Historic Parksley Building, Then And Now.

Parksley Hotel circa 1909

The Parksley Hotel was another place where the traveling public was always welcome. It was in easy walking distance to the railroad station, the business district, churches, post office and other sites. In years gone by traveling salesmen made it one of their stopovers on a trip through the Eastern Shore.

(Above picture and text courtesy Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac)

On this past Sunday's Time Machine posting we noted: Several years ago there was on-going work at the Parksley Hotel structure to convert it into Virginia's first "green friendly" Bed and Breakfast, and it was to be called the Parksley Hotel General Store with the store occupying the lobby area.  Anyone know the current status?

(UPDATE)

A Pocomoke Public Eye reader sent in a comment that the building is for sale. Here it is as pictured on a real estate site:

                                                                             Former Parksley Hotel Today

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Pocomoke Man Weekend Crash Victim.

(delmarvanow.com)

A 26-year-old Pocomoke City man died in a single-vehicle crash on Route 113 between Snow Hill and Pocomoke City, Maryland State Police said.

Kyle Barton Brittingham was driving south on Route 113 north of Betheden Church Road just before 8:48 p.m., police said.

A preliminary investigation shows his 2006 Jeep Wrangler traveled onto the shoulder for an unknown reason and continued southbound, police said. It then went across both travel lanes and into the median, then overturned several times with the driver being ejected, police said.

Police said Brittingham wasn’t wearing a seat belt and alcohol is believed to be a factor. He was pronounced dead at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

The investigation is continuing.

Marion Butler Sr.'s Passing.

A pillar of the Pocomoke City community for decades, Marion Butler Sr., passed away on Saturday, 8/29.  He'll be remembered for his passion in serving with the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company, as well as for his community leadership as a former mayor, city council member, and Worcester County Board Of Education member. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

The Holloway Funeral Home of Pocomoke City is handling arrangements.

Interview Given On Pocomoke Council Meetings.

Interim City Manager for Pocomoke City, Ernie Crowfoot, spoke to a media reporter regarding alleged closed city council meetings that some say related to former police chief Kelvin Sewell's termination.

Video and transcript:

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=14588

TIME MACHINE ... 1920, 1959, 1849, 1909, 1941, 1905.

"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)


April, 1920..

                                                                  The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.)

March, 1959
The Crisfield Post

NEW NEWSPAPER

POCOMOKE CITY-  The new "Pocomoke Progress" newspaper made its appearance here last Thursday morning. The new publication has business and editorial offices here, with George N. McMath , President and Editor. He is also President and publisher of the "Eastern Shore News" at Onancock, in which the new Pocomoke periodical is being printed. 



October, 1849
The Baltimore Sun 
 Destructive Storm on the Eastern Shore:

October 12, 1849:
A hurricane swept over a part of Worcester county on Saturday last, the most disastrous that has visited that section within the memory of the oldest man. Houses , barns, fences, granaries, bridges, &c., were but playthings of the elements and the loss sustained by many of our citizens is serious indeed. John H. Allen and John S. Jones, of Sandy Hill, had their granaries, situated at the junction of Crockle Creek with the bay, containing more than 2000 bushels of corn, blown over into the creek where both will prove to be total loss. A man named Joseph Cherrix , in charge of the granary, is missing and is supposed to have been drowned by the disaster. A dwelling on the farm of George Bishop, Esq., near Sandy Hill , was greatly damaged by a large tree being blown against it, knocking the chimney down. The barn on the farm occupied by Thomas Reed, near Sandy Hill, was also destroyed by the storm. The kitchen shed of Mrs. Catherine Selby, occupied by her servants, was blown over. On the farm of Mrs. Jones, near Girdletree Hill, not only the dwelling, but all the out buildings were blown over. There are other particulars and other losses we have yet been unable to collect with certainty . The fences and bridges shared the common fate and the roads in the lower part of the county are impassable. 

