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Remembering President Kennedy in Cecil County in Nov. 1963

Early this Saturday morning (Nov. 22), we traveled down to Wesley College for a campus tour since that is one of several institutions Kyle is considering for his undergraduate studies. While visiting the library two staffers started talking about how hard it is to believe that 45-years have passed since word flashed across news outlets on the Delmarva Peninsula that President Kennedy had been assassinated.  That conversation caused me to think back to November 22, 1963, in Cecil County.  I was in Mrs. Gray’s sixth grade class that cold November so long ago. 

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Dedicating the Expressway
   On Nov. 14, 1963, more than 5,000 people gathered at the Mason Dixon Line to watch President John F. Kennedy, Maryland Governor J. Millard Tawes and  Delaware Governor Elbert N Carvel dedicate the Northeastern Expressway, the area’s first modern day toll road.  A helicopter brought the nation’s leader to the famous old line  where a speakers stand was set-up for the ceremony.  The Delaware National Guard played “Hail to the Chief” while the president walked to the stand to offer remarks.  After snipping the ribbon and unveiling a marker on the state line, the president shook hands while returning to the helicopter.  At the door of the craft he waved to the crowd before disappearing inside.  While the bird faded into the eastern horizon, the area was bathed in a dramatic sunset as people
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Governor Carvel, President Kennedy, and Governor Tawes prepare to cut the ribbon -- (Cheeseman Photo)

headed back to their cars on this chilly Thursday afternoon, the Morning News reported.  The chopper flight took him to the Wilmington Airport where he climbed aboard a DC 8 for a trip to New York.  Our 35th president’s 62 minutes visit to the region was over. 

    As traffic began zipping along the superhighway for a fast trip through the county, people realized that the dream of many years was a reality. For years plans had been underway to provide a second thoroughfare to absorb some of the increased traffic on Pulaski Highway (Route 40). Economic development experts talked with great excitement about the opportunities the new road would bring to the county. Motorists were excited for they could rush along without one traffic light halting a journey between Baltimore and Wilmington. On Route 40, which ran parallel to the new Interstate and had served as the main route for auto travel along the northeast corridor, service stations, motels, and restaurants reported that business was off nearly half the weekend after the fast road opened.

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A brochure for the new expressway.
November 22, 1963  

   There was such optimism in the nation as the morning of November 22, 1963, dawned on the Chesapeake Bay.  Elkton Patrolman Jerry Secor signed on duty at 7:00 a.m., noting in the police blotter that a thick fog blanketed the town.  On this Friday shift things were quiet as he responded to two unremarkable calls, duly chronicling them in the official record book. Then abruptly at 1:30 p.m. everything changed in this Eastern Shore town and the town.  Officer Secor, in a careful hand, wrote on the docket:  “President Kennedy shot and killed in Dallas Texas.”  For the remainder of that hearbreaking day, there is something about the unsettling quiet reflected in the complaint log as a deep dark, sadness penetrates the town and few calls come in for the remainder of the overnight shifts.  Law-breaking had apparently come to a standstill as everyone stayed glued to television sets, trying to comprehend the terrible event in Texas.

   Two operators worked the Armstrong Phone Company Switchboard in Rising Sun. Perodicially lights on the board flickered on indicating someone had picked up one of the old hand crank telephones to make a call so the operators would answer “number please.”  The call volume was routine as they juggled cords and plugs on the last day of the work week as the lunch hour rolled around. But in a flash the entire board lit up, alarming the operators. Something similar happened when one of the women activated the fire siren for people would call to see where the fire was.  But this time it was different for everyone on the network, it seemed, picked up receivers at exactly the same time. Answering as many calls as they could, they heard upset people saying did you hear the news, the president has been shot or connect me with so and so as callers reached out to talk about the unfolding tragedy. Sometime after newscasters announced the president had died, an erie silence settled over the telephone network as people headed home to be with family at this sad time and to monitor the newscasts. 
   Since it was the middle of the workday many people first received news from the radio. At Elkton’s top 40 AM Station, WSER, the mid-day disc jockey worked the turntable playing the hits of ’63 when a network flash interrupted his entertaining routine.  Once the first flash got everyone’s attention, listeners huddled near receivers at home, work, and in cars to hear the latest.  As the hours unfolded the network kept up a steady stream of bulletins and flashes.
   Les Coleman, had opened the county’s first station, but was working as a sales representative at WDOV in Dover that day.  When he checked with the station, they told him that they were going to pull all commercial programming.  Les recalled in a conversation with me a few years ago that his job that afternoon was to call advertisers and let them know what the station was doing. 

