NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Contact: Barbara Woodford, Interpretive Manager, Alapocas Run State Park, (302) 577-7020; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks (302) 739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Alapocas Run State Park Presents “From Beer to Bovine:
A Chat with the Characters of Blue Ball Barn’s Past”

Wilmington, Del. – Alapocas Run State Park will host a 30-minute living history program that highlights the history of the Blue Ball Tavern and Inn on Saturday, August 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.  The program will be followed by light refreshments and an invitation to view the Delaware Folk Art Collection and dairy exhibits in the Blue Ball Barn.

Visitors will hear innkeeper Regina Mortonson and proprietor Maxey Bland reminisce about their roles in the history of the site.  The program will begin in the courtyard at the Blue Ball Barn. 

The Blue Ball Barn was originally built in 1914 by Alfred I. DuPont as part of his dairy farm located on the property.  In 2007, Delaware State Parks opened the renovated building which now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and features multifunctional spaces for weddings, meetings and casual get-togethers. 

The building is named for the Blue Ball Tavern once located near the property.  During the 18th and early 19th centuries, innkeepers along a stagecoach route in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Ohio developed a signal to let drivers know whether passengers were waiting inside to board. A blue ball attached to a pole in front of the tavern served as a signal to the driver to stop, hence the name “Blue Ball Tavern.”

This is a free program; however park entrance fees are in effect.  Pre-registration is suggested by calling (302) 577-1164 or emailing Rebekah.Weagraff@state.de.us.  The Blue Ball Barn is conveniently located at 1914 West Park Drive in Wilmington at the intersection of Foulk Road and Concord Pike.  More information is available at www.destateparks.com.