Many years (other than the last 3 years when the tour was not held) we worried about rain impacting this oldest house and garden tour. This year it was the heat in the upper 90's which wilted this tour-goer.  Our first garden was at the old RR station where we sat in the secret garden and looked at the Delaware River and the steamy view (picture above).  An appropriate plant found in one garden was a cactus, not usually found in a lot of gardens here. But my friend Diane and I did get a chance to play "what's that plant," and no one was grading us, so we were free with our answers. A couple of times, other garden visitors asked us if we knew names of plants, and we could usually come up with the answers. One garden on The Strand (riverfront) had a lovely wisteria growing on an archway a... 05/22/2022

The c. 1800 George Read II House in Old New Castle, Delaware is trying to shed the "stuffy museum" image with its "Lit for the Holidays" exhibit.  Last night, I visited this after dark special activity and found the really off center to the beautiful on exhibit.  We start out in the garden with a holiday themed greenery work designed by artist/guide Heidi Benson (sorry but not all the artist info is online and someone corrected the name I had here. Wish they would have had it on their website.) who told the story about a couple of children living in the servants' quarters who missed the holiday trees which had not yet become popular in this country.  She created a contemporary version of outdoor Christmas greenery which brought an element of beauty to the exhibit.   As we entered the ho... 01/02/2022

I took a walk on New Year's Day in the old Colonial Capital of Delaware. It took on a whole different look in the late day fog. Battery Park on the Delaware River was like a scene in a movie (with lots of dry ice in the picture). The old ticket office from the 1830's New Castle and Frenchtown railway  had a ghostly appearance. Or was it that this new day for a new year, 2022, was trying to tell me to remember the ghosts of past events on this spot?  Your guess is as good as mine! 01/01/2022

DELAWARE EVENTS First Saturday in the First State free programs are offered Saturday, August 3. Sites are open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Woodburn, Hall House and the Kent County Courthouse. From 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Join the Biggs Museum of American Art for their "Biggs Kids: Science in Action" program and make a make a STEAM based craft. From 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. learn some 18th century uses and preparations for common household herbs and how to grow and care for your own at the John Bell House on The Green during our "Herbal Remedies" program. Tour Legislative Hall to experience more Delaware history and explore the origins of recorded music at the Johnson Victrola Museum and visit Delaware's historic capitol building. At 10:30 a.m. visit the Delaware Public Archives for the program "DuPon... 08/02/2019

Located on the Delaware River and founded in 1651 by the Dutch as a military fort, New Castle bounced from being part of the Netherlands, Sweden, and England during the 17th Century. (the Delaware River seen from Battery Park) In the 18th and 19th Centuries, wharves and merchants lined the shores of the river for the commerce generated by vessels at their doorstep headed out to the ocean or the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. (photo: colonial tradesperson in Battery Park) Today there is a new pier for visiting recreations of historic ships such as the Kalmar Nyckel, now berthed in Wilmington. Waterfront bicycling and walking paths pass through a busy Battery Park. You can bicycle from the Wilmington riverfront on the Christina River through a winding path ending in New Castle.  Bu... 05/20/2019

At 2 p.m. on the Fourth of July, church bells (and maybe school bells) rang across the country as part of a nationwide celebration of the 242nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.And I'm sure each celebration took on a local flavor, just as the one here at Immanuel Church in New Castle, Delaware did. Brian Cannon, the Chief Interpreter at the historic Courthouse Museum here in New Castle, spoke of the importance of Separation Day in Delaware history. 13 children, representing the original 13 colonies, each rang a replica of the Liberty bell.Mr. Cannon reminded us that June 15th of the fateful year of 1776 was a momentous date for the people of Delaware.  On that day the Colonial Assembly took the drastic step of proclaiming the little colony (The Three Lower C... 07/04/2018

If you are looking for a quaint historic home on the Delaware River in Northern Delaware, Old New Castle is the place for you. With beginnings in a Dutch settlement in 1651, New Castle is still an attractive place for present day settlers.With several historic home museums and a historic courthouse which is part of the  First State National Historical Park, you will find school groups being led to historic sites in the Spring and local and out-of-state tourists most of the year. But what about living in Old New Castle? Here are some homes that were sold in the last 6 months in the City.And if you are wondering what is currently on the market, here are some active listings:I know there are a lot of abbreviations, so please feel free to e-mail me or call at 302-234-6063 where your questio... 03/28/2018

