Cummins, David J., House
a.k.a. Glen Fern
E of Smyrna, Smyrna, DEThe David J. Cummins House, "Glen Fern," is a well-preserved statement of of the late-nineteenth century fascination with classical architecture and their interest in the Colonial-Revival. This house combines a small hall-parlor, eighteenth-century house with a later addition that was meant to be both modern and up-to-date, and also sympathetic to the colonial origins of the house.
Glen Fern was originally a secondary house on the property of "Belmont Hall" and during the eighteenth century was the property of Governor Thomas Collins. Upon his death, the estate was divided to provide for his heirs and John Cummins was eventually able to acquire the property. He was a wealthy merchant who was actively involved in the grain shipping business and in the development of Smyrna as a grain-shipping port. He was a large landowner and was active in political affairs. When he died in 1833, his land was divided among his heirs. George Wilson Cummins, the oldest son, was appointed administrator and took over the family business. David James Cummins was nine years old at the time. Part of his inheritance was Glen Fern.
In the early 1840's, he joined his brother George W. in the family business but retired ten years later to devote himself to agriculture and his banking interests. In 1853, the year he retired, he was appointed a director of the New Castle County Bank. He later was made a director of the National Bank of Smyrna. His interest in agriculture was manifested mainly at Glen Fern, but he was a major landowner in central Delaware. Along with his brother George, his is the most frequently listed name in the Smyrna area on the 1868 Beers' Atlas of Delaware.
Local significance of the building:
Glen Fern was originally a secondary house on the property of "Belmont Hall" and during the eighteenth century was the property of Governor Thomas Collins. Upon his death, the estate was divided to provide for his heirs and John Cummins was eventually able to acquire the property. He was a wealthy merchant who was actively involved in the grain shipping business and in the development of Smyrna as a grain-shipping port. He was a large landowner and was active in political affairs. When he died in 1833, his land was divided among his heirs. George Wilson Cummins, the oldest son, was appointed administrator and took over the family business. David James Cummins was nine years old at the time. Part of his inheritance was Glen Fern.
In the early 1840's, he joined his brother George W. in the family business but retired ten years later to devote himself to agriculture and his banking interests. In 1853, the year he retired, he was appointed a director of the New Castle County Bank. He later was made a director of the National Bank of Smyrna. His interest in agriculture was manifested mainly at Glen Fern, but he was a major landowner in central Delaware. Along with his brother George, his is the most frequently listed name in the Smyrna area on the 1868 Beers' Atlas of Delaware.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The district is also home to several important educational institutions, including the University of Delaware, which was founded in 1743 as a small private academy. Today, the university is a major research institution with over 23,000 students.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.