   At Gilpin Manor Elementary we were informed about the tragedy shortly before regular dismissal. Of course all the children on Mrs Sprat’s bus were talking about it, trying to comprehend the meaning of it all. Throughout the county, it was particularly quiet as that unusually dark night got underway, perhaps not unlike the evening of 9/11, as people rushed home to learn more details of the tragedy in Dallas from broadcasters. Activities throughout the county quickly ground to a near halt as bewilderment and disbelief paralyzed Cecil and the nation.

   Practically everyone recalled that only eight day earlier the president had visited the county to open the northeastern expressway. In 1964 I-95 was officially renamed the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway.

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(NOTE:  Be sure to click on the links to hear some interesting audio from Wilmington Radio Station, WDEL’s broadcasts in Nov. 1963.  The audio is courtesy of www.oldwilmington.net, a fascinating site containing photographs, ephemera, sounds, and much more about Wilmington Delaware.  We’ve mentioned them before and thank them for permission to use a partial segment of their audio.  Check out the web site for it contains more audio and lots of other things we find fascinating.)

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Remembering Jim Cheeseman, Cecil Whig Photographer

Saturday, I did a talk for the Cecilton Library on research with old photographs in Cecil County, which had me thinking about the work Jim Cheeseman did in this county for over 20 years.  A photojournalist for the Cecil Whig, he donated his collection of over 10,000 photographs and an untold number of negatives to the Historical Society about ten years ago.  I’m reposting a piece I blogged about for the Historical Society when I got a call letting me know he passed away on April 12, 2007.    

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SAD NEWS – April 12, 2007

While I eagerly worked to create our first blog, my cell phone brought some sad news that dampened my enthusiasm for the task on this cool spring day. The Cecil Whig’s Katy Ciamaricone was on the line, saying she needed to talk with me about Jim Cheeseman, who had passed away earlier in the day. Shortly after that conversation, our regular office line rang, and it was Don Herring, a retired editor from the Whig.

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Jim Cheeseman is on the job at the county fair in the 1970s

If you don’t know, the “Cheese” served Cecil Countians as a photojournalist for over 20 years, capturing attention-grabbing images for our weekly and then daily newspaper as his camera documented the unfolding of history here at the top of the Chesapeake. He was there when the big disasters took place and as the county celebrated holidays and everyday happenings.

He retired in 1983, and back in the mid-1990s, I still recall the phone ringing another time. This time, the voice crackling over the line was Jim’s, joking and jovial as always. Would we be interested in adding his photographs spanning three decades to our library, he inquired. Oh, how exciting that call was for I couldn’t wait to get over to his apartment to see the scope of the pictures and negatives. In a few weeks, joined by his former editor, Don Herring, we sat for many days, pulling box after box of unorganized material together and adding his recollections to as many as possible.

Today we have over 10,000 of his images, which are such a valuable collection for studying our past. Jim left us with a permanent, unmatched visual record, with a unique depth and quality, focusing on everyday life in Cecil from 1963 to 1983. When his health was still good, he would often stop in to chat and joke with our volunteers and tell stories about his experiences. He always seemed to be in the middle of the action, whether it was chasing police cars and fire trucks, attending fire company banquets or church events, taking pictures of presidents, or visiting around Elkton after he retired.

That time and those memories seem a lot more distant as I write this late on a Friday afternoon as strong guests from an approaching nor’easter rattle our historic old bank building in downtown Elkton. But even now I vividly remember sitting there with Jim and Don over 10 years ago, pouring over those old images as “the Cheese” easily recalled time-tested stories about many of the pictures and related many tales about his escapades from the 1930s on. He always enjoyed an audience and he was entertaining for I still recall many of those stories.

