REHOBOTH BEACH, De - The Great storm of 1962 also known as the Ash Wednesday Storm is considered one of the worst in the twentieth century. It resulted in the deaths of forty people in six states. The storm caused waves that were reported to be 39 feet in height. In an effort to make something positive out of a tragedy, Rehoboth Beach's Village Improvement Association (VIA) organized the effort to gather wood from the damaged boardwalk and nearby buildings to construct The Children's Fishing Pier over Lake Gerar as a memorial.
The pier was completed in 1963, that year is commemorated on a stone at its entrance. As the city moved into the 21st century, it was determined a new bridge was needed over the lake. The pier was scheduled for demolition when the VIA successfully petitioned city officials to save the pier. The pier now stands right beside the bridge.