The storm seemed to be most destructive in the neighborhood of Sandy Hill.  

Footnote: Sandy Hill was the former name of Stockton.



Circa 1909.. Parksley Hotel

The Parksley Hotel was another place where the traveling public was always welcome. It was in easy walking distance to the railroad station, the business district, churches, post office and other sites. In years gone by traveling salesmen made it one of their stopovers on a trip through the Eastern Shore.

                                                        (Picture and text: Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac)

Footnote: Several years ago there was on-going work at the Parksley Hotel structure to convert it into Virginia's first "green friendly" Bed and Breakfast, and it was to be called the Parksley Hotel General Store with the store occupying the lobby area.  Anyone know the current status?


February, 1941(Time Machine archive)  

A "Blood Donors Club" was organized by 40 Pocomoke City residents.  Members would voluntarily donate blood when lives of those in need of blood were at stake. The club was one of the first of it's kind in the state.


September, 1905..  Amusements and other ads in The Washington Post.

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TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1920.. Wicomico students hold daily school prayer for funding; 1959.. A new Pocomoke City newspaper debuts; 1849.. Details of fierce hurricane's damage in Worcester County; 1909.. (Picture) The Parksley Hotel; 1941.. Pocomoke residents organize a first of a kind club in Maryland;  1905.. Amusements and other ads in The Washington Post.

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

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Accident Press Release

PPE UPDATE: The accident victim was identified as 64-year-old Worcester County resident Harrison Smith. It was reported that a medical situation may have contributed to the accident.

                                                                                                                                              

PRESS RELEASE

Pocomoke Police Department
1500 Market Street
Pocomoke, Md. 21851
410-957-1600


  On August 23, 2015, at about 1:58PM, officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department responded to the area of Market Street and Tenth Street, in reference to a single vehicle collision, where the operator of the vehicle struck a telephone pole at that location as well as struck a fire hydrant a few streets prior. The only occupant of the vehicle was the operator. The operator of this vehicle was transported by EMS to PRMC for further evaluation and later died. 









PPE post by tbayers

Back To School Event..

Pocomoke's "4th Friday" This Week!

 Visit http://downtownpocomoke.com/


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TIME MACHINE ... 2004, 1941, 1911, 1951, 1890, 1895.

"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, 2004
The Somerset Herald (Princess Anne)

(Excerpt)

Troops due home Friday
By Liz Holland

CRISFIELD — The 1229th Transportation Company will be greeted by high school bands, flag-waving citizens and yellow ribbons tied to every utility pole along Route 413 when they return to town Friday.

The National Guard unit —which has been serving in Iraq and Kuwait for more than a year — is expected to arrive in Crisfield between 5 and 6 p.m.

Plans for their homecoming will include an escort into town by local police and fire departments, led by Crisfield Chief Clarence Bell, said Valerie Mason of the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce.

Once it reaches Crisfield, the bus will drive under an American flag hanging from the extended ladders of Crisfield and Princess Anne fire trucks.

From there, the bus will drive to the City Dock where one of the high school bands will play patriotic music, Mason said. After that it will proceed to the armory where members will be welcomed by the other high school bands.

Members will greet their families at the armory, but there won't be a welcome home party that night.

"They want to get home to their families, and we don't blame them" Mason said. Instead, Chamber members are planning a community picnic for Saturday, May 15, as the official celebration. The event will be held from 11 a:m. to 2 p.m. and is tentatively scheduled at Somers Cove Marina.  


A year in review recap of a story from March, 1941..

                                                                                          Salisbury Times

December, 1911 (Time Machine Archive)
(The Evening Post- Frederick, Md.) 

SUFFRAGETTE'S BATTLE HYMN

Women Instructed By Just Government League to Learn It.

