Officials with the Cecil County Board of Education were excited as the new school year got underway in 1951. The system had eight new school buses ready to relieve overcrowding in the pupil transport system. The vehicles were going to be used in the Perryville, Rising Sun, North East and Calvert areas, according to Edwin…
The Oldest & Newest Firefighting Apparatus in Elkton in 1966
In 1966, the Singerly Fire Company proudly arranged its newest piece of firefighting equipment, a snorkel, alongside one of its 19th century firefighting relics.
Serving the Long Distance Line in Elkton
In the early decades of the telecommunications age, the rapidly expanding telephone industry was busy connecting far-flung places together with long distance cables. The mechanics of moving signals over great distance required repeater stations and the rapidly expanding network required “plants” in larger towns. So the Chesapeake and Potomac Phone Company, a branch of the Bell…
The Attractions of Summertime: The Port and Frenchtown Pools
In the years after World War II, community pools were the in thing, a great civic improvement providing a place to take a dip to cool off on scorching summer days. Across the region, private-clubs, community groups, and municipalities opened those refreshing spots so young and old could find a little relief from the oppressive…
Governor Dedicates Augustine Herman Highway
On July 29, 1956, Governor Theodore R. McKeldin named Route 213, from Elkton to the Chester River, the Augustine Herman Highway to honor the famous early map maker of Maryland. This ceremony, which included the unveiling of a highway sign, was part of a larger observance of the 286th anniversary of Herman’s entry into Maryland. Dr. Juray Slavik, former Czechoslovakian…
Chesapeake City Town Commissioners & Mayor in 1956
The Chesapeake City Town Commissioners and Mayor named in 1956 following town election.
Online Historical Maps of Cecil County Help Researchers
Over the past several years there has been an enormous increase in the number of historical maps that are available online. These digital collections are a great aid for those seeking to understand the past, whether it is for a scholarly investigation, local history study, or genealogy project. While the maps, many centuries old, have been…
Galena Fire Company Launches Ambulance to Provide Quick Service in Cecilton and Galena Area.
If a heart attack or some other medical emergency occurred in Cecilton, Fredericktown, Warwick, Galena or other points along the Sassafras River, the victim had to wait a long time for an emergency medical transport. So concerned citizens decided to rectify that problem, launching a drive to buy a modern ambulance for the Cecilton-Galena area….
An Ideal Day for Visiting Interesting Spots Along the C & D Canal
On this beautiful Sunday in August the thermometer leveled off at 77 degrees and a steady breeze made things unusually comfortable on a brilliant, mid-summer day on the Chesapeake. These were ideal conditions for one of my favorite activities, getting out and visiting interesting spots on the Delmarva Peninsula so I checked out the Chesapeake and…
Calamity Jane Arrives in Cecil in 1953.
Calamity Jane, an all-purpose rescue truck, arrived in Cecil County late in 1953. This special emergency vehicle was available for use in Cecil, Harford, and Kent counties. The truck had nearly 100 different types of extraction equipment, every imaginable tool, mechanical device, and article needed when lives and property were endangered. It was one of…