J. Polk Racine, an Elkton native, served four years in the Civil War. Some thirty years after those trying times, he wrote “Recollections of a Veteran or Four Years in Dixie,” telling about what an old veteran saw while serving in the Army of the Potomac. He was illiterate when he enlisted but Col. I….
Research Tip: When Digging Into the Past, Don’t Forget to Check Out Newspapers in Middletown, Havre de Grace & Oxford
Anyone involved in doing local research is aware of how helpful old newspapers are for mining information on genealogy and history. These sources provide some of the most fascinating insights while digging into the region’s past for each issue thoroughly chronicled the community, recording exactly what happened. Thousands of these dusty, time worn, old newspapers were…
Mount Harmon Revolutionary War Reenactment Festival, Oct 23 & 24
Mark your calendars for October 23 & 24 since “The British are coming to Cecil County…..Again.” Mount Harmon is hosting a full-scale Revolutionary War Re-enactment and Colonial Festival featuring over 200 re-enactors and an array of colonial craft vendors and activities for our members and the public to enjoy. Each day will feature an exciting…
Cecil County Lore in Local Author’s Newest Book
More than a dozen Cecil County stories are featured in Ed Okonowicz’s newest book, “The Big Book of Maryland Ghost Stories.” Published by Stackpole Books, the 417-page, hardbound volume includes more than 150 ghost stories from throughout the state of Maryland. Divided into six sections, the book features stories from every county throughout the state, as…
Harvesting the Rich Soil of Cecil County
Since the end of World War II, there have been many changes in the county, but one of the most dramatic has been in the agrarian nature of our way of life here. Not so long ago, farming dominated the rural landscape outside the municipalities. While many acres are still harvested, it’s no longer like it…
Maryland Life: Spectral Sightings at the Cecil County Jail: Ghosts of Prisoners Past
For decades, there have been stories about ghosts haunting the jail on North Street in Elkton. Most were sort of vague as people reported out-of-place creaking noises, foot-steps in unoccupied hallways ways, and things like that. But about two years ago a person whom I know to be reliable came to me with astonishing, never…
Historical Sociey Society Focuses on War of 1812 For Annual Dinner
GUEST SPEAKER – DR. RALPH ESHELMAN “WAR OF 1812 IN THE CHESAPEAKE” and A LIVELY SKIT BY KITTY KNIGHT The October Dinner Meeting of the Historical Society of Cecil County will be held on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. at the Chesapeake Inn Banquet Room, 605 2nd Street, Chesapeake City. The guest speaker…
Port Chamber of Commerce Brings Smokin’ on the River Port-B-Q to Town Oct. 16th
Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce Press Release — September 1, 2010, Historic Port Deposit, MD – The Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a brand new event coming to Marina Park in historic Port Deposit on Saturday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m – Smokin’ on the River Port-B-Q. To…
A Look at the Center of Rising Sun About 1911
Horses wait patiently outside Allee & Shepherd in the center of Rising Sun about 1911. The postcard photographer was Ed Herberner of Newark and the card was mailed on Nov. 14, 1911.
Port-Palooza: Fun, Music & Food in Historic Port Deposit on Sept. 18th
Here’s another opportunity to enjoy Port Deposit. On Saturday, Sept. 18th the old town square is going to come alive while the folk-bluegrass duo, Cold Springs Road, performs as dusk settles on the historic river town. There’s going to be lots of fun, food and special drinks available from vendors and outlets around town. The event is sponsored by the Port…