Cool Spring in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Delaware Children's Theatre
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 24, 2016
1. Delaware Children's Theatre Marker
Inscription.
Delaware Children's Theatre. . Plans for this colonial revival-style structure were drawn by Philadelphia architect Minerva Parker Nichols, one of the first female architects in the United States. Construction of the building, which features eclectic components as well as the Palladian windows and gambrel roof associated with Nichols' work, began in 1892. After its completion in 1893, the building was formally occupied by the New Century Club of Wilmington until 1975 when declining membership prompted its sale. In 1982 Marie and John Swajeski purchased the building to serve as the home for the Delaware Children's Theatre, formerly known as the Children's Repertoire Theatre. Founded by the Swajeskis in 1973, the theatre has served as an important cultural resource for Delaware children and their families, and remains committed to the historic building's preservation for the enjoyment of current and future generations. To honor Mrs. Swajeski's extensive work with the community, September 18th was declared "Marie Swajeski Day" and entered into the Congressional Record by Delaware Senator Thomas Carper in 2004. Vice-President of the United States Joseph Biden, and early supporter of the theatre and former Delaware Senator, personally congratulated Mrs. Swajeski.
Plans for this colonial revival-style structure were drawn by Philadelphia architect Minerva Parker Nichols, one of the first female architects in the United States. Construction of the building, which features eclectic components as well as the Palladian windows and gambrel roof associated with Nichols' work, began in 1892. After its completion in 1893, the building was formally occupied by the New Century Club of Wilmington until 1975 when declining membership prompted its sale. In 1982 Marie and John Swajeski purchased the building to serve as the home for the Delaware Children's Theatre, formerly known as the Children's Repertoire Theatre. Founded by the Swajeskis in 1973, the theatre has served as an important cultural resource for Delaware children and their families, and remains committed to the historic building's preservation for the enjoyment of current and future generations. To honor Mrs. Swajeski's extensive work with the community, September 18th was declared "Marie Swajeski Day" and entered into the Congressional Record by Delaware Senator Thomas Carper in 2004. Vice-President of the United States Joseph Biden, and early supporter of the theatre and former Delaware Senator, personally congratulated Mrs. Swajeski.
Erected 2014 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-207.)
Location. 39° 45.102′ N, 75° 33.358′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Cool Spring. Marker is at the intersection of Delaware Avenue (Delaware Route 52) and Jackson Street, on the left when traveling west on Delaware Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1014 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington DE 19806, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2019, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 25, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.