From ABC 2 News, Baltimore NORTH EAST, Md. – Atop a hill just outside North East, Maryland lays civil war veteran James D. Alexander. He fought in the famed battles of Gettysburg and Antietam; he was wounded and lost a leg in the skirmish at Spotsylvania Court House. But while he was laid to rest…
New Title Beautifully Captures History of Rising Sun for 150th Anniversary
As a year filled with exciting events celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rising Sun draws to a close, a new book about the event and the community’s past just came off the press. This commemorative volume, Rising Sun, MD 150th Anniversary, is loaded with informative articles that chronicle the town’s past and features stories about…
Lots of Holiday Activities in Cecil County This Weekend
As the holidays near, there are lots of great events in the county and beyond for the upcoming weekend. Mt. Harmon and Elk Landing, two old house museums, have special festive events, there’s a holiday tour, and the traveler’s Christmas tree lighting will take place. Here are some details. Holiday Open House at Historic Elk…
Author of War of 1812 Title Talks About County During the War While Another Title is Underway
Dr. Ralph Eshelman, one of the authors of a newly published Johns Hopkins University title, the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake, was the guest speaker for the annual Historical Society of Cecil County meeting on October 18th. The War of 1812 scholar spent years investigating sites connected with the conflict in Maryland, including Cecil…
Research Tip: Recalling the Names of Long-Ago Telephone Exchanges, While Using Old Phone Books
You’ve probably heard that Verizon is talking about doing away with phone books as we know them. The delivery of these works virtually marked the arrival of fall, as the latest annual directory arrived at mailboxes throughout Cecil County. Those directors, averaging more than 300 pages of names, information, and advertising for people and businesses…
47 Years Later, Remembering Nov. 22, 1963 in Cecil County
As evening arrives on this autumn day in 2010, and another November 22nd slowly begins to fade into the past, it’s hard to believe it’s been 47 years since the county’s tranquility was disturbed by broadcasters sorrowfully announcing “From Dallas, Texas, the flash, apparently official, President Kennedy died at 1 p.m. Central Standard time. ….
Blue Moon Rising Over Cecil County
This Sunday evening, there’s a bright Blue Moon rising over Cecil County. This term means it’s the third of four full moons in a single season or the second full one in a calendar month, according to the website earthsky.org. So on this beautiful evening stroll outdoors for a few moments and enjoy the gentle…
One-Room Schoolhouse Near Sylmar Razed
While Cecil County once had dozens of one-room schoolhouses serving rural areas and small villages, many have disappeared in recent decades. The most recent one, the old Cherry Grove School near Sylmar, was leveled during the past week. Built in 1881 for $680, it closed on October 24, 1931, when pupils were transferred to Calvert. …
Genealogy Detectives: Tracing Your Family Roots
If you are interested in looking for your family roots, you will definitely want to attend Genealogy Detectives: Tracing Your Family Roots, a “how-to” primer on many of the resources available for tracing your family tree, Wednesday, November 17 at 7pm at the Elkton Branch of the Cecil County Public Library. Emilie Braeuning will discuss…
The Mason-Dixon Line: The Stories behind a Geographic Boundary, at Rising Sun Library Nov. 13
Hear about the Mason Dixon Line, the Story behind a Geographic Boundary in a free program at the Rising Sun Library at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 Born as a result of a bitter territorial dispute over royal land grants, the Mason-Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 to settle the boundaries for…