Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
The Baltimore Sun ran weekly writing contests that would solicit submissions surrounding a specific theme from children ages 15 and younger, with the top entries winning $5 and select runners-up receiving $1. In April 1912, one of the topics was to describe “The Most Memorable Easter in My Life.” It’s fascinating to see how the... Continue Reading →
There’s no shortage of reports of peculiar accidents in Maryland newspapers of yesteryear. Here are three accounts of bizarre situations occurring in Washington County that remind us that anything can happen as we move through the daily tasks of our lives: In December 1896, The Baltimore Sun reported “a strange accident” involving Charles Hoffman, a... Continue Reading →
A October 1895 issue of the Catoctin Clarion described an awful-sounding accident, making us realize that even the most mundane hobbies can have painful consequences: “Miss Rose Coleman ran a crocheting needle into the index finger of her left hand. Dr. Kefauver was called, forced it through her finger and cut the barb off, then... Continue Reading →
On Valentine’s Day, 1901, The Baltimore Sun reported a crime involving the theft of a silk dress — Mrs. Baker’s dress, to be precise. The day before, the alleged perpetrator was found in Mrs. Henrietta Trippe’s boarding house at 529 North Charles Street. He was described as “[a] strange man, rather poorly dressed and with... Continue Reading →
Are you stocked up on milk, bread and toilet paper? As we all anxiously await to see what tomorrow’s snowstorm brings us, I thought it would be fun to look back on two other March snowstorms. In 1942, a weekend storm hit the area. “The freak storm traced a dizzy pattern across the entire state,”... Continue Reading →
Of all the ailments I see in old newspapers, tapeworm is one that has creeped me out the most. Just the thought of it slinking around inside the human body gives me goosebumps. Share in my misery: Described as “a delicate operation,” in January 1887, George Gittinger had 60 feet of tapeworm removed by Dr.... Continue Reading →
The bright sun and mild temperatures offered us a glimpse of spring this past weekend, just as Marylanders observing Washington’s birthday 139 years ago experienced “unseasonably warm” weather. The weather that day, February 22, 1878, was described as “unpropitious for holiday enjoyments,” as the “oppressive” temperature reached a high of 63 degrees with showers, “...... Continue Reading →
A variety of opportunities could be found by women perusing the Baltimore Sun’s Help Wanted ads in September 1912. From feather making to factory work to traveling the world, some of these positions had height requirements, age requirements, even religious requirements: LADY TRAVELING COMPANION, over 25, for foreign countries, by invalid gentleman; some nursing experience... 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 →
Bygone Maryland 