I, too, remember his visits to the Society and seeing him around the community as he worked every job to its maximum, before and after retirement, often announcing, “Never fear the Cheese” is here or something like that. He had a great sense of humor, was always joking, and got along easily with people. That approach helped him, for he was able to work his way into any unfolding news event.

So long, Jim. Though we’ll never hear that familiar phrase again, we will carefully look after the “Cheeseman Collection” (http://www.cchistory.org/photos/index_files/Page1129.htm) for we are pleased you selected us to be the custodians of such priceless materials. As the time you traveled every corner of Cecil, from Bald Friar to Warwick and everyplace in between, grows more distant, your record of the county grows immensely more valuable and your work will serve as a tangible reminder of the contribution you made.

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Cecil’s Bridge to the Past: Federal Dollars Come Home to Help With Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge

As many of you are aware the county recently obtained a $1-million dollar grant from the federal Covered Bridge Preservation Program. Soon after the award was announced a Whig editorial calling it “Cecil’s own little bridge to nowhere” suggested that the county make a “symbolic gesture” by refusing to accept the grant. Also Commissioner Tome voted against receiving $1-million in federal dollars while the other officials voted in favor. 

Gilpin Falls covered bridge about 1910
Stony Run Covered Bridge was located near Gilpin's

 

As regular readers to A Window on Cecil County’s Past are aware we strongly favor preservation.  In this case, federal dollars from a restricted program are going to substantially aid the county in saving this centuries old cultural resource. By refusing to accept the funding, all we will do is make sure more help is available for another county. It’s one thing to argue that such programs shouldn’t exist, but as long as it does we should accept our share since Cecil Countians contribute to the levy. Of course, we see value in these types of preservation funding streams. 

Below you will find a letter to the editor outlining our position. Since Whig letters may contain no more than 250 words, it is challenging to fully develop your points. 

For a fuller piece on the covered bridge preservation effort click on this link 

—– Letter to the Editor – Cecil Whig

A Whig editorial questioned whether the county should accept a million dollar grant to restore the Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge. In response, I say we should since county taxpayers contributed their dollars to this federal program, which will be used somewhere for preservation projects. If we do not, others will willingly use our money to restore their bridges. 

Beyond that, preservation is important. The county puts a lot of effort into marketing Cecil to tourist, relocating BRAC workers, and higher-end corporations. Our natural beauty, historical character and cultural resources are things these target groups find most appealing here. 

There is also a private partnership. Earl Simmers has worked hard to ensure that this old structure is not lost to age or neglect. Spearheading a private fund drive that has collected over $17,000 thus far, he also seeks out grants and recognition for the structure. 

Since federal restricted funds were going to be used somewhere, it was wise of the county commissioners to bring some of our tax dollars back home. I thank the commissioners who voted in favor of the grant. 

It is one thing to argue that this program should not exist, but as long as we shoulder some of the burden to fund it we should obtain our share. Finally as links to our past quickly disappear in the 21st century in Cecil, historic preservation is a worthy goal.

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Hill’s Jitney Service – Chesapeake City

I enjoy finding pieces of ephemera from the past.  These little things, items such as tickets, timetables, programs, were valued for a brief period and were usually tossed out shortly after the usefulness of the paper relic expired.

The other day, I ran across this interesting little piece of ephemera, a timetable for Hill’s Jitney Service in Chesapeake City.  Effective on April 30, 1950, the company provided bus transportation from Cecilton to Fair Hill.  They made stops at Hacks Point, Chesapeake City, Bull Frog, Ekton, Cherry Hill, Fair Hill, and other places.  The morning run north started out at 8:22 a.m. from Chesapeake City and got you to Elkton by 8:42 a.m.  Cecilton had one northbound and one southbound run each day.  A ride from Elkton to Cecilton cost 65-cents.   I’d never seen one of these so I thought you might enjoying see scans of the timetable.

By-the-way, here’s the definition of ephemera from www.dictionary.com  “ephemera, items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, esp. pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc.:

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 chesapeake-city-hills-bus-630

chesapeake-city-hills-bus-632

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Bernard Purdie, Hometown Drummer

In surfing across the blogs, we tripped across a message posted by musician Bill Colrus.  He has a posting saying that ever since he first started playing drums along to Steely Dan records back in middle school, Bernard Purdie was his favorite drummer.  According to Bill “his work on The Royal Scam and Aja is some of the most fun to play in the history of recorded music.” 

