1942: Delaware

Area and Population.

Delaware, next in size to the smallest state in the Union, has a land area of 1,965 sq. mi. and 405 sq. mi. of inland water surface. It reaches only 95 mi. from the northernmost point to the southernmost, and 35 mi. across at the widest part, the southern section of the state. According to the 1940 census the population of the state was 266,505, an increase of 11.8 per cent over that of 1930. Wilmington, the largest city, has a population of 112,504; Dover, the capital, 5,517; Newark, 4,502; New Castle, 4,414; Milford, 4,214. The Negro population is 35,876, while citizens listed under 'other races,' including mainly Indians, Chinese, and Japanese, number 98 in New Castle County, 2 in Kent County, and only 1 for Sussex County. There are just 3 counties in the state.

Education.

In 1941-42, 43,098 persons between the ages of 5 and 20 were attending school. The 152 elementary schools had 25,723 pupils enrolled, and the 44 high schools, 17,375. The state expenditure for public schools was $4,530,990.97. The average of teachers' salaries in elementary schools was $1,518, and in high schools $1,772.

The loss of qualified teachers to the armed forces and war industries is seriously threatening to impair efficiency in the Delaware public schools. An effort is being made to increase the present salaries of teachers and other school employees, to meet in some measure the rising cost of living. The teachers have given much of their time, and have rendered valuable service, in registering the men of Delaware for Selective Service, rationing sugar and gasoline, taking first-aid courses, and arranging for air-raid drills and evacuations in the schools in case of attack.

Agriculture.

Agriculture is the most important industry in Delaware. The average increase in agricultural products in 1942 was from 10 to 15 per cent above 1941. The total acreage in Delaware for canning crops in 1942 was 35,320 acres in comparison with 31,340 acres in 1941. In direct contrast, the acreage planted for market crops was reduced by 1,000 acres. In 1942, there was an increase in the canned pack of asparagus, tomatoes, corn, and string beans, while the pack of peas was reduced because of a decrease in production, and the canning of squash and pumpkin was reduced because of a decrease in the allotment of tin.

In 1942 the number of acres of grain planted were as follows: corn, 137,000; wheat, 61,000; and hay, 69,000. At government request, there was an increase in the production of soy beans, from 53,000 a. in 1941 to 66,000 a. in 1942. The production of apples was also increased in 1942, while there was a reduction in peaches, caused by a severe frost in Sussex County.

Sussex County, the southernmost county, is the largest broiler-producing county in the United States. The value of poultry in the state is estimated to more than equal the value of all other farm commodities. The estimated number of broilers produced throughout the state was 50,000,000 for 1942. The largest chicken-canning plant in the world, located at Dover, cans about 4,500,000 chickens annually.

The most serious agricultural problems are lack of farm labor, brought about by the shift to defense industries, and Selective Service, and a transportation shortage because a large part of the farm commodities are ordinarily moved by truck.

Industry.

The war has affected industrial plants in Delaware, inasmuch as there are 83 industries in the state engaged in war production. Included in this number are 6 ship-building plants, an airplane manufacturing plant, chemical plants, nylon and rayon plants, the manufacture of synthetic rubber, cotton goods, machinery, leather, vulcanized fiber, steel, plumbing fixtures, clothing, and textiles.

In Delaware are located the headquarters of the great chemical companies — DuPont, Atlas, and Hercules, and the enormous experimental laboratories of these companies are bending every effort to develop new products helpful in the war effort.

The survey of employment for the Wilmington industrial area, made by the Chamber of Commerce, shows 60,442 persons engaged in manufacturing and distribution on Aug. 15, 1942, as compared with 53,545 on the same date in 1941. It is estimated that at the peak of war production in this area employment will reach between 70,000 and 75,000.

Political and Other Events.

Col. William J. Storey, who has served as deputy Attorney-General for Kent County since July 8, 1933, was appointed by Governor Bacon in 1942 to the office of Secretary of State to succeed Earle D. Willey, recently elected Representative in Congress from Delaware. Col. Storey assumed his duties on Jan. 1, 1943.

