The Cecil Democrat published a series in 1967, interviewing local officials about moving Cecil County forward in the last third of the 20th century. In the nearly 50-year-old chat with Sheriff Thomas H. Mogle, Jr. he sketched out the minimum needs for effective law enforcement in the county. The Sheriff’s Department required a minimum of 55 personnel to handle all…
Welcome to Chesapeake City
Now that the weather forecasters are finally calling us to shake off these cooler days as a warmer period arrives , Chesapeake City will be humming with visitors as the summer season approaches.
Cecil County’s First Aerial Unit Arrived in Elkton in 1892
Following a couple of serious fires on Main Street in 1891 that forced Elkton to telegraph the Wilmington Fire Department for aid townspeople decided to establish an efficient firefighting organization. In the waning months of that year, plans were quickly put in place for the William M. Singerly Fire Company and in January 1892 the organization…
Cecil County Monument Honors Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Today the nation honors fallen law enforcement officers during an annual Candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. While people across the country remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice I paused briefly at our Cecil County Monument on this cool Monday in mid-spring. It was dedicated a few decades ago to honor county peace officers who…
Elkton Police Are Doing a Fine Job But Could Use Some Equipment
In 1962 President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week. While remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it is also a time to show appreciation for what law enforcement professional do to keep communities safe. With the dedication of these…
A Substantial 19th Century Brick Building Anchors a Corner in Downtown Elkton
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,…