Grab Some Grog and Listen Up!
Remember that classic Cher tune, “If I Could Turn Back Time”? Well, it happens every First Friday on the Lewes Historical Society (LHS) campus. The Sussex Tavern opens its doors for an early evening of merriment, good cheer, and a glimpse back to yesteryear. Period music, back-in-the-day beverages, bonfires, tall tales, and campus tours entertain enthusiastic visitors who mix and mingle from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The LHS is on Shipcarpenter Street at the north end of Second Street, Lewes’s merchant promenade.
Like many LHS events, staff and volunteers dress in period outfits reminiscent of the Lewes maritime heyday, especially during the 1800s.
According to Ryan P. Schwartz, Director of Interpretation, First Friday historic happy hours and community nights began in March 2022. They were the brainchild of Andrew Lyter, then Director of Interpretation and Curator of Maritime History, who now serves as the Executive Director.
“The intention was to create a reliable, regular opportunity for the Society to engage with ‘Lewistowners’ and visitors alike in the historic setting of the Shipcarpenter Street campus,” Schwartz said. “We are all blown away by the thousands who have embraced these monthly events and come to visit with us, rain or shine! We now average between 200 and 300 guests each First Friday, with peak months at well more than 500.” First Fridays attracted more than 6,000 people last year.
The tavern itself is rather small but a hospitality tent and bonfires outside handle the overflow.
A selection of “adult beverages” is available inside and outside the tavern, including Bittered Sling, sangaree, milk punch, or grog, the most popular beverage and likely a favorite among seafarers aboard their ships. It’s a mix of rum, sugar, and lime juice.
The Bittered Sling may have been a precursor to an Old Fashioned with its combination of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, bitters, and hint of grated nutmeg. Sangaree is a slightly more potent version of sangria due to the inclusion of Madeira or port, brandy, and orange liqueur, plus a healthy splash of rum. Mary Rockett’s milk punch dates to 1711 when a British housewife created a blended mixture of hot milk, brandy, water, and sugar that resulted in an unusually tasty drink. The bars also serve current-day wine and beer.
In addition to the historically inspired alcoholic cocktails, LHS has also expanded to include non-alcoholic tavern options as well as tea, coffee, and colonial-style hot chocolate served at the neighboring Lewistown Coffee-house, which opened in October 2023.
Food selections are sparse at First Fridays, so plan on dining at one of many choices in and around Lewes.
The Society’s nine historic structures on the campus are on display during First Fridays with guided tours at 5:00 and 6:00, there's Lewes Lore storytelling outside the tavern, and music throughout the evening. The Blarney Pilgrims, a personable Sussex County group, often performs Celtic music that features toe-tapping sing-alongs. Handouts are provided for those who want to participate. Their period dress adds to the ambiance.
According to group member Andy Dowell, Brad Stevens plays hammered dulcimer, harp, mandolin, and octave mandolin; Meri Holden plays violin (“fiddle”); and Andy himself plays the flute. One of Holden’s violins was made for her by a friend in Alaska, of native spruce. Dowell plays a wood flute, a reproduction of an early 19th century instrument.
“We love playing the jigs, reels, hornpipes, and airs of Celtic music. It’s lovely music, full of life and spirit,” said Dowell. “We play tunes we like, and as a group, we play tunes we all know. Most of the music we play at LHS we also play in sessions at Salisbury, Maryland’s Irish Penny.”
Other local favorites play as well. For example, in 2024, First Friday guests might hear 18th century tavern music from Forbes Road Frolic (April 5 and December 6) and from The Enslows (July 5).
The Sussex Tavern is a welcoming and cozy place. The bar is on one side and the “music room” on the other. Tables fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive early to snag a seat inside, especially in the chilly months. The crowd rotates since many visitors want to explore other buildings on the campus or listen to talks around the bonfire.
Aside from the music and the ambience, First Fridays provide an opportunity to learn about Lewes and the role the town played over the decades. Knowledgeable staffers and volunteers are eager to fill you in on the local community in a way that is both fascinating and educational.
The Lewes Historical Society is embarking on an ambitious strategic planning implementation that will enhance the historical interpretation of Lewes and its role in local and national history. There is much to learn from this organization and the LHS website is a great resource.▼
Mary Jo Tarallo is a former journalist and public relations professional for various non-profits including a ski industry trade association. She won a Gold Award for a United Way TV program starring Oprah Winfrey.