LEWES, Del. - The future of an old historic structure remains up in the air in Sussex County. The Lewes Historical Society was told by the city to take down it's Menhaden Fishing Net Reel, but the big wooden wheel may not have to come down after all.
According to city code, the reel does not meet zoning restrictions. The Historical Society says the big wooden structure is important to Lewes' history, and members are working with the city to get those restrictions changed.
Executive Director James Abbott said, "We are in negotiations with the city, identifying the responsibilities of the historical society, but also recognizing the zoning as it's laid out."
The menhaden fishing industry was crucial in Lewes for decades. The city became one of the largest landing ports for the industry by the late 1950s, and was home to a fleet of 25 ships.
But, people with deep roots in the city say the size of the industry isn't the biggest reason the artifact is so important.
"It put groups of people together, working side by side, who maybe didn't look like each other or even have at times the same thoughts, but it happened," said Lewes native Bill Collick, "And in my opinion, we could learn a lot from the fish net reel."
Collick says the the reel's history is too important to tear down, "I am very hopeful that we will do the right thing when it comes to the placement of this fish net reel. It certainly belongs in this complex."
Lewes City Council will discuss a code amendment at it's meeting on Monday. If passed, the future of the reel will be open to public comment.
"I think we're both committed to preserving the history of the region. We're both committed to making sure that the history of all, everyone, is honored and recognized," said Abbott.
Under the city's new extension, the Historical Society has until at least March 3rd to discuss the fishing reel's placement here in Lewes, and whether it will be able to stay for years to come.
