The widely cherished Dolle’s sign, a part of the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk panorama for decades, will now welcome visitors on the other side of town.
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment approved the Rehoboth Beach Museum’s variance request Dec. 27, allowing the sign to be displayed on the western side of its building at 511 Rehoboth Ave.
The Dolle’s sign, a 30-foot-by-15-foot structure, was originally erected in 1962 and repaired in 2002. The orange cursive writing, with a sweeping tail featuring “SALT WATER TAFFY” in white lettering, has become an important part of Rehoboth Beach’s identity.
“One thing that a very wise person said to me was that the sign is more than candy. It’s about memories, and the museum is in the business of preserving artifacts and the memories they represent,” said Rehoboth Beach Museum Director Nancy Alexander.
One resident wrote a letter in opposition.
“My main objection is that I do not believe that a public institution … should be in the business of promoting a private business,” he wrote.
Nonetheless, the board voted unanimously to approve the variance, needed due to the sign’s size and height.
Dolle’s closed its original location earlier this year, after owner Tom Ibach’s lease expired and the building was sold. Dolle’s taffy and other candies are still available a few doors down at Ibach’s Candy by the Sea.
REHOBOTH:Stuart Kingston leaving boardwalk after 90 years; why others may follow
BIDEN IN TOWN:President arrives at Rehoboth Beach-area home, may stay for the week
Citizens and media members came to watch the sign be removed from its original post, atop 1 Rehoboth Ave., Dec. 15. It’s now in city storage.
Removing, moving and hanging the sign will cost about $30,000 total, according to Mann.
The museum hopes to have the sign installed as early as April, and it will publicize the occasion.
MORE:A look at some new Delaware restaurants from this year and some that are coming soon
