In preparing for a trip back into time to explore the War of 1812 on the Upper Chesapeake, we’ve spent time in Charlestown. The quaint little pre-Revolutionary War village on the Northeast River, the county’s oldest municipality, is an ideal place for strolling around with a camera in hand while working with a number of partners to map…
Walking Tour Shares Cecil County’s War of 1812 History
As the region gears up to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the British attack on the Upper Chesapeake some old-timers that have been around Cecil since the early 1800s are going to be roaming around Charlestown on August 12. Meandering streets and gathering in small clusters in the beautiful river town, these centuries’ old residents,…
The Cry of the British Are Coming Disrupts the Payment of Taxes in Charlestown in 1813
The first Monday in May was always a burdensome one for Charlestown property owners. On that day in spring, citizens traditionally came forward to pay the annual tax levy. But in 1813 there was a worrisome feeling in the county’s oldest municipality that had nothing to do with forking over a little hard-earned cash for…
An Old Elkton House of Worship Celebrates 150th Anniversary
An old Elkton house of worship, the Providence United Methodist Church, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
So What Do You Do With An Old Jail?
The question of what do you do with an old jail was before the Elkton Historic Architectural Review Committee (HARC) the other evening. While the panel grappled with that and whether they should change a town regulation that would allow a proposed senior apartment complex to be built on the parcel, some on the panel…
While Debating Role of Historic Districts to Protect Old Buildings, Attempt to Change Regulation Fails in Vote After Vote.
Elkton Town Hall, July 12, 2012 – The Elkton Historic Architectural Review Committee (HARC) tangled with the matter of whether the board responsible for protecting historic properties should approve a change to municipal regulations Thursday evening. The debate centered on whether a rule stipulating that new construction in the district can’t increase the size of an existing…
National Public Radio Show Sponsored by Virginia Foundation Humanities & U of VA. Visits Elkton For a Show
Two journalists from the “Back Story with the American History Guys,” a public radio show, were in Elkton a few weeks ago working on an hour long installment for the weekly production titled “Committed: Marriage in America.” The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and University of Virginia sponsor the shows, which bring “historical perspective to the…
Cecil County Arts Council Gala Makes Elkton’s Main Street a Destination for Hundreds As Museum On Main Street Exhibit Opens
“The melting pot,” a grand gala hosted by the Cecil County Arts Council, kicked off the arrival of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, “Journey Stories” in Cecil County yesterday. As the evening got underway, downtown Elkton shops remained open to celebrate the occasion. For July, it was a comfortable evening as those doors opened to greet…
Was there a Cecil County Jail ghost? Some Deputies Thought So
The old Cecil County jail has always been a place for some good ghost stories. And this evening was no exception, as the Elkton Historic District Commission held a long hearing on whether a developer could demolish most of the building while preserving the front facade. As motion after motion failed to get enough votes…
Developer Interested in Old Cecil County Jail Asks Elkton for Financial Considerations and Change in Zoning Ordinance
A day before a nonprofit affordable housing group is scheduled to appear before the Elkton Historical and Architectural Review Committee (HARC) to present plans for the old jail at 214 North Street, the developer met with the Mayor and Commissioners. Frank Hodgetts, representing Home Partnership, outlined plans to build a 50-unit age restricted multi-family housing…