Here’s the link to his blog posting.

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Thomas Mogle, Cecil County Sheriff Dies

I noticed thatThomas Mogle, Jr. of Princess Anne passed away on Oct. 23, 2008, while reading the Salisbury Daily Times the other day.  Tom Mogle served as the sheriff of Cecil County from 1966 to 1970.  A graduate of Chestertown High School Class of 1943, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  After the war he entered the Maryland State Police and in 1966 he was elected to the county’s top law enforcement post after defeating Edgar Startt.  Four years later, he was defeated by Sam DuPont.

Police work in Cecil County was far different forty years ago.  At the time he assumed command of the agency, it was terribly under resourced.  It had four deputies and no county owned cars to run the jail 24-hours a day, transport prisoners, serve judicial papers, protect courts, and answer police calls.  As an experienced law enforcement professional, he had completed advanced training with the state police so he knew what was required to improve efficiency for the county agency.

Brought Agency into the Automobile Age
Cecil Demcorat, June 1970
The County Commissioners, Sheriff Mogle and his four deputies stand proudly beside one of the new patrol cars. The photo is from the Cecil Democrat.

One of his objectives was to get county supplied patrol cars for his men.  A lengthy battle took place between the county commissioners and the sheriff, with some of the commissioners arguing that if those men were given cars they’d just go out and ride all over the county.  Mogle argued that “cars that are marked and carry proper police equipment are a definite deterrent to crime.”  When the issue deadlocked with the county board, he got the state legislature to pass a law requiring the purchase of police vehicles.  Finally the Cecil County Sheriffs Office entered the automobile age as four marked patrol cars went in service on July 1, 1970.  That must have been an exciting day for the five man force.

Mogle was a fiery lawman, often having run ins with county officials and others.  Sometimes he’d threaten to lock them up when they argued with him or blocked a budget request.  One time he got into a protracted fight with the local fire company ambulance service, when they refused to transport an inmate with an communicable disease.  In those days, the sheriff lived in the old jail on North Street and he hated the fire siren atop the North Street firehouse, directly across from his apartment.  One time he’d returned home after working some really late hours.  About the time he fell asleep the fire siren wailed out.  The lone deputy working as a turnkey that night recalled that the sheriff grabbed an AK 47 and ran outside announcing he was going to blast that siren.  His deputy talked him out of it, or it would have been a most colorful incident.

Mogle brought a new emphasis on trying to professional the agency and he worked to do what he could in a time when support and money was hard to come by in Cecil County law enforcement.

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Forged by Fire: Elkton’s Main Street

In August, a Window on Cecil County’s Past did a piece on the 1948 Main Street fire.  Today we’re posting a piece that examines the other Main Street fires in the 20th century.

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The history of Elkton’s Main Street has been one of disastrous fires. In fact, one such conflagration in September 1891, has­tened the formation of the Singerly Fire Com­pany. During that blaze, Wilmington firefight­ers loaded steam engines onto a P.W. &B train and rushed to help Elkton.Advances in fire safety codes, fire depart­ment equipment, and fire suppression meth­ods have reduced the threat of fires in heavily built-up areas. Nonetheless, in this century some big ones have occurred on the old thoroughfare’s business district.

The Payne Store Fire, December 14, 1901 – One stormy, rain soaked Saturday night, a fire raged on the south side of W. Main St., across from the present-day courthouse. The wind was blowing a “perfect gale” as the fire bell at Council Hall pealed out its call for help. Having started in Payne’s millinery store, the fire destroyed or badly damaged Heatzig’s General Store, the Levis business block, the drug store of J. Frank Frazer, and the office and exchange of the Eastern Shore Telephone Com­pany. Before fleeing the exchange, the night operator made one last-minute call, a connection with the home office in Dover, Del. inform­ing them the exchange was doomed. The late train from Dover that night carried a new switchboard; it arrived in Elkton early Sunday morning. At the fire’s height, Mayor George McQuilken tele­graphed for aid from Wilm­ington, Del. but the request was cancelled before help left that city. The loss was estimat­ed at $25,000.

