Finding clues from the past that give us a glimpse into the places and lives of Marylanders who came before us
It seems as though some youth took the Halloween pranks a little too far in Westminster (Carroll County) in 1881. The Democratic Advocate outlined some of the damage caused — and possible consequences — for those responsible. “Breaking window-panes, daubing houses with mud, tearing away and breaking doorsteps and yard gates and fences, throwing corn... Continue Reading →
Walking along East Main Street in Westminster, the county seat of Carroll County, one can find clues from the city’s past. Take, for example, the words “T.W. Mather & Sons” etched into one of the buildings, the remnants of one of the city’s downtown shopping destinations. A description of the former establishment from a 1996... 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 →
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 1929, Carroll County was rocked by two violent murder cases that each made front-page news, and they even shared newsprint on the same day. Threads of similarities ran through each of these cases — the death of a spouse at the hands of the other, alcohol, domestic violence and two shots — but the... 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 