Pocomoke City's New Solar Electric Generating Plant

The Mayor and City Council of Pocomoke City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Solar electric generating plant on May 27.

The ceremony was held at the project site on Dunn Swamp Road, 1/4 mile south of the Pocomoke Beltway. City officials were joined by officials from Worcester County, and partners Standard Solar, LLC, and SunEdison, Inc. for the ceremony. 

The new Solar array was built on approximately 10 acres of property owned by the City, and includes over 6,300 new solar panels producing 2.1 Mega Watts of electricity. 

The electricity produced will be virtually credited to all of the City’s electric meters, and will result in a reduction of the City’s electric bills by approximately 16% ,or over $40,000/year. Several local non-profit groups have also joined the City’s new network and will realize similar reductions in their electric bills. These include the Delmarva Discovery Center, MARVA Theater, Samaritan Shelter, and the Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, Maryland.

The City has entered into a 20 year lease for the site and a separate Power Purchase Agreement with SunEdison, which owns the new Solar Array on City property. Standard Solar Co. built the project and will be responsible for all future management and maintenance at the site.

http://www.cityofpocomokemd.gov/news.html

Delmarvalous!

Enjoy..

"Wetland Grasses" - Smith Island, Md.

One of the top five entries in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2015 Save The Bay photo contest.

Courtesy: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
http://www.cbf.org/events/photo-contest

TIME MACHINE ... 1942, 1954, 1988, 1937, 1982, 1885

"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 archives/historical archives material)


May, 1942 
(Evening Times- Cumberland, Md.)

SHO' STRAWBERRIES BRING BIG PRICES

Ranging From $2 to $5.10 Per Crate, One Of Eastern Sho's Highest Markets

Princess Anne, Md., May 22. (AP)-  Strawberries selling through the farmers' cooperative auction block here are bringing from $2 to $5.10 per crate, which some growers said made the block one of the Eastern Shore's highest markets.

Prices to farmers are expected to go higher next week when later, sweeter varieties of strawberries such as the Big Joe, Candy and Chesapeake, come into market.

Nearly 25,000 crates were sold on the block in the last eight days, with growers trucking in berries from Oak Hall, *Beaver Dam, and New Church in Virginia; Stockton, Snow Hill and Pocomoke City in Worcester county, and from sections of Somerset and Wicomico counties.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Agricultural economics at College Park reported that smaller harvest of strawberries and asparagus are anticipated in Maryland this year than in 1941.

*Beaver Dam, Maryland (there is a Beaver Dam, Virginia on the western shore).


June, 1954  
Worcester Democrat (Pocomoke City)

Awards Presented At Graduation Exercises Here

Eight Pocomoke High School seniors received special awards during graduation ceremonies held in the school auditorium last Friday evening.

Sandra Kleger won three awards and David Smith two. The complete list follows:

Old Home Prize - David Smith; Salutatorian - Sandra Kleger; American Legion Award: first girl-Sandra Kleger; tie for second, Ellen Henderson and Gayle McAllister. First boy - Donald Tilghman; tie for second - Robert E. Parsons and Donald S. Parsons.

Sandra Kleger, David Smith and Gerald Bailey all won Goldey-Beacom College spelling winner awards.

The Complete Program

Prelude, Mrs. Bernard M. Taylor; Processional, Pomp and Circumstances by Elger; Invocation, Rev. Vander Warner; "After Graduation Day", Senior Class; Salutatorian, Sandra Kleger.

"My Task", Male Chorus; Flags of the Eastern Shore, Old Home Prize Essay, David Smith; "Memories", Mixed Chorus; Awards Presentation, Mr. Verlin C. Krabill.

Clarinet Solo, David Smith, accompanied by Bill Jewby; Presentation of Diplomas, Mr. Clayton Scarborough; Class Song - with Bill Jewby accompanying, Senior Class. Farewell, Donald Tilghman, President of Class.

