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Delaware at Christmas: The First State in a Merry State
Dave Tabler’s Delaware at Christmas is a richly woven tapestry of stories, customs, and curiosities that together create a vibrant portrait of how one small state has celebrated the holiday season through centuries. Moving from the earliest Swedish settlers at Fort Christina to modern multicultural traditions, the book touches on nearly every facet of Christmas life in Delaware. It dives into the origins of local customs, such as the Sankta Lucia Festival, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and Antebellum Black Christmas celebrations, while also exploring quirkier tales like IBM punch card wreaths and the holly industry in Milton. Along the way, it’s part history lesson, part cultural scrapbook, part gentle ode to the persistence of tradition in the face of change.
I was surprised at how much heart this book carried alongside its historical detail. Tabler doesn’t just list events or describe customs; he breathes life into them. The chapters on lesser-known practices like Finnish straw ornaments, the Irish divide between Protestant and Catholic Christmases, felt like secret treasures I’d stumbled across. His research is evident, yet it never drowns out the warmth of his storytelling. I also enjoyed the contrast between the solemn and the whimsical. One page, you’re deep in the sacred rituals of Orthodox congregations, the next, you’re smiling at the image of a turn-of-the-century Delawarean crafting elaborate outdoor “lawn trees.”
The book’s density might challenge readers expecting a breezy holiday read. The scope means that some chapters feel like they’re just getting started when they move on, and occasionally, the factual richness leaves little room for narrative pause. But in a way, that’s part of its charm. It reads like a holiday buffet where you can sample from dozens of flavors, each with its own texture. I felt my mind wandering in the best possible way, thinking about how each tradition carried its own thread into the present.
Delaware at Christmas is a gift for anyone who loves the intersection of history, culture, and seasonal joy. It will especially appeal to Delawareans, history buffs, and those who enjoy Christmas lore. The images and illustrations on nearly every page bring the stories to life, adding texture and warmth that make the history feel immediate and tangible. This isn’t a book you rush through; it’s one you savor over several evenings.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0F4NJ2KTZ
Entertaining Fact-Filled Journey
Delaware from Railways to Freeways explores the little-known history of this small state from the period of 1800-1907 and the emergence of freeways. Why was this an important time period to cover?
This was the birth of the Industrial Revolution, and it impacted both Delaware and the nation enormously. Several ‘firsts’ originated in the state during this period. Early in the 19th century, the Delaware Breakwater, completed in 1835, was the Western Hemisphere’s first such structure. The bay’s barrier protection has been pivotal in facilitating safe maritime passage and trade, bolstering Delaware’s economy as well as Pennsylvania’s and New Jersey’s. Its strategic location also rendered the Delaware Bay more secure for naval operations, particularly during times of conflict like World War II. By mid-19th century there’s the ‘first’ from Betts, Pusey, and Harlan of Wilmington, who stand as pioneers in American industrial history for their role as the first iron shipbuilders in the country. Their groundbreaking work laid the basis for the broader American shipbuilding industry, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and naval capabilities. And finally, heralding the freeways era, Delaware’s DuPont Highway introduced the concept of separated lanes, enhancing road safety and efficiency. Funded by T. Coleman du Pont, this seminal model set a precedent for the U.S. highway system.
With so many interesting facts included in this book about Delaware, like Return Day, how did you narrow down what information to include and what to save or discard?
That’s a challenge for all three of the books I’ve worked on or am working on in this series. On the one hand, I look to academic history book models to get an idea of broad topics that should be tackled: Historical Context, Key Figures and Personalities, Major Events and Turning Points, and so on. On the other hand, I personally love to include quirky anecdotes and folklore items that add local color. One of my favorites from this particular book is about an innkeeper who trained a goose to keep an eye on his bar while he was out back plowing the field. If a customer entered the bar, the goose knew to go out to signal the innkeeper in the field with a honk! It’s a delicate balance to maintain gravitas without getting dull and to entertain the reader without being trivial. Writing a nonfiction book takes a lot of time and research, as well as talent, to take it from the level of a textbook to an entertaining fact-filled journey.
What would you say is your strength as a writer?
I was trained as a journalist. Reporters are drilled with a who-what-when-where approach to writing that always keeps an eye on the word count. And so, I’m always crosschecking my writing to make sure that the pace is brisk, that I’m getting to the point, not losing my reader through mountains of dull verbiage. I was fortunate to have writing professors who in addition to instilling bullshit monitors into me, also insisted that good journalism is about good storytelling. I think I spin an ok yarn.
What can readers expect in the third installment of this series about Delaware? What time period will it cover? When will it be available?
The third book is tentatively titled Delaware from Freeways to e-Ways, covering the 20th century. I’d like to have it in the public’s hands by Christmas 2024. The term “e-Ways” is a made-up word that refers to digital avenues of transportation, drawing from the 1990s trend of using “e-” as a prefix for things related to the nascent e-commerce industry. Digital technology has modernized traditional transportation methods, enabling, for example, self-driving cars, and rendering unnecessary outdated tools like sextants for ships and cabooses for trains. And while Delaware may not be a tech hub like Silicon Valley, the University of Delaware has offered up pure research and patents that have aided in the development and commercialization of the Internet’s physical infrastructure. In between freeways and e-ways, of course, there’s lots more to talk about. Stay tuned!
