Lewes & Rehoboth Hundred in Rehoboth Beach in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Village Improvement Association

Photographed by Russ Blau, July 5, 2017

1. Village Improvement Association Marker

Inscription. At the turn of the 20th Century, Rehoboth Beach was a quaint church camp village and summer residence for many seeking relief from city life. Horses, wagons, and buggies traveled the streets. There were no paved sidewalks, crosswalks, street lamps, lifeguards, benches, water fountains, or trash cans. Lake Gerar was a swamp and Silver Lake was infested with mosquitoes. To address some of the needs and concerns of the village, a group of dedicated women joined together to improve the quality of life in Rehoboth. They met in December 1909 and established the Village Improvement Association. The VIA promoted pedestrian safety by raising money to help pay for sidewalks, crosswalks, lights, and signs in Rehoboth. Responsible for establishing the first public library in Rehoboth, the group often hosted the books in their homes, opening their doors to the community in the years before the library had a permanent location. The VIA spearheaded mosquito eradication and continues to engage in town beautification and preservation efforts. A supporter of the arts and education, the VIA played a major role in the establishment of the

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Rehoboth Art League and created scholarships for local art and nursing students. The well-being of women, children, the disabled and the elderly remain a focus of the organization. For over 100 years the VIA has enriched coastal Delaware through their dedication to improving the community and themselves with hard work and charitable acts.

Erected by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-250.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1909.

Location. 38° 43.254′ N, 75° 4.623′ W. Marker is in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Lewes & Rehoboth Hundred. It is on Grenoble Place just east of Lakeview Street, on the right when traveling east. On south side of Grenoble Place, about 100 feet west of the Boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 North Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s Beaches.

It is also in

Village Improvement Association building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Russ Blau, July 5, 2017

2. Village Improvement Association building

the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Giovanni Da Verrazzano (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Children's Fishing Pier (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tommy Coveleski (approx. ¼ mile away); Rehoboth Beach Patrol (approx. ¼ mile away); Surf Safety Line (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Bandstand (approx. 0.3 miles away); City of Rehoboth Beach (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rehoboth Beach.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2017, by Russ Blau of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 492 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2017, by Russ Blau of Fairfax, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.