Song-Alma Mater, Audience and Senior Class; Benediction, Rev. J. Powell Eaton; Recessional, March From Aida by Verdi.


June, 1988
Somerset Herald  (Princess Anne)

(Excerpts)

Rotary honors top students and
4-Way Test essay winners at CRS 

The Crisfield Rotary Club once again hosted it Honor's Banquet last Wednesday evening at the Captain's Galley. Held annually, this event honors the top four students in each grade attending Crisfield High School. 

From the 12th grade: Darlene Robinson with a 4 0 grade point average, Kathy Marshall- 3.96, Nicole Evans-3.96. and Stacy Wallace-3.93.

The 11th grade:Davita Matthews 3.64, Lee Ann Lawson 3.54, Buffy Lynn Landon 3.54 and Donna Hayman 3.47. The tenth grade was represented by five students as there were two ties: John Phoebus 4.0, Wendy Lawrence 4.0, Stacey Nelson 3.79, Tonya Evans 3.75 and Shane Deacon 3.75. From the Ninth grade: Charles "Tag" Landon 4.0, Brian Wroten 3.86, Garrett Wilson 3.79 and John Wood 3.65. The Eighth Grade was represented by: Lori Ward 3.86, Leslie Belloso 3.82, Amrit Rayfield 3.73 and Stephanie Wallace 3.67. 


 September, 1937 

Two former major league baseball players were managing teams in the Eastern Shore League.  Pitcher Vic Keen was managing as well as pitching for the Pocomoke Red Sox and infielder Jake Flowers was managing the Salisbury Senators.  A couple of years later Keen managed the Salisbury team and Flowers came to Pocomoke to manage. Both had rounded out their big league careers with the St. Louis Cardinals.  

Keen and Flowers had Eastern Shore roots. Flowers was from Cambridge and Keen's father, a minister, brought his family from the western shore to Snow Hill where Keen was a star pitcher on the high school team.  After his major league career Keen made Pocomoke City his permanent residence and was involved in the poultry business.

More on Vic Keen at:   

http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1938&pid=7329



1982.. "Thinking Ahead For the 80's"

June, 1885
The National Tribune (Washington, D.C.)

Following is the inscription on the tomb of the first husband of Martha Washington at "Arlington," the original seat of the Custis family on the Eastern Shore of Virginia:

"Beneath this marble tomb lies ye body of the Honorable John Custis, Esq., of the city of Williamsburg and the Parish of Boston, formerly of Hanger's Parish on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and the county of Northampton, the place of his nativity. Aged 71 years, and yet lived but seven years, Which was the space of time he kept a bachelor's House at Arlington, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia."



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.

Around Town This Weekend!

Friday, May 29, & Saturday, May 30 - Waiting in the Wings at Mar-Va Theater. 7:30 PM. Sunday, May 31 - Waiting in the Wings at 2:00 PM. Go to www.marvatheater.com  for more information.

Saturday, May 30 - The Costen House Museum hosts the Annual Rose Show & Exhibit. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 

Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31 - Free Golf Weekend at Winter Quarters.  Call (410) 957-1171 for more information. 

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

27 May 2015

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell and the Pocomoke City Police Department want to notify our citizens of some major traffic changes that will affect everyone for travel on Market Street (Business Route 13). Effective June 8, 2015 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Market Street (Business Route 13) will be closed to all traffic from Fifth Street to Seventh Street. The roadways will open up for normal travel each night from 7:01 pm to 6:59 am daily through June 12, 2015.
Maryland State Highway needs to make major repairs to the roadway, please allow time to alter your routes and slow down your travel during these times for your safety and for the safety of the road crews.
Farmers needing escorts and delivery drivers that need to make deliveries during this period need to make arrangements prior to 7:00 am and/or after 7:00 pm. If anyone has any questions concerning this traffic closure, please feel free to contact the Pocomoke City Police Department.
Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1942.. Lower shore strawberries bringing big prices; 1954.. Eight Pocomoke High School seniors receive awards at graduation exercises; 1988.. Top Crisfield students are recognized;  1937.. Two former major league players are managing Eastern Shore League baseball teams; 1982.. Ad features a 10 megabyte computer system for only $5,995; 1885.. An Eastern Shore of Virginia location was the favorite residence of Martha Washington's first husband.

