Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
In January 1916, Easton Jail inmate Amos Camper was taken to the Emergency Hospital for an operation. A few days later, Camper decided it was time to make a break for it. But how? The sheriff had taken Camper’s clothes back to the jail. Camper wasn’t going to let a lack of clothes stop him... Continue Reading →
On a blustery Sunday afternoon in late November, I rushed to meet two dear friends for lunch in downtown Frederick. Not a big fan of parallel parking, I pulled into the Carroll Creek parking garage and nearly reached the top before I found an open space. Then I saw it: a ghost sign for the... Continue Reading →
In 1900, farmer Patrick Ryan, who lived near Cumberland (Allegany County), devised a unique way to rid his farm of rats that were ruining his corn, wheat and other crops. He’d tried various approaches, but most unconventional one — soaking corn in whiskey in a barrel — worked the best. “This the rats ate rapidly,... Continue Reading →
Obituaries have always been a way for family and friends to share their remembrances of those who have passed away. Below are excerpts that I found interesting, pulled from the memorials of three Maryland ladies, each in a different stage in her life: Celia A. Ricards, age 23 (1865) “Celia was a sweet girl, having... Continue Reading →
In 1865, January 1 fell on a Sunday, as it will for us in a few short days. The following day, The Baltimore Sun reported on the holiday, its evolving traditions and the anticipation of a better year than the one that had just passed. The sentiment below seems as relevant today as it was... Continue Reading →
“A little boy in a spirit of repentance sends this letter to The Sun: ‘Dear Santa Claus: I am very sorry that I ever said I did not believe in you. Forgive me this time and I will never say it again. Yours lovingly, G.K.’” Source: Baltimore Sun, December 23, 1893
Maryland children in the early 20th century sent letters containing poignant requests for St. Nick: A Thoughtful Brother Harry Brown Jr. of Annapolis spends most of his 1918 letter listing what his many siblings would like for Christmas (I love their names!): Dear Santa Claus: Will you please bring me an automobile, which I can work... Continue Reading →
Do you remember your little friend Ellen Measell? I hope you do and will you please bring me a new doll, a very large one, with light hair and blue eyes, some books, some games, a pair of kid gloves, a pair of ice skates, a little house for my dolls and a baby brother,... Continue Reading →
On Monday, January 1, 1877, The Baltimore Sun described the one of the last nights of 1876 as a beautiful winter night filled with activity: “Saturday night was glorious for sleighing and coasting. The moon was at meridian and the snow shone like silver, while the air was still and bracing. … On every road leading... Continue Reading →
"Please bring me a small doll baby, a little tin stove, and a whole lot of nice candy. I’ll be an awful good girl, Santa, if you bring me all I want." Letter from Neva Stitely in The News (Frederick), December 6, 1893
Bygone Maryland 