OK, now it’s really summer, and so far, either it’s been hot, or it’s been raining. But it brought to mind why the Wilmington area was settled over 350 years ago--the creeks and rivers provided rushing water at the southern end of the Piedmont, otherwise known as the “Fall Line.”  If you built a mill, the rushing water would make you wealthy! The other day, after a couple of days of pouring down rain, I went down to the Brandywine Creek and saw that it was speedily pulsing along the banks looking for mill wheels to turn--but it's been about 100 years since the last mills made paper, ground corn, or made flour! One of the last mills was the Webster Mill on the Shellpot Creek, which emptied into the Brandywine. The Historic Webster home is now on the market, an unique opportunity to own a piece of Wilmington's milling history and a fine late 18th Century Historic Home

Saturday, July 4, Independence Day program will be offered as part of the First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover Screenings at 11 a.m., 1 and 5 p.m. of “Thunder and Rain,” a film about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence. At 2 and 4 p.m., the bell of The Old State House will ring in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by site interpreters, dressed in period clothing, who will recite the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. Museum open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 302-744-5055. Another event on July 4 is “Stars and Stripes.” Guided tours explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

The Lewes Historical Society Summer Craft Fair is on Saturday, July 11, from 9:00am until 4:00pm at the Historic Campus at Second & Shipcarpenter Streets in downtown Lewes, Delaware. Come enjoy handmade artwork by more than 70 artisans, including pottery, jewelry, wood, metal, and mixed-media.  Bring your friends and family to a festive atmosphere, with beautiful crafts, works by featured artist Penny Long, and live music from 10:00am-2:00pm by New & Used Bluegrass Band.  Enjoy a delicious lunch by Casa Amici, along with cold treats by Vitale's Italian Ice. Experience a full day of fun- outdoors at the beautiful grounds of The Lewes Historical Society. .  Admission will be $5.00 per person, children under 12 are free.

Town Tours and Village Walks continue on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. in Chester County towns and villages. On July 9 the ever popular Chester Springs will talk about what archaeologists have found in the village from arrow points to art supplies.1685 Art School Road,Chester Springs.

On July 16, West Vincent Twp. will present Into West Vincent: A Journey to Freedom, with tales of local Quaker families who were part of the Underground Railroad. Meet at 1727 Flint Rd. at intersection with Kimberton Rd. 

On July 23, Phoenixville will present A Walk in the park:  exploring Phoenixville’s Reeves Park which is located at 3rd and Main Street in Phoenixville. Street parking is available around the park and on side streets. Much of Phoenixville’s rich heritage reflects the Phoenix Iron and Steel Company’s approach to hiring regardless of race, religion or ethnicity. Reeve's Park band shell. 

On July 30, East Whiteland will present Walking Through History on the Chester Valley Trail. Tours will start at the East Whiteland Township building at 209 Conestoga Road. Walk along the trail of days gone  by and learn a rich history ranging from limestone quarries to revolutionary battlegrounds. A complete schedule is available for Town Talks and Village Walks.

Old New Castle is again hosting Wednesday night summer concerts in Battery Park, 3rd and South Streets every Weds. from 6:30-8 p.m.  Bring your dinner and a blanket or sample local food vendors while you listen to the music and enjoy the breeze from the Delaware River in this charming riverfront town.

Wilmington, Delaware is holding a July 4 Celebration on the Riverfront starting at 2 p.m. and ending with fireworks. But remember, you must park by 8:30 p.m. because roads will be switched to one way out of parking lots. There will be rides, games, an obstacle course, historical reenactments, magicians, and various food and drink vendors. Enjoy the funky sounds of the Big Package Band, the pop dance rhythms of G2 The Band, and a musical experience from UGO who will rock you every second of the performance!
 Include a live DJ and you have a recipe that will keep you dancing right up until the fireworks

 A public meeting to help plan for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of historic preservation laws in Delaware will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm in the Historic Odessa Bank building on Main St. in Odessa, Delaware.To reserve a space contact Kim Burdick KimRburdick@aol.com (302) 543-5723 (voice mail)

Please stay tuned to the Carolyn Roland Older and Historic Homes website for some interesting historic listings which will be coming for salesoon.