Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler Book Tour, Guest Post, & Giveaway! {Ends 12/22/23

Delaware from Railways to Freeways is the second book in a series that began with Delaware Before the Railroads and whose planned conclusion is Delaware from Freeways to e-Ways. In his preface, author Dave Tabler touts the advent of the railroad, saying that it “ushered in a prosperous era for the First State” due to Delaware’s “strategic location” on the Delaware Bay. The book is mostly photographs, all of which are vibrant and compelling and include objects that would not be present in most histories of the state, such as John Jones’s adjustable peach sorter: an 1874 invention that revolutionized peach sorting. Or the crawlspace in the home of Quaker couple Daniel and Mary Corbit, in which they hid a fugitive slave in 1845. Tabler’s captions are bite-sized yet satisfying, offering readers a plethora of history without making them feel overworked. …More a coffee-table book than a proper history, Dave Tabler’s Delaware from Railways to Freeways is a worthy read for any devotee of Delaware’s past.” — Indie Reader

 “Explain to my readers what you mean when you say you are a ‘Delaware Whisperer’

A “horse whisperer” traditionally refers to an individual possessing an exceptional understanding and communication ability with horses, facilitating improved behavior or performance. Drawing a parallel to this, a “Delaware Whisperer” could metaphorically signify someone with a profound understanding of Delaware’s legal, political, or cultural landscapes.

I make no claim to the first two aspects of the ‘Delaware Whisperer’ character, but I’d like to think my two books “Delaware Before the Railroads” and “Delaware from Railways to Freeways” might be quite useful in explaining to outsiders—and insiders as well—why Delaware is the way it is, culturally.

To my mind, the “Delaware Whisperer” cultural version is called on to bridge understanding between different stakeholders, aiding in preserving the state’s rich historical heritage while promoting inclusivity and education.

The “Delaware Whisperer” can serve as a conduit, translating the complex tapestry of Delaware’s environments into actionable insights for those less versed in the state’s distinctive character.

There are 57 million residents living in America’s Northeast quadrant. Many of them have been schooled in the idea that when they retire they should head to Florida, or less frequently, Arizona. Yet the retirement reality on the ground has shifted. Travel & Leisure magazine in October this year cited a Bankrate poll on the best US retirement states. Florida has fallen to #8, and Arizona to #34. Delaware, meanwhile, is #2!

I have noticed a lot of my readers are in fact pre-retirement age, and based in the Northeast (also Virginia, right next door to Delaware).

The “Delaware Whisperer” idea never occurred to me as I was writing my two books, yet it seems now like a perfectly sensible way to position them.

I lived in NYC for 30 years, and when I was deciding on retirement options, I noticed a lot of New Yorkers are intrigued by Delaware’s potential as a retirement haven yet remain uncertain about the lifestyle adjustments such a move entails.

My wife’s family has deep roots in Delaware, and I had been visiting the state for decades already, so a retirement move here was a perfectly logical step for us.

I like the idea of giving back. Delaware has been a wonderful place to put down roots, and I hope my writings can encourage others to see the state’s charms.

Becoming a “Delaware Whisperer” with a nuanced understanding of the state’s lifestyle, culture, and amenities, offers me the opportunity, and the honor, of being an invaluable guide in illuminating the distinctive features of life in Delaware to prospective retirees outside the state.

I possess no special insight into Delaware’s housing market or the tax benefits that Delaware extends to retirees, both items potential retirees are paying close attention to.

My role, rather, is to provide a vivid portrayal of Delaware’s historical sites, many of which offer loads of cultural events that promise a fulfilling and active retirement.

Through a “Delaware Whisperer” Delaware’s allure transitions from hearsay to a tangible, well-articulate reality, helping to align the expectations and aspirations of pre-retirement individuals with the lifestyle awaiting them in our charming state.