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In the late 17th century, John Avery, one of Delaware’s early settlers, claimed more than 900 acres around Rehoboth Bay. His settlement, today known as Avery’s Rest, will be the topic of a presentation Friday, May 16, at a Lewes Historical Society program recognizing May as Delaware Archeological Month.
The presentation by Delaware archeologists Craig Lukezic and Dan Griffith, at Lewes Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, Kings Highway and Franklin Street, begins at 7:30 p.m.
According to Lukezic, the Avery site was discovered in 1977 as state officials were doing survey work for a housing development around the Inland Bays. “Local legend was that Avery was a sea captain who may have raided the early Dutch settlement at Lewes. He certainly was a controversial justice of the peace of Whorekill Court in 1678, and he later was made a judge,” said Lukezic.
He explained that “this Rehoboth-area dig has turned up a number of items such as fragments of plaster which wouldn’t have been common on walls of houses of that era. They serve as a clue that Avery was a wealthy man.”
Lukezic noted that “among other key finds of the excavation were two wells, a fence line and numerous small pits, probably dug to get clay.
Clay can be used to make bricks, yet not many bricks have been found.”
He added, “Many typical items such as pipe bowls, brass buckles and Staffordshire slipware have been unearthed.” He said that this site is significant also because the state’s small group of archeologists have combined forces with the Archeological Society of Delaware. The Friday evening program will feature photos and artifacts found at the site as well as discussion of what is known about John Avery and his family.
The Lewes Historical Society, will resume its programs in September. Citizens with program ideas should contact Michael DiPaolo at the Lewes Historical Society 302-645-7670.
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