It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!

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!

Coolest vs. Friendliest Challenge!

The town with the most online votes wins a special trophy!  

$1.00 = 1 vote

Go to:

 http://www.firstgiving.com/womensupportingwomen/HighHeelRaceVoteBruce

Rose Show In Pocomoke!

Memorial Day

The Pocomoke Public Eye pauses on this MEMORIAL DAY to ask that we keep in mind the service and sacrifices of all Veterans of our military services from all conflicts, and in peacetime as well, on behalf of our freedoms and freedom for others.

USA

Salisbury Times, September 19, 1944

TIME MACHINE ... 1940, 1932, 1943, 1953

"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 archives/historical archives material)

GOD BLESS AMERICA - History Of A Song
(Text from various on-line resources)

Frank Sinatra considered Kate Smith the best singer of her time, and said that when he and a million other guys first heard her sing "God Bless America" on the radio, they all pretended to have dust in their eyes as they wiped away a tear or two.

This video starts out with Kate Smith coming into the radio studio with the orchestra and an audience..  She introduces the new song for the very first time, and starts singing.  After the first couple verses, with her voice in the background still singing, scenes are shown from the 1940 movie, "You're In The Army Now." At the 4:20 mark of the video you see a young actor in the movie, sitting in an office, reading a paper; it's Ronald Reagan.

Here's the first public singing of "Gold Bless America." How wonderful the radio program was filmed.

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/kate_smith.html

Here's the story behind the first public showing of the song. The time was 1940. America was still in a terrible economic depression.  Hitler was taking over Europe and Americans were afraid we'd have to go to war.  It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans. This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers, and no entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith.Kate was also large; plus size, as we now say, and the popular phrase still used today is in deference to her, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings."  Kate Smith might not have made it big in the age of TV, but with her voice coming over the radio, she was the biggest star of her time.Kate was also patriotic. It hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what the next day would bring.  She had hope for America, and faith in her fellow Americans.  She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American song-writer, Irving Berlin (who also wrote "White Christmas") and asked him to write a song that would make Americans feel good again about their country.  When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her.He went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 22 years before - way back in 1917.  He gave it to her and she worked on it with her studio orchestra.  She and Irving Berlin were not sure how the song would be received by the public, but both agreed they would not take any profits from God Bless America.  Any profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties from this song.

To this day, God Bless America stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country.  Back in 1940, when Kate Smith went looking for a song to raise the spirits of her fellow Americans, I doubt whether she realized just how successful the results would be for her fellow Americans during those years of hardship and worry..... And for many generations of Americans to follow.


May, 1932 (Time Machine archive)
(The Cumberland Evening Times)

Snow Hill-  Unveiling of a monument to the men of Worcester County who died in the World War and dedication of the new draw bridge across the Pocomoke River will mark the Memorial Day ceremonies here next Monday.  Delegations from patriotic and military organizations will march to the new bridge at the junction of Washington Street and the Snow Hill-Salisbury Highway where the dedication exercises will take place.  A musical program will conclude the program.


1943..  Appeal to housewives in war effort.

June, 1953 (Time Machine archive)
(Daily News Record- Harrisonburg, Va.)

2 Eastern Shore Men Discover Treasure of Considerable Sum

HALLWOOD, Va., June 18 (AP)-  Two Eastern Shore men disclosed today they had unearthed a canvas bag containing "a considerable sum" in old American and foreign coins near this Accomack County community.

They said they found the bag of coins- it took both men to lift the load- partly uncovered in a ditch beside a road construction project  on State Road 779, between Hallwood and Bloxom.

