Window on Cecil County's Past

In the era before modern consolidated schools were constructed in Cecil County, most small communities had a school serving youngsters from within a few miles of the village or hamlet. Thus, there were several dozen all across the county, serving practically every hamlet and village. Since this was the era of segregation and Jim Crow,…

In the late 19th century, employment opportunities for women were largely confined to roles such as domestic work, teaching, and a few other low-paying, socially acceptable occupations.  Yet, trailblazers emerged, carving out spaces for themselves in traditionally male-dominated fields. Among these were two remarkable, pioneering women who worked as tower operators for the railroad.  …

CHESAPEAKE CITY—MARCH 1, 2025— On a Saturday evening at the start of March, a large group of family and friends gathered at Schaefer’s Canal House to celebrate the 95th birthday of Viola Leona Hammond Wright, an extraordinary woman whose life exemplifies dedication and service.  A true trailblazer, Mrs. Wright began her educational journey at the…

It was Christmas night, and members of Cecil Post 15 of the American Legion in Elkton were home enjoying the holiday. Suddenly, in one Legionnaires’ home, the phone rang. “Hospital Calling!” the voice on the line said. “There’s been a serious automobile accident near Rising Sun,” the operator urgently blurted out. “If we can get…

On a frigid winter evening with the North East River beginning to freeze over, a warm, welcoming glow filled the doorway of the P. K. Barnes Icehouse, drawing a curious crowd to the shoreline. They were there, braving the chilly January wind, to learn about the history of meticulous preservation of this remarkable structure and…

When Cecil County established a central dispatch system in October 1961, Rosemary Culley took a job with the county, joining the first group of five “operators” hired to take emergency calls.  Over a thirty-five-year watch, she rose through the ranks to the top spot in the Department of Emergency Services.   She handled some of the county’s…

Once the sun went down in Elkton in the early 1860s, the only feeble light that was available came from flickering candles or the dim glow of kerosene lamps. But all of that changed dramatically during the Civil War. In May 1863, the John D. Baker Company of Baltimore purchased a lot from Fredus Aldridge…

On the south side of Elkton’s East Main Street in the vicinity of the Cecil County District Court building, a steep hill descends down to meet the Big Elk Creek. At the point where the drop levels out, the Elkton Gas Light Company built an illuminating gas manufacturing plant in 1863 to serve the county…

RISING SUN — September 13, 2024 — On this fine Friday evening at the end of summer, we stopped by the Rising Sun Train Station to capture a photo of the building, as we understand it will soon face demolition. The railroad reached Rising Sun in 1865, marking a significant milestone with the arrival of…

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in August 1936, the majestic Hindenburg Airship graced the skies above Cecil County. Having just completed its fifth scheduled flight to the United States, this colossal Zeppelin had arrived at Lakehurst, New Jersey, with a full passenger load. However, due to choppy winds, the captain decided to forgo landing and…