The State Just Government League has decided upon a song as its "battle hymn."  Copies of it have been distributed among the members and they have been instructed by the president, Mrs. Donald R. Hooker, to memorize it, to be sung at all public meetings of the league.  It was written by Miss Marie C. Jones of Pocomoke City, Md., who is herself an ardent suffragist.

The hymn is sung to the tune of "Maryland My Maryland." It's general character may be judged by its first stanza, which is as follows:

Oh, listen to the joyful note, 
In Maryland, My Maryland!

The women here will surely vote,
In Maryland, My Maryland!

In city, town, and country lea,
The women will be surely free,

And they shall vote, as you shall see,
In Maryland, My Maryland!  


November, 1951..                                                         

                                                                              The Star Democrat, Easton

June, 1890 (Time Machine archive)

(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

A Model Church

The Crisfield Md. Leader says

The Crisfield Md. Leader says that a prohibition church will be erected in that town and $600 has already been subscribed. The minister will preach in favor of prohibition party from the pulpit, advocate the party on the stump, manage prohibition conventions and primary meetings, and admit none to church membership except those who truly repent of affiliating with the other parties in the past and promise to henceforth and forever vote the prohibition ticket.  


Circa 1885..

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Firing of Sewell was LEGAL

Courtesy of WMDT:
*** Update***
New information obtained by 47 ABC shows the June 29 firing of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell was legal, disputing the claim made by councilmember Diane Downing that it was not.

In an August 3 interview with 47 ABC, Downing said that the vote to remove Sewell was a violation of the charter because the charter states only the city manager has power to fire the chief of police. Downing said that because former city manager Russell Blake was allegedly still in office on the day of the vote, the power to fire Sewell should have been his. However according to a memo that was sent by Blake to both the mayor and city council, Blake had officially retired days before the vote occurred.

The memo addressed June 26, 2015 reads, “I will be formally and officially retired from the position of City Manager as of 3:00 p.m. on this date.”

During the July 13 city council meeting, City Attorney Bill Hudson maintained the vote was legal, citing that Blake had already finished his term at the time of the vote therefore allowing the council to vote on personnel matters.

Despite the new evidence, Councilmember Downing still says she never received this memo, nor knew of its existence.

Second Complaint Filed..

(From WBOC.com)

ACLU Files Second Complaint Against Pocomoke City

Posted: Aug 20, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

By Micheal Kettelberger

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland has filed a second complaint in a month against Pocomoke City officials for violations of the Maryland Open Meetings Act (MOMA).

The latest complaint concerns unannounced, closed meetings held by Town Officials in late June,  during which the decision was made to fire Pocomoke’s former Police Chief, Kelvin Sewell. The complaint was filed with the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board on behalf of Stephen Janis, a reporter for The Real News Network, a Baltimore-based non-profit news organization. 

As with the ACLU’s first complaint, which pertained to the media being barred from a Pocomoke Council meeting on July 13, this complaint again relates to Pocomoke City’s controversial firing of Sewell. At the time of the firing, no explanation was given for the town’s action, and many in the community were angry and upset. Pocomoke officials have so far remained silent about the process and basis upon which they arrived at their decision to terminate Chief Sewell. 

Missing Service Dog..

8/25/15 UPDATE:
http://www.wboc.com/story/29876692/lost-service-dog-found-in-pocomoke



(From WBOC.com)

Pocomoke Family Desperate to Find Missing Service Dog

Posted: Aug 20, 2015 4:53 PM EDTUpdated: Aug 20, 2015 6:31 PM EDT

By Chris Weimer

POCOMOKE, MD – A California woman staying with family for several months in Pocomoke is desperately searching for her service dog that went missing Monday night.

Lady is a small 3 year-old Chihuahua with a black and tan coat. She was last seen running into a cornfield near New Bridge Rd. Teona Campbell, Lady’s owner, suffers from chronic epileptic seizures. She has up to five a week and says Lady is her lifeline.   

"She'll growl first and then she'll jump on me and then pat me to notify me that I'm having one,” Campbell said. “Within seconds, I'll have it."

