By Gabbie Burton 
Contributing Writer

Though modern Middletown has come a long way from its historical peach-farming roots, the Middletown Historical Society’s annual Olde-Tyme Peach Festival and parade is a reminder of that important history.

Alison Matsen, who has been volunteering as Middletown’s museum coordinator for 20 years, shared the historical society’s preparations for the 31st festival and the local history it is aimed to highlight. 

“We just want to raise people’s awareness that this is part of our history, growing lots of peaches,” Matsen said. 

Peach farming in Middletown goes back to the 1700s but Matsen emphasized that 1855 is the pivotal year for its impact. 

“When the railroad came through Middletown in 1855, that’s when peaches became even more important because then we could get peaches to places like Philadelphia and New York faster,” she said. “Right after that, that’s when there was a boom in the 1860s, 70s and 80s.”

Delaware was once known as the “Peach State” and the peach blossom is still the official state flower because of its historical significance and dominance in the peach-farming industry. Matsen shared that the reason for the successful peach farming in this part of Delaware is the “amazing” soil of the area that was perfect for growing peaches. The success of this peach farming and trade led to economic boost in the area that moved community development toward the modern Middletown residents now know. 

The demise of peach farming in Middletown was largely due to the difficulty of growing the crop. Matsen explained that climate conditions can heavily impact the crop and lead to buds dying before the fruit can blossom. Additionally, in the late 1800s, many peach trees in the area were affected by diseases such as “yellows” which affects the growth, ripening and taste of the fruit. 

The historical society has a physical exhibit in their museum titled “People and Peaches,” that is currently open. The exhibit partially focuses on one man, Samuel Jones, a Black peach farmer whose admirable work led to success in the industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The historical society also has a virtual exhibition telling the significance of Middletown peaches and Samuel Jones available on their website.  

Additionally, the museum has three new exhibits that festival attendees can enjoy. In June, they opened up two new exhibits: “The Everett Theater” and “Play Ball: Sports in Middletown.” On Aug. 2, just two weeks before the peach festival, a third new exhibit will be opening, “Making a Home in Middletown.” This exhibit features a collection of personal effects from the late 1800s to the 1960s donated to the historical society from one Middletown family. 

Matsen stated the exhibit will explore how the Evans-Ellison-Motter family interacted with historical events such as wars and the great depression as well as show the evolution of life in Middletown through one family. 

Continuing exhibits that will be available include the underground railroad exhibit, the old schoolroom, the exhibit on Jewish families of Middletown, the introductory to Middletown exhibit and an art exhibit. 

Though Middletown has grown beyond its peach-farming roots, “people and peaches planted seeds that shape Middletown today,” and the peach festival is just one way the historical society is celebrating that sweet history.   

The Middletown Historical Society is located on 216 N. Broad St, Middletown and is open every first Friday and the third Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be open on Aug. 17 for the Olde-Tyme Peach Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.