FWCCSP RECORD

Newsletter of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

P.O. Box 9734

Newark, DE 19714-9734

www.whiteclayfriends.org

Volume 9, No.2 November 2006

Fall Membership Meeting to Feature Presentation by Debbie Keese on "Historical Importance of

the White Clay Valley to the American Porcelain Industry"

At our fall meeting on Wednesday, November 29,2006, Debbie (Paruszewski) Keese will tell the
fascinating story of how two local enterprises, Tweed's Mill and the Newark China Clay Company,
contributed to the American porcelain industry from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Particularly
interesting are the entrepreneurs behind the businesses and the many local resources they drew upon to
achieve success. Both of these companies operated on lands that eventually became part of White Clay
Creek State Park, and remnants of their facilities are still visible to park visitors. Debbie is the former
manager of the Chambers House Nature Center at the park.

The event will be held at the park's beautiful Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club and will begin at 7:00
pm for cookies & juice, with the program starting at 7:30 pm. Deerfield is located at 507 Thompson
Station Road, north of Newark and just west of the Bank of America facility (formerly MBNA) at
Milford Crossroads.

This will be ajoint event of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park and the White Clay
Creek National Wild & Scenic River Program. The event is free and open to the general public. No
reservations are required. For further information call (302) 239-2471.

Charles Bailey Trail is Open for Hikers

The Friends have recently completed work on a new section of hiking trail in the White Clay
Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania. This new trail segment starts at the parking lot at the gate on
Yeatmans Station Road and runs northwest along the White Clay Creek for approximately 0.5 miles
before connecting to an existing horse trail to return to Yeatmans Station Road. A Sh011 walk on
Yeatmans Station Road is required to return to the parking lot. This new section of trail, along with an
existing trail on the east side of the White Clay Creek, which is south of the parking lot in the Preserve,
has been named for Charles Bailey. Mr. Bailey, who passed away several years ago, was an original
member of the Bi-State Advisory Council for the White Clay Creek Preserve.

This new trail was designed and constructed by Friends volunteers with assistance from the
Delaware Geocachers and the Trail Dawgs, under the leadership of Wendel Cassel and Fred Nelson.
Thirty-nine volunteers worked 406 hours completing the O.5-mile long trail. We thank the many
volunteers who made this possible.
 At this time the trail can best be accessed by foJlowing Yeatmans Station Road (aka Yeatmans
Mill Road) from Doe Run Road into Pennsylvania. Where Quartz Mill Road goes off to the left. stay to
the right (No Outlet) and follow Yeatmans Station Road to the point where it is closed by a gate. Park
in a small parking area on the right. The trail exits the north side of the parking lot and is well marked.

The new trail adds approximately one mile to the five-mile loop hike fi'om the Delaware WCCSP
Office reported in the August 2003 Friends Newsletter. Note: Previous newsletters are available on the
Friends website (whiteclayfriends.org).

Be Aware of Lyme Disease from Infected Deer Ticks in the Park

With the large population of deer in White Clay Creek State Park, visitors should be diligent in
reducing their exposure to deer ticks as the best defense against Lyme disease (LD) and other tick-borne
infections. One of the many useful websites for learning about Lyme disease and its prevention is that
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm>.

Delaware is one of twelve states that reported an incidence of LD that was higher than the
national average in both 2001 and 2002. According to a study by K.L. Curran and others from Wesley
College, "Delaware has one of the highest incidence rates for Lyme disease in the U.S. Despite this.
there is little data concerning the distribution of the deer tick Ixodes scapularis within the state, or
infection rates for Borrelia burgdorferi in questing ticks." Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete which is
the causative agent of Lyme disease.

The authors of that report sampled for 1. scapularis in six state parks distributed within all three
Delaware counties in November 1999 and June 2000. "Adult infection rates for B. burgdorferi ranged
from 62% in New Castle County, to 13% in Kent County and 40% in Sussex County. Nymphal
infection rates ranged from 14% in New Castle County to 9.5% in Sussex County." To assess human
risk of Lyme disease, for each park they calculated an entomologic risk index (ERI) based on density
estimates of Lyme disease spirochete-infected nymphal deer ticks. The White Clay Creek index of 1.95
was second highest of the six parks; Brandywine Creek was the highest at 5.60 and Killens Pond the
lowest at 0.12. The risk for LD is high at White Clay Park; therefore, be aware of this, especially when
out on the trails.

Restaurant at Deerfield Open for Lunch and Brunch

During the winter months, the restaurant at Deerfield - known as "The Grille at the D" - is open
for lunch and cocktails during the hours of 11 :00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week. In addition,
brunch is served in the ballroom on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For further information or for
reservations go to www.deerfieldgolfclub.com or call 302-368-6640.