A facebook page called "Wheresladybaby" has been created for anyone who might have any information. The family is offering a reward as well. If you have information that might help Campbell locate Lady, please call 562-673-4053.

Just an idea for clarity

For obvious reasons the city of Pocomoke is unable to release details about exactly why Kelvin Sewell was fired as the chief of police since it is a personnel issue. Now I know the public wants to know exactly why he was fired and the former chief has told his side which in certain aspects does not line up with what has been said by a few others. An idea for Mr. Sewell and his lawyer what if to clear the air because he stated in an open meeting with the city Council asking why he was fired which in my opinion opened the door for the information to be released. What if a letter signed by Mr. Sewell and his lawyer submitted a letter to the city releasing them of all liability and authorizing the full disclosure of all information pertaining to him being fired. Mr. Sewell, this could be how you can clear the air and let the citizens know what really triggered the termination and end the divide in our city. I love my city, and this could potentially solve the problem. Let what is in the dark come to light and this way potentially all could be brought out with no liability on the city.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

2004.. Welcoming our local troops back from duty in Iqaq and Kuwait; 1941.. What brought some 20,000 to the Ocean City area in March?; 1911.. Pocomoke City women authors battle hymn for women's right to vote; 1951.. Work to start on the most spectacular part of the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge; 1890.. A prohibition church to be built in Crisfield; 1885.. Ad- Toothache Drops (you might be surprised to see the incrediants).

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


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WOLC..

Longtime Christian format radio station WOLC, Princess Anne, signed off the air on Tuesday. Station management said the decision for JOY 102.5 FM to go silent was due to financial difficulties. 

The station is being purchased, pending FCC approval, by WBOC  and will be back on the air at a future date. WBOC says a programming format for the station is currently under consideration. 


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Saluting Vietnam War Veterans..

(The Star Democrat, Easton)

Veterans Dan Erdell, left, and Glenn Murray stand beside a portion of the MPT Salutes Vietnam Veterans Traveling Exhibition, which will be stationed through Friday, Aug. 21, at VFW Post 5118 in Easton. (Star Democrat photo and info)

VFW Post 5118 is locted at 355 Glebe Road in Easton. Phone 410-822-8619. For more information on the MPT Vietnam project and the traveling exhibit's schedule of appearances visit www.mpt.org/vietnam.

Read the full article:

http://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_42cbd60a-7964-5373-bf69-3ae4555ef9ea.html

When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

TIME MACHINE ... 1857, 1957, 1902, 1865, 1957-58.

"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)



June, 1857
The Sun (Baltimore)

AFFAIRS IN WORCESTER COUNTY.- We copy the following from the Snow Hill Shield:

Money Digging.- It is rumored that the people residing on the beach in the vicinity of Phoenix Island are reaping a gold harvest in the way of digging up gold and silver out of the sand. It is supposed to have been deposited on the beach from the wreck of a Dutch galliot, lost on "Dead Man's Shoals" nearly a century ago, and which is said to have drifted on Phoenix Island. The galliot, besides a very valuable cargo of merchandise, had over a million of dollars on board at the time of her loss.

Footnote: Has anyone heard of Phoenix Island?  Could it have been what we know as Assateague Island? 



June, 1957
The Salisbury Times

Teachers Pay To Be Debated In Snow Hill

SNOW HILL -  A large crowd is expected to attend an open meeting tomorrow on the question of salary increases for Worcester County school teachers.

The meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Snow Hill High School.

Members of the county's PTA instigated the meeting to air what they feel are the problems incurred by a low teacher wage scale.

It will be up to the county commissioners to make a decision on whether or not an increase will be granted. As a guide they will have a comparison of salaries now being paid in counties throughout the state.

Generally, the PTA thinks an increase of between $200 and $400 will be necessary. Present salary schedules for teachers with a bachelor's degree range from $3,300 to $4,800 over a period of 16 years.


