How one Lewes building — and the Hocker and Lingo families — reflect the rich history of Delaware’s First Town as America celebrates 250 years.
As we welcome the beginning of America’s 250th birthday celebration, we are especially proud here in coastal Delaware. After all, the First State has always had a way of leading the way.
On September 17, 1787, at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Delaware’s delegates — George Read, Gunning Bedford Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, and Jacob Broom — signed the United States Constitution. Due to illness, George Read also signed on behalf of John Dickinson. Just weeks later, on December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, earning its lasting nickname: The First State.
Nearly two and a half centuries later, that spirit of initiative, independence, and community pride is still very much alive across Sussex County — especially in Lewes, proudly known as “The First Town in the First State.”
Here in Lewes, history is not simply remembered — it is thoughtfully preserved and reimagined. One meaningful local connection to that legacy begins with the Fred L. Myers Brush Factory, which was originally located on Schley Avenue before moving to 130 McFee Street in the early 1950s.
In 1954, Theodosia and Thomas Hocker purchased the business from Fred L. Myers. The Hockers were the parents of Peggy Hocker Lingo, wife of Col. John Lingo, founder of Jack Lingo, Inc., REALTOR®. This connection reflects the longstanding roots the Lingo family has maintained in the Lewes, Rehoboth, and Sussex County communities.
This relationship between the Hocker and Lingo families reflects a tradition of entrepreneurship and community involvement that has long been part of Sussex County’s story. Businesses such as the Fred L. Myers Brush Factory helped support local families and shape the character of Lewes during the twentieth century. Those same values of dedication and service would later carry forward through the founding of Jack Lingo, Inc., REALTOR®, continuing a legacy of commitment to the coastal communities of Delaware.
As the company grew, operations were moved in 1963 to 830 Kings Highway, the former Passo Hosiery Manufacturing Mill. The business continued operating under the Fred L. Myers name until about 1980, when it was formally absorbed into Hocker Manufacturing. The company continued operating at the Kings Highway location until 2008.
In 2008, the business was sold to a company in Pennsylvania, and the manufacturing equipment was removed from the building.
Over the years, the Kings Highway building has served several roles in the Lewes community. After its years as a hosiery mill and later a brush manufacturing facility, the building was also used for a period of time as a gymnasium before entering its next chapter. Like many historic structures in Lewes, the building has adapted to meet the needs of each generation.
Eventually, the property was redeveloped as The Brush Factory, now home to a collection of small local vendors and shops — a wonderful example of how Lewes continues to adapt historic spaces for modern community life.
Meanwhile, the former McFee Street factory building entered its own new chapter. In 1973, architect Bob Petterson and his wife Barbara Petterson, a well-known local artist, purchased the property. The couple initially lived in the structure in its original brush factory form. In 1993, they completed a comprehensive remodel that thoughtfully preserved the integrity and architectural character of the original factory while transforming it into a beautiful and distinctive residence.
Today, the property stands as a wonderful example of Lewes’ commitment to honoring its past while adapting for the future.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are reminded that the story of our nation is built from the stories of communities like Lewes — places where history is preserved, families build businesses, and traditions continue from one generation to the next.
For the Lingo family and all of us at Jack Lingo, REALTOR®, those connections to local history are especially meaningful. They reflect a longstanding commitment to the communities of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Millsboro, Bethany Beach, and throughout Sussex County.
As this historic year unfolds, we look forward to celebrating the heritage of the First State and continuing to help people find their place in the communities we proudly call home.
From the First Town to Your Home.