Town of Bethany Historical Highlights

(Reprinted from: Town of Bethany Beach, DE – Official Website)

Founding

Bethany was founded by members of the Christian Church (also known as the Disciples of Christ) of Washington DC area and Pennsylvania.The original idea was not to found a town, but to find a suitable tract of land for a permanent yearly seaside assembly for the Christian churches of the country.

Bethany was named by H.L. Atkinson who won a nationwide contest. He was given a lot on the beach as his prize. Bethany still reflects the character of the early settlers who were looking for “a haven of rest for quiet people.”

The First Building

The first building in Bethany was the tabernacle, an octagonal auditorium on the assembly grounds of the Christian Missionary Society. It was dedicated July 12, 1901, though still uncompleted. It had brown shingles and was 100 feet in diameter with a cupola on top. It lasted 60 years until storms and termites destroyed the building.That same day the deed to the Tabernacle and surrounding 15 acres was presented to Dr. Powers, representing the Christian Missionary Society by the Bethany Beach Improvement Company.

Obstacles Overcome

Problems soon arose. A railroad had been promised but not delivered, water was poor, and rains poured into the Auditorium. As a result, the officers of the Bethany Beach Improvement Company were fired.Six businessmen from Pittsburgh were sent to bail them out. In the fall of 1902, they bought up the company, moved to the Beach and put their stamp on development for years to come. These men included W.R. Errett, lawyer; John M. Addy, plumber; W.S. Kidd, steel manufacturer; R.S. Latimer, tea merchant; Dr. T.E. Cramblet, president of Bethany College in WV; and W.A. Dinker, the first president of the new company.

Centennial Celebration

The Town of Bethany Beach recently celebrated its 100th Birthday with a Centennial Celebration. This once-in-a-lifetime event began on July 4, 2001, in conjunction with the Annual 4th of July Parade and fireworks. Four events followed creating many memorable events for our residents and families.

Historical Milestones

1901 – The Town of Bethany Beach was founded
1903 – First boardwalk was constructed
1904 – Post Office was established
1907 – Life Saving Station was built
1924 – First electrical plant was built to illuminate Town Hall and two street lights
1925 – Women’s Civic Club was chartered
1928 – Electric power brought by Salisbury Utility, replaced local generation
1931 – A bowling alley was built on the boardwalk
1934 – The first paved road from Bethany Beach to Rehoboth Beach completed
1946 – Water service extended to Bethany Beach residents
1948 – The Volunteer Fire Company organized and purchased an engine for $350
1951 – Water system enlarged: Pump House with town office and meetings area
1952 – The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was opened and dedicated
1956 – Fire House was built on Hollywood Street
1963-64 – Boardwalk rebuilt New Christian Church chapel dedicated
1965 – New Bethany Beach Post Office dedicated
1966 – Baltimore Trust became Bethany Beach’s first bank
1970 – New Town Hall and Police Station dedicated
1973 – St. Ann’s becomes the official Catholic Church parish, new church is built
1974 – Parking meters installed
1975-76 – Sewer system installed, Chamber of Commerce is organized
1977 – First Indian statue was placed at Routes 1 and 26
1984 – First July 4th parade and fireworks were held