August, 1902..

                                                                     The Evening Times (Washington, D.C.)


1865 (Time Machine archive)

Before the time of Ocean City, Green Run Beach on Assateague Island was a vacation destination for lower Eastern Shore residents as well as visitors from other states along the eastern seaboard.  Its Ocean House Hotel began attracting visitors in 1865. The Ocean House was noted for its local seafood menu and featured live music in a large dance hall, a bowling alley, and  a bar for the gentlemen.  After making their way to Snow Hill, visitors were taken by horse drawn hacks to Public Landing where the sailing sloop "Fairfield" helped complete their journey to Green Run Beach about 20 miles south of where Ocean City came into existence in the mid 1870's.



1957-58..

It's a Pepsi television commercial. View it here:

http://www.bestoldcommercials.com/pepsi-say-pepsi-please/



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Somerset County Vaccination Clinic

(csctimes.com)

WESTOVER — The Somerset County Health Department will hold a mass vaccination clinic Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to noon to give the required vaccinations for free to 5 year old children, and first, seventh and eighth graders who will be attending Somerset County Schools this fall.  

The vaccinations will be given by appointment only and you must present a current shot record at the time of the appointment. Call 443-523-1740 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

                                                            ~ ~ ~

For Worcester County Health Department services visit http://www.worcesterhealth.org or phone 410-632-1100. 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1857.. Gold and silver found on Worcester County beach; 1957.. Increase in Worcester teachers' $3,300-$4,800 annual salaries?; 1902.. "Sinner" Smack breaks up religious meeting in Berlin; 1865.. Maryland's ocean vacation destination before the time of Ocean City; 1957-58.. TV ad- the soft drink "For Those Who Think Young."  

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


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Meteor Shower Early Thursday..

(cbcnews)

Perseids 2015: Biggest meteor shower of the year peaks tonight

Watch for shooting stars tonight — the biggest meteor 

shower of the year will reach its peak, and unusually 

dark skies could make it an especially good show.

The annual Perseid meteor shower happens every 

August when Earth passes through debris left by comet 

Swift-Tuttle. When the tiny chunks of rock crash through

 the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, they leave trails of 

light that we see as meteors. The Perseids produce more

visible meteors than any other annual meteor shower.

This year, the Perseids peak early Thursday morning, 

and the best time to watch is between midnight and 

dawn.

View Meteor Shower From Beach..

(wesr.net)

The recreational beach at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will remain open, all night, from Wednesday evening, August 12 until dawn on Thursday. August 13, allowing visitors to enjoy a night of stargazing and night sky watching of the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. with an Astronomy 101 presentation at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center; conducted by staff from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center. Participation is limited to 175 people per presentation. The auditorium presentations will occur regardless of weather

At the recreational beach, Parking Lot 1 will close to vehicle traffic from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., where the Delmarva Space Sciences Foundation will provide onsite expertise and night sky viewing opportunities for the visiting public. Experts, telescopes and binoculars, will only be available from approximately 8:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The telescope viewing is subject to cancellation, due to inclement weather.

Visitors wishing to participate in overnight viewing opportunities must arrive on the refuge before the entrance gate closes at 10 p.m. Those not wanting to stay all night may leave at any time. Anyone leaving after 10 p.m. will not be permitted to re-enter until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Public access to trails and other visitor facilities will be prohibited after 10 p.m. Only beach access and parking will remain open. All campfires will be prohibited after 10 p.m. to enhance nighttime viewing opportunities.

The Astronomy 101 and Night Sky viewing opportunities are presented by collaboration between the Assateague Island National Seashore, the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. These activities are free and open to the public. However, standard refuge entrance fees still apply.

For more information about the Perseid meteor shower viewing opportunities at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, please call (757) 336-6122. 



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TIME MACHINE ... 1917,1925, 2003, 1904,1959.

"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)


September, 1917..

