Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
In December 1887, a 17-year-old girl attempting to visit her sister in Baltimore had an experience that she surely remembered for the rest of her life. Gertie Cleary, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter from Smithsburg (Washington County), had spent Christmas visiting her uncle in Mount Airy (Carroll County). From there, she traveled by train to Baltimore... Continue Reading →
In New Windsor, a small town tucked away in the western part of Carroll County, a large building takes up a good chunk of one of its quiet blocks. Outside, a white sign with “The Boxwood” in black lettering hangs in contrast to the building’s pale greenish-gray exterior, though the antiques shop that was once... Continue Reading →
On January 1, 1930, members of Naomi Hall Brady's extended family gathered around to watch 18-year-old Naomi unwrap a just-delivered Christmas gift. Inside the package addressed to Mrs. Naomi Hall was dynamite, nails and metal. As Naomi opened the festively wrapped box, it exploded.
On December 15, 1903, an opossum found himself in a pigeon coop in Frederick County. He had quite a feast, eating all of the pigeons who resided there, including one that was 14 years old. But the coop's owners had the last laugh. According to an article in The News, "The opossum remained in the... Continue Reading →
On Christmas Eve in 1900, The News (Frederick) printed children’s letters to Santa Claus: Arthur Pue Gorman Ridgely, 3, requested that Santa bring him “a little dog and a story book and some candy, oranges and nuts.” In his letter, he reassured Santa that he would appreciate his gifts: “I will be glad and thankful,”... Continue Reading →
Running the length of the red brick building on Railroad Avenue in downtown Westminster (Carroll County), whitish tan lettering declares the site’s former purpose: The Sherwood Distillery Co. Distiller of Sherwood Straight Rye Whiskey Above the faded words sits a drawing of a barrel on its side with the words “Sherwood Whiskey” on the top,... Continue Reading →
In November 1932, the Denton Journal (Caroline County) ran a powerful Thanksgiving editorial to inspire and boost readers’ spirits in the midst of the Great Depression. The piece made a case for being thankful, even in difficult times. It encouraged people to be thankful if they had their health and if they were working. It... Continue Reading →
Situated on sloping East Mulberry Street in Baltimore, the sign’s words on the side of the building are chipped and peeling, but still easy to read: Baltimore School of Beauty Culture Licensed to Teach Marinello System An online Maryland State Archives search reveals that two buildings – at 5 East Mulberry Street and 7 East... Continue Reading →
Like the other businessmen and merchants of their time, dentists advertised their services in newspapers to gain new business. Dentist T.J. Smithers informed his patients and the general public that he was back in his South Washington Street office in Easton in the pages of September 30, 1890 issue of The Star-Democrat. Smithers offered a... Continue Reading →
Painting advertisements on the side of buildings was one of the ways companies got the attention of potential customers in years past. Today, those fading advertisements are sometimes called “ghost signs.” The more I noticed them in my travels, the more I became curious about the companies and products they once represented. The Zile’s Ice... Continue Reading →
Bygone Maryland 