Collins Park near New Castle in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Collins Park Bombings
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 1, 2019
1. The Collins Park Bombings Marker
Inscription.
The Collins Park Bombings. . On February 24, 1959 George, Lucille, and Geraldine Rayfield, an African American family, moved into their new home at 107 Bellanca Lane. As they moved in 300 protesters gathered out front, angered over the news that the Rayfields had moved into the all-white neighborhood. While the family was out on April 6, 1959 an explosion ripped through their house. Undeterred by the explosion, the Rayfields returned to their home. A second blast destroyed their house on August 2, 1959, leaving the Rayfields no choice but to leave. Within one week of the second bombing the police apprehended the bombers who were later convicted of both attacks.
On February 24, 1959 George, Lucille, and Geraldine Rayfield, an African American family, moved into their new home at 107 Bellanca Lane. As they moved in 300 protesters gathered out front, angered over the news that the Rayfields had moved into the all-white neighborhood. While the family was out on April 6, 1959 an explosion ripped through their house. Undeterred by the explosion, the Rayfields returned to their home. A second blast destroyed their house on August 2, 1959, leaving the Rayfields no choice but to leave. Within one week of the second bombing the police apprehended the bombers who were later convicted of both attacks.
Erected 2017 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NCC-30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1959.
Location. 39° 41.593′ N, 75° 33.263′ W. Marker is near New Castle, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Collins Park. Marker is at the intersection of New Castle Avenue (Route 9) and Cherry Lane, on the right when traveling north on New Castle Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Killoran Dr, New Castle DE 19720, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 1, 2019
2. The Collins Park Bombings Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 793 times since then and 97 times this year. Last updated on March 3, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