 Step back in time and experience the charm and beauty of colonial New Castle. Walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the historic sites of this riverfront community.Historic New Castle, Delaware is located just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington with easy access from I-95 and I-295. Overlooking the Delaware River, Historic New Castle is the oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley. And, thanks to preservation efforts, this vibrant, fully occupied community remains one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America – second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in the number and authenticity of its historic structures.  The New Castle Court House Museum is part of the the First State National Historical Park.New Castle, originally named Fort Casimir, was founde... 02/26/2018

America’s Oldest Street is to celebrate Saturday, June 4 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia. Located in the heart of Old City between Front and 2nd Streets just north of Arch, the Elfreth’s Alley Museum is one of few landmarks dedicated to the everyday American. Representing three hundred years of history, the thirty-two buildings along Elfreth’s Alley were built from 1720s–1830s, and reveal the fascinating stories of everyday life in the spaces that America’s founders knew. You can learn the house-by-house story of the Alley’s early residents through our guidebook, available at the Museum. The individual fee for this celebration is $25. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketleap:http://elfrethsalley.ticketleap.com/fete-day-2016/ as well as at the event. A... 06/03/2016

Information provided courtesy of Suzanne and Chris Rumsey, Rumsey Home Team, Patterson-Schwartz Real EstateHomes for Sale in New Castle DE 19720 between $200,000 and $300,000. Are you looking for homes in New Castle, DE 19720 between $200,000 and $300,000?  There are currently 46 properties available in this price range.  This includes single family homes, condos, townhouses, and twins.   Search New Castle, DE 19720 homes for sale between  $200,000 and $300,000.Below is a sample of what is on the market today. Search New Castle, DE 19720 homes for sale between $100,000 and $200,000Search New Castle, DE 19720 homes for sale between $200,000 and $300,000Search New Castle, DE 19720 homes for sale between $300,000 and $400,000Search New Castle, DE 19720 homes for sale between $400,000 and $... 04/21/2016

Real estate market data for New Castle, DE provided by Suzanne and Chris Rumsey of Rumsey Home Team, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. New Castle County experienced a 9.2% increase in the number of sold homes through March 2016 compared to same time period in 2015 and a 1.5% increase in the median price of sold homes, from $204,500 to $207,500. The number of homes that went under contract through March 2016 increased 2.2% from 2015.  New Castle, DE experienced a 1.7% increase in the number of sold homes through March 2016 compared to same time period in 2015 and a 4.3% decrease in the median price of sold homes, from $151,500 to $145,000. The number of homes that went under contract through March 2016 increased by 9.6% from 2015. The most expensive home for sale in New Castle, DE is locat... 04/12/2016

August 2015 Historic Homes E-Newsletter  Battles at Boone: A Revolutionary Encampment will happen at the historic Daniel Boone Homestead, Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 15 & 16, 2015, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM  The Friends of the Daniel Boone Homestead are excited to offer another living history encampment featuring between 100-150 participants.  Visitors will be immersed in eighteenth century military and home life and will witness firsthand the colonial hardships both on the battlefield and off. Cost: $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Seniors, $6.00 Children.  The City of New Castle, Delaware invites you to attend the Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. on August 5, and the First Friday Art Loop at 5 p.m. on August 8, as well as an open house at the historic Bellanca Airfield and De... 08/01/2015

Beautiful Renovation in New Castle Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Contact us for pricing Townhouse Main Features 3 Bedrooms1 BathroomInterior: 1,200 sqft Location 23 William Penn SquareNew Castle, DE 19720USA Christopher Pataki RE/MAX Associates(302) 562-0628patakirealestate@yahoo.comhttp://come2DE.com       Listed by: Re/Max Associates Our recent listings Beautiful Renovation in New CastleFabulous Farm House Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale 04/21/2015

