Hub of Delaware celebrates sesquicentennial

HARRINGTON, Del. – The city of Harrington turning 150 on Saturday. Since its incorporation on March 23, 1869, the city has played a key role in the economy and entertainment of The First State.

“It’s situated in the center of the state. For generations, people have come to this community to live, to do their business, to come enjoy the Delaware State Fair,” said Chad Robinson, chair of the Harrington 150th anniversary committee.

Harrington was incorporated four years after the conclusion of the civil war, when railroads were the main source of transportation.

It helped to give Harrington its identity as the hub of Delaware.

“The rail yard plays a key issue in the founding of Harrington, as well as the agricultural side,” said Harrington Mayor Anthony Moyer. “The reason that we were called the Hub of Delaware was because your agriculture, your farms and all that that are in this area, would never have been able to prosper the way they did had there not been railroad.”

Today, the city now features the Raceway and Casino, as well as the 300 acres of fairgrounds, home to the State Fair.

But despite the growth over the last century and a half, it’s still got a small town charm.

“Folks in this community will give you the shirt off their back and not think twice about it,” said Robinson.

“The people that live in this city, we know each other, we know our neighbors, we watch out for each other. And they always come together when there is something bad that happens,” said Moyer.

Saturday night is just the kickoff for a year of celebrations for the city of Harrington, put together by its 150th anniversary committee.

Not only is this this 150th anniversary for the city, but the Delaware State Fair is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, as well.