Linwood Poulson, 35, of Hallwood, and Wilson Bundick, 37, of Accomac, said the discovery was made after they went to the area seeking souvenirs as a result of reports that a large number of old coins had been found scattered in the area on June 7.

The bag was showing through fresh earth hauled to the road construction site from nearby farms and presumably had been in one of the truck loads of dirt dumped on a new roadbed.  Rains over the weekend apparently had washed away some of the earth, leaving a portion of the bag showing.

"Actually, we don't know how much the money's worth, because we're not sure of their value to collectors," Bundick told a reporter today.

He displayed one of the coins found in the bag, an American silver dollar dated 1803, and said it was valued at $5 in collector's catalogues.

"One year later, when the government minted only 750 of the coins, it would be worth $2,500.

"We may have some 1804 silver dollars; we haven't checked them all yet."

The coins were dated from 1739 to 1842.

The name of a sea captain was embroidered on the canvas bag but Bundick and Poulson declined to reveal the identity "for fear of a long legal battle," with persons who might claim to be descendants of the captain.

Bundick and Poulson did say it was a foreign name, however.

Some of the coins were held out by the two men for show pieces, but both said the bulk of the money was placed in a bank for safekeeping.  They declined to identify the bank.

The two men admitted they were unable to sleep Sunday night after finding the money, and Poulson said he was under such a strain the next day he had to be treated by a physician.

Poulson and Bundick haven't decided what they'll do with the money, but they'll probably take their families- each is married and has two children- on a vacation trip.

Their decision to make a search of souvenirs was prompted by the luck of residents of the area in finding old coins near the road project June 7, after word got out that gold and silver coins had been found along the road.

On that occasion one individual reportedly picked up something like $25 in 10, 25, and 50 cent pieces dating from 1835 to 1900.

But Poulson and Bundick figure their find of American, French, Italian, English, Spanish, Mexican, Peruvian and Bolivian coins will run at least into five figures.


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.

Free Concert in Cypress Park!

Looking ahead to after the Memorial Day Weekend, mark your calendar for this Pocomoke City entertainment event..

The City of Pocomoke kicks off their Concert in the Park summer series with the Blue Crab Crossing Bluegrass Band on May 28, 2015 at 6:30pm under the Cypress Park Pavilion in Pocomoke City, Maryland.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this free performance with a beautiful view of the scenic Pocomoke River. Bleacher seating is also available. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

For more information and a calendar of events please visit downtownpocomoke.com or call 410-957-1333.

Furnace Town UPCOMING EVENTS! SAVE THE DATE!!

Strawberry Day This Sunday!!! Doors will open at 12:00pm and general admission prices will apply. Furnace Town Members are FREE!!
Tickets sales will begin at 1:00pm for strawberry tastings. Items to taste include but not limited to Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Strawberry Salsa, & even Strawberry Lemonade!
If baking is one of your skills and you have a dessert you would like to share, enter our contest! No cream fillings or cheesecakes allowed. Each dessert must feature strawberries and should be accompanied by two (2) copies of the recipe. Desserts will be accepted from 11:00am – 12:30pm

Saturday, July 6th
Kick off the upcoming summer at Furnace Town, June 6, 2015 for a Gospel Day Jamboree!
Furnace Town village is a great place for friends; family, fellowship, and fun so save the date and spread the word! Furnace Town artisans will also be on site and The Paul Leifer Nature Trail is open!
Beginning at 1:00pm the day will feature uplifting gospel from God’s Country Crossroads, Brittany Lewis, and Triple Praise.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Don't forget your lawn chairs!
General Admission price $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, $4.00 for children, and Furnace Town members are Free.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1940.. The story you may not know behind the first public performance of God Bless America, plus film and audio of that performance by a legendary singer of the era;  1932.. Memorial Day monument dedication in Snow Hill;  1943.. Ad suggests how American housewives could aid the war effort with a by-product from their kitchens;  1953.. a treasure in old coins found along Accomack County road construction site.

It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 

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!