    Delaware’s historic Buena Vista mansion will be decked out in traditional holiday decorations for a one-day-only open house on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to tours of the home, a holiday ornament-making activity will be available for children. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.             Located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Buena Vista is one of Delaware’s most historic homes. The main section of the house was built between 1845 and 1847 by John M. Clayton, United States secretary of state from 1849 to 1850 under presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and United States senator from 1829 to 1836, 1845 to 1849, and 1853 until his death in 1856. The home later became the res... 12/10/2014

  On Saturday, October 24, 2014, "William Penn Day" will mark the 332nd anniversary of William Penn's first setting foot in this land ( in New Castle, Delaware, as it is now known)  on Oct. 27, 1682 Activities and exhibits are free at the New Castle Court House Museum at 211 Delaware St., the state's first court house and capital. The court house, (302) 323-4453, also is part of the First State National Monument administered by the National Park Service. At 10:15 a.m., re-enactment of the Livery of Seizen ceremony includes symbolic gifts given to Penn when he landed. (The twig, turf and porringer of river water are  held by Penn in a nearby Charles Parks sculpture, left.) The ceremony  was symbolic of the acceptance of his governance of the land, including the 12-mile arc that makes Del... 10/21/2014

Fantastic Colonial in New Castle OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesDescriptionNeighborhoodOpen House $219,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 1,925 sqftLot: 0.18 acre(s) Location 16 Fithian DriveNew Castle, DE 19720USA Christopher Pataki RE/MAX Associates(302) 562-0628patakirealestate@yahoo.comhttp://come2DE.com     Listed by: Re/Max Associates Our recent listings Fantastic Colonial in New Castle2 Story Colonial in Scarborough Manor, Bear, DelawareFabulous Farm House Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby  properties for sale 10/01/2014

    This is just such a great opportunity to learn how to put together a costume that makes you look like you just stepped out of Oliver Twist!  Join the New Castle Historical Society for their second Dickens Costume Workshop on Sunday, September 21 at 2 p.m. at the old Arsenal on the Green (below).     Then, when the December 13 "Dickens Experience" happens, you can be part of the action!  I hope they talk about the proper foods to go with the costumes, because my favorite song from Oliver is, you guessed it--Food, glorious Food! Or maybe it's my favorite because the Arsenal used to be a restaurant. Or maybe it's because I think of food a lot. Or maybe I think of songs a lot! Whatever! Check out their Facebook page for information.                                   09/18/2014

Fantastic Colonial in New Castle OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesDescriptionNeighborhood Contact us for pricing Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 1,925 sqftLot: 0.18 acre(s) Location 16 Fithian DriveNew Castle, DE 19720USA Christopher Pataki RE/MAX Associates(302) 562-0628patakirealestate@yahoo.comhttp://come2DE.com        Listed by: Re/Max Associates Our recent listings Beautiful Wilmington Ranch - Great New PriceFantastic Colonial in New CastleBeautiful New Castle RenovationSuper One Floor LivingSplit Level Townhouse - Short Sale Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale 04/22/2014

What’s in bloom in Old New Castle? The last roses of summer are still hanging on, and the chrysanthemums are appearing in bright patches, but what is outshining even the flowers is the choice of historic homes for sale.  Today there are 16 historic homes for sale in the historic area, with prices ranging from $145,000 to $939,000. Click the link above to check out the historic homes for sale in Old New Castle, Delaware.                        Oh yes, and I hear a lot of spooks will be out this week in back of the Old Sheriff’s House on The Green in back of the Courthouse (above)  Why?  It seems they have not gotten over being punished for their misdeeds at the old whipping post!  And stop by for a Paranormal session at the Historic Society! 10/29/2013

New Castle to join a National Bell-Ringing Celebration --A nationwide celebration of Freedom will be held July 4, 2013 1:30 p.m. at Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green Historic New Castle, Delaware.  A Proclamation:  Whereas the tolling of the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., at 2 o’clock in the afternoon of the 4th day of July, 1776, proclaimed the signing of the Declaration of Independence; and Whereas the adoption of this historic document marked the birth of our country as a free and independent nation; and Whereas, it is fitting that the anniversary of this great event should be appropriately observed in each year at the same moment throughout the United States;   Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Congress hereby declares that the anniversary of the s... 06/30/2013