                                                                           The New York Age (New York)


December, 1925 (Time Machine archive)

The assistance by firemen from Pocomoke City and five other towns was credited with preventing a major fire in Ocean City from completely leveling the seaside resort.  The fire started in The Eastern Shore Electric Light Plant and spread to the Atlantic and Seaside Hotels, the Ocean City pier, and several concessions.  Ocean City firemen made an urgent call for help.  A published report stated firemen traveled icy roads at high rates of speed to reach the scene.  With no city water supply available, firemen chopped holes in the ice to draw water to fight the flames.  In addition to the Pocomoke City firemen, assistance was sent from Berlin, Snow Hill, Princess Anne, Salisbury, and Laurel, De.

          The charred remains of Dolle's Candyland after the fire of December 29, 1925.
          Collection of Frank Parsons

                                                              (Courtesy: Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum)



January, 2003
The Crisfield Times

(Excerpts)

Green elected
DPI president

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. the nonprofit trade association for the
Delmarva Peninsula's broiler chicken industry, has elected Douglas W. Green, Sandy Ridge Farm, Inc., Princess Anne, to lead the organization in 2003.

During his year as DPI president, Green will represent approximately 3,500
members including poultry growers, allied businesses, local businesses, poultry companies and employees of Delmarva's four poultry companies.

Joining Green in their capacities as volunteer DPI officers in the coming year are 1st Vice President Joseph E. Chisholm Sr., a Pocomoke City, Maryland-area poultry grower and banker; Ronald W. Darnell of Salisbury, a live-production manager with Perdue Farms Inc.; and Immediate Past President Dr. Henry M. Engster of Salisbury, vice president of technical services with Perdue Farms Inc.




July, 1904..

                                                                                         Peninsula Enterprise



August, 1959 (Time Machine archive)

Twin Towers on Route 13 south of Pocomoke announced the Grand Opening of its' new "Tower Room" cocktail lounge to complement its' restaurant.  King Sterling at the organ provided dinner music.  Dinner features at the popular Pocomoke gathering spot included Chinese Dishes, Broiled Steaks, and Live Maine Lobster from their lobster tank.

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Mayor Accepts Invitation To Meeting.

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison attended a meeting of the citizen's group that had been formed in support of former police chief Kelvin Sewell.

Details..

http://www.wboc.com/story/29731199/embattled-pocomoke-mayor-meets-group-that-called-for-his-resignation

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1917.. Princess Anne Academy announces Fall courses; 1925.. Major fire threatens Ocean City; 2003.. Somerset man is new president of Delmarva Poultry Industrry; 1904.. Pocomoke Ice Company is ready for business; 1959.. New "Tower Room" complements popular Pocomoke City eatery.

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

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Mayor And City Council Meeting.

Monday night's meeting of the Pocomoke mayor and city council was addressed by two local pastors representing the group "Citizens For A Better Pocomoke" who asked that former Pocomoke police chief  Kelvin Sewell be reinstated to his former position.

According to an Associated Press report, Mayor Bruce Morrison said he was willing to work with the group but "I don't see that happening, bringing Chief Sewell back."

The AP report stated the meeting began on a cordial note but turned into sharp exchanges between audience members, the mayor and councilman George Tasker, and the mayor brought the meeting to a close.

Mayor & City Council Meeting..

The next Mayor & City Council Meeting is on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 7:30pm inside City Hall at 101 Clarke Ave, Pocomoke City.

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AGENDA - POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 PM, Monday, August 3, 2015 in City Hall

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Review and approval of minutes of meeting of July 13, 2015.

3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.

4. Discuss letter of request from Chamber of Commerce for use of Cypress Park for Pocomokeoberfest - Saturday, September 26, 2015. (letter to be attached)

5. Authorize golf donation to Holly Grove Christian School for their annual Fall Festival - Saturday, October 3, 2015. (letter to be attached)

6. Discuss letter of request from Pentecostal Church of God of Lincoln, Inc. for use of City lot located at 401 Fifth Street (parcel 1250) for Community Fun Fair -Saturday, August 22, 2015. (letter to be attached)

7. Pastor Ronnie White and Reverend James Jones to address the Mayor and Council.

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn. 

