Saturday, September 7, 2024

Recollections from generations past (Elmer A. Brittingham -9)

 


INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

Interviewer: Was there a sheriff? Did you know the sheriff for the whole

 Worcester County?

Elmer: Yes, we had a high sheriff. And then we had deputies in each of the

 districts. 2 or 3…at least 3 or 4 deputies.


Interviewer: They had horse and carriages? Did you have a horse and

 carriage?

Elmer: When we lived on the farm, we did. When we moved in town we didn’t

 have any.


Interviewer: So you got a car when you moved into town?

Elmer: Yeah, I got a car when I got 21 or so.


Interviewer: What kind of car was that?

Elmer: I got a Pontiac. That’s all I ever had, the first 5 or 6.


Interviewer: Was she a nice car?

Elmer: Yeah, my brother and I bought the first one together. And then…I

 guess we bought the first 2 together.


Interviewer: Did you drive around to different towns?

Elmer: Oh yeah, and of course, I think the first 4 were Pontiacs. Just before

 the war I had a Pontiac. It was about a year old and a black ran into it. He

 didn’t have any lights on his car and tore it all up and I had to buy a new one.

 A 1944 (?) Pontiac Torpedo…it was the sport of the age…$1000

 (audio not clear).


Interviewer: Yeah, I’d like to find me a car for that price. Did you have your

 driver’s license when you turned 21?

Elmer: I already had a driver’s license


Interviewer: When did you get your driver’s license? When you turned 16?

Elmer: I imagine so. Oh, yeah, you had to be 16. I had my motorcycle license

 before I had my car license.


Interviewer: When could you get your motorcycle license?

Elmer: 16


Interviewer: 16?

Elmer: Yeah, and I had 2 motorcycles. From the (audio not clear) boys down

 there. They were both Harley Davidsons. The first one was a single burner.

 Then I got a twin. I don’t know…the twin was a small twin, not a big Harley. I

 rode those for 2 or 3 years. One of them. The other one, I think, I got rid of. I

 had 2 for a while.


Interviewer: How much did they cost when you bought them?

Elmer: I don’t know…they didn’t cost much in those days, like they do now.

 They were both used. But when I got the car, my brother and I were both

 working…(audio not clear)


Interviewer: Did you ever ride the steamboat?

Elmer: I never rode on the river in a steamboat, but I went from Crisfield to

 Baltimore in 1934, I think. I was a company commander and we had a blizzard

 in the middle of the winter, in February or January. And we were supposed to

 have this meeting, all the company commanders and officers of the National

 Guard and officers. So all the phone lines were out and all the railroads

 weren’t running for 3 or 4 days on the lower shore. But this regimental

 commander, Colonel Markey (?), ordered us to come to Baltimore to this

 meeting (audio not clear). He found out we could go from Crisfield by boat,

 by steamer. The steamer came up from south of us somewhere and stopped

 at Crisfield. And my lieutenant went with me. And we had a medical officer

 here then. Captain Massey was just attached to us. And he drove his car. And

 so locally, we could get to Crisfield alright. He got a good room, Captain

 Massey. But my lieutenant and I just had a room over the damn engine, the

 boiler. It went “whomp whomp, whomp whomp” all night long. It didn’t bother

 me too much, but he was scared to death. He had never much been on a

 boat. But we had a good meal. And we took the car up with us. And then

 when we came home, we had to drive all the way around.


Interviewer: But it was nice on the boat? It was like a passenger boat?

Elmer: Yeah, the cabin was nice. It was comfortable enough, but of course it

 was so cold and there was so much ice in the bay, it was a blizzard, that

 everybody was worked up a bit. But we made it fun.  


Continues next Saturday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye.




Friday, September 6, 2024

Wanted for first degree murder-

 9/6/24

Pocomoke City Police Dept

ATTENTION POCOMOKE CITY RESIDENTS:

   The Pocomoke City Police Department has received information that juvenile subject William "Junior" Marshall III, 17, of Columbia, Maryland, is in the area. This juvenile subject is currently wanted through an arrest warrant out of Howard County for first degree murder.

