Opportunity from Change

Left Panel Local Goods, Global Markets
In the changing economy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, small towns looked for ways to survive. Port Penn's livelihood depended on exporting local agricultural goods to major markets miles away. The cannery and other export operations connected Port Penn's economy to trade networks throughout the country and the world.
Center Panel The W.B. & J.S. Zacheis, Inc. cannery operation stood across the street from the schoolhouse from the early 1900s until after World War II. When the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the railroad diverted most commercial shipping away from the area, local businesses adapted by packaging agricultural products for export. Peaches, tomatoes and other produce were processed, canned and exported to markets in Philadelphia, Baltimore and beyond. The cannery was a major employer in Port Penn for almost half a century.
Right Photo and Caption Port Penn's history as a working town greatly influenced the village's identity. Cannery workers were important wage-earners in Port Penn's economy. Many citizens worked in other labor-intensive occupations such as water work and farming.

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Show me all markers in:  Middletown, DE  |  New Castle County  |  19709  |  Delaware  |  United States of America

Port Penn Schoolhouse
Village of Port Penn
Market Square
The Stewart House
Floating Cabins and Skinning Shacks
Wetland Ways
The Hubbs House
The Cleaver House
Port Penn Front Range Light
Fort DuPont, a War Memorial

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