PRESS RELEASE

From:   The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County

Date:    May 18, 2015

RE:       Two Sexual Predators Found Guilty

            SNOW HILL – On May 13, 2015, Daniel Brynan Kerstetter, age 56, of Berlin, Maryland was found guilty after a jury trial of 28 counts of Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography. Mr. Kerstetter was sentenced to 10 years with all but 5 suspended in the Department of Corrections. 

               

                That same day, Gregory James Carr, age 41 of Ocean City, Maryland was also found guilty after a trial in the Circuit Court before the Honorable Thomas C. Groton, III of secretly recording his girlfriend’s minor child as the juvenile used the bathroom in his house. His bond was revoked pending a pre-sentence investigation. Mr. Carr’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but he will be required to register as a Tier I Sex Offender for the next fifteen years since the victim was under the age of 18.

               In the case against Mr. Kerstetter, members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with The Department of Homeland Security and The Worcester County Criminal Bureau of Investigation executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence of Mr. Kerstetter following an online investigation. At his home multiple hard drives and computers were recovered with images and videos depicting minors involved in sexual acts. Judge Richard R. Bloxom of the Circuit Court for Worcester County described the images as “probably the most revolting images I have ever seen”.

                State’s Attorney for Worcester County Beau Oglesby stated “In no corner of our community will these types of detestable individuals be allowed to corrupt and victimize the most vulnerable among us. Let these cases, and the many like it that we prosecute be a reminder to those who may think that their computer screens and secret cell phone recorders keep them anonymous – you’re not, and we’re watching.”

                State’s Attorney Oglesby continued, “These victories are testament to the outstanding and tireless efforts of law enforcement.” He then offered congratulations to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, The Department of Homeland Security, The Page County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, The Child Advocacy Center and Assistant State’s Attorney Diane Cuilhe.

TIME MACHINE ... 2002, 1974, 1654, 2004, 1852, 1992.

"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)


May, 2002
 Gettysburg Times (Gettysburg, Pa.)

            

June, 1974 (excerpt)
Daily Times (Salisbury)

  


October, 1654

Maryland State Archives (Original Spellings)


Assembly Proceedings, October 1654

Stealing of Indians

Whatsoever person or persons that shall steale any friend Indian or Indians whatsoever or be accessary in Stealing them and shall sell him or them or transport them out of the County shall be punished with death, and if any shall intice 'pswade or attempt the stealing or Selling of any friend Indian or Indians shall be Censured according as the Court shall think fitt, and if any shall make Information thereof he shall be satisfied out of the Estate of the offendor as the Court shall think fitting.



April, 2004
Somerset Herald (Princess Anne)

(Excerpt)

Tyler is '04 Teacher of the Year

Marion Sarah Peyton teacher picked from eight nominees 

PRINCESS ANNE-  April Tyler, who started her career 14 years ago in Maryland's last one-room school house, was named Somerset County's Teacher of the Year at an awards banquet last week.

Tyler was also named Elementary Teacher of the Year.

For six years Tyler was the teacher for students in kindergarten through sixth grade at the tiny, one room school at Tylerton on Smith Island. After it was closed by the Board Of Education eight years ago, Tyler at Woodson Middle School in Crisfield for six years.

For the past two years she has been a math and language arts teacher at Marion Sarah Peyton school.



July, 1852  
The Sun (Baltimore)

1992 technology.. here's how you could listen to a CD in your car!

 FOOTNOTE: Years earlier, when audio cassette tapes were becoming popular a similar method was used to play the cassettes through your car's radio.  In the mid/late 1960's and early 1970's when most vehicles still had only AM radios, FM converter boxes were becoming available. In the mid 1930's the luxury of adding a radio to your vehicle was being promoted.-tk

                                                              (1937)


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

PROCLAMATION Chief Kelvin D. Sewell of Pocomoke City, Maryland

WHEREAS, the safety and security of the citizens of Pocomoke City, Maryland and surrounding areas are vitally important; and