   If you see Marshall or know his location please immediately call 911. There is currently a $10,000 cash reward through the Metro-Crime Stoppers for any information given which leads to the arrest and indictment of Marshall which can be given anonymously. 

   The photo attached is of Marshall and below is a link to a press release from Howard County in reference to this case. We urge our citizens to stay safe and if you see anything suspicious please contact the Pocomoke City Police Department or 911.

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/.../police-identify-mall...

ALL SUBJECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN THE COURT OF LAW.



Time Machine Preview-

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye: 


PLUS
1963  ..

1908  ..

1936  ..
(Pocomoke woman "delighted" with her electric range.)

1993  ..


1985 
..


Thursday, September 5, 2024

Pocomoke cannabis regs-

 

    (continues upper right column)



Wallops bound-

 (Shore Daily News)


Travelers on Route 13 Tuesday afternoon may have noticed a massive cylinder being pulled northbound with a large caravan escorting it.

The tank is an LOX rocket fuel tank, which can hold 90,000 gallons of fuel, and it was making it’s way to Wallops to assist in future launches from the spaceport. Due to size, they were not able to go fast and required law enforcement escort.

Two tanks were transported by barge down the Mississippi River, through the Gulf of Mexico and around the southern tip of Florida and up the coast. They landed in Cape Charles on Saturday.

The second tank will be traveling northbound on Route 13 this afternoon (Thursday). It is scheduled to leave Cape Charles at 2:00 PM.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Pocomoke City has a new Economic Development Director-

The Pocomoke Public Eye says: "Congratulations Karah Lacey!"




**From the Desk of the Mayor: Appointment of Karah Lacey as Economic Developer for Pocomoke City**

 Pocomoke City, MD – September 4, 2025 – The City of Pocomoke is proud to announce the hiring of Karah Lacey as the new Director of Economic Development after an extensive interviewing process. The City Council approved her hire, and she is expected to assume her role on Monday, September 9, 2024.

 In early 2024, I proposed to the city council the creation of an economic development position dedicated to enhancing the prosperity and quality of life in Pocomoke City. This proposal was met with enthusiasm and has culminated in the hiring of Karah Lacey, a well-respected community member with a decade of service as the Events and Downtown Coordinator. 

 Karah Lacey, a Pocomoke native and proud Warrior alumnus of Pocomoke schools, shared her vision: “As the recently appointed Director of Economic Development with the City of Pocomoke, my vision is to focus on the attraction, retention, and expansion for both the economic well-being and quality of life in our beautiful waterfront town. I will serve as the City's ambassador to promote Pocomoke City as a prime business and tourism destination. I have developed strong working relationships with representatives of other local governments, Worcester County, and the State of Maryland, allowing me to create and administer economic development opportunities and initiatives to benefit the local community. I will continue to support the residents and businesses of Pocomoke City through grants, programs, and projects at the federal, state, regional, and local levels to facilitate an entrepreneurial momentum within the City of Pocomoke.”

I am confident in Lacey’s appointment, and believe in her ideas. Karah’s deep-rooted connection to our community, coupled with her extensive experience and dedication, makes her the ideal choice to lead our economic development efforts. Her vision aligns perfectly with our goals for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for all residents." Karah Lacey’s unique blend of local knowledge, professional expertise, and passion for Pocomoke City positions her to effectively champion the city's economic development efforts. She is committed to advancing initiatives that will bring new opportunities, support existing businesses, and enhance the overall vibrancy of Pocomoke City.



Back-to-school welcome!

 





Worcester County Sheriff's Office-

Welcoming back students at Worcester County Schools

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, Chief Deputy Nathaniel Passwaters, and Lt. Robert Trautman, accompanied by the Superintendent and school board members, visited all the schools in Worcester County Tuesday. They enjoyed welcoming the children back on their first day of school, with the energy and smiles being truly contagious. We are looking forward to a successful school year!


