Trains on the old Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad didn’t go far and they didn’t go fast on the line that twisted and turned its way through some of the most scenic parts of Cecil County. Beginning on the state line at Sylmar, the rails passed through valleys, alongside creeks, and through granite hills until the junction of mainline, the Columbia and Port Deposit Road, was reached. On…
Sprecher Shared Elkton’s 1960s Story in an Engaging Talk
Yesterday afternoon, Milford Sprecher kicked off the Historical Society of Cecil County’s popular 2013-14 speakers series with an engaging, photo-illustrated talk, “Elkton in the 1960s.” On the pleasant Saturday, he vividly captured the spirit of those years locally, providing views and perspective of someone who came of age in the county seat during a pivotal era….
Remembering Dr. James Johnson, a respected Cecil County Physician
When Dr. James Johnson started practicing medicine in Elkton in the middle of the Great Depression the county’s healthcare system was segregated, just like every other aspect of life in Cecil County. Union Hospital had a separate ward for African-Americans and the young physician didn’t have admitting privileges. If one of his patients required hospitalization,…
Mapping the Elk River and Other Waterways
Cecil County Citizens Kayak & Canoe Club recently established an open Facebook group, a place for those interested in the area’s five rivers. Once the social media page launched, views of the Upper Elk River (the Kayaker’s perspective) caught my attention, causing me to start digging through old research files in a search of some…
Big Elk Creek Once Thrived With Activity in Elkton
The Big Elk Creek in Elkton, winding its way along what was once the town’s southern border, is commonly associated with perennial flooding these days. But once upon a time this waterway nurtured and strengthened the development of the county seat as the place bustled as a center for water transportation. During the 19th century,…
They Say There Are Ghosts in the Old Cecil County Jail
Although it’s been unused as a jail for over a quarter of a century, an inmate or two might still linger inside the unoccupied 19th-century Jail on North Street in Elkton. If they do, they are ghostly inhabitants since prisoners moved out of the aging lockup under the cover of midnight darkness in 1984. Or…
The Old Perryville Railroad Station Still Bustles With Activity As Conductors Shout All Aboard and Fast Acela’s Rush Past
The old P.W. & B. Perryville Railroad Station looks rather fine on a late summer day as an Amtrak Acela rushes past. Built in 1904, the station continues serving commuters as about 14 Marc trains chug into the station each today and the conductors shout all aboard. Each morning the parking lots fill, and the…
Historical Society Digitizes Cecil County Civil War Bounty Payment Ledger
One of our library volunteers, Steve Higham, has created a new online research resource to help those studying family and local history during the Civil War. Here is Steve’s Description of the manuscript he worked with over the summer. “In the Civil War, the Federal government established quotas for each state as to the number of required enlistments….
Harvest Moon Rising Over the C & D Canal
With autumn set to arrive in a few days, the bright harvest moon of September illuminated Chesapeake City and the C & D Canal this evening.
The Flickr Commons Has Old Maryland Postcards
As a result of developing research materials for centuries many of the nation’s largest public libraries have vast collections of photographs and postcards from earlier times. These items, which are helpful to those digging into the past, have always been available, safely preserved and stored away for visiting patrons. But now access is greatly enhanced…