Although Delaware has a small population in comparison with the other states, it is well to the fore in war activities. More than 100,000 of its citizens have volunteered and are participating in some phase of civilian defense. The state stands high in per capita sales of War Bonds and collection of salvage. The coming into the state of great numbers of workers required by war industry has caused the housing situation to become serious.

Three airports built by local communities, and one private airport, have been taken over by the Army for air activities. These are the New Castle County Airport, now occupied by the First Ferry Command; the Dover Airport, now occupied by bombing and fighter commands; the Rehoboth Airport, now occupied by the civil air patrol; and the DuPont Airport used by the Ferry Command for training purposes. Delaware has three army posts: Fort DuPont, Fort Saulsbury, and Fort Miles.

Finance.

The result of operation of state finances during the past fiscal year, July 1, 1941, to July 1, 1942, showed an increase in the state's surplus of $1,683,894.99. The general fund revenue was increased over the anticipated amount by $783,214.14, due mainly to an increase in liquor and beer taxes, racetrack revenue, income tax, franchise tax, and gasoline tax.

On June 30, 1942, the state debt was $5,174,000.00.

Relief expenditures from state funds from July 1, 1941, to June 30, 1942, were $136,603.57; unemployment benefits, $605,437.50; old-age pensions, $177,853.94; mothers' pensions, $57,902.86.

Banking.

On June 30, 1942, Delaware had 14 licensed national banks with deposits of $21,839,587.57, loans of $8,841,373.51, and investments of $10,081,537.59; and 30 licensed state banks and trust companies with deposits of $254,699,155.04, loans of $74,608,619.20, and investments of $150,636,699.74.

State Officers.

Governor, Walter W. Bacon; Lieutenant Governor, Isaac J. MacCollum; Secretary of State, William J. Storey; Treasurer, John S. Isaacs; Auditor, J. Morris Harrington; Attorney-General, Clair J. Killoran; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Harry V. Holloway.

United States Senators:

James H. Hughes, James M. Tunnell, Sr.

1941: Delaware

Area and Population.

Delaware, one of the thirteen original states, ranks 47th in size among the states, with an area of 2,057 sq. mi., including 79 sq. mi. of inland water surface, according to remeasurements of the United States undertaken for the 16th census in 1940. In population it ranks 46th, numbering 266,505 according to the 1940 census, an increase of 11.8 per cent over that of 1930. Wilmington, the largest city, has a population of 112,504; Dover, the capital, 5,517; Neward, 4,502; New Castle, 4,414; Milford, 4,214. The Negro population is 35,876.

Education.

The state has a free public-school system, under the direction of a State Board of Education composed of six members appointed by the Governor. As provided in the State Constitution, separate schools are maintained for white and for Negro children. In 1940-41, there were 43,948 persons between the ages of 5 and 20 attending school. The 196 elementary schools had 863 teachers, with 25,992 pupils enrolled, and the 33 high schools had 810 teachers, with 17,956 pupils. The total expenditure for public schools was $4,907,133. The average salary for elementary teachers was $1,492, and for high school teachers, $1,766.

A most significant change in the Delaware system, which went into effect as of July 1, 1941, is a new method of financing public education. The progress of Delaware schools since 1919 was made possible by the plan put into effect by the 1921 Legislature, whereby the income from certain sources was definitely set aside for the support of schools. This former plan of financing took the burden of school support from real property, and put it principally upon income and franchise taxes. As a result of this, no school tax has been assessed since 1929 upon real property for the current maintenance of the schools. A school-building program involving the appropriation of state funds amounting to $12,717,385.92 was made possible, and an increase of state appropriations, from $2,200,000 a year in 1921-22 to $4,000,000 a year in 1940-41, was likewise made possible, all of this without additional burden upon Delaware taxpayers.

What the new method of financing will mean to the subsequent development of public education in Delaware remains to be seen. The method of distribution of state funds used in making the appropriations for the biennium beginning July 1, 1941, whereby definite amounts are allotted for definite items in each individual budget for each school having a separate board of school trustees or board of education, is open to serious question, inasmuch as pupil enrollment in the various schools is eliminated as a definite basis for such distribution.