WHEREAS, a large percentage of our citizens regularly drive or ride in motor vehicles on our roadways; and
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 12,174 lives in 2012; and
WHEREAS, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes;
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts is supported by the laws of Maryland;
WHEREAS, May 18 through May 31, 2015, has been selected as the national Click It or Ticket mobilization enforcement period;
WHEREAS, across the country law enforcement officers will actively be participating in the mobilization to ensure all motor vehicle occupants are buckled up day and night to reduce the risk of injury and death caused in traffic crashes;
AND WHEREAS, increased enforcement of seat belt laws coupled with publicity has proven to be an effective method to increase seat belt use rates and decrease fatal crashes;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chief Kelvin D. Sewell, Pocomoke City Police Department, do hereby proclaim and announce May 18 to May 31, 2015, as the Click It or Ticket Mobilization in Maryland, for Pocomoke City, Worcester County, Maryland, and urge all citizens to always wear seat belts when driving or riding on our roadways.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on behalf of the Pocomoke City Police Department.
Chief Kelvin D. Sewell
Pocomoke City Police Department
15 May 2015

FLAGS FOR HEROES

The Pocomoke City Rotary Club is sponsoring "Flags 

for Heroes" to honor those heroes who have served in 

the military, local law enforcement, fire and rescue,

health care, teaching or any individuals who have made 

a difference in the lives of others in our community. 

With a donation of $50.00, a flag will be displayed in 

honor of your hero in a prominent location in town 


Proceeds will go to support our local veteran's 

charities, Pocomoke fire, rescue & police departments. 

For further information, contact Tom Moskios, Rotary

Vice President, at 443-437-7111.

Downtown Pocomoke hosts 4th Friday Art Stroll

For Immediate Release

May 14, 2015

Pocomoke City –

On Friday, May 22, 2015, the Downtown Pocomoke Association and the City of Pocomoke will host their monthly Fourth Friday Art Stroll in Downtown Pocomoke, beginning at 5:00pm and ending at 8:00pm. The event will be held within the two blocks of Market Street between Front Street and Second Street for a block party style event.

Local artists and craftsmen will fill the sidewalks of Downtown Pocomoke City to sell their art, including; paintings, photography, jewelry, home decor, fabric art, soaps and much more! Local retail stores are encouraged to stay open until 8:00pm.

Visitors of the Art Stroll will enjoy live music from Aaron Rohrer.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

There’s fun for the kids too, including a moon bounce, face-painting, cornhole, sidewalk chalk art at the Sturgis One Room School, and wildlife presentations from the Delmarva Discovery Center. Local museums will offer free admission during Art Stroll hours.

The American Cancer Society Jail and Bail event benefiting Pocomoke City’s 15th Annual Relay for Life will take place during the Art Stroll. Each Jailee is asked to raise $300 and the proceeds will go directly to their designated team and benefit cancer research nationwide.

An after-stroll party will be held at Riverside Grill with $5.00 orange and lime crushes, specials on house wines and live music from 9:00pm to close.

For more information or to register as an artist, please visit downtownpocomoke.com or our Facebook pages “4^th Friday” and “City of Pocomoke”.

In the event of rain the Art Stroll will be cancelled and will resume the following month.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

2002.. May storms hit Worcester County, tornado confirmed; 1974.. Pocomoke City girl is crowned Miss Delmarva; 1654.. New Maryland law will deal harshest of penalties for stealing of Indians; 2004.. Somerset County's teacher of the year is named; 1852.. Worcester County real estate transactions of note; 1992 technology- here's how you can listen to a CD in your car!

It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


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!

TIME MACHINE ... 1892, 1891, 1975, 1884, 1976, 1950's.

