By James R. Koterski Clay deposits played a major role in the economy of bygone Cecil County. Some were mined and shipped out-of-state while others provided the key raw material to potters and firebrick makers. Wheel-thrown redware and stoneware were fired in kilns at Rising Sun, Brick Meeting House, NorthEast and Rock Springs. Meanwhile, some Delaware and Pennsylvania…
Remembering Cecil County’s Fallen Firefighters
See updated Post, November 22, 1963: Remembering the Fallen: Three Cecil County Firefighters Made the Ultimate Sacrifice Although a lot of time has passed since two members of the county’s fire service fell in the line of duty, it’s important to remember them. Perhaps someday a memorial can be created to honor those fire, rescue…
Firemen’s Carnivals Were Popular Events in Cecil County
The annual volunteer firemen’s carnivals were popular summer events in Cecil County years ago. Each summer, as the event moved from town to town, large crowds would turn out for an evening of fun and entertainment. These two photos show the Singerly Fire Company carnival sometime in the 1950s.
USNTC, Bainbridge Fire Department
Members of the USNTC, Bainbridge Fire Department line up in front of the firehouse (Station 12) in the late 1970s.
A Surviving African-American One-Room Schoolhouse
An old Cecil County schoolhouse where African-American children were taught for nearly 80 years still stands on a quiet hillside outside Pleasant Hill. Benjamin Griffith donated the property for the Cedar Hill School on February 11, 1871. His deed said “that in consideration of my regard for the education of the colored children of my…
First Lines: How to Get Started Writing Your Story (and Publishing Your Work); Library Workshop, March 16
Event Details First Lines: How to Get Started Writing Your Story (and Publishing Your Work)Wednesday, March 16th at 7pm Elkton Central Library 301 Newark Ave., Elkton MD 21921 In this workshop and discussion, local author David Healey will share ideas on how to get started on your creative writing project – whether it’s a novel,…
How Elkton Became the Elopement Capital of the East
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Historical Society of Cecil County explored a captivating period in Elkton’s history during a weekend talk by Mike Dixon. While the nation faced the bleak days of the Great Depression, business thrived in Elkton for the “honeymoon express” arrived many times each day, and Elkton became the elopement…
Black History Month Speaker at Cecil College Talks About Cecil Co. “United States Colored Troops” Feb. 23
NORTH EAST, Md. – In recognition of the 2011 Black History Month theme of “African Americans and the Civil War,” Eric F. Mease will conduct a free presentation about African Americans from Cecil County who fought in the Civil War at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23, in Room 106 of the Technology Center on Cecil College’s…
From Chiefs to Bailiffs: Searching for Photos of Earlier Leaders of the Elkton Police Department
Photographs of Elkton Police Chiefs line a wall at the town police station. Starting with the first, George M. Potts (1908-1935), there are images of many of the departments 20th century commanders. But before the officer appointed to maintain law and order carried the rank of chief, the town lawman was known as the bailiff. …
Sheriff’s Office Takes Step Forward in 20th Century Law Enforcement by Providing Patrol Cars
After years of arguing over whether the Sheriff’s department should have county-supplied police cars, the agency finally started patrolling in official vehicles in 1968. In opposition to the plan, one commissioner said that if we give cars to those deputies, they’ll just go out and ride all over the county. Others argued it would cost too much…