The division of vocational education is taking an active part in the National Defense Program. In accordance with the National Defense Training Program in November, 1941, 51 classes had been organized in Programs 1, 4, and 5. Program 1, for Trades and Industries, consists of preparatory training, with supplementary training for men already employed, mainly in shipbuilding, aircraft, and chemicals. There are 35 such classes, with about 500 persons enrolled. Program 4, for Out-of-School Youth between the ages of 17 and 25, especially rural youth, is designed to create a reservoir of trained youth for defense industries and to increase the skill of farm workers. Six classes, with an enrollment of about 125, have been started in elementary electricity, woodworking, machine work and auto mechanics, Program 5 is related to training under vocational authorities for N.Y.A. Project workers. There are 10 of these classes with about 200 students.

Agriculture.

Agriculture is the most important industry in Delaware, with the farms in the state numbering 8,994, a decrease of 7.35 per cent since the 1930 census. The farms cover a total area of 895,507 a., of which 569,583 a. are available for crops.

Sussex County, the southernmost county, is the largest broiler-producing county in the United States. The value of poultry in the state is estimated to equal the value of all other farm commodities combined. Poultry blood-testing work and disease control have increased, about 325,000 blood tests having been made during 1941.

Federal-State inspection of peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupes, early and late apples, has been organized for certifying as to the grade of the products, and for the purpose of promoting a more amicable relationship between seller and buyer.

An Act relating to the marketing of eggs was passed by the 1941 General Assembly which makes it unlawful to sell any eggs that are unfit for human consumption, or to represent as fresh or new-laid those which no longer are. An amendment was made to the apple law, in reference to shipment of closed packages of apples which makes marking the grade of the apple optional with the grower. An Act was passed providing for the establishment of an Agricultural Research Sub-Station for Lower Delaware.

Industry.

The Pusey and Jones Co., of Wilmington, has developed rapidly during the past year in shipbuilding for defense. The American Car and Foundry Co. has come to the fore in producing boats. The Bethlehem Steel Co. has increased its production of machinery, and the leather companies have forged ahead. The Vinyard Shipbuilding Co. at Milford has also taken an important part in defense production. The Nylon Plant at Seaford has continued its rapid output.

The Industrial Department of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has announced the construction of a new manufacturing plant for cereals by the Ralston Purina Company. It is to be completed by the summer of 1942.

On Nov. 30, 1941, the total acreage of state forest lands under the administration of the State Forestry Department was 4.096 a. The first unit in New Castle County was secured this year, consisting of Blackbird Forest covering 672 a. A new forest fire lookout tower 120 feet tall has been erected about 1 miles north of Smyrna, with superior equipment and several improved features.

Legislation.

The 'Fair Trade Act,' which was passed by the 1941 Legislature, was an Act which attracted much attention during the session. This is an Act to protect trademark owners, producers, distributors and the general public against injurious and uneconomic practices in the distribution of competitive commodities bearing a distinguishing trademark, brand or name.

An important change was made in the motor-vehicle laws when the method and time of registration and inspection of motor vehicles was changed by providing for registration plates and permanent number plates. An Act was passed providing for the registration of professional engineers and land surveyors in the state. Delaware's Sunday blue laws, which had existed for 200 years, were repealed by the 1941 Legislature.

Political and Other Events.

On Jan. 21, 1941, Walter W. Bacon was inaugurated as Governor. The 1941 Legislature provided for the creation of a Delaware State Guard. In accordance with this Act three infantry companies have been formed, with Company A at Wilmington, Company B at Dover, and Company C at Milford.

Another Act which might be considered a defense measure was passed to regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, use and possession of explosives.

An Act relating to national and state defense provides for the establishment of a State Council of Defense, and for local and district Councils of Defense. This Defense Council is functioning, and much has been done relative to medical surveys of physicians, hospitals and nurses in the state; vocational training for defense Industries; surveys of industrial plants showing number and types of all machinery and productive capacity and wage rates; organization of 69 airplane observation spotting posts with a personnel of about 1400; checking on fire-fighting equipment available, and all equipment owned or in control of the police units of the state.

