Delaware Eyewitness: Behind the Scenes in the First State

by John Riley

Overview

Recently recognized by the Delaware Press Association as the best adult non-fiction book of 2019 in the memoir/autobiography category, this book by John Riley features a behind the scenes look at more than six decades of the people, places and events in and around the First State.

Beginning with the post-World War II period where the country's possibilities seemed to know no bounds through to the crushing reality of assassinations, the draft and Vietnam, Riley provides a fascinating look back at the people and places of mid-century Wilmington.

His riveting account of the draft and subsequent Army years will no doubt resurrect vivid memories for many from the Vietnam generation. Riley also shares his unique experience in Delaware politics, sports and corporate life, including inside stories involving governors, athletes, coaches, and the leaders of some of Delaware's most prominent companies. Notably, Riley provides a detailed eyewitness account of the unraveling of a ninety year old chemical company ravaged by bad business decisions and under assault by an infamous corporate raider.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781087880044
Publisher:	Riley Publications LLC
Publication date:	04/21/2020
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

John Riley retired in 2016 after leading government relations for two global corporations. He has also served in various economic development roles including interim CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership. He has been a contributor to Town Square Delaware and other publications since 2012 and in 2017 joined former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Reilly as co-author of his book, Tackling Life. John is an Army veteran and continues to be active in veterans' affairs. As a board member and past chairman of Easterseals Delmarva, he has been a leader on disability issues for two decades. John and his wife, Sharon, live in Wilmington. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Prologue: The Day Had Arrived: May 1969

PART I: Wilmington

Chapter 1: Pine Street, 1950s

Chapter 2: Life on the East Side, 1950s

Chapter 3: Caddying at the Rock and a Little League Champion, 1957-1963

Chapter 4: High School and Junior Golf, 1960-1963 27

Chapter 5: The Ring Mass Fiasco, 1963-1964 33

Chapter 6: Almost a Champion, 1964 37

Chapter 7: Initial College Years, 1964-1966 41

Chapter 8: Golf Team and Other Adventures, 1966-1967 47

Chapter 9: The Night Shift, 1967-1968 51

Chapter 10: The Match, May 1968 55

Chapter 11: Early Politics, 1968-1969 61

PART II: The Army

Chapter 12: Ft. Dix and Ft. Leonard Wood, May-September 1969 69

Chapter 13: Officer Candidate School, Ft Benning, Georgia, September 1969-March 1970

Chapter 14: Ft. Knox Days, April 1970-November 1971

PART III : Adventures in Politics, Business, Sports, and Fundraising

Chapter 15: Candidate for Congress, 1972

Chapter 16: A New Career Path, 1972-1973

Chapter 17: The Corporate World, 1973

Chapter 18: The Other Side of the Aisle, 1976

Chapter 19: Rick Collins and County Politics, 1980-1989

Chapter 20: County Council, 1982-1985

Chapter 21: The Vietnam Memorial, 1983

Chapter 22: Ed "Porky" Oliver Golf Club, May 1983

Chapter 23: Suing the News Journal for Libel, 1984

Chapter 24 : The Leukemia Golf Classic, 1983-1996

Chapter 25: Henry Milligan and Pro Management Inc. (PMI), 1986

Chapter 26: Headhunter, 1990-1994

PART IV : Delaware Economic Development

Chapter 27: Delaware Economic Challenges, 1994-1995

Chapter 28: Saving Playtex, 1994

Chapter 29: Scott, the Eagles, and the Riverfront, 1995-1996

Chapter 30: Behind the Scenes with DuPont and MBNA, 1994-1995

Chapter 31: The RL&F Book, 1995-1996

Chapter 32: International, 1994-1998

Chapter 33: End of an Era, 1998

Chapter 34: The Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 1998-1999

Chapter 35: Vietnam, 1998

Chapter 36: AstraZeneca, 1999

Part V: The Decline and Fall of Hercules

Chapter 37: The Spiral Down, 2000

Chapter 38: Asbestos and Other Battles, 2001-2002

Chapter 39: The Final Showdown, 2002-2003

Chapter 40: Craig Rogerson and the Sale of Hercules, 2003-2008

Chapter 41: Takeover, 2008-2010

Chapter 42: The Ashland Years and Retirement, 2009-2016

Epilogue
Afterward
Acknowledgments
Names Index
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

"Anyone who has ever fashioned themselves a Delawarean will love this book." -Mike Purzycki, Mayor of the City of Wilmington

"From government to business, to sports and community service, John has not only been "in the room" for a lot of Delaware history over the past 50 years, he's made sure that 'the Delaware Way' - characterized by communication, collaboration and civility- has been there, too." -Thomas R. Carper, US Senator

"An inspiring personal story that captures history, shares emotional experiences and behind the scene details of corporate giants vital to Delaware. You will experience a whole range of emotions and wonder how he did all of it in one lifetime!" -Cheryl Corn, COO, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

"John brings his writing and extraordinary storytelling skills to his own Delaware experience. From early days on the streets of Wilmington to years in the corridors of power, Delaware Eyewitness is a fascinating read!" -Kevin Reilly, Former Philadelphia Eagle and Author, Tackling Life

From the Publisher