Baltimore Hundred in Selbyville in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Home of John G. Townsend, Jr.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 14, 2010

1. Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1904, this was once the residence of John G. Townsend, Jr. (1871-1964), agricultural pioneer and statesman. His long and distinguished public career included service as Governor of Delaware (1917-21), United States Senator (1929-1941), and member of the delegation to the first session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946. As Governor, he fought for the much-needed reform and modernization of the state’s education and transportation systems. While serving in the Senate, he was an architect of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other New Deal-era programs that reformed and rebuilt the nation’s banking industry. A business leader of great vision and accomplishment, he was a successful lumberman, farmer, strawberry broker, orchardist, canner, banker, and contractor. He was one of the pioneers of the Delmarva poultry industry. Townsend’s personal magnetism resulted in many friendships, and persons from all walks of life came here to visit him. Notable visitors included former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and future President Richard Nixon. Following his death, the Townsend family donated his home to the Selbyville Public Library.

Erected 2002 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-154.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, the Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #37 Richard M. Nixon series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 38° 27.556′ N, 75° 13.242′ W. Marker is in Selbyville, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Baltimore Hundred. It is on S. Main Street (Delaware Route 54) near McCabe Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Selbyville DE 19975,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s Beaches.

It is also in 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Salem United Methodist Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); John McCabe (approx. half a mile away); Woody's Diner (approx. 0.7 miles away); Captain Ebe Chandler House (approx. 4.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.1 miles away); Frankford United Methodist Church (approx. 4.1 miles away); Old Sound Methodist Church (approx. 4.6 miles away); St. Martin's Church (approx. 4.7 miles away in Maryland). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selbyville.

Also see . . . John Gillis Townsend, Jr, Wikipedia entry. To better manage his business

Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 14, 2010

2. Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. and Marker

Today, home of the Selbyville Public Library

he set up his own bank, the Baltimore Trust Company, at the time the second largest bank in the state. Moving into poultry, corn and soybeans, by the time of his death, Townsend, Inc. grew into one of the largest, most diversified agricultural businesses in Delaware. He continued his businesses after entering politics and returned to their management when he was not in office. (Submitted on October 28, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. Marker seen looking north along S. Main Street (State Road 54) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 14, 2010

3. Home of John G. Townsend, Jr. Marker seen looking north along S. Main Street (State Road 54)

John G. Townsend, Jr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Wikipedia

4. John G. Townsend, Jr.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,446 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.