Delaware's two National Guard Units have been mustered into Federal Service. They are the 198th Coast Artillery, anti-aircraft; and the 261st Coast Artillery, for harbor defense. The three Government military posts located in Delaware are Fort DuPont, Fort Saulsbury, and Fort Miles (also naval). Airports are being constructed in the 3 counties in accordance with the National Defense Act.

The St. George's bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which has been under construction, is to be completed in 1942.

Finances.

For the year ending June 30, 1941, the receipts and disbursements (excluding sinking fund) of the state were:

On June 30, 1941, the state debt was $4,195,000.00.

Relief expenditures from state funds from July 1, 1940 to June 30, 1941, were $187,432.31; unemployment benefits, $649,188.00; old-age pensions paid by state (pensions, $171,340.25; burials, $920.00), totalling $172,260.25; mothers' pensions paid by the state, $59,913.87.

Banking.

On June 30, 1941, Delaware had 15 licensed National Banks with deposits of $19,916,903.44; loans of $9,175,410.15; and investments of $8,188,304.46; and 30 licensed State Banks and Trust Companies with deposits of $250,244,519.23; loans of $75,159,453.15, and investments of $121,662,743.98.

State Officers.

Governor, Walter W. Bacon; Lieutenant Governor, Isaac J. MacCollum; Secretary of State, Earle D. Willey; Treasurer, Peter S. Collins; Auditor, Dr. Harrison M. Manning; Attorney General, James R. Morford; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Harry V. Holloway.

United States Senators:

James H. Hughes, James M. Tunnell, Sr.

1940: Delaware

Area and Population.

Delaware, next to the smallest state in the Union, has a land area of 1965 sq. mi. with 405 sq. mi. of water. It extends only 95 miles from the northernmost point to the southernmost, and only 35 miles at the widest part, in the southern section. According to the 1940 census the population of the state was 266,505, an increase of 11.8 per cent over that of 1930. Wilmington, the largest city, has a population of 112,504; Dover, the capital, 5,517; Newark, 4,502; New Castle, 4,414; Milford, 4,214.

Education.

As provided in Delaware's Constitution, separate schools are maintained for white and for Negro children. In 1939-40, 44,372 persons between the ages of 5 and 20 were attending school. The 210 elementary schools had 874 teachers and 26,111 pupils enrolled, and the 33 high schools had 789 teachers and 18,261 pupils. The total expenditure for public schools was $5,520,989.16. The average salary for elementary teachers is $1,468 and for high school teachers, $1,729.

A motion picture and slide history of America has been presented to the Delaware schools — public and parochial — as a gift from public-spirited citizens. The films, issued by Yale University, are 'The Chronicles of America' photoplays and the 'stills' are part of the American collection, 'The Pageant of America' lantern slides. In addition, sets of 'The Chronicles of America' and 'The Pageant of America' have been distributed to the libraries of each of the high schools in Delaware, and a set of the latter to several junior high and elementary schools.

The Delaware Vocational Rehabilitation Act has been in operation since August 1, 1939. Under provisions of the Act the Department of Public Instruction was designated the administrative unit and the State Board for Vocational Education the supervisory agency. The program is financed jointly by the state and Federal Governments.

Agriculture.

Agriculture is the most important industry in Delaware, with 73 per cent of the land in farms, which number 10,381 and cover a total area of 921,251 acres, of which 504,171 acres are crop land.

The State Department of Agriculture in 1940 established a new state egg-marketing system based on standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture. Egg-grading stations have been opened in Dover and Middletown by the Southern States Marketing Cooperative.

The poultry industry in Delaware has received widespread recognition, particularly the broiler division which produces more than half of the state's farm income. Poultry blood-testing work and disease control have increased, 263,000 blood tests having been made during the past year.

Industry.