Big Bucks! Four winning lottery tickets sold at River Market, Pocomoke.

 



(Maryland State Lottery website)

  • $50,000 ticket sold Sept. 1 at River Market, 34099 Market St., Pocomoke City (unclaimed as of Sept. 3)

  • Three $25,000 tickets sold Sept. 1 at River Market, 34099 Market St., Pocomoke City (all unclaimed as of Sept. 3)

(UPDATED) Westover housefire Tuesday-

 (WBOC)


 Three men pulled a man from a burning home in Westover on Tuesday afternoon.

(View news story:)

Heroes Emerge From the Flames in Somerset County | Latest News | wboc.com

(Previous posting)

(WGMD)


A house fire that occurred yesterday afternoon on Crisfield Highway in Westover is under investigation.  One occupant had to be assisted from the burning home by a passer-by. Two dogs were able to escape the home unharmed. Two individuals were transported to Tidal Health in Salisbury for smoke inhalation, which in each case is non-life threatening. The fire at the two story, wood frame, single family home caused an estimated $150,000 in structural damage and $250,000 in loss of contents including antiques. The blaze broke out in the first-floor kitchen, but the cause is not known at this time.

Marijuana regulations for Princess Anne in limbo-

 


(WBOC)

PRINCESS ANNE  The Princess Anne Town Commission postponed a decision on a proposed ordinance regulating marijuana businesses within the town after a heated meeting (Tuesday).

(View news story:)

Princess Anne Town Commission Tables Marijuana Ordinance Amid Debate | Latest News | wboc.com


Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Knox Box availability-


 

A Knox Box allows our fire company to quickly gain access to your property in an emergency.

Using one key, Knox Rapid Access Solutions minimize barriers to entry for first responders during an emergency.

Responders can then gain rapid access into secure perimeters, gates, buildings, campuses, residential and commercial properties. Knox Rapid Access System can be customized to fit your business needs.

To purchase a Knox Box for your home or business please visit the following link:

Knox Box Program - Pocomoke Fire Company - Worcester County, Maryland


(UPDATED) Back-to-school safety-

 BE EXTRA ALERT

 FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOLERS

ON FOOT

OR RIDING THE BUS!


Worcester County Sheriff's Office-
With the start of the new school year, we want to remind everyone about the importance of school bus safety regulations. Please take a moment to review the chart below to understand when you should stop for a bus that is picking up or dropping off children. By working together, we can ensure the safety of all our children.



(UPDATED) Two die in fiery Sunday morning crash.

 (Shore Daily News)



A Pennsylvania couple has been identified as the victims in a crash that took place early Sunday morning on Route 13 in Eastville.

According to Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya, preliminary investigations has revealed that the driver of a 2022 Toyota Rav-4 was traveling northbound and ran off the roadway, striking a ditch and a culvert, before catching on fire and becoming fully engulfed. Both driver and passenger became entrapped inside the vehicle.

The driver, 79 year old Arthur Wilmer Smith and his wife, 77 year old Susan Alice Smith, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, both succumbed to their injuries.

Neither speed nor alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Next of kin has been made.


Monday, September 2, 2024

Labor Day tradition: The Skipjack Races!

 (WBOC)


DEAL ISLAND, MD - History repeated itself today on Deal Island as crowds gathered to watch the 65th annual Skipjack Races. These historic vessels, once the backbone of the Chesapeake Bay's oyster dredging industry, are now the last working boats under sail in the United States.

(View news story:)

Windy Conditions Challenge Sailors at 65th Annual Deal Island Skipjack Races | Latest News | wboc.com

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Time Machine: 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; 1930, 1945, 1967, 1957, 2010, 1998.

 







July, 1930

(Eastern Shore of Virginia)

Peninsula Enterprise


March, 1945

Salisbury Times


May, 1967

Baltimore Sun


February, 1957
      (see enlarged text below full ad)






Salisbury Times




*July, 2010
Salisbury Daily Times


*April, 1998
Salisbury Daily Times

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