Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
The following incidents reported in the late 1880s and 1890s show us how life can change in an instant: A Fork in the Eye In 1897, Mrs. Hobbs, the wife of farmer Wm. M. Hobbs living near Sykesville (Carroll County), lost an eye after attempting to untie a knot. “She was trying to untie a... Continue Reading →
The ads were placed in newspapers in the Midwest, enticing those unlucky in love: “Parted friends, sweethearts, husbands, or wives brought together, either sex; everything strictly confidential. Send stamp. F. M. Brown, Smithsburg, Md.” “Friendship or love easily won or regained, 10 cents. F. M. Brown, Smithsburg, Md.” But these promises to the lovelorn were... Continue Reading →
In January 1902, a Washington County judge ordered a unique punishment for a man convicted of carrying concealed weapons. The man, George W. Oroby, was described by The News as “an aged resident of Williamsport.” Judge Stake presided over the sentencing of Oroby. Stake said that he’d known Oroby all his life, “...that he was... Continue Reading →
In 1911, Miss Edna Bachtel of Chewsville (Washington County) received quite a fright while sewing at home. "...[S]he was horrified upon glancing down to see a large snake rolled about one of the legs of the [sewing] machine," according to an article in The News. "She jumped backward screaming, and the noise startled the snake,... Continue Reading →
Military men and women who died while in service to our country will be honored in various ways throughout Maryland and the nation this weekend. One of the oldest is the Memorial Day parade in Sharpsburg (Washington County), which started after the Civil War to honor returning veterans, according to the Hagerstown/Washington County Convention &... 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 →
Reported sightings of a mysterious veiled lady roaming around the small town of Williamsport (Washington County) at night frightened residents for years in the 40s and 50s.
In the spring and summer of 1883, happenings from around the state included two accidents and a “devilish” act of animal cruelty: ‘Not a Suicidal Leap’ The June 2, 1883 Denton Journal reported that Miss Bertha Gebhardt did not commit suicide “by leaping from her bed room window” in Baltimore; instead, she fell out the... Continue Reading →
Out of Washington County comes this tragic tale of a man coming to an untimely demise due to injuries he received from the family horse. In October 1921, 35-year-old John Weisner was unharnessing the horse when it lashed out at its owner, causing injuries that would ultimately lead to the well-known storekeeper and farmer’s death.... Continue Reading →
Bygone Maryland 