Of the fifty-six industrial plants enrolled in the interplant safety contest of the Delaware Safety Council, fifteen reported no accidents for the first seven months of 1940. The Seaford operating plant of the Du Pont Company was first in competition among Group A, or the larger plants. The Pullman Company and the Du Pont Company's experimental station, chemical division, were respectively second and third. The three leading plants in Group B, or smaller plants, were the Delaware Electric and Power Company, mechanical division; the Modern Bond Corporation; and the Baker-Layton Machine Company.

The number of men employed in industry increased from 18,376 in June to 18,605 for July. Plants enrolled reported 21,371,631 man-hours of work for the 1940 period ending July 31.

Finances.

The result of operation of state finances during the past fiscal year (July 1, 1939-June 30, 1940) showed a decrease in the state's surplus of $880,904.33. The general fund revenue increased over the anticipated amount by $227,441.88, due mainly to increases in inheritance and estate taxes, revenue from the Delaware Liquor Commission, and mercantile licenses.

No money was borrowed from the banks, and $300,000 was repaid to them of moneys that had been borrowed during the previous year.

For the year ending June 30, 1940, the receipts and disbursements (excluding sinking fund) of the state were:

On June 30, 1940, the state debt was $4,386,000.

Relief expenditures from state funds from July 1, 1939 to June 30, 1940 amounted to $240,495.95; unemployment benefits, $843,184.60; old-age-pensions paid by the state, $176,450.50; mothers' pensions paid by the state, $57,209.36.

Banking.

On June 29, 1940, Delaware had 15 licensed National Banks with deposits of $19,692,000, loans of $8,802,000 and investments of $7,295,000; the 31 licensed State banks and trust companies had deposits of $221,915,000, loans of $70,739,000 and investments of $105,845,000.

Political Events.

The result of the fall election was peculiar in that while the Democratic presidential nominee received a plurality of 13,209 votes, the Republican candidate for Governor was elected with a plurality of 9,533 votes. All the other top-ranking offices were filled by Democrats.

State Officers.

Governor, Walter W. Bacon; Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Isaac J. MacCollum; Secretary of State, Earle D. Willey; Treasurer, Peter Collins; Auditor, Dr. Harrison Manning; Attorney General, James R. Morford; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Harry V. Holloway.

United States Senators:

James H. Hughes, James M. Tunnell, Sr.

1939: Delaware

Area and Population.

Delaware, the second smallest state in the United States, has a land area of 1965 sq. mi. and 405 sq. mi. of water surface. According to the 1930 census, the population was 238,380; the latest Federal estimate, July 1, 1937, was 261,000. Of the 1930 population, 205,694 were white; 32,602 Negro; 10,285 Italian; 8,939 Polish; other races, about 125. Wilmington, the largest city, had a population of 106,597 in 1930; Dover, the capital, 4,800.

Education.

For the school year 1938-39, the school population (5 to 20 years) was 44,538. The state had 215 elementary schools with 890 teachers and 26,305 enrolled pupils, and 33 high schools with 784 teachers and 18,233 enrolled pupils. The state expenditure for elementary and high schools was $4,994,925. The average salary paid to teachers, exclusive of superintendents and principals, was $1,420 for elementary teachers and $1,663 for teachers in secondary schools.

Agriculture.

Agriculture is the most important industry in Delaware, 73 per cent of the land being in farms. In 1939 these numbered 10,381 and covered a total area of 921,251 acres, of which 504,171 acres were crop land. In 1938, the cash income from crops amounted to $7,179,000; from livestock, $8,022,000; and from poultry, $9,078,717.

Delaware farmers are also engaged extensively in the production of poultry and dairy products. Sussex county, in the southern part of the state, ranks first among broiler-producing counties in the United States; it is estimated that 36,000,000 broilers were produced in the state during 1939.

At the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1939, the total acreage of state forest lands under the administration of the State Forestry Department was 3,078.11.

Industry.

The number of manufacturing industries in Delaware in 1937 was 359 with 21,052 wage-earners, earning $22,991,808. The industrial plants of Delaware include many connected with agriculture, such as canning, fertilizer mixing, and basket manufacturing plants.

