Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
Mothers were warned of the dangers of immodest fashion and other activities that endangered their daughters’ morals one Sunday evening in 1912 at First Baptist Church. Dr. O.C.S. Wallace shared these dangers in his message “Present Perils and Problems,” according to the Baltimore Sun. “He said: ‘Indecent fashions in dress, which were doubtless intended by... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, I shared the passion Orioles fans had for baseball and fair calls. This week, I’m sharing how a little common courtesy at the ballpark could have saved a little time, trouble and money for two spectators. In August 1912, Joseph F. Kennedy, having gotten to the Oriole Park early, settled in... Continue Reading →
In August 1912, Frank O’Rourke was driving a Salvation Army wagon filled with old newspapers on Ostend Street in Baltimore when he heard people shouting “Fire!” He didn’t think much of it. And he didn’t pay much mind when “[s]ome one ran to the corner and turned in the alarm.” Little did he know what... Continue Reading →
The Social Security Administration just released Maryland’s 2016 Top 100 baby names based on Social Security card application data. For boys, the top five names were Noah, Mason, Liam, Ethan and Daniel. For girls, Ava, Olivia, Emma, Charlotte. and Sophia made Maryland's top five. In 1912, one of The Baltimore Sun’s Sunday contests tackled the... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Today, we generally think of flies as more of a nuisance than a health hazard. But in the early 20th century, flies spreading typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis and other diseases was a true public safety concern. In 1912, government officials encouraged farmers to keep stables clean, use screens in doors and windows and fly-catching devices to protect... Continue Reading →
Bygone Maryland 