In Arden sits a beautiful, tiny village that is the most unique town in Delaware. The Village of Arden was founded in 1900 by the famous architect Will Price and renowned sculptor Frank Stephens. Both men wanted to create a utopian, radical, Georgist single-tax community. The village spans about 160 acres, and more than half of the land is preserved open space. Fewer than 500 people are living in Arden, but they are perhaps the most close-knit community in all of Delaware. Just take a look at all of the fun things to do in Arden, Delaware.
The entire village of Arden, Delaware, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wikimedia Commons
Most of the houses were designed by Will Price and several that are still standing are referred to by their names. They were all built in 1909-1910 and they include Friendly Gables, The Lodge, Rest Cottage, Green Gate, The Second Homestead, and The Fels House.
Many notable people have called the Village of Arden, Delaware, home.
Smallbones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Well-known residents of Arden include the author Upton Sinclair; vagabond poet Harry Kemp; Lizzie Magie, inventor of the game Monopoly; and respected economist, activist, and educator Scott Nearing. Russell W. Peterson lived here for a spell, and even President Joe Biden resided in Arden for a short time.
Part of what makes Arden, Delaware, so unique is the many "Gilds" that exist in the community.
Smallbones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Some include a Dinner Gild, a Shakespeare Gild, a Gardening Gild, and a Concert Gild. The Library, Poets, Georgian Devotees, Folk Dancers, and Singers all have their own Gilds. Each one hosts frequent events at The Arden Club, which is the center of the community.

And yes, their dedication to spelling it as "Gild" is a nod to Founders of the village, who promoted simplified spelling.

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Frank Stephens Memorial Theater is a popular spot for the Arden Shakespeare Gild's summer performances.
Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
These dedicated actors dress in period clothes as they perfectly recite their lines and capture the true spirit of the Bard in their performances.
Arden Gild Hall is the main attraction in the Village, and it draws people from all over to its concerts and events.
Facebook / Arden Gild Hall - Joe Del Tufo
The Concert Gild puts on amazing shows year round, with nationally touring and local artists. The atmosphere is intimate and the sound quality is unrivaled. You can tell that the majority of Arden's residents are artists themselves, as the attention to detail in every event put on by the Gilds is unbelievable.
Arden even has a beautiful community pool.
Facebook / Arden Swim Club
While it's definitely one of the more modern offerings in Arden, the pool is an oasis for children, families, and adults alike who call Arden home. It's located behind the Gild Hall, right in the center of the community.
The entire town feels like it is straight out of a storybook.
Facebook / The Arden Folk Gild
Elvis Costello would have felt at home here, because the town is rich with peace, love, and understanding. The utopian, simple lifestyle that Arden was founded upon still exists to this day in the lives of everyone who calls the Village home. From artisans to actors and everyone in between, this little community has such a big heart toward all who visit.

Where is Arden, Delaware you may ask? This storybook town is a village and art colony in New Castle County, Delaware. Be sure to check out the happenings in the Village by visiting the Arden Club Website, where you can keep up with each of the many Gilds and join them in their celebrations of art and life. Delaware has so many incredible, historic small towns – if you’re looking to visit another, we wholeheartedly recommend taking a day trip to the first town in the First State.

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More to Explore

Unique Towns In Delaware

Carolyn Harmon | September 06, 2022

Where is another one of the most unique towns in Delaware?

 

This unique town in Delaware is centered approximately 16 miles from everything in the heart of Sussex County. The community here is a blend from farmers to attorneys, drawing its uniqueness from the variety of inhabitants. It offers such events as concerts in the park, craft barns, antique shops, and easy access to beaches. Some of the unique attractions include the Marvel Carriage Museum, showcasing carriages from Mr. Nutter Marvel's collection; and the Georgetown Speedway, well known across the U.S. for stock car racing and its role in the sport's history and development.

Where is one of the most artistic and cultural cities in Delaware?

 

This cultural city in Delaware is a coastal town, with boardwalk-lined shops, amusements, restaurants, and hotels. Offering artistic relief is the Rehoboth Art League, with more than 24 group, solo, and special art exhibitions annually. This vast space holds six galleries throughout the over three-acre wooded campus. Some other art galleries include Bethany Fine Arts & The Beach Life Gallery, the Rehoboth Beach Museum welcoming groups, and hands-on activities for children. And the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center offers live concerts and other cultural events.

Where is the most haunted house in Delaware?

 

This haunted house in Delaware was built in 1798 by Charles Hillyard III, with seven bedrooms. It was purchased by the state in 1965 for $65,000 when Woodburn became the official residence of the governor under Gov. Charles L. Terry. That same year, the state also appropriated $70,000 for repairs and renovations. But it seems some spirits of earlier times have remained, making this possibly the most haunted house in Delaware. Documented cases exist, with the first appearing around 1815. The owners then were Dr. and Mrs. Martin Bates. And while there entertained Methodist preacher Lorenzo Dow and when he was about to pray before breakfast, Dow asked if he should wait for the other guests in the house. Mrs. Bates explained said there were no other guests, after which Dow gave details of how the man looked, down to his knee britches. Mrs. Bates thought it could have been her father, Charles Hillyard III. Other ghosts have been known to appear.

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