Lamb, Thomas, Farm
a.k.a. Brick House Farm
DE 130, Kenton, DEThe Thomas Lamb, "Brick House Farm", was acquired by Thomas Lamb in stages from members of the Chiffen family from 1830 onward. The purchases were not complete until the mid-1850s. At his death in 1872, Lamb left his widow and seven children an immense tract of land that included all the land south of the Kent-New Castle border, and bounded on the east by Road 130 and on the south by Road 129. It extended west almost as far as Hollett's Corner at Road 127 and Road 129. The tract amounted to over 700 acres of land. He also owned town lots in Kenton and in Clayton and a blacksmith shop in Clayton. Blacksmithing was his original trade. For most of his life, he operated a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, at Blackiston Crossroads. He purchased the blacksmith shop, with a carriage maker's shop attached, in Clayton in 1850.
The construction date for the house at "Brick House Farm" is based on structural evidence. The original warrants for the land in Kent County do not list exact boundaries but give locations based on the position of streams. Walter Dulany received a patent to lands west of the Lamb properties in 1706. The land to the east of the Lamb properties was deeded in individual farm plots starting about 1720. The chain of title for the "Brick House Farm" is lost in a maze of unrecorded deeds and family transfers through inheritance.
Thomas Lamb's, "Brick House Farm", is a surviving example of a once common building plan, the hall-parlor house. Constructed early in the second quarter of the eighteenth century, the dwelling was a substantial investment for its first owner and makes a significant statement about housing choice and wealth in the early Kenton Hundred. Exploitive crops such as tobacco and hemp were preferred by the first settlers of the area. These produced enough surplus so that large permanent brick dwellings were soon the preferred building choice. An example of this tradition of building in brick and as a surviving example of a hall-parlor dwelling from the eighteenth century.
Local significance of the building:
The construction date for the house at "Brick House Farm" is based on structural evidence. The original warrants for the land in Kent County do not list exact boundaries but give locations based on the position of streams. Walter Dulany received a patent to lands west of the Lamb properties in 1706. The land to the east of the Lamb properties was deeded in individual farm plots starting about 1720. The chain of title for the "Brick House Farm" is lost in a maze of unrecorded deeds and family transfers through inheritance.
Thomas Lamb's, "Brick House Farm", is a surviving example of a once common building plan, the hall-parlor house. Constructed early in the second quarter of the eighteenth century, the dwelling was a substantial investment for its first owner and makes a significant statement about housing choice and wealth in the early Kenton Hundred. Exploitive crops such as tobacco and hemp were preferred by the first settlers of the area. These produced enough surplus so that large permanent brick dwellings were soon the preferred building choice. An example of this tradition of building in brick and as a surviving example of a hall-parlor dwelling from the eighteenth century.
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.
During Prohibition, Delaware was a popular location for bootleggers, and the District of Delaware saw a number of high-profile cases related to bootlegging and organized crime. One of the most famous cases was the 1935 trial of Al Capone's brother, Ralph Capone, who was charged with tax evasion in Wilmington.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.