The Delaware State Bug Story
On April 25, 1974, nineteen second graders from the Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford made Delaware history. After reading in their Weekly Reader about the state bugs from other states, they decided that Delaware should have a state bug also. After much discussion, the class voted for the ladybug. After many months of hard work and campaigning, the second graders and their teacher, Mrs. Mollie Brown-Rust, lobbied state legislators to have the ladybug named as the official Delaware State Bug. Their efforts were successful and the children learned first hand how petitioning and lobbying for a particular cause can result in having a new state law.
This event was the inspiration for the establishment of the LadyBug Shop--a small specialty retail sales shop in downtown Milford, Delaware. And it explains our logo “LadyBug Shop, Located in Historic Downtown Milford, Home of Delaware’s State Bug”.
![]() The Class Outside |
![]() Class Members In Ladybug Outfits |
![]() Kids In State Legislature |
![]() Class Yearbook Photo |





