Stubbs, Elizabeth, House
Main St., Little Creek, DEThe Elizabeth Stubbs House built c. 1866, is significant within the context of Little Creek as an unusual example of Second Empire residential architecture, which represents a stylistic departure from the dominant vernacular forms of architecture in the town. The Stubbs House is invested with an uncommon style to Little Creek. It is significant in being one of the few buildings in the town that suggests high-style pretensions. It is the only structure in the town with a mansard roof and its exterior and interior details speak a conscious awareness of style. This two-story, three-bay frame dwelling is adorned with oversized dentil molding on its roof cornice and on its facade window and door lintels. Square and hexagonal patterned slate tiles ornament the roof and small, delicate cut-out scrolls flank the dormers. A massive porch with square column supports runs the full length of the facade and continues around one side of the house. This same consciousness is apparent on the interior also. Originally a side-hall plan, the hall wall was later removed to create one large front room. This front room contains a staircase, has raised wood panels beneath the windows on the facade wall, French doors leading into the rear wing, and small chimney closets flanking the stove flue. The three main rooms on the first floor are all equipped with parlor stoves. One of the rear rooms has an open corner winder staircase and French doors connecting the adjoining room. The floors throughout the house are painted and grained, but only at the edges of the rooms as there appear to have been carpets on the floors.
The majority of dwellings in Little Creek are small, simple, two-story, frame, unadorned structures, and the Stubbs House stands out from among them because of its deliberate styling. In its departure from the architectural norm, it shows an awareness of lifestyles and events beyond Little Creek and its immediate environment. It is significant as a local interpretation of the Second Empire style at this time in more urban centers. Because it is less ornate, and perhaps not proportioned in quite the same manner as examples of Second Empire design found in populous cities, it retains the character and spirit of Little Creek.
In Beer's Atlas of Delaware (1868) it appears that this property was owned by E. Stubbs, and the 1880 census for the town of Little Creek reveals Elizabeth Stubbs, age 55, as a head of household, keeping house. Her daughter Linda Stubbs, 24, lived with her and served the community as one of two local dressma- kers. Mrs. Stubbs kept two boarders: James Barber, a seven-year-old boy, and Pernel Emmerson, 30, the local school teacher. Another Stubbs household appears on the census also. Edward Stubbs, a thirty-eight-year-old waterman, his wife Annie, and their three young children could also possibly have been the inhabitants of this house. Between these two households, we see represented the water trade, which was one of the chief occupations of the citizens of Little Creek, and some of the community services necessary to the town as a whole.
Local significance of the building:
The majority of dwellings in Little Creek are small, simple, two-story, frame, unadorned structures, and the Stubbs House stands out from among them because of its deliberate styling. In its departure from the architectural norm, it shows an awareness of lifestyles and events beyond Little Creek and its immediate environment. It is significant as a local interpretation of the Second Empire style at this time in more urban centers. Because it is less ornate, and perhaps not proportioned in quite the same manner as examples of Second Empire design found in populous cities, it retains the character and spirit of Little Creek.
In Beer's Atlas of Delaware (1868) it appears that this property was owned by E. Stubbs, and the 1880 census for the town of Little Creek reveals Elizabeth Stubbs, age 55, as a head of household, keeping house. Her daughter Linda Stubbs, 24, lived with her and served the community as one of two local dressma- kers. Mrs. Stubbs kept two boarders: James Barber, a seven-year-old boy, and Pernel Emmerson, 30, the local school teacher. Another Stubbs household appears on the census also. Edward Stubbs, a thirty-eight-year-old waterman, his wife Annie, and their three young children could also possibly have been the inhabitants of this house. Between these two households, we see represented the water trade, which was one of the chief occupations of the citizens of Little Creek, and some of the community services necessary to the town as a whole.
Architecture
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 District of Delaware has had a number of famous judges throughout its history, including William Julius Haynes, who was the first African American to serve as a federal judge in the state of Delaware.
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.