In addition to the regular schedule, special events are planned for holidays. There is a special
brunch on Thanksgiving Day, and on December 3 there will be a Santa brunch with a special visit by
Santa himself.

The food is great and the surroundings spectacular. Give it a try!

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/

Friends Make Commitment for Repair of Twin Ponds

Recently the Friends' Executive Committee voted to commit up to $8,000 toward the
repair of the twin ponds, which are located on the heights behind the Park Office. Considered by many
to be one of the most beautiful areas in the park, the ponds have recently been almost completely
drained because the standpipes for water level control have corroded through. The Friends commitment
is intended to expedite the repair process and represents about half the total estimated cost of the repair.

Friends President Receives Audubon Conservation Award

In July, Friends President Andy Urquhart received the Delaware Audubon Society's
prestigious Conservation Achievement Award for 2006. One award is given annually to recognize
sustained special efforts on behalf of the environment in Delaware.

For many years Andy has been active in land conservation work throughout the state,
representing the Friends. He has served on the Advisory Committee for the Preservation Coalition, a
group representing more than 300 Delaware environmental, civic, labor, and governmental
organizations. He has been one of the leaders in efforts to conserve special properties, the most recent
of which resulted in the state's purchase of the Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club as an addition to our
park.

Bolocan Scholarship Fund Enables Park Programs for Disadvantaged Children

Using a generous donation from members David and Sarah Bolocan, the Friends
established a scholarship fund to enable economically disadvantaged schoolchildren to participate in
nature education programs at the park. The scholarship underwrites half of the program cost for
children receiving free or reduced-price lunches at their schools.

To date, two school classes have used the scholarships and a third one is scheduled,
involving a total of approximately 350 students. Of these, approximately half are economically
disadvantaged. Each of the schools have said that they would not have come at all without the
scholarship support, so all of the students are benefiting from the opportunity to enjoy these excellent
nature-related programs.

Superintendent's Corner - Nick McFadden

To begin I would like (on behalf of Angel and myself) to thank the Friends' volunteers who ran
the Nature Center for us from May through October. Without their commitment and dedication the
Nature Center just would not be open on a regular basis. It allows the park to provide a great service to
our visitors.

Another great volunteer activity with more dedicated people is the Trail Watch program. Trail
use is the most popular activity in the park. Having volunteers monitor trail conditions, perform minor
maintenance, and do damage assessments after storms helps us keep the over 35 miles of trails safe and
in great shape.

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 The Judge Morris house and grounds is now available to rent for business and social functions.
Since January we've hosted 6 business meetings and 6 weddings and/or rehearsal dinners in addition to
Angel's great programs. It's becoming a really busy facility.

Deerfield is also bustling with activity. You'll be able to see the extensive renovations that have
been completed at the Friends Fall meeting on Nov. 29 th . The clubhouse has been transformed from a
corporate annex into a beautiful country club facility. Forewinds has done a great job bringing in
business meetings, corporate golf outings, huge wedding receptions, and other special events. Since the
course reopened in April over 20,000 rounds have been played.

Deerfield has been a great addition to White Clay Creek and the whole Delaware State Parks
system.

Special Newsletter Supplement Gives Story of "Dutch BiJly"

In collecting oral histories of the park area, one person frequently mentioned is "Dutch
Billy," a local character who lived as a squatter for many years in what has become the Possum Hill
area of the park. Andrea Cassel has summarized these recollections in an interesting article included as
a special supplement at the end of this newsletter.

Park Program Schedule Available on the Web

Over the past year or so, the Friends have been forwarding e-mail notices of park
programs to members for whom we have e-mail addresses. If the notice is lost, much of the same
information is also available on the state parks website - www.destateparks.com. Simply go to the site,
click on "Things to Do", and follow the menus to the page for programs at White Clay Creek State
Park.

Unfortunately, we are not able to send program notices to our members by regular mail
because of the cost and effort involved.

Nature Center Staffing Project Completed for 2006

October 29 marked the last day of2006 during which the Friends kept the Nature Center
open for weekend visitors. For several years we have had volunteers present on Saturdays and Sundays
to welcome visitors, hand out maps and other information, answer questions about the park, and, as
time permits, help with minor maintenance needs. Since park visitation is lower during the colder
months, we have focused on the months of May through October for this project.

This year we had 580 visitors during our open hours. In addition to getting information
about the park, many visitors spent time enjoying the exhibits at the center. One of the highlights was
the Friends' nest cameras providing live videos of two active bird nests, an Eastern Phoebe nest on the
porch rafters (two broods) and a House Wren nest in a bluebird box near the center (one brood).
Everyone finds it fascinating to watch these birds raising their young.

