People who live or visit Lewes probably walk by this sign posted near the door of the 103-year-old Lewes Post Office and never notice it. It’s a reminder of Cold War days when the threat of nuclear war with Russia hung over our heads. The official sign was designed by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineer graphic artist.
Through the federal Community Fallout Shelter Program, many public buildings – including schools – were designated as makeshift fallout shelters in the 1950s and 1960s. Funds were available to stock the shelters with food, water and medicine. Believe it or not, the program was in effect until the early 1970s when funding was stopped.
Most of us who were in school during the Cold War days can recall weekly air raid drills when we either hid under our desks or gathered in the hall and covered our heads. As little kids, little did we know what good that would have done had nuclear missiles or a hydrogen bomb hit the Washington, D.C, or Dover Air Force Base area. Eventually, I decided that in a real attack, I would get home as fast as possible and wait for the end of the world with my family. That was a lot to comprehend for an elementary school student.
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Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.
Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com