The East Main Street Blaze, June 21, 1923 – One hot day, nine fire companies, including Engine 5 of Wilmington, Del., fought a blaze that destroyed or badly damaged five build­ings on the south side of W. Main St., between North and Bow streets. The fire, centered in the area occupied by the Anthony William’s barber shop and Jewelry Store and the American Stores, spread to other businesses including the A&P Store and, Elkton Candy Land. Companies took stations on Johnson’s Wharf along the Big Elk Creek to re­lay water to Main Street.  A Steam Fire Engine, Chesa­peake City’s, having been towed to Elkton by motor­ truck, had the longest line of hose. The loss was about $50,000.

The Howard House Blaze, April 12, 1926 – Elkton’s “old­est and largest hotel,” the Ho­ward House and the adjoining clothing store of Jacob Sigman were badly damaged by a fire that originated in the hotel in the overnight hours. “At the time there were between 40 and 50 persons in the building; some of them experienced con­siderable difficulty in escap­ing,” said the Cecil Democrat. Eight volunteer fire companies assisted Elkton. An emerging fire department technology, the automo­bile, made a difference in con­trolling the blaze, the Cecil Democrat asserted. “Prompt response from distant towns . . . would have been impossible without the modern, automo­bile fire engine. Monday’s fire . . . very forcefully demon­strated the necessity of “modern fire-fighting equipment for rural communities.” Damage was estimated at $60,000.

The World War II Blaze, No­vember 15, 1942 – On a Mon­day evening during World War II, a fire, burning out of control for more than six hours, destroyed or badly damaged five buildings on the creek side of E. Main St., be­tween North Street and the courthouse. Damage was esti­mated at $100,000. Besides area volunteers, Singerly was assisted by a squad from Bainbridge Naval Training Center and the munitions plant.

Reubenstone Building Blaze, December 6, 1953 – Fifty-two years earlier a fire occurred in the same area of E. Main St., opposite the present day courthouse, an area then known as the Payne Block. This early morning blaze swept through midtown, gut­ting a restaurant, four stores and several apartments, in­cluding Frazer’s Drug Store and William B. Merrey and Sons Wholesalers.

The Christmas Eve Fire – De­cember 24, 1964 – A Christmas Eve fire on E. Main St., across from the courthouse, required five companies to control a blaze that heavily damaged two buildings. Starting in the “Auctioneer’s Outlet Store/’ it did heavy damage to the law office of the Kenneth A. Wilcox and smoke damage to other offices. Companies checked the fire on Christmas morning.

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Remembering a Friend of Preservation in Cecil County

 This morning I attended the funeral of Helen Keene Warburton, 97, at Immaculate Conception Church. While the old parish bell tolled out as mourners streamed out of the church, my mind reflected on some of my personal experiences with this community-oriented individual, a true friend of historic preservation in Cecil County.  In a reflective mood after the service, I drove to a nearby quiet spot, Elk Landing, a place that was important to Mrs. Warburton.The Hollingsworth House

On those 62 undisturbed acres right in the center of the county’s most developed area, I ambled along the creek on this beautiful Wednesday in October.  The sun was lifting the frosty overnight mid-autumn chill, so I couldn’t help but enjoy the serenity of this place.   The Little Elk flowed silently along while the wind caused colorful leaves to fall gently to the ground, and the sun illuminated the Hollingsworth House, a relic from the end of the 18th century.  Not a sound disturbed the tranquility on this brilliant day.

I vividly remembered another time at the Landing over eight years ago.  It was a warm spring day, about 12 months after we started working to save this historic site.  One afternoon my phone rang and Mrs. Warburton called to see if she could tour the place.  I’d known her for decades and was aware of her work with many charities, as well as her interest in historic preservation, so I naturally was pleased to show her around since we had the daunting task of raising funds for restoration.  She had been instrumental in saving another part of Elkton’s built environment in the 1950s or ‘60s, Holly Hall.