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Delaware from Railways to Freeways: First State, Second Phase
Delaware from Railways to Freeways by Dave Tabler is a captivating exploration of the state’s history, focusing on the period from 1800 to 1907. It’s the second installment in a three-part series that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Delaware’s past. This book is a treasure trove of intriguing facts about the people, places, and ideas that have shaped Delaware. The skillful pairing of these facts with illustrations and fascinating photographs makes it a delightful read for anyone residing in Delaware. History enthusiasts, in particular, will revel in the abundance of unusual facts associated with the state.
Tabler introduces readers to a wealth of information, from the development of railways to the emergence of freeways, unveiling lesser-known facets of Delaware’s history. Notably, he delves into the unique Delaware tradition of Return Day, providing insights into its origins. Additionally, he explores valuable resources found in Delaware, such as the versatile Bald Cypress Tree, which played a pivotal role in various aspects of daily life. One captivating highlight in the book is the development of Duck decoys during the early 19th century and its intriguing connection to steamboats and punt guns in Delaware. Such revelations add depth and intrigue to the state’s historical tapestry. While the book brims with captivating facts, images, and illustrations, I would’ve liked a more explicit connection between these fascinating tidbits and their unique significance within Delaware’s history. Such contextualization could have elevated the book from feeling like a trivia collection to a more engaging historical exploration.
Delaware from Railways to Freeways offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0C9NKB828
Delaware’s Wonderful Cultural Contributions
Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States shares the rich and fascinating history of the little state of Delaware. What made you write a book about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
Because of Delaware’s diminutive size, a lot of non-Delawareans either have a very limited view of the state or draw a blank altogether. Some think of us first for tax-free shopping. Others for our fabulous beaches. Still, others think of Delaware as the place where corporations incorporate. All of which are true. And all of which are only a sliver of the whole picture. I wanted to tell a fuller story about Delaware. I think of the First State as the mustard seed in the eponymous Biblical parable. Though in the geographic scheme of things we are tiny, from our wee 3 counties have sprung a host of influential people (a president, actors, musicians, scientists, etc), inventions (nylon, ATMs), and influences on Americana (log cabins as we know them originated here, not in the Land of Lincoln). From my own experience: I worked in NYC for a number of years and was always startled by how uninformed New Yorkers often were about Delaware heritage. It was at such odds with what I knew about the place. So this book is an attempt to give the reader an “Oh! I didn’t realize that!” moment about Delaware’s wonderful cultural contributions.
History texts sometimes will overwhelm readers with too many facts, or they are told in a sterile manner. You have managed to create an entertaining and educational book. What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I love that you see in my book both entertainment and educational value. It’s tricky to balance the two audiences. On the one hand, I research my topics deeply, aiming to use primary sources and come up with fresh historic interpretations of those topics. My book’s been accepted into the permanent collections of both the Delaware Public Archives and the Delaware Historical Society. So I’ve succeeded with that demanding group of historians. On the other hand, I don’t want to get bogged down in endless footnotes and citations. I want to offer up a page-turner. Many of my readers are vacationers from other places who come to the beaches in the summer. They want to be entertained on their vacation.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My 8th-grade geography teacher, Mr. Jarboe. He intuitively knew that history would be a grinding chore to middle school students if it wasn’t presented in a funny, energetic, surprising way. He was one of those storytellers whose eyes lit up the room as he unfolded his tales. Being in his presence was magical. If I can capture a fraction of his essence in my books, I’ll have honored his memory.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
That history is full of surprises!
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Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond among the States
In the depths of the colonial era, the arduous task of navigating terrestrial routes to bustling trading hubs such as Philadelphia was a daunting task for merchants. A watershed moment arrived, however, with the serendipitous stranding of a European explorer on the almost forsaken Delamalva Peninsula. During this unforeseen situation, he discovered an untapped waterway destined to become an essential artery for the transportation of goods. As the waterway grew in significance, it attracted European settlers, ultimately leading to legislation and conflict. This is the riveting narrative of Delaware, traced back to an era long before the inauguration of railroads.
In Delaware Before the Railroads, Dave Tabler embarks on a journey of visually narrating the history of Delaware prior to the advent of railway transportation. It manifests as a priceless repository, providing a comprehensive and vivid depiction of the state’s past. The book meticulously delineates the transformation of the state, from indigenous settlements to the emergence of ancient European-inspired edifices, encapsulating the evolution of Delaware’s identity. Each facet of Delaware’s past, be it paintings, sculptures, replicas, monuments, age-old structures, or even the very locations that bore witness to key historical events, is explored and explicated in depth.
Dave Tabler has honed the art of meticulous research, effectively encapsulating and presenting this significant chapter of Delaware’s history. His narration strikes a fine balance between entertainment, engagement, and education. While the coordination of the images and their related descriptions might be perceived as somewhat intricate at times, the overall content remains an engrossing read.
