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…
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…
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…
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. ——- The history of Elkton’s Main Street has been one of disastrous fires. In fact, one such conflagration in September 1891, hastened…
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…
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…
Walking the Line on a Sunday in October
While Cecil County has many beautiful areas, one of our family’s particular favorites is the rugged Basin Run Watershed. 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…
All’s Quiet on the Octoraro Branch Line
On an uneventful afternoon for most people in northern Cecil County, 7-year-old Catherine Kirk waited excitedly at the Rising Sun Train Station. As the appointed time approached and anticipation grew, a shrill steam whistle coming from somewhere down the line toward Colora pierced the quiet of the town. The whistle of the local passenger…
Reading an Old Diary from the C & D Canal in 1864
Recently I was given access to a diary of a C & D Canal official based in Chesapeake City. Throughout 1864 this manager carefully made day-to-day entries into his diary, though he didn’t sign his name in the little book. These are fascinating reads, which provide insight into that troubling time. Here’s what he wrote early…
Cecil County EMS: A Quick History
It was Christmas night, and members of Cecil Post 15 of the American Legion in Elkton were home enjoying the holiday. Suddenly, in one Legionnaires’ home, the phone rang. “Hospital Calling!” the voice on the line said. “There’s been a serious automobile accident near Rising Sun,” the operator urgently blurted out. “If we can get…