The Hollingsworth House didn’t look like much when she walked through the door, the place suffering from generations of neglect.  It didn’t have heating or air conditioning, and when darkness descended on the Elk River, there was no electricity to light rooms in the once-grand mansion. Exterior brick walls were deteriorating, interior walls were pealing, and some parts of the structure needed strengthening.  The front porch had partially collapsed, and on rainy days water poured through roof openings onto priceless anti1ques and cultural relics that had somehow survived the passage of centuries.  But we ambled safely throughout the property, talking about the site’s history as we dreamed out Elk Landing’s future.  At one point, I hesitatingly asked if the sprightly 90-year-old wanted to climb the steps to the second floor.  Without pause, she shot right up to the third floor.

Not too long after that Mrs. Warburton called to say a Foundation she headed, Associated Cecil Endeavors (ACE), would donate $100,000.  The Elk Landing Group had started business with only the cash contributions of our original board members so fund-raising was our urgent priority if we were going to realize our dreams.  You can imagine how happy we were to hear of this generosity since we had about $600 in the bank.  Over the next several years, we received several other substantial donations from ACE, the total approaching $400,000.  She also made a contribution to stabilizing another structure, the stone house, since it was in danger of collapsing and we didn’t have money to provide temporary structural support.

Working with that critical capitalization, we were able to apply for large state grants and match those dollar-for-dollar.  Several rolled in, including a bond bill for $200,000 and a Maryland Historical Trust grant for $50,000 as well as a few smaller ones.  We thus essentially doubled the private contribution.  As winter 2003 got underway, a place that had survived many bone-chilling seasons was going to soon shine much brighter in the warmth of the next summer on the Chesapeake Bay.

Mrs. Warburton and ACE made a neglected place come to life.  While we had other successes in preserving the property, the support of this benefactor was significant.    These gifts allowed us to continue pursuing an ambitious plan to build a living history center and meet the required dollar matches for grants from other sources.

This friend of preservation was born on January 7, 1911, at Golden Hill, Dorchester County, MD. ( Her parents were John Francis Chaplian Keene and Zoe Augusta LeCompte Keene.)  After moving to Cecil County as a teenager in 1928, she became a community leader as she matured,  working to better Union Hospital, the Cecil County Public Library, United Way and much more.  The 91-year-old was honored by the Elkton Chamber of Commerce as the 2002 citizen of the year.  As an enthusiastic group of well-wishers looked on at the reception in her honor, I remember remarking “If history in this county has a friend it is Helen Warburton” as I presented her with the well-deserved award.

The place she was helping restore was built by Zebulon Hollingsworth and Gordy Johnson used to play this colonial character for us.  Performing the role as only Gordy could with his engaging style, he joked with the lady easing through the ninth decade of life.  I remember worrying a  little about tiring her as he kidded around, but she enjoyed keeping the bantering going.  At one point he commented that he was born in 1735.  Without hesitation, she quipped, “You know, you age well” to this centuries-old gentleman. The room erupted in laughter and applause.  As we wrapped up that evening, she remarked to the crowd:  “This will be a day that I will always remember.  This will be among my most cherished memories.  May Glod bless you and may God bless the United States of America.”  (Her obituary in the Cecil Whig contains many more details about her long and remarkably productive life.)  

Mrs. Warburton was a tireless advocate of historic preservation.  She promoted Elkton’s rich history with a passion and she deeply carried for this community.  This community is much better because of her varied contributions to the public library system, the United Way, Union Hospital, and more.  She will be missed. 

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Elkton Eclipse Fall to Rivals From Brooklyn in Final in 19th Century Base Ball

Elkton, MD— The Brooklyn Atlantics downed the Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton in the 19th Century Base Ball Eastern Championship on Saturday, October 18 at Elk Landing, Maryland as the 1864 townspeople of Elkton looked on.  After Elkton took a 3-0 lead in the first inning, things started to unravel for the Maryland State Champs.  After going up 4-2 in the 4th inning, the Eclipse let the Atlantics back in to the match by giving up 2 unearned runs.  The Eclipse ran out of gas by the 6th inning, and the final score was Brooklyn 17 and Elkton 6.  It was the 13th straight loss to the Atlantics in a span of three years.

