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

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The Holly Industry

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

1. The Holly Industry Marker

Inscription. Since ancient times the holly tree has been a decorative symbol of the winter holiday season. The abundant growth of this colorful evergreen in Delaware resulted in the establishment of a major export industry during the first half of the 20th century. Considered the last cash crop of the growing season, the harvest and sale of holly and other seasonal greenery provided many rural families with much-needed income. By the 1930s, Delaware was the leading producer in the nation. The importance of this business to the state’s economy was recognized in 1939, when the American Holly was designated as the state tree. One of the pioneers of the holly industry was Charles G. Jones Sr. of Milton. A fertilizer salesman, Mr. Jones started his business in 1906. Utilizing his network of customers, he became the state’s most successful exporter. Known as “Jones, The Holly Wreath Man,” his creative marketing and reputation for quality resulted in the sale of local goods throughout the United States and in numerous foreign countries. Much of the product was shipped via rail. Milton and the surrounding area became known as “The Land of Holly.” The increasing use of artificial goods, and wage law requirements affecting piecework businesses, resulted in the rapid decline and end of the industry by the 1960s.

Erected 2002 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-165.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 46.722′ N, 75° 18.579′ W. Marker was in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. It was in Broadkill Hundred. It could

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be reached from Chandler Street. Located in Milton Memorial Park, waterside, Broadkill River. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

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

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named The Holly Industry (here, next to this marker); Charles G. Jones, Sr. (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Shipbuilding on the Broadkill (within shouting distance of this marker); Ships and Men (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Milton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Milton Theatre (about 400 feet away); Milton Public Library (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

2. The Holly Industry Marker

of all markers in Milton.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.

Also see . . . Adoption of the Delaware State Tree. Charles C. Jones, Sr., a fertilizer salesman from Milton, Delaware, was one of the pioneers of the holly export industry in Delaware. Known as "Jones, the Holly Wreath Man, " Jones became the state's leading exporter, shipping holly products throughout the United States and to many foreign countries. The area surrounding Milton became known as "The Land of Holly" and Milton was referred to as "The Holly Capital of the World". (Submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

The Holly Industry Marker and Tribute image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

3. The Holly Industry Marker and Tribute

The Holly Industry Marker in Milton Memorial Park, with Holly Tree Tribute image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 12, 2010

4. The Holly Industry Marker in Milton Memorial Park, with Holly Tree Tribute

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,341 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 4, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.