Broadkill Hundred in Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Endeavor Lodge #17, A.F. & A.M.

Endeavor Lodge Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 19, 2024

1. Endeavor Lodge Marker

Inscription. On June 21, 1848, the Grand Lodge of Delaware, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons approved a petition from a group of local residents requesting the establishment of a Masonic Lodge in Milton. The charter for Endeavor Lodge #17 of Frederica, which had ceased to exist some years earlier, was revived and transferred to the Milton organization. The first Worshipful Master of the Lodge was James Ponder (1819 1897). A successful merchant and business leader, Ponder served with distinction in the state legislature and as Governor of Delaware from 1871 until 1875. Sources indicate that meetings of the Lodge were first held in Ponder's Store House. The present Lodge Hall was constructed here on land that was conveyed by Samuel J. Martin in 1883. The upper room was used for meeting purposes, while the lower story was rented for use as a store. A two-story addition was constructed in the early 20th century. Endeavor Lodge #17 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 aa a part of the Milton Historic District.

Erected 2008 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-224.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives

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, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1848.

Location. 38° 46.589′ N, 75° 18.573′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Broadkill Hundred. It is on Chestnut St, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 Chestnut St, Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

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: Goshen Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Milton Fire Department, Inc. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sussex Trust Title & Safe Deposit Co. (about 400 feet away); Draper-Adkins House (about 400 feet away); Governor Joseph Maull Carey (about 500 feet away); The Mathew Osbourne House (about 600 feet away); N.W. McGee House (about 600 feet away); Governor James Ponder (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.

Also see . . . Milton Historic District - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

153. 117 Chestnut Street. C. 1810. "Endeavor Lodge 17, AFAM", two-story frame church building, gable roof, Gothic/lancet windows at a second floor, rectangular windows at first floor, "L" shaped building.

(Submitted on April 24, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Endeavor Lodge 17, A.F. & A.M. Marker wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 19, 2024

2. Endeavor Lodge 17, A.F. & A.M. Marker wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.