History of Bethany Beach, Delaware

This is in contrast to the towns of Dewey Beach and Rehobeth, where charged atmospheres attract more wild crowds. Bethany Beach as a quiet resort town arose from humble beginnings. In 1901, the Disciples of Christ built the Tabernacle, but the town was not town proper. It was a religious retreat. One property was given, a 15 acre land, to Dr. Power, a representative of the Christian Missionary Society by the Bethany Beach Improvement Company. Problems ensued, such as a failed promise for a railroad, poor water, and flooding of the town's auditorium. The officers were fired and a group out of Pittsburgh were hired. They resurrected the town. They were W.R. Errett, a lawyer; John M. Addy, a plumber; W.S. Kidd, a steel manufacturer; R.S. Latimer, a tea merchant; Dr. T.E. Cramblet, president of Bethany College in WV; and W.A Dinker, the first president of the new company. Bethany Beach's location was especially difficult to reach, taking an average trip from Washington DC two days. And because of the town's vulnerable location, buildings, such as the Tabernacle, were either damaged beyond repair or moved. As a town which boasts its quaint and quiet atmosphere, laws demanded no liquor be sold, houses kept in appearance. Women were accepted early on for Suffrage Movement. Two early commissioners were women. Throughout the 20th century, women played a major role in creating and maintaining Bethany Beach. With the constructions of a railroad, roads, bridges, popularity grew. While it is an ocean resort town, with a boardwalk, restaurants, and shops, Bethany Beach has not lost touch with its roots, aptly known as a "haven for rest for quiet people". Population as of 2006 is 943 permanent residents.