Table Of Content
Explore Middletown, Delaware: A Listicle of Historical Sites and Famous Landmarks!
The Heart of Middletown: Downtown District
If you’re looking for a glimpse of Middletown’s rich history, the Downtown District is the perfect place to start. This area has been the center of community life since the earliest period of settlement and is home to several historical sites and famous landmarks. Here are two must-see attractions in the Downtown District:
Everett Theatre
The Everett Theatre is a historic theater that has been entertaining audiences for over 90 years. This beautiful venue has been restored to its former glory and features live performances, movies, and special events. The theater is also home to the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as a community gathering place.
The Gibby Center
The Gibby Center is a cultural arts center that celebrates the arts and culture of Middletown and the surrounding areas. This beautiful building houses a gallery, classrooms, and a performance space. The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibits, concerts, and workshops.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Downtown District has something for everyone. Take a stroll down Main Street and explore the rich history and culture of Middletown.
Exploring Nature: Middletown’s Parks
Middletown, Delaware is home to some of the most beautiful parks and natural sites in the state. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just enjoy the great outdoors, Middletown has something for everyone. Here are two of the best parks to visit in Middletown:
Silver Lake Park
Silver Lake Park is a beautiful 182-acre park located in the heart of Middletown. The park features a 35-acre lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park, offering visitors the chance to explore the beautiful natural scenery.
In addition to its natural beauty, Silver Lake Park also offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are several picnic areas, a playground, and a pavilion that can be rented for special events. The park is also home to several sports fields, including baseball, softball, and soccer fields.
Charles E. Price Memorial Park
Charles E. Price Memorial Park is another beautiful park located in Middletown. The park features several hiking trails that wind through the beautiful natural scenery, offering visitors the chance to explore the great outdoors.
In addition to its natural beauty, Charles E. Price Memorial Park also offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are several picnic areas, a playground, and a pavilion that can be rented for special events. The park is also home to several sports fields, including baseball, softball, and soccer fields.
Overall, Middletown’s parks offer visitors the chance to explore the beautiful natural scenery of the area while also enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you’re looking to take a peaceful stroll or have a fun day out with the family, Middletown’s parks are the perfect destination.
Historical Houses and Museums
If you’re interested in history, Middletown has a few historical houses and museums that are worth checking out. Here are two of the most notable ones:
The Middletown Historical Society
The Middletown Historical Society is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Middletown. The society operates a museum that is located in the historic Everett Theatre building on Main Street. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Middletown and the surrounding area.
One of the most interesting exhibits in the museum is the display on the history of the Everett Theatre. The theatre was built in 1922 and has been a fixture in downtown Middletown ever since. The exhibit includes photographs, posters, and other memorabilia from the theatre’s history.
The Middletown Historical Society also offers walking tours of historic Middletown. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you to some of the most interesting historical sites in town.
The Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society
The Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society is another non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Middletown. The society operates a museum that is located in the historic Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood.
The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, which was once the heart of Middletown’s African American community. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the history of slavery in Delaware, the Civil Rights Movement, and the contributions of African Americans to Middletown’s history.
In addition to the museum, the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and community celebrations.
If you’re interested in history, be sure to check out the Middletown Historical Society and the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society. These museums are a great way to learn more about the rich history of Middletown and the surrounding area.
The Agricultural Heritage
If you’re interested in learning about the agricultural heritage of Middletown, Delaware, you’re in for a treat! This area is rich in agricultural history, and there are plenty of landmarks and historical sites that you can visit to learn more.
Filasky’s Produce
One of the most well-known agricultural landmarks in Middletown is Filasky’s Produce. This family-owned farm has been in operation for over 80 years and is a staple of the community. They specialize in growing and selling a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including sweet corn, tomatoes, and peaches.
When you visit Filasky’s Produce, you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour of the farm and learn more about the history of agriculture in the area. You can also pick your own fruits and vegetables, which is a fun activity for the whole family.
In addition to their fresh produce, Filasky’s also sells a variety of other products, including homemade jams and jellies, honey, and baked goods. They even have a small petting zoo where you can meet some of the farm’s animals.
If you’re looking for a taste of the agricultural heritage of Middletown, be sure to visit Filasky’s Produce. You won’t be disappointed!
Unique Landmarks
Middletown, Delaware is home to several unique landmarks that are worth a visit. Here are two of the most notable ones:
Middletown’s World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet
You read that right – Middletown is home to the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet! This quirky landmark stands at 38 feet tall and is made up of 38 drawers, each painted a different color. The filing cabinet was originally built in 1998 by a group of local artists who wanted to create something unique and eye-catching. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Middletown’s creative spirit.
The Whispering Giant Statue
Another unique landmark in Middletown is the Whispering Giant Statue. This impressive sculpture stands at 20 feet tall and was created by artist Peter Wolf Toth as part of his “Trail of the Whispering Giants” project. The statue depicts a Native American man and is meant to honor the indigenous people who once lived in the area. What makes this statue truly unique is its ability to “whisper” – if you stand close to the statue’s ear and whisper, the sound will carry through the statue and come out of its mouth on the other side.
Both of these landmarks are a testament to Middletown’s creativity and unique spirit. Be sure to check them out on your next visit to Delaware!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind the Everett Theatre in Middletown?
The Everett Theatre in Middletown, Delaware, was built in 1922 and has been a staple of the community ever since. It was originally a vaudeville theater and later became a movie theater. Today, the Everett Theatre hosts a variety of events, including live performances, movies, and community gatherings.
What is the significance of the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House?
The Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House is a historic Quaker meeting house that was built in 1785. It is significant because it is one of the oldest surviving Quaker meeting houses in Delaware. The building is also an excellent example of early American Quaker architecture.
Which famous historical figure visited the Olde Tyme Peach Festival in Middletown?
In 1996, former President Bill Clinton visited the Olde Tyme Peach Festival in Middletown. The festival is an annual event that celebrates the town’s peach-growing heritage.
What are some unique features of the historic St. Anne’s Church in Middletown?
St. Anne’s Church in Middletown is a historic church that was built in 1886. It is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and unique architecture. The church also has a historic graveyard that is the final resting place of many early settlers of Middletown.
What is the story behind the iconic Everett’s Music Barn in Middletown?
Everett’s Music Barn is a famous music venue in Middletown that has been hosting live music events for over 50 years. The barn was originally built in the 1800s and was used for storing hay. In the 1960s, it was converted into a music venue by Everett Shockley, who wanted to create a space where local musicians could perform.
What are some must-see landmarks on the Middletown Historic Walking Tour?
The Middletown Historic Walking Tour is a great way to explore the town’s rich history. Some must-see landmarks on the tour include the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House, St. Anne’s Church, the Everett Theatre, and the Middletown Academy. The tour also includes stops at several historic homes and buildings, including the Cochran Square Historic District and the Middletown War Memorial.
