5

1920 — Wilmington was hit by 50 mph winds and lashing rain. Flooding of the Brandywine Creek in the lower section of the city displaced 500 families.

1942 — The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) began coastal patrols with Eddie Edwards and Major Hugh Sharp Jr. spotting their first submarine five days later off Cape May, N.J. Unfortunately, there was very little they could do about it, except report its sighting.

March 6

1933 — Delaware’s banks were the last in the nation to close their doors after President Roosevelt declared a national bank holiday, compelling them to do so.

1962 — An extra-tropical storm hit Delaware beaches with 60 mph winds. Rehoboth Beach was a shambles with the entire boardwalk being ripped away. In Bethany Beach, 28 of 29 homes were destroyed and the Holiday House was demolished. Seven people were killed, six of whom were children at Bowers Beach.

March 7

1862 — In an effort to guarantee Delaware’s position in the Union, Colonel James Wallace brought the 1st Eastern Shore Maryland Infantry Regiment into Delaware to disarm secessionist militia units, particularly downstate.

1918 — The Chesapeake & Delaware Canal reopened after being closed since Dec. 27 because of severe cold weather.

March 8

1911 — The General Assembly enacted legislation leading to the construction of Route 113, the duPont Highway. One of the world’s first superhighways, it spanned the state from one end to the other.

1915 — A bill calling for full suffrage for women failed in the State House.

March 9

1862 — The 1st Delaware Infantry witnessed the naval battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac off Newport News, Va.

1885 — To take advantage of the roller-skating rage, a new rink opened in Dover on the corner of Loockerman and Queen Streets.