Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
The Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in Frederick operated in its North Market Street location for more than 60 years before permanently closing in 2008. Built in the late ’40s, the plant moved from another location in town where it had been since the 1920s “on the north bank of Carroll Creek” on East Patrick Street, according... Continue Reading →
The Bay Bridge is one of the most easily recognized landmarks in all of Maryland. Officially known as the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, named after the governor who started the endeavor, the bridge changed the way of life for many Marylanders when it opened in July 1952. Prior to that, the only way... Continue Reading →
Straw Hat Day was an unofficial holiday across the nation each May signaling the start of spring. This was the day when men would switch from wearing their felt hats to straw hats in anticipation of the warmer weather. Though basically unheard of today, Straw Hat Day advertisements and articles could be found in newspapers... Continue Reading →
On Mother's Day, we honor our mothers for all they have done for us. But this is nothing new. More than 100 years ago, an article in a Cumberland newspaper shared poignant thoughts about mothers, reminding readers to remember their mothers, living or deceased: “To recall the memories of the mothers that are gone and... Continue Reading →
It was the second-oldest railroad in the United States. It was one of the coveted railroads featured on the iconic Monopoly game board, and it got its start in Baltimore. Of course it’s the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad.
One day in February 1891, a box with a human ear showed up on a street in the village of Unionville (Frederick County). According to a newspaper report, thoughts and fears instantly turned to murder, like a Jack the Ripper-type killer on the loose in the little settlement, located halfway between Westminster and Frederick. Luckily,... Continue Reading →
While perusing old issues of newspapers, an intriguing ad caught my eye: “We pay for dead animals! Call Leidy.”
From quirky ads to strange hobbies to thoughts on the importance of beauty, vignettes from Easton:
Warning: If you aren’t fond of beaks, barbed legs or beady eyes, you may not want to continue reading. It seems the summer of 1938 was the summer of pests in Frederick city and county. That August, thousands of blackbirds flew over the city night after night. Since the bird was protected by state law, they... Continue Reading →
Past the shopping center, business park and the carnival grounds on Twin Arch Road in Mount Airy sits the road’s namesake. The Twin Arch Bridge was built in 1901 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The train tracks are situated on top of the bridge. Twin Arch Road runs under one of the arches, while... Continue Reading →
Bygone Maryland 