Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
Did you know that for about a decade in the early 20th century Rockville (Montgomery County) was without widespread electricity? According to a 1909 article in The Baltimore Sun, much of the town was without electricity because of a fire years earlier: “Electricity for lighting the residences, churches, business places, etc. of Rockville is now... Continue Reading →
A perfect storm of circumstances started a fire at a residence in 1911 Baltimore. “A candle, loose wall paper and a breeze blowing in the open window of the kitchen at 129 South Caroline street” started a “slight blaze” in Louis Ginsman’s home, according to a Baltimore Sun article with the headline “Candle, Breeze, Blaze.”... 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 former Saltz Furniture Store building in Crisfield (Somerset County) not only had the distinction of featuring architectural details unique to the area, but the distinction of narrowly escaping ruin in 1928. The faded paint can still easily be read on the side of the building, once identifying the establishment to shoppers. According to the... Continue Reading →
Bygone Maryland 