Lecture:Commodore William H.Shock by Paul Lovett

After a distinguished career in the United States Navy, Commodore Shock retired to Rehoboth Beach and was involved, along with other locals, in the 1891 founding of Cape Henlopen City. The Articles of Incorporation were adopted by the legislature of the State of Delaware and specifically identified a group of seven men who were designated as commissioners of the new city. Commodore Shock was sworn in as a commissioner on October 21, 1891. He was 70 years old and served until 1903. He helped develop basic infrastructure and civil governance, street layout, sanitation, animal control, and even street lights.

Local historian Paul Lovett's lecture describes Commodore Shock’s illustrious career while taking us through the extraordinary times and state of mind of early Rehoboth Beach development. His research includes extensive review of city commissioner meetings, naval records, and Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum archives. Mr. Lovett is also well-known for building the Rehoboth Beach Diorama, a beautiful intricate scale version of the early Rehoboth Beach streetscape.