At Milford, an internationally known dental supply manufacturing plant is located; and the largest chicken packing-house in the United States is at Dover. Wilmington's manufactures include car wheels, boilers, pipe, brick, cork products, tanning extracts, silks, rayons, and jute products. Near the city many fine yachts, steamers and other sea-plying vessels are also made. Other industrial plants in Delaware include the largest single cotton dyeing and finishing plant in the world, the largest single plant for braided rubber hose, plants devoted to building and repairing steel and railway coaches, airplane manufacturing plants, titanium pigments plants, and various chemical plants. Paper, vulcanized fibre, glazed kid, morocco leather, and leather belting are important industries. During 1939 a nylon yarn plant, costing about $8,000,000 was constructed at Seaford and production is expected to begin in 1940.

Legislative and Political Affairs.

Due to the political set-up, consisting of a Democratic Governor with both houses Republican, the Legislature was in session longer than usual in 1939, adjourning sine die on August 28. Since the Republican members enacted certain 'ripper' legislation over the Governor's veto, the Democratic members formed a bloc and decided to vote against all measures requiring a two-thirds or three-fourths majority for passage, until the Republican members should recall such legislation. One of the most important laws passed, of state-wide interest, was the establishment of a permanent Budget Commission for the state. The office of Vice-Chancellor of the Court of Chancery for the state was also created at this session. The American Holly was adopted as the state tree, and the Blue Hen's Chicken as the state bird.

Former Governor Robert P. Robinson of Wilmington, who was Chief Executive of Delaware from 1925-1929, died March 4, 1939.

On Nov. 16, 17, and 18 the city of Wilmington observed the 200th anniversary of the chartering of Wilmington, with a parade and special programs.

Finance.

The state debt on June 30, 1939, was $4,872,000,00. Relief expenditures by the state from July 1, 1938, to June 30, 1939, amounted to $301,114.56; Old-Age Pensions, $172,667.00, and Mothers' Pensions, $60,251.00. Unemployment Benefits paid from January 1 to June 30 totaled $397,563.01.

Banking.

On June 30, 1939. Delaware had 15 licensed National Banks with deposits of $17,357,000, loans of $8,285,000, and investments of $9,113,000; as well as 31 licensed State Banks and Trust Companies with deposits of $191,427,000, loans of $70,079,000 and investments of $98,089,000.

Welfare and Correction.

The only state institution that deals with the care of aged persons is the Old Age Welfare Home at Smyrna. Private institutions for the care of the aged, which are partly supported by the State, are the Palmer Home at Dover and the Layton Home for Aged Colored People, Wilmington.

The State Board of Charities, with offices at Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown, cares for children in the state. Among the functions of the Board, one of the most important is the care and protection of dependent and neglected children, generally through foster homes. Other functions of this Board relative to child care are investigation in all adoption matters, and the licensing of child-caring institutions and agencies, and boarding homes for children. The State Board licensed the following private child-caring institutions during 1939: Catholic Welfare Guild, Children's Bureau of Delaware, Children's Home, Florence Crittenton Home, Delaware Children's Home Society (ceased functioning August 31), St. Michael's Home for Babies (ceased functioning March, 1939).

The Delaware Commission for the Feeble-Minded supervises Delaware Colony, a home for feeble-minded persons, near Stockley. Delaware State Hospital at Farnhurst cares for the insane and for persons suffering from mental and nervous diseases.

Brandywine Sanatorium, near Wilmington, for the treatment of tuberculosis patients in the state, and Edgewood Sanatorium, at Marshallton, for the care and prevention of tuberculosis among Negro patients in the state are both under the direction of the State Board of Health.

State reformatories include: Ferris Industrial School, Marshallton, for delinquent boys; Delaware Industrial School for Girls, Claymont; and the Industrial School for Colored Girls, Marshallton.

State Officers.

The chief state officers are as follows: Governor, Richard C. McMullen; Lieutenant Governor, Edward W. Cooch: Secretary of State, Josiah Marvel, Jr.; Treasurer, Fagan H. Simonton; Auditor, Benjamin I. Shaw; Attorney General, James R. Morford; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Harry V. Holloway.

United States Senators.

John G. Townsend. Jr., James H. Hughes.

