President Warren Harding visits Milford

This week we continue our election year series on presidential visits to Delaware. Now we’re closer to home. Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson touched base last week with this contribution.

“In my family, we have a certain connection to a U.S. president who visited Milford, on the Sussex side! My mom’s family - the Rogers’ - hail from Milford.  My grandfather, John R. Rogers, bought the family home in 1955 and opened Rogers Funeral Home, located at the intersection of Kings Highway and Lakeview Avenue. The house remains in the family to this day with my uncle, Perry R. Rogers, operating the funeral business. This home was originally built by the Griers and was known as the Grier Mansion.

“On June 9, 1923, President Warren G. Harding visited the Grier Mansion and dined at the home for his induction into the local Masonic Lodge (No. 49, Tall Cedars of Lebanon).  The attached picture which has hung in my grandparents’ home my entire life, shows the president and his hosts on the lawn of the property. According to the description, from left to right are Dr. Walter Grier, Sen. Heisler Ball, George Christian (secretary to the president), President Warren G. Harding and Dr. Frank L. Grier.

“I did some quick research and was able to drill down a little further on this presidential visit. Very fascinating!  The president left Milford and went to Lewes and boarded the presidential yacht, Sequoia.

“As I prepare to enjoy a beautiful Return Day in Sussex County, I am very proud to share with you my family’s tiny connection to a presidential visit.”