The old commercial district in Elkton has a number of architecturally interesting cultural resources, and one of those survivors of the passage of centuries is the Gilpin building. This substantial three-story brick vernacular building was the subject of a recent inquiry as we were asked to investigate the historical record for this parcel. Here is some of what…
Spring Time at the Lower Susquehanna Ferry & Rodgers Tavern
The Rodgers Tavern presents an attractive appearance in early May. This old place, standing on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, has welcomed travelers for centuries. When it was first built-in the mid-18th century, the two-story stone building welcomed passersby as a ferry house and tavern. For those crossing the river, it provided a place to lodge and partake of…
Footsteps in History — War of 1812 Walking Tour This Sunday in Charlestown
This weekend marks the passage of 200 years since the enemy occupied the water and shoreline of the Upper Chesapeake. To recall those frightening days in Cecil County, a “footsteps in history” living history walking tour takes places in Charlestown this Sunday May 5th at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. On the dramatic one-hour strolls into…
North East’s American La France
Soon after the North East Fire Company was organized in 1921, a model 38 American La France pumper was purchased at a cost of about $10,000. The first out-of-town fire call, the engine answered was at the Red Mill Crossing in Elkton, according to a history of the fire company. The La France was retired in…
In An Old Fire Service Tradition, Singerly Dedicates New Station with Housing Ceremony
The William M. Singerly Fire Company of Elkton formally dedicated its recently renovated and expanded Newark Avenue station today. In celebration of the completion of this important public safety enhancement, a parade of over 80 units made its way through downtown around 1:00 p.m. An hour or so later, a packed house of emergency responders, well-wishers,…
All is Quiet at Retired Fire Station
At Singerly’s first station near the corner of North & Main streets everything was very quiet one night this week as a full moon began its ascent in the nighttime sky. In the late 1940s the company had outgrown its first home. So in 1950 the members rolled up the hose, cranked up the trucks, and moved up…
Singerly’s Listening Station to Tap into Stories About the Past Today
Today an important public safety enhancement takes place in Elkton as the Singerly Fire Company dedicates a greatly expanded and improved Station 13. The new headquarters station provides a recently completed apparatus wing, along with significant renovations to existing areas. Following a parade through the downtown area later this Saturday, first responders and officials will…
Port Deposit Heritage Hosts An Evening With Dr. Beanes – A War of 1812 Living History Presentaton
On Thursday, April 25th at 7 p.m. the Port Deposit Heritage Corporation presents an interesting War of 1812 living history program, “An Evening with Dr. William Beanes. William Beanes, a well respected Maryland doctor, was captured by the British for his role in arresting and jailing British deserters and stragglers. Following his capture, Georgetown lawyer…
Robert M. Walmsley Elected Sheriff
Since its founding as Maryland’s tenth county in 1674, many men have served as the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Robert M. Walmsley, one of those public servants, was elected to a two year term as sheriff in 1853. At that time the officer could serve only one term, according to state law. He was…
Era Ends in 1963 as Rising Sun Unplugs Telephone Switchboard
The Rural Electrification Administration approved a loan of $545,000 for the Armstrong Phone Company to acquire the Cecil Farmers Telephone Company in 1962. In addition to purchasing the assets of the enterprise, a series of improvements, including a direct dial system and a new central office, were planned. On the day the announcement was made, the…