Window on Cecil County's Past

As work draws to a close on an important Cecil County restoration project, Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge, the Maryland Covered Bridges web site has posted an update on the undertaking and a photo gallery.  As of Jan 18, 2010, the final stage for the completion of the rehabilitation of the structure was underway. In addition, the Bridgewright putting the shine back on this precious resource tweeted on Jan. 27, 2010, that the master craftsmen from NH were “handing over the reins for the project and peeling off for home.”  Click here to see some of the photos and news updates.

As links to our past disappear all too fast in the 21st century in Cecil, the old structure that survived the test of the time, the Civil War, the automobile age, floods, and lack of care is prepared for a run through the 21st century.  Since the county invests heavily in marketing Cecil to tourists, relocating BRAC workers and higher end corporations, it is our natural beauty, historical character and cultural resources that these targets groups find most appealing.  The old bridge at Gilpin Falls, a surviving relic from before the Civil War, physically enhances the county’s investment in marketing personnel and promotional advertising materials, as it stands as silent proof of the area’s history.  We’re pleased to see that the structure the Cecil Whig once identified as our own little bridge to no where nearing completion.

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Wright’s AME Church, Elkton – Jan 18, 2010 – This morning Wright’s African Methodist Episcopal Church held its 20th annual prayer service celebrating the work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  The sanctuary of the historic Elkton church filled to capacity before the praying, preaching and singing started.

Right on time, Elkton Commissioner Charles Givens called the assembly to order as the choir remembered the civil rights leader with inspiring songs.  Once the first round of music faded inside the house of worship, the Rev. Brian Thomas stepped forward on the pulpit to deliver some stirring preaching that reflected on Dr. King’s work and the challenges ahead.

The powerful sermon, one we’ll long remember, drew on Marvin Gaye’s song “What’s Going on” to present a relevant message of equality, justice, and nonviolence for our time.  Peppered with frequent references to current social issues, the lively oration engaged the audience, filling the old place of worship with energy.

The historical words of the Rev. Thomas and how they connected with the popular piece from 1971 to present a message for today was on our mind throughout the day.  In conversations around the county, we often chatted with people about the Reverend’s moving words on this special day of remembrance.

Cecil County got its money’s worth out of the bridge crossing the North East Creek, about a mile north of Bay View.  Built at the top of the 1860s to give farmers and residents of that area access to North East, the old covered bridge has stood the test of time, struggling against floods, centuries of aging, and a lack of concern about the preservation of the past.

Since the area was growing as the nation edged toward the Civil War, a span across the waterway was important to improve travel and commerce in the area.  So the commissioners advertised for a contractor to build one across the creek. After the work was completed the public treasury handed over $2,000. That valued Cecil County relic, spanning time and the stream, still survives in the 21st century.

The master bridge builder who undertook the project was Joseph George Johnson. A widely known contractor, he was born in Cecil County in 1830. During his lifetime he built Elkton’s first water works and a number of stations for the Western Maryland Railroad. In 1860, when the county commissioners advertised to build a covered bridge at Gilpin Falls, he won the contract.  In the later years of his life, he went to Baltimore where he managed the Walbrook Coal and Supply Company.

The county awarded at least three additional contracts to Johnson.  In June 1860, he was hired to build the Reynolds Bridge in the northeastern part of the county at a cost of $450.  in 1865 the contract for building the bridge at Mitchell’s Mill in Elkton was awarded for $3,460; and finally in August 1867 he built a bridge over Principio Creek at Whitaker’s Furnace for $2,950.

Although he died at his home in Baltimore in September 1900, the work of this master bridge builder, having stood the test of time, still stands as one of the few remaining covered bridges in Maryland, a state that once had many of them spanning streams and rivers.

An iron truss bridge on Blue Ball Road near Childs is available for purchase from the Maryland Highway Administration.  Constructed in 1932 by Roanoke Iron and Bridge Works the bridge is about 27 feet wide.  Click on the link below to go to the full story at WBAL Radio.

via Wanna Buy A Bridge? – WBAL Radio – wbal.com.

 The popular Paper Americana show returns to Singerly Fire Company on January 30.  For the 23rd year, the show will bring over thirty dealers from several states to Elkton to offer for sale antique books, postcards, newspapers, art prints, advertising & regional collectibles, photographs, and general ephemera. Singerly Fire Hall is located at the intersection of Rt. 279 and Rt. 213. Admission is $3.00 per person ($2.00 if you bring a copy of this posting) – children under 12 years admitted free of charge. Hours are 10: a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Food provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.

The staff at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is hosting the first annual Museums of the Upper Bay Conference on Jan. 23 & 24, 2010.  The conference features valuable topics that address pressing issues face by many small museums, historic sites, and historical societies.  Topics to be discussed during the two-day program include, historic building preservation, collections management, documenting community history, museum advocacy, developing partnerships and much more.  Congratulations to the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum for making such an excellent opportunity available locally for students, volunteers and museum staff.  The workshop costs $50.00.  See the brochure below for details.

Readers of this blog should  find a an excellent virtual exhibit of digitized images of the Chesapeake City area of interest.  Go to the recently redesigned and relaunched canal town web site by clicking here.  Lee Collins, a Chesapeake City Town Commissioner, curates the display, which contains a large array of outstanding historical photos.  Thanks Lee for making this fine collection of interesting materials readily available.

An upcoming program called The Civil War…Three Years with the Big Elk Rangers will be presented at the Cecil County Public Library on Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.  Sean Protas, a Civil War re-enactor, will portray David Lilley of the local Big Elk Rangers.

While you have your snow shovel out this winter, think about digging up a little history with the Historical Society of Cecil County’s winter programs.  You can start digging at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 by uncovering your roots with a program entitled “Getting Started With Your Family history:  An Introduction to Genealogy.” 

This three-hour workshop will introduce you to the basics of genealogical research.  You will learn about the online resources available to you , as well as the records at our local historical society and the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  The Society has access to records and databases you might not know about.

This workshop is intended for everyone even if you don’t have Cecil County family roots.  The workshop is free for members of the Society and is $5 for non-members.  The program will be held at the historical Society at 135 E. Main Street, Elkton.