Sugar Bowl Restoration

History Of The Sugar Bowl
History Of The Sugar Bowl
Our Work In The Parks
HISTORY OF THE SUGAR BOWL

In 1895, Theodore Leisen, the Board of Park Commissioners chief engineer, proposed the construction of the Sugar Bowl Observatory

Selecting its location on the cliff for its “picturesque outlook up the Brandywine.” He imagined it above the river, near the northern end of the recently completed Washington Street Bridge.

After its completion in 1902, the Sugar Bowl, with its domed pavilion, served for several decades as a meeting place, site for concerts and church services and venue for community and patriotic programs (from Susan Mulchahey Chase, Within the Reach of All: An Illustrated History of Brandywine Park). Sadly, the structure fell into disrepair. In 1949, the roof had to be removed and by the late 1950s, the crumbling concrete railing was dismantled. What remained was only its concrete circular base.

History Of The Sugar Bowl
Our Work In The Parks
History Of The Sugar Bowl

In 1895, Theodore Leisen, the Board of Park Commissioners chief engineer, proposed the construction of the Sugar Bowl Observatory

Selecting its location on the cliff for its “picturesque outlook up the Brandywine.” He imagined it above the river, near the northern end of the recently completed Washington Street Bridge.

After its completion in 1902, the Sugar Bowl, with its domed pavilion, served for several decades as a meeting place, site for concerts and church services and venue for community and patriotic programs (from Susan Mulchahey Chase, Within the Reach of All: An Illustrated History of Brandywine Park). Sadly, the structure fell into disrepair. In 1949, the roof had to be removed and by the late 1950s, the crumbling concrete railing was dismantled. What remained was only its concrete circular base.

History Of The Sugar Bowl

In 1895, Theodore Leisen, the Board of Park Commissioners chief engineer, proposed the construction of the Sugar Bowl Observatory

Selecting its location on the cliff for its “picturesque outlook up the Brandywine.” He imagined it above the river, near the northern end of the recently completed Washington Street Bridge.

After its completion in 1902, the Sugar Bowl, with its domed pavilion, served for several decades as a meeting place, site for concerts and church services and venue for community and patriotic programs (from Susan Mulchahey Chase, Within the Reach of All: An Illustrated History of Brandywine Park). Sadly, the structure fell into disrepair. In 1949, the roof had to be removed and by the late 1950s, the crumbling concrete railing was dismantled. What remained was only its concrete circular base.

Sugar Bowl Restoration
Restoring The Sugar Bowl

FOWP took on the Sugar Bowl Restoration in 2006

After Delaware State Parks identified it as a possible project for the organization to spearhead. The project, our largest undertaking, was completed in late summer 2016.

The celebration brought out over 200 of FOWP supporters, friends, State Park representatives, elected officials, and community members. Since “putting the lid” on the Sugar Bowl, we anticipate it will again be a favored spot for community gatherings. Stay tuned for upcoming events and concerts!

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Support the upkeep and beauty of the Sugar Bowl!