Middletown, Delaware
An idyllic town featured in the Robin Williams’ film, Dead Poets Society, Middletown is a small community found in Delaware. Along with being showcased on the big screen, it is also the home to the Old Tyme Peach Festival, which draw thousands to the annual festivities for live music and tasty treats. Middletown once was nicknamed the “diamond town in the diamond state” for the unusual shape of this town in its early history. As of today, the downtown is highlighted by Cochran Square and many historical buildings that encase shops and businesses.
Geography Of Middletown
Middletown is located in northern Delaware state, 39 kilometers south of Wilmington. Moreover, Middletown lies in the physiographic area known as the Atlantic Coast Plains. This area encompasses the coast from New York to the Florida Keys. It features wetlands, marshes, swamps, embayments, and inlets.
Climate Of Middletown
According to the Köppen Climate Classification, Middletown has a humid subtropical climate. This means that Middletown experiences four seasons in a year, with warm summers and cold and windy winters. Over a year, Middletown collects precipitation for 112.9 days, whereas the US average is 106.2 from rain and snow. The warmest month is July, with an average high of 30.5 °C and the coldest month is January, with an average low of -4.5 °C. A city with the same climate as Middletown is Tbilisi, Georgia, which is 9,100 kilometers away.
History Of Middletown
One of the few Delaware cities that was not built on a waterway, Middletown began as a popular tavern stop. It served as the halfway point between Odessa and Bohemia Landing, connected by a cart trail that was the quickest way to the Chesapeake Bay. As such, it was called “Middletown” and started to be developed as a square town. However, growing beyond its parameters, the town’s shape was converted into a diamond, and the term “diamond town in a diamond state” was coined. But, as the population grew, this unique shape was outgrown. Among the first settlers was Adam Petersen, who purchased farmland in 1675. His widow would later remarry, and the nickname “Mrs. Blackston Corner” was given to the area. This name was later changed to “King’s Highway at the Crossroads.”
In 1762, the tavern that made Middletown famous burned down. But, the ruins of the damaged structure still exist and serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings of this city. In 1861, Middletown was consolidated and placed on the map of the United States. More so, it was determined it should be symmetrical, and the town’s shape changed yet again. Thus, it returned to its original square shape, but Cochran Square serves as a dedication of the “four corners” and a monument to World War I heroes.
Demographics Of Middletown
Middletown can be found in New Castle County, Delaware, and has a population of 24,526 inhabitants. Over an area of 11.8 miles, Middletown has a population density of 2,076.9 people per square mile. The median household income is $107,700, and the gross monthly rent is $1,311. The average age of a resident is 39.2 years old. On the cost of living index, Middletown rates at 123.1, whereas the state of Delaware is 102.7. With 100 representing the national average, the primary concern of residents is the cost of housing, which rates at 148.1. Yet, 5.74% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Economy Of Middletown
The unemployment rate is 6.5%, whereas the US unemployment rate is 6.0%. The top industries that make up the economy in Middletown include healthcare and social assistance at 16.9% overall, finance and insurance at 14.6%, and educational services at 11.9%. Nonetheless, the highest paying jobs come from wholesale trade with earnings of $137,542, public administration with $95,613, and manufacturing at $82,832.
Attractions In Middletown
Charles E. Price Memorial Park
Charles E. Price Memorial Park is a large dedicated green space that can be found to the southwest of Middletown. It offers a bit of everything from a dog park, marina, dock, and playground to hiking trails and pavilions for rent. The Charles E. Price Park Loop is a 2.9 kilometers hiking trail that circles the fishing pond found at the park’s center, and dogs are permitted. Another popular activity is birding for migratory birds found during the spring and summer months. Charles E. Price Memorial Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Dutch Country Farmer’s Market
Found at the Middletown Square Shopping Mall, the Dutch Country Farmer’s Market is a small hint of the Dutch influence found in northern Delaware. With varying hours of operation, the market is open to the public from Thursday to Saturday. It features items such as Amish-built furniture, fresh produce, dairy, and deli products, appliance repairs, and even a barbershop. Some favorite items among attendees are fresh-baked pies, candy apples, Stolzfus BBQ, and Smucker’s Pretzels.
A charming town known for its historical buildings and Cochran Square downtown, Middletown, Delaware, is for those seeking a small-town country living. With the Old Tyme Peach Festival in August, thousands descend upon Middletown, and the city comes alive with live music, street eats, and family activities. For history buffs, the ruins of the tavern that brought travelers from all over are a reminder of Middletown’s early history. Furthermore, with many shopping options downtown and the Dutch Country Farmer’s Market, there’s plenty to see and do for everyone in Middletown, Delaware.
