Dagsboro Hundred in Frankford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Captain Ebe Chandler House
After adventurous service as a sea captain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Captain Ebe Townsend Chandler returned to his hometown of Frankford and purchased what is now known as the Captain Chandler House in 1918. Built by Captain Joshua Townsend, the main two-and-a-half story Victorian Gothic building and three smaller rear outbuildings date from 1878. Elaborate gothic details were added to the exterior of the main building by Captain Chandler during an extensive remodel and successfully distinguished it from others in Sussex County. During this renovation, the house was moved back a short distance to accommodate the grand wraparound front porch. Among the most unique features of the house are its two octagonal gazebos complete with multicolored glass-paned dormers, which are located to the left and right of the porch. Captain Chandler resided at the house with his wife, Hettie Jane Bishop, and their two children. After public service in various capacities, including mayor of Bethany Beach (1930-1937), Captain Chandler died in 1956 at the age of 98 and was buried in the Carey Cemetery near Frankford. Members
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The Captain Ebe Chandler House was named to the National Register of Historic Places on September 20, 1979.
Erected 2014 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-237.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 20, 1979.
Location. 38° 31.021′ N, 75° 13.998′ W. Marker is in Frankford, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Dagsboro Hundred. It is at the intersection of Main Street (County Road 54) and Reed Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 Main St, Frankford DE 19945, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Delawares Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2022
2. Captain Ebe Chandler House Marker
The Captain Chandler House is visible in the background.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frankford United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Antioch Camp Meeting (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Prince George's Chapel (approx. 2.2 miles away); a different marker also named Prince George's Chapel (approx. 2.2 miles away); Dagsboro (approx. 2.2 miles away); Rev. Edward Dingle of England (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frankford.
Also see . . . Chandler, Capt. Ebe, House - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.
The Captain Ebe Chandler House is primarily significant as the final exuberant flowering in Delaware of the late 19th century love of architectural excess. From its initial construction in 1880 until the house was purchased and remodeled by Captain Ebe Chandler in 1918, it appears to have been a relatively restrained and conventional example of the Victorian Gothic style. When Captain Chandler had finished, the structure was a unique monument to his eclectic instincts.(Submitted on April 24, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 671 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
