Monthly Archives: December 2011

Observations, Photos

Little White Churches

For years, I’ve noticed and enjoyed these examples of Methodist meeting houses dotting the Delaware landscape.  Built across the peninsula in the 19th century, they are virtually identical in size, shape, and design.  Called the Greek Revival architectural style, they reflect the plain aesthetic promoted by the early Methodists.  Communities and the state are working to put some of the best examples onto the National Register of Historic Places. Before building these early chapels, the Methodists met in houses, barns, under trees, and on river banks. Delaware is also home to one of the oldest surviving churches – Barratt’s Chapel — built by and for the Methodists in the U.S.

Listening to Jessye Norman singing gospel standards while on a leisurely sunny afternoon drive from DC to Rehoboth, I was inspired to stop and snap these photos.

Todd's Chapel, just off Route 16 west of Greenwood.

St. Johnstown Church, just off Route 16 east of Greenwood.

Sand Hill Church, on Sand Hill Road in Sussex County.

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Observations, Photos

A Simple Muskrat Hat




When in Manhattan, I like to stop by Bergdorf Goodman, the luxury good purveyor at 5th Avenue and the south end of Central Park.  There’s always something to catch my eye.  This time, I went with a mission.  Seems they carry muskrat hats for men.  I saw it online:  natural brown Canadian muskrat with ear flaps that can be worn up or down;  originally $450, but now only $220.  Well, after having eaten the critter, I thought I just might need a muskrat hat for the winter social season in Rehoboth.

I dropped in between meetings and headed directly to the men’s hat department, making a big pronouncement about my coming from Delaware to buy a muskrat hat. The snooty older gentleman working the men’s hat section looked me up and down and down and up, and then said  “Sir, we don’t carry muskrat hats…I can show you silver fox or mink or even coyote, but I assure you we have no muskrat.”  Luckily, I was dressed well in black slacks, grey herringbone sport coat, black loafers, and Burberry scarf.

I replied that I had spotted it online, whereupon the old boy sniffed and said “well, we don’t carry it at this store.” Whereupon I said “good day, I shan’t be buying a thing today,” and walked out.

I did notice some cotton animal-themes hats on a stand outside Bergdorf’s. The rooster was the closest hat to Delaware I could find.  If only I’d bought it.

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