Calendar

December 3 Trail Work

December II Executive Committee Meeting
January 8 Executive Committee Meeting
February 12 Executive Committee Meeting
March 12 Executive Committee Meeting
March 17 Trail Work
April 9 Executive Committee Meeting
April 14 Trail Work - Christina River Cleanup
May 5 Trail Work
May Migratory Bird Walk - Date TBD
May 14 Executive Committee and Advisory Board Meetings
June 2 Trail Work - National Trails Day
June II Executive Committee Meeting

Projects and Project Leaders

Adopt-a-Highway: Dee and Dick Benson,
410-398-4180
Adopt-a-Trail: Mike Ott, 738-6652
Advocacy: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471
Birders Guide: Gene Hess, 738-4690, and
Andy Urquhart, 239-2471
Bluebird Boxes: Open
Bolocan Scholarship Fund: Angel Burns, 368­
6560
Judge Morris Garden Maintenance: Doug
Kelley, 368-6562
Kestrel Boxes: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471
Historical Booklet: Debbie Keese, 369-9128
Light Construction: Nick McFadden, 368-
6900
Member-led Park Programs: Angel Bums,
368-6560
Nature Center Staffing: Jim Ries, 239-1658
Nature Center Exhibits: Andy Urquhart, 239­
247]
Newark Community Day: Ken Daws, 737­
8120
Oral Histories: Andrea Cassel, 737-3319
Park Office Plantings: Open
Reforestation: Christa Stefanisko, 369-1933
Trail Benches: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471
Trail Improvement Work: Wendel Cassel,
737-3319
Water Ice Sales: John Thomas, 456-3242; John
Schwander, 737-790 I
Wayside Historical Markers: Wendel Cassel,
737-3319
Website: Rick Hall, 831-1295
Wildlife Habitat Protection: Andy Urquhart,
239-2471

Executive Committee

President: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471, aurqu@aol.com

Vice-president: Marilyn Sweeney, 235-2548, iipurrtycatz@aol.com
Secretary and Newsletter Editor: Dick Benson, 410-398-4180, rbenson6@comcast.net
Treasurer: Ken Daws, 737-8120, wahkegan@hotmail.com
Membership Chair: Lisa Wool, 562-9788, Iwool@delawareestuary.org
Projects Committee Chair: Jim Ries, 239-1658, dries@udel.edu

 Membership Application

Join us! If you are not already a member and would like to join, please return this form with your check
made payable to Friends of White Clay Creek State Park. Annual dues are $5.00 for students, $10.00 for
individuals, and $15.00 for families. Any extra donation with your dues would be appreciated and put to
good use.

Name(s)
Address
Phone LJ _ E-mail

Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, Inc.

P.O. Box 9734, Newark, DE 19714-9734

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 Dutch Billy
By Andrea Cassel

Every area has unique legends that are passed down to younger generations. One of
White Clay Creek Valley's was about Dutch Billy. Many long-time valley residents reminisced
about the stories they had heard about him.
William Losien, his real name, was born in Germany in February of 1858 and
immigrated to America in 1882. Long-time area resident Eugene "Dick" Robinson said that
though Dutch Billy did not go into Newark much, he did see him once. He described him as
heavyset with a full beard.
Dutch Billy lived alone with his hunting dogs in a small cabin in the woods on the south
side of Pleasant Hill Road. Evidence of the lane that went by his cabin is barely visible today.
Long-time resident Norman Dempsey remembered that Dutch Billy's cabin was where several
farms (Harkness, Niven, Hopkins, and Lamborn farms) came together near the Nine Foot Road
and Lovers Lane. Every few years local men would move his small cabin to an adjacent
property so he would not have to pay rent.
Besides growing some vegetables in a small garden, keeping chickens, and hunting,
Dutch Billy was a respected handyman and butcher for area farmers. His renown as a hunter
was widespread. He used his two or three hounds for hunting small game such as raccoons,
squirrels, and rabbits. Dick Robinson said that at night one could hear his coon dogs running up
and down the valley. The dogs had harmony and were wonderful to hear. They had different
ways of barking depending on what was happening. They had one sound when they were
trailing an animal and another when they treed it. It was a long bray, then a yap, yap, yap. Billy
would follow the sounds to get his quarry.
In late February 1927, the residents near Pleasant Hill Road did not hear the sounds
of the dogs for several days so they went checking on Dutch Billy. IIe had shot his dogs and
then himself. He had been ill and people assumed that he feared for the future of his dogs
without him. Since he was poor, his normal burial plot would have been in a potter's field. He
was so beloved by his neighbors that a collection was taken, led by J. Leslie Eastburn, so he
could be buried in a marked grave by the Mill Creek Quaker Meeting House. The stone is still
standing today. His only possession, a rifle, was buried resting in his arms. It is this gun that
neighbors believe they hear fired at midnight each February 28, the anniversary of his death.