1938: Delaware

Area and Population.

Popularly known as 'the Blue Hen State,' Delaware was one of the thirteen original states. With an area of 2,370 sq. mi., it ranks 47th in size among the states. In population it ranks 46th, numbering 238,380 according to the census of 1930; 261,000 on July 1, 1937, according to the latest Federal estimate. Of the 1930 population, the native whites numbered 188,809; the foreign-born, 16,885; and Negroes, 36,602. The largest cities are Wilmington, 106,597 (1930 census); and Dover, the capital, 4,800.

Agriculture.

Agriculture is the main industry in Delaware. There are 10,381 farms covering a total area of 921,251 acres, of which 504,171 acres are crop land. The value of the farm lands and buildings in Delaware is $51,475,728. The cash income from January 1 to December 31st, 1937, was $8,725,000 from crops, and $7,000,000 from poultry.

Industry.

According to the 1935 census, there were 343 manufacturing establishments in Delaware; these employed 17,833 wage earners, earning $17,197,000. The value of the products was $86,452,000.

The outstanding industrial development of 1938 was the selection of a site at Seaford, Delaware, for the erection of a $7,000,000 textile yarn plant by E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.

Education.

Delaware continued its progress in modern education during the year. Significant events included the formation of discussion groups composed of principals and teachers in different sections of the state, who meet for the discussion of the functions of the secondary school and suitable curricula; home visits on the part of the home economics teachers; and the further development of social studies in the elementary schools.

Legislation.

The General Assembly of Delaware did not meet in 1938, and therefore no important legislative acts took place during the year. However, at a special session of the state Senate in Dover on Dec. 7, 1938, the Governor's appointment of Judge W. W. Harrington as the new Chancellor to succeed the late Josiah O. Wolcott (d. Nov. 11) was confirmed. This left a vacancy on the bench, which was filled by the appointment of Secretary of State Charles L. Terry as Associate Judge for Kent County. The office of Secretary of State was then filled by the appointment of Josiah Marvel, Jr., of Wilmington.

The 1938 election was a reversal of that of 1936, resulting in an overwhelming Republican Lower House and a Republican majority of three in the Senate.

Events of Interest.

Delaware was transformed into a 'Girls' State' on April 30, 1938, and a 'Boys' State' on May 14, as the girls and boys, meeting on their separate 'days' in the Legislative Building at Dover, took the part of state officials and members of the legislature, and 'ruled' Delaware for a day.

Delaware took part in the National Air Mail Week Observance, May 15-21, 1938, by using on all air mail during that week a cachet bearing the Delaware state seal. In addition, four direct flights of air mail were made from the Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover and Rehoboth Airports to Central Airport at Camden, New Jersey.

On June 27, 1938, Delaware celebrated the three hundredth anniversary of the first permanent settlement in Delaware by Swedish and Finnish colonists. A royal delegation arrived from Sweden and Finland for the event. Crown Prince Gustaf Adolph of Sweden, was prevented by illness from leaving the steamship, but Crown Princess Louise and their son, Prince Bertil, participated in the ceremonies, which took place on the site where the first settlers landed in the spring of 1638; the Rocks at Wilmington, now a part of Fort Christina State Park.

Finance and Banking.

The report of the State Auditor at the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1938, showed that the state's total assets, including current and capital assets were $65,281,978.02; the total cash, excluding the sinking fund, was $4,439,499.45, and the outstanding debt amounted to $3,467,000. On June 30, 1938, Delaware had 16 licensed national banks with deposits of $17,760,544.68, loans of $8,083,630.12, and investments of $9,891,615.59; the 41 licensed state banks and trust companies had deposits of $171,005,662.31.

State Officers.

The chief officers of the state are: Governor, Richard C. McMullen; Lieutenant Governor, Edward W. Cooch; Secretary of State (Charles L. Terry, resigned) Josiah Marvel, Jr.; Attorney-General, James R. Morford; State Treasurer, Fagan H. Simonton; State Auditor, Benjamin I. Shaw.

United State Senators.

John G. Townsend, Jr., James H. Hughes.