This week in Delaware history

By Roger Martin
Special to the Coastal Point

March 17

1943 — Auto inspections were suspended in the state for the duration during World War II.

March 18

1921 — Amid much controversy downstate because of higher taxes and the loss of much local control, a new School Code was enacted.

March 19

1818 — In what was the worst catastrophe ever at the duPont Powder Works near Wilmington, 85,000 pounds of black powder exploded in four minutes, killing 34 people and wounding seven. After what was labeled the “Great Explosion,” company founder Eleuthere duPont for the first time pensioned widows and provided for the education of their children.

March 20

2000 — The Rusty Rudder restaurant in Dewey Beach was sold for $12.5 million.

March 21

1898 — The Sussex Trust Company bank opened in Lewes.

March 22

1922 — The Harrington Town Council passed “blue laws” that forbade all Sunday sales anywhere in town except in hotels, drug stores, restaurants and boarding houses. The penalty for doing so was $10, if violators were caught.

March 23

1972 — Delaware became the first state to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment for women.