Deemer's Beach once a glittering lively summer resort on the Delaware River just south of New Castle, now is just a memory.
Mention "Deemer's Beach to old-timers around New Castle and they respond with stories about the extravagant project of Seldon S. Deemer. They tell of a beach built inside the rim of a jetty, the beautiful dance hall with the mirrored walls, promenade nearly a mile long by the river and boats from Philadelphia that stopped there regularly.
Deemer, according to News-Journal library records was an industrialist who lived in New Castle until his death in 1935. A Horatio Alger type, he cam from Allentown, Pa., as a young man and became one of the richest men in New Castle. He was the founder and owner of Deemer Steel Casting Co. in New Castle.
In 1923, Deemer sold his interest in the steel plant and looked for an investment to occupy himself. Few acquaintances of Deemer, known as a philanthropist interested in the activities of children were surprised when he decided to build an amusement park-beach in the area.
It mattered little if the project made money, Deemer said he'd be willing to run it at a loss.
In February 1925, the old Every Evening carried a story about Deemer's project. The cost was reported at $150,000.
"It will equal if not surpass Coney Island," Deemer predicted in the newspaper story. About 100 acres would be used stretching from river frontage of three-quarters of a mile to a trolley car line from Wilmington to Delaware City. Also included were a stone retaining wall and the promenade and bathhouses and a hotel -- but it was only part of Deemer's park. ...According to James Eliason Jr., longtime resident, Deemer had contractors build a jetty in the river that encircled the beach and made a pool.
At low tide, the pool was completely protected; at high tide water washed over the jetty bringing fresh water into the pool.
A boardwalk ran along the top of the jetty. At high tide, water would cover the jetty, but not the boardwalk.
Deemer also ordered construction of a pier for the excursion boats from Philadelphia Buddy S. Deemer, Seldon's son and still a resident New Castle area, said he was too young when Deemer's was in its heyday to remember much about it. The amusement park had a merry-go-round, skooter cars, a model railroad and a whip, Deemer recalls.
A marathon dance in 1931 attracted the attention of thousands and among the entertainers who performed for the throng at Deemer's Beach were ...
Late in the 1920s, the Delaware River was becoming too polluted for swimming. This was the beginning of the end for not only Deemer's Beach, but also other riverfront pleasure spots such as Augustine Beach and Bayview Beach.
The age of the automobile was already in full swing making it easier to reach more distant, more exciting resorts such as Atlantic City. The Depression ...
When Dad died in 1935, that was about the end of it," Buddy Deemer remembers. The land was sold in 1939 or 1940.
Now a jungle of weeds has just about taken over. The old buildings that once housed happy excursionists and the amusement park once filled with the laughing voices of happy children are now almost completely crumbled.