Lewes Historic District in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Otis H. Smith City Dock

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

1. Otis H. Smith City Dock Marker

Inscription. In Honor of Otis H. Smith
Entrepreneur, Civil Servent
Mayor, City of Lewes
1950-1968
Otis H. Smith was the founder and President of Fish Products Co., one of the country's largest menhaden processing operations.
During his long residency in Lewes, Mr. Smith was a tireless community leader whose many accomplishments and gifts to the City as Mayor included construction of the first City Public Dock .
Mr. Smith was also instrumental in establishing the University of Delaware Marine Laboratory in Lewes, in 1951. He later helped finance the research vessel "Cape Henlopen" and the college's marine research building.

Erected 2010 by City of Lewes, Delaware.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1860.

Location. 38° 46.557′ N, 75° 8.326′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in the Lewes Historic District. Marker is on Front Street near Neils Alley, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Bombardment of Lewes (a few steps from this marker); The War of 1812

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(a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Bombardment of Lewes (a few steps from this marker); The Cannonball House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Cannonball House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Explorations of Giovanni da Verrazzano (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewes-Rehoboth Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Last Lewes Pilot Skiff (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Regarding Otis H. Smith City Dock. Otis H. Smith came from a family in Amagansett, N.Y. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School, he moved to Lewes, Delaware, where he maintained the tradition set by his father and uncle by establishing himself in the fishing industry. As founder and president of the fish products company, he managed one of the first and largest menhaden processing operations in the country and helped develop the industry along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Through such activity he attained a highly respected position in the national fishing

Otis H. Smith City Dock Marker and ramp to the dock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

2. Otis H. Smith City Dock Marker and ramp to the dock

industry. In 1962 the U. S. Department of Interior selected him for a conservation award for his contributions to the menhaden industry. His civic and humanitarian interests were wide ranging. Elected mayor of Lewes in 1950, he performed the role for eighteen years, though not to the exclusion of the menhaden plant or other public duties. Mr. Smith contributed to the improvement of health, human relations, commerce, industry, education, and research in Delaware, the nation, and other countries.For years, he was active on the citizen’s committee that helped establish the University of Delaware’s marine laboratories in 1951. He financed the building of the research vessel “Cape Henlopen” and contributed a 10,000 square foot college building, rent free, for five years. His assistance in bringing the College of Marine Studies and the mariculture program to Lewes was recognized by the University of Delaware by naming one of its buildings “The Otis H. Smith Laboratory.”

Additional commentary.
1. "menhaden"
- The Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) is a small, oily-fleshed fish that plays a major role in the marine ecosystem on the east coast of the United States
In recent years, menhaden are the primary source of fishmeal and fish oil, used as food for livestock and aquaculture,

Otis H. Smith image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Del. Maritime Hall Of Fame

3. Otis H. Smith

such as salmon.

— Submitted December 1, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,255 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 1, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.