Fennimore Store
Main, Lombard, and Front Sts., Leipsic, DEThe Fennimore Store is the embodiment of the commercial enterprise of Leipsic and Little Creek's nineteenth century merchants. John Fennimore, Sr., bought and sold grain, coal, lime, fertilizers and general produce. He operated a steamboat running between Leipsic and Philadelphia in order to promote his own business and the general trade of the community. According to Beer's Atlas (1868) the store carried a full line of dry goods, groceries, hardware, tinware, clothing and other items.
In 1887 there were approximately four hundred residents in the village and about sixty working farms in close proximity to the town. As noted at the time, "the domestic trade of the town was quite large and profitable business was done in the shipping of marsh hay, grain and oysters." In addition to Fennimore's store the town also possessed a druggist, milliner, butcher shoemaker, shipbuilder, blacksmith, wheelwrights and assorted other tradesmen. In its heyday oyster schooners anchored across the street from Fennimore's store and the location served as a community focal point for the exchange of goods, news and local gossip. As one elderly resident recalls, "When I was about eight, I remember coming home from school and seeing farm wagons lining both sides of Front and Main Streets for several blocks. They were filled with tomatoes, hay, grain, and other produce to be shipped to market." The store additionally served as a ship's chandlery to the extent that it outfitted the vessels with provisions for their week long dredging voyages.
The business has been a general store, grocery and gas station, muskrat skinner's store and antique shop at various periods in its long service to the community of Leipsic. Because of its location, architectural elements and its role in the exchange of goods, services and social contacts, the J.W. Fennimore Store has always occupied a significant position in the village landscape.
Local significance of the building:
In 1887 there were approximately four hundred residents in the village and about sixty working farms in close proximity to the town. As noted at the time, "the domestic trade of the town was quite large and profitable business was done in the shipping of marsh hay, grain and oysters." In addition to Fennimore's store the town also possessed a druggist, milliner, butcher shoemaker, shipbuilder, blacksmith, wheelwrights and assorted other tradesmen. In its heyday oyster schooners anchored across the street from Fennimore's store and the location served as a community focal point for the exchange of goods, news and local gossip. As one elderly resident recalls, "When I was about eight, I remember coming home from school and seeing farm wagons lining both sides of Front and Main Streets for several blocks. They were filled with tomatoes, hay, grain, and other produce to be shipped to market." The store additionally served as a ship's chandlery to the extent that it outfitted the vessels with provisions for their week long dredging voyages.
The business has been a general store, grocery and gas station, muskrat skinner's store and antique shop at various periods in its long service to the community of Leipsic. Because of its location, architectural elements and its role in the exchange of goods, services and social contacts, the J.W. Fennimore Store has always occupied a significant position in the village landscape.
Commerce
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 Delaware River, which borders the District of Delaware, played a significant role in the American Revolution. In December 1776, General George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to launch a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey.
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.