 

In the semi-final, the Maryland champs defeated the legendary New York Mutuals 14-13 after coming back with 8 runs in the 7th frame to take the lead from the New Yorkers to go up 13-11.  After adding one talley in the 8th inning, the Eclipse held on for dear life giving up 2 in the ninth before holding on to reach the finals.

 

In the other semi final, the Atlantics who were the champions from New York downed the New Jersey State Champion, Flemington Neshanock 28-10 to advance to the championship.  In the 3rd place match, the Neshanock stunned the Mutuals 11-10.

 

Just about the entire 1864 population of Elkton was in attendance as the ladies in town were there catching up on the gossip of the day in their best attire.  There were even women their protesting that they should have the right to vote.  Of course the few gentlemen who were still left in town and not in the War, told them to go back to the kitchen.  In addition to the townsfolk, about 80 on lookers were in attendance to see the fortunes of all four clubs.

 

The Eclipse finished with their best record ever at 17 wins and 12 loses.  This included the regular season Maryland Championship as well as the Maryland State Championship Tournament.  The Eclipse will start their 2009 season in early April next year.  New clubs in the region include the Diamond State BBC of Delaware, the Havre de Grace Dauntless, the Williamsburg (VA) Pastimes, and the Gettysburg Sentinels.  They will be in the mix next year along with the Potomac BBC of Washington, the Talbot Fair Plays and the Chesapeake Nine of Baltimore.  Anyone who is interested in playing 19th century base ball with the Eclipse or any of the other clubs in the region, please contact the Eclipse at elktonbase_ball@yahoo.com or eclipse@elktonbbc.com.  The Eclipse is also looking for volunteers to help with the program as well as sponsors.  See our website at www.elktonbbc.com for more details.

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Walking the Line on a Sunday in October

While Cecil County has many beautiful areas, one that our family particularly enjoys is the rugged Basin Run Watershed area. This place, where natural and historical resources abound, contains some of the most fascinating elements of our built environment, as well as spectacular vistas. Its ecology and geology are just as absorbing. Running right through the heart of these stony hills and valleys is the abandoned right-of-way of the Old Baltimore Central Railroad, known in later years as the Octoraro Branch.

Since this is such a relaxing place to admire the environment, we were excited when Valerie Owens, a reference Librarian at Perryville, asked if we’d like to join her and a few friends for a walk up the line. Of course I said yes and so on a beautiful Sunday in October, Kyle and I picked up Milt Diggins, an author of a great new local history title to drive down to Liberty Grove. There, in this old village, we met a couple of additional friends of Valerie’s, Angelia and Rod.

So on this sunny autumn day, as colorful leaves gently fell in the woods and the temperature neared 60 degrees, we stepped off for a two mile hike. Beginning at Liberty Grove, we stopped not too far outside of Colora, near when a siding branched off for the Bainbridge Naval Training Center.  As the six of us chatted our way through the forest on this ideal day for strolling, past old farm houses, fields, and trickling streams we wondered and commented about lots of things.  Could that ancient stone work in the creek be part of a dam for an old mill site? It looks as if the geese are settling in on their winter home on Basin Run. Look at the cut through that rocky hill.  What sort of stone is that?  You say the valley had its first frost of the season Saturday night?

Not too far outside Colora we puzzled over an old trestle that once carried those puffing, rumbling steam engines across Basin Run. Long past its prime and seldom visited for any reason these days, its ties, timbers and rails are slowly aging away. At this tranquil place near Balderston’s Orchard we started crunching our way through the fallen leaves back to Liberty Grove.  A gentleman living in the village has mounted the old railroad depot sign on a shed about where the station stood. When he bought the property about 1990, it was up in the rafters of the old shed, he says.

It’s been a long time since a rumbling locomotive disturbed the tranquility of Liberty Grove and rails and ties have largely disappeared along the right-of-way.  (The railroad got permission to take up the road south of Colora in 1961.)  But this corner of Cecil is the place to reflect on our past, while enjoying the natural and historical resources that are remarkable undisturbed in the first decade of the 21st-century.

Thanks Valeria for inviting us along along for a stroll up the line.  It was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon in October with a pleasant and interesting group.  We’ll look forward to a walk down the line someday.