A: This whole thing actually came about over a few beers at our restaurant "Suzie's" in Millsboro, DE. My wife or I would return to visit our hometowns (Newark and Wilmington) and would run into old buddies and acquaintances who would ask us, "How's things down there in Slower (Lower) Delaware? At times they really poured it on and it at times came across condenscendingly. So, to show our Sussex County pride we made the first t-shirt (now a collectors item) in September of 1991. It was a white Oneita brand t-shirt with "Suzie's" on the pocket in blue ink and the first turtle (see photo)on the back with the term, "I love Slower Lower Delaware" in the back.

Q: Is there really a University of Slower Lower Delaware?

A: You've got to be kidding.

Q: Why isn't the turtle on the size 2-4 and 6-8 sizes?

A: The reason here is that we want youngsters to be attached to "Slugger" for safety reasons. If we strictly marketed the turtle to adults and children alike, then children may get somewhat attached to the design. Therefore an adult wearing the same design could try using it to "lure" a child. Therefore "Slugger" is not available in adult sizes. So just consider "Slugger not only cute, but a safety feature.

Q:Do locals ever take offense to the term "Slower Lower Delaware"?

A: Hardly -- but I won't say never. There are some locals who look at it like we're calling them "slow" mentally, when in actuality, we're only referring to the pace of life down here as opposed to the surrounding cities and suburbs. When explained to them properly, most locals are receptive. The ones that aren't only perpetuate any notion of mental slowness.

Q: What part of Delaware is considered "Slower Lower Delaware"?

A: The original line of delineation is the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. It was always considered once you got over the bridge you were in "Slower Delaware", but rampant development of the once rural area would make one reconsider the border line.

Q: What is "Slower Lower Delaware" known for?

A: First and foremost -- chicken. Sussex County, Delaware is the biggest per capita grower in the United States. According to Mr. Bill Satterfield, President of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Delaware farmers contribute to an annual yield of 28 million bushels of soybeans, 72 million bushels of corn, 6,083 chicken houses with 2,628 growers, 14,100 poultry company employees all leading to 609 million chickens processed annually producing 3.2 billion pounds of chicken valued at $1.58 billion. Besides its inland poultry industry, Sussex County boasts beautiful beaches and beach state parks, excellent fishing, crabbing, hunting and camping sites plus we are the home of tax free shopping with plenty of antique and beachtown shops, along with the three major Route 1 outlet stores. There are also hundreds of area restaurants and night spots with a many of which are extending their business seasons.