Whether you’re an aficionado of history, a tourist seeking a detailed guidebook, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking to understand Delaware’s roots, Delaware Before the Railroads offers a wealth of insight that will leave you both enlightened and inspired.
Pages: 103 | ASIN : B0BHKQTX11
A Book Peeked Over The Horizon
Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond among the States shares with readers the history of Delaware through photographs and research. What inspired you to write a book about this topic?
A unique octagonal schoolhouse from the early 19th century that’s 20 minutes from where I live in Delaware. It’s the only one left in the state, but it represents the tail end of a national fascination with octagonal buildings that started in the mid-19th century. My curiosity sent me down the rabbit hole. I started looking around for other Delaware buildings distinct in their own way, and the stories behind them. There are a lot in this state. The material started to pile up, and a book peeked over the horizon.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Short answer: a lot. I’m fortunate to be the son of a librarian. I learned at a young age some supercharged shortcuts to find the research material you’re after. I remember being startled as a teenager when my Mom showed me a thing called the ‘Encyclopedia of Encyclopedias’. Very useful before the age of Google. Just knowing the sources doesn’t eliminate the hardest part, though: slogging through the results. I expect there must be an AI program somewhere that can digest mountains of raw material for an author, but for this book I worked old school. Start to finish this book took about a year.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
Yes: just how much human activity has taken place in this little state of only three counties. From the view of states with hundreds of counties Delaware must seem impossibly limited. But. Henry Hudson sailed up the Delaware Bay in 1609, a year before he sailed up the Hudson River, and only 2 years after Jamestown, VA was founded. Delaware history starts early, runs deep.
Where did you get your love of history and photography from?
From my 8th grade geography/history teacher Mr. Jarboe, who was a master at story buildup. The first day of class he had written “Pizzaro was a pig farmer” in large letters on the board. When the students were settled in he took a big, deep breath, and sprung.
“I want to tell you about a young teen, Francisco, who was a bastard son.
“And because he was a bastard son his mother felt no responsibility to educate him.
“And because he couldn’t go to school like all the other kids, he had to tend to the pigs.
“And because he had to tend the pigs he was bored, restless, and wanted to strike out on his own.
Long pause.
“Mind you,” said Mr. Jarboe, scanning the class for emphasis, “he was about your age.”
He continued on like this for the whole class-machine gun bullet points, long pause-but we still had no idea who Francisco was or why we should remember him.
Finally, there were about 30 seconds left in the class. “Oh yes, and when he finally got out into the world, Francisco Pizzaro, no longer a pig farmer, conquered the Incan Empire. Class dismissed!” What?? How?? When?? Mr. Jarboe had tricked us into wanting to learn more! I hated him then. Love him now.
Two photographers bent my young eye in their direction: Ernst Haas and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Hass, because he was one of the first photographers to take color photography seriously as an art form, and to forge his own way in this new direction. Fearless! And Cartier-Bresson for his unbelievable ability to be at the right place at the right time: ‘the decisive moment,’ as he famously explained it. The thing is, when you look at his contact sheets and see what images came before and after his most famous shots, you appreciate keenly just how hard Cartier-Bresson worked a scene before the magic moment ‘happened’ for him.
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Delaware Before the Railroads
Dave Tabler writes about beautiful Delaware, getting the reader to picture the place, its people, and the changes that have been gradually happening over the years. Where did Delaware get its name? The author writes that everything began with a storm at Cape Henlopen and a Virginia navigator who had lost his way. The author superbly describes the State, making one wish they could visit. The natural resources, landmarks, vegetation, and striking landscape are some of the most stunning features in Delaware. Not forgetting about the beautiful people of Delaware, their welcoming nature, and how cordial they are.
The pictures taken by the author are simply out of this world. The author has a great eye. The images alone make this book worth reading. Every picture of a building, vegetation, people, historical site, and everything Delaware offers is skillfully taken. Every photograph of the reconstruction and historical locations is accompanied by polished notes that give more meaning to the pictures. History enthusiasts will love the arrangement of the book as the author starts with the early days of the Swedish settlers, to the U.S. independence before moving to modern times. The chronological arrangement makes reading easy and better when following the tales and images.
The richness of Delaware is covered in every page of Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond among the States. The anecdotes and notes are some of the best elements in Dave Tabler’s writing. How the author humanizes, every tale is remarkable. Dave Tabler’s writing gives the reader a feeling of nostalgia about Delaware, even if they are not from the State. As a reader, you will feel inspired by the moving words and fall in love with the state’s history. Delaware will have a special place in the hearts of all readers thanks to Dave Tabler’s book.
The general feeling after reading this book is contentment. Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond among the States is a great coffee table book filled with rich history and refined content. You can never get enough of the spectacular pictures. The captions and full context given by the author are commendable. I recommend this educational book to readers who love history, photography, and the art of preserving memories.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0BHKQTX11
LITERARY TITAN 