"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore." Our tradition runs deep. Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.
This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archive/historical archive material)
January, 1962
The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pa.)
Worcester Leaders Meet To Discuss Economic Future
Snow Hill, Md., (AP)- Civic leaders and businessmen will meet in the Worcester County Courthouse Feb. 23 to plan and discuss the economic future of the county.
"This is probably one of the most important meetings ever to be held in Worcester County," said William G. Kirban, Jr. of Snow Hill, chairman of the county's eight-member Economic Development Committee.
Kirban said his committee will attempt to create a favorable climate for industry and work to attract it. The group also plans to:
1. Publicize the county.
2. Encourage conservation of natural resources, with special attention to seafood and agriculture.
3. Work indepently with a similar state group appointed by Gov. Tawes last fall, as well as with the county's Chambers of Commerce and other local groups.
Jack Truitt of Berlin is vice-chairman of the committee and Robert Jackson of Ocean City is secretary. Other members are Angelo M. Villani of Ocean City, John H. Pigman of Berlin, G. Howard Collins of Snow Hill, Robert I. Gibans of Pocomoke City, and Dr. Myron Smith of Pocomoke City.
October, 1654
Maryland State Archives
Assembly Proceedings, October 1654
(Original Spelling)
Concerning Swearing
It is Enacted that Every person or person within the Province that shall be Lawfully Convicted of Swearing shall be Lyable to pay for Every oath Tenn pounds of Tobacco which shall be discovered and brought to Tryall & punishment as is mentioned in the Act Concerning Drunkeness. And if any person or psons shall be known and Convicted to be a Comon Swearer Blasphemer or Curser by any Imprcations whatsoever against God or man after one admonition by a Magistrate shall be Subject to such penalty or punishmt as the Court before whom it is presented shall Determine.
July, 1959
The Salisbury Times
FROM PIT TO POOL. The Lions Club of Pocomoke City turned an old sand pit into a beach and swimming pool on the outskirts of their town. Now in its third season, the several acre pool, known as Merrill's Beach, is enjoying increased popularity. Property for the project was donated to the club by the late Archie Merrill of Pocomoke City. Club members fenced it in, provided pumps for fresh spring water and erected a concession stand.
Footnote: Merrill's Beach was located just to the east of the overpass north of Pocomoke City on Route 13. Its creation came about when sand and gravel was being excavated for construction of the overpass. As a member of the Pocomoke High School Band I remember our band playing for opening day at Merrill's Beach one year. I also recall our phys-ed class went there for swimming. The beach was eventually forced to close because the fresh water pumping equipment couldn't maintain health department water safety standards. -tk
ICE SKATING DAYS ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA...
In our mind's eye, similar to this?
December, 1885
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)
Skating parties have been frequent during the late cold weather and been participated in by both sexes. On Monday last especially, a gay party of ladies and gentlemen "took in the sport" at Hoffman's wharf, and at night the "boys by the light of the moon" indulged in the light fantastic on wharf. Jeff D. H. Mears acted as floor manager, and John Hutchinson as musician on the occasion. The ladies were not invited to the hop.
December, 1888
Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)
The boys had their first skating this season on Onancock creek to-day.
January, 1891
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)
Chincoteague.
Our young bloods had the first opportunity last Tuesday in last two years, to try their skill in skating. The ice houses are being filled up by those of a more practical turn of mind, and will be filled with fine ice if the cold snap continues a day or so longer.
January, 1893
Peninsula Enterprise ( Accomac Court House)
Onancock.
The creek was frozen over last week and for several days the skating was excellent.
January, 1895
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)
Parksley.
Our young people have been having fine times in skating and are wishing for more ice.
Footnote: If you're under 30 do you ever remember outdoor ice skating on the Eastern Shore? If you're older, can you recall when? -tk
January, 1941 (Time Machine archive)
Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas)
Pocomoke City, Md., Jan. 1- (AP)- It's been a mild winter, but two local residents hadn't figured as too unusual until:
Young Billy Ross and Clifton Dennis, out hunting with new Christmas rifles, bagged a three-foot, nine-inch alligator- about as common in Maryland as patting a polar bear.
The gator is believed to have escaped from a circus visiting here last year.
1958.. Marylanders loved their Colts!
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
PPE remembers JMMB.
