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 offers readers a captivating journey through Delaware’s lesser-known history. It is an excellent choice for those who relish reading about unusual facts and harbor a passion for history, even if it occasionally leans toward trivia. This book provides a valuable contribution to understanding Delaware’s rich heritage.” — Literary Titan
Book Details:
Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First State, Second Phase by Dave Tabler
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 110 pages
Genre: American History, Colonial
Publisher: Dave Tabler
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2023
Tour dates: Nov 20 to Dec 15
Content Rating: G. None needed. Works for all audiences.
Book Description:
Delaware from Railways to Freeways covers eye-opening information about the region and its residents from 1800 to 1907. Laying out a captivating journey through pictures and offering up little-known anecdotes, entertainingly educational stories, and a comprehensive deep dive, Tabler gives insightful commentary on inventions, contributors to society, and transformative technology. History lovers of all ages will immensely enjoy this trove of 19th-century lore.
Add to Goodreads ~ Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM ~Indiebound ~ BookShop ~ BookBub
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

Guest Post:

“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.
Meet the Author:
Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.
Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.
Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.’
Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics, which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’
In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.
Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage. This may be the start of something.
Connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads
The Tour Schedule:
Nov 20 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 21 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 22– fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 22 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 24– Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 27 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 28 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 –Kim’s Book Reviews and Wrting Aha’s – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 30 – Diane’s Book Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 1 – My Reading Getaway – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 4 –Leanne Bookstagram – book spotlight
Dec 5 –Faith and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 5 – Books with a Chance – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 7– Brooke Blogs – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 8 – Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 11 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 12 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 13 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Dec 14 –Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 15 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book spotlight / giveaway
Giveaway Details:
Win paperback copy of Delaware from Railways to Freeways / First state, Second phase by Dave Tabler (one winner) (USA only) (ends Dec 22)
To Enter the Giveaway click on the Rafflecopter link below:
DELAWARE FROM RAILWAYS TO FREEWAYS Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway

This book sounds fascinating and filled with so much interesting information which would be a real treasure to give to my grandsons to enjoy. History is a subject that interests them greatly and this is a wonderful experience. Best wishes and much enjoyment and success.