"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 archives/historical archives material)


May, 1892
The Sun (Baltimore)

Ocean City Making Ready for Season

A large force of mechanics and laborers is being employed getting things ready for the season at Ocean City. Snow Hill has lately been lighted by electricity in its streets, churches and public buildings, also many of the private dwellings. It is expected that the same illuminating agency will become general this season at Ocean City. Arrangements have been made to light the leading hotels and the beach. There will be a change to the railroad track by which cars will run to the beach for the convenience of excursionists. Carpenters, painters and other workmen are busy engaged making improvements in some of the hotels to increase the comfort of the guest. One is the plentiful supply of fresh water for cooking and drinking which will be brought from the mainland by pipes. Sewerage disposal is being seriously considered. Rapid transit would be another item for consideration. 

Footnote:

Ocean City's popularity increased rapidly from it's beginning in the mid 1870's.  It experienced a real estate boom in the early 1890's following the 1890 opening of the Baltimore and Eastern Shore Railroad's route into Ocean City.



 March, 1891 

                                                                           The Sun, (New York)

March, 1975
The Daily Times (Salisbury)

(Excerpt)

Snow Hill's Young Men Forming Jaycees Chapter

SNOW HILL - The Snow Hill Jaycees, after being disbanded for a year and a half, is a reality once again, complete with new faces and new ideas. Twenty young men from the Snow Hill area have organized the chapter which will be officially chartered in ceremonies later this month.

The moving force behind the reorganization of the Jaycees here has been James Feeney, a member of the old Jaycees chapter, serving his first term as mayor of Snow Hill. The last few weeks have found mayor Feeney frequenting the town's various businesses and other establishments, often until last at night, persuading  prospective Jaycees of the potential of the chapter.

The original Jaycee chapter disbanded, he said, because most of its members had reached the 35-year-old member's age limit.    


May, 1884 (Time Machine archive)
The Denton Journal

(Excerpts)

A Philadelphia correspondent of the Marylander, published at Princess Anne, Somerset County, has found in an old geography some interesting descriptions of Eastern Shore towns as they were in 1800.

(Lower Eastern Shore towns described)

Snow Hill is a port of entry.  It is situated on the east side of the Pocomoke River, and is built upon a remarkable sand hill, as white as snow.  The tide rises about two feet and a half; the river opposite the town is ten feet deep.  The town contains about 70 houses, principally old low wooden buildings.  It has a court house, a jail, a Presbyterian and an Episcopal Church.  A bridge is built over the river, which is here about 10 yards wide.  Snow Hill was established in 1686.  The lands for miles around are sandy and barren.

Salisbury contains about 35 houses and an Episcopal Church, and was established in 1732.  The inhabitants trade with Baltimore, in lumber, which is conveyed down the river about three miles in flat-bottomed boats, where it is received by larger vessels.

Princess Anne, a post town, and the seat of justice for Somerset County.  It is situated at the head of the Manokin River, 15 miles from its entrance into Pocomoke Sound, and contains about 40 dwellings and an elegant Episcopal Church.  A bridge is built over the river.  Near the west end of the bridge is a Presbyterian Church.  Princess Anne was established in 1732, and is 153 miles from Washington city. 

Of Deal's Island the book has the following account: "Devil's Island is about four miles long and one and three-quarter miles broad, containing 2,800 acres. Demiquarter is a small island contiguous to Devil's Island.  Both islands consist mostly of marsh, not withstanding they have several families living on them."

Footnote:  In 1800 Newtown was just a very small settlement along the river in the area that is present day Pocomoke City, however growth was on the horizon. Norma Miles and Robin Chandler-Miles write in their book Images of America Pocomoke City  "By 1809, nine lots had been sold, and by 1820, more than 150 people were living in the area in 28 dwellings and supporting seven or eight small businesses."  The 1800 geography listed Cambridge as having about 50 houses and 100 residents, and Easton about 200 dwellings and 1,000 inhabitants.

1976..  Some of the Mother's Day dining choices for mom.  
(The Daily Times, Salisbury)

From the 1950's its a TV commercial for the big new Studebaker line.

See it at this link, including more vintage Studebaker commercials:

http://archive.org/details/dmbb08710

(Courtesy of Duke University Libraries Digital Collections)


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.