Historic Odessa Facts

purple Delft tiles surround the open fireplace

1774 Colonial Fireplace

A colonial fireplace located in the housekeepers room in Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774) features Delft tiles. The purple color is a bit more unusual in Delft tiles which are more commonly seen in blue. 

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Sam was hidden behind a tiny door in the attic

Sanctuary for Sam

In 1845, a fugitive slave from Maryland named Sam approached the Corbit home begging for refuge. Sam was hidden by Mary Corbit behind this tiny door in the attic of the Corbit-Sharp house. 

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Colonial Revival style garden pineapple gate ornament at the entry of the Corbit-Sharp House

Pineapple Gate Post Caps

Colonial Revival style garden pineapple gate ornament at the entry of the Corbit-Sharp House.

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chest of drawers in the guest bedroom at Christmas

Original Furnishings

Because the Corbit-Sharp house remained in the Corbit family until the mid-20th century, we know an exceptional amount about the home's history and furnishings. 

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mutule blocks is a Georgian feature borrowed from Greek Doric architecture

Cornice with Mutule Blocks

The interior cornice in the Corbit-Sharp House with mutule blocks is a Georgian feature borrowed from Greek Doric architecture.

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Georgian houses displayed a strict symmetry with a paneled door as a centerpiece capped by an elaborate crown or pediment.

Entrance Door Corbit-Sharp House

Georgian houses displayed a strict symmetry with a paneled door as a centerpiece capped by an elaborate crown or pediment.

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kind of unique export product, 18th century wallpaper

Hand Painted Wallpaper

The wallpaper in the Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774) is a rare example of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper.

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Atlas of the State of Delaware of 1868

Pomeroy and Beers atlas c.1868

The firm of Pomeroy and Beers produced an atlas in 1868 called the Atlas of the State of Delaware.

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The wood water pump in front of the Historic Pump House c.1780

Wood Pump c.1780

The wood water pump in front of the Historic Pump House c.1780 is indicative of the public nature of the center of town.

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