The Delaware Ledger Archive

The Delaware Ledger was founded in Newark in 1879 by F. A. G. Handy, a newspaper correspondent from Washington, D.C. Handy named his brother, Egbert, as editor and within six months, Egbert had purchased the property. The Handy brothers continued to publish the Delaware Ledger until early 1883 when they sold the paper to John M. and Levi K. Bowen. The Bowens had arrived in Newark from Elkton, Maryland, and used the Delaware Ledger as a Democratic voice with the motto "Covers Delaware Like the Dew." In 1885, they modernized the operation by removing old presses and type and installing a steam printing press.

In 1919, the Delaware Ledger was sold to Edward M. Davis, who served as editor until September of 1930. By 1923, the masthead indicated that the Delaware Ledger contained "News of the Rural Metropolis, the State and the Nation" and cost $1.50 per year or 5 cents per issue. Davis was also listed as president of the Delaware Ledger Printing and Publishing Company. The Delaware Ledger included local church news, reviews of books, and advertisements for both Newark and Wilmington businesses.

In 1933, editions of the paper indicated that Robert Hunter was the owner and publisher. Wright Dizer was editor, and Alice Field served as society editor. At that time, the newspaper included "A Page of Interest to Women" intended to encourage female readership. This section provided recipes, home efficiency techniques, and fashion news. In addition, the Delaware Ledger included comics, photographs "With the Delaware Ledger Cameraman," and a section devoted to national and local sports.

The Delaware Ledger was published through December of 1934. It is unclear when it officially ceased publication.