Concert This Week!

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TIME MACHINE ... 1948, 1955, 1935, 1985, 1903.

"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)


1948..

                                                                 The Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Md.)



January, 1955 (Time Machine archie)

(Citizens favor a consolidated high school to serve Pocomoke City and Snow.)

During the first week of January,1955, about 350 citizens from Pocomoke and Snow Hill, who had been organized as fact-finding groups, attended a meeting at Stephen Decatur High, the new consolidated school serving Ocean City and Berlin. They toured the school and were to gather information and opinions and forward their findings on to the Worcester County Commissioners, and legislators.

It was reported that the cost of a consolidated school would be $1,500,000, while separate schools would each cost half that amount.

Following the meeting it was reported that about half of those in attendance were favorable to Pocomoke and Snow Hill sharing a consolidated school similar to Stephen Decatur, a much lesser number favored two separate schools and the remainder were reserving opinion.  Pocomoke and Snow Hill PTA 's were to host  meetings the following week to gather public opinion on the matter and as to whether a county-wide referendum should be held. 

At the following week's meetings, in a close vote of 184 to 166 Snow Hill residents favored a consolidated school between Snow Hill and Pocomoke.  At the Pocomoke meeting the vote was 172 to 72 in favor of a consolidated school.  By a wider margin both Pocomoke and Snow Hill residents voted against the issue being decided by a county-wide referendum.

Stockton residents presented the County Commissioners with a petition favoring the consolidated school, signed by 175 of 201 of its citizens who were approached. 

The heads of the fact-finding committees from Snow Hill and Pocomoke expressed the opinion that a consolidated school would be more practical than two separate schools.  The Board Of Education appeared to agree with proponents that better educational facilities at a lower cost could be provided with a consolidated school. 

But a delegation of city officials and businessmen headed by the mayors of Pocomoke and Snow Hill told the County Commissioners that they favored separate schools for each community and their respective city councils had voted resolutions in support of that choice.

Proponents for a consolidated school claimed support for their cause was in the majority.  They had meetings with the County Commissioners, Board Of Education, and members of Worcester County's state legislative delegation but the final decision of the County Commissioners was to pursue separate High Schools for Pocomoke and Snow Hill.  In March the Maryland legislature passed a bond bill funding construction of the separate schools.


January, 1985
The Crisfield Times

(Excerpts)

Julian "Juke" Tyler, Crisfield's Clerk/Treasurer since February, 1977, will become the city's first City Manager within the next few days. The city council has amended its charter to add the position of city manager to the city administration. In his new position, Mr. Tyler will become deputy mayor, and with the approval of the Mayor and Council, shall appoint heads of all offices, departments, and agencies of the city government as established by the charter, or by ordinance.

When Mr. Tyler stepped up to his new position, he was replaced by Gail Rayfield as clerk/treasure. She was formerly assistant clerk/treasurer.



November, 1935
Daily News Record (Harrisonburg, Va.)

SKELETONS AND WHISKEY BOTTLES FOUND TOGETHER

ONANCOCK, Nov.12. (AP)- Excavators for the new post office which is to be built here with public works administration money have unearthed skeletons and whiskey bottles.

It is local opinion that the skeletons were left by the Indians, the whiskey bottles by the whites.

Six skulls were found and amateur archaeologists here say the spot probably served as a burial place for the Onancock Indian tribe; arrowheads and tomahawks have been found in nearby fields.

In more recent days a bar was located on the site.  That is believed to account for the presence of the bottles. 


Men's Fashions For Summertime..1903.

                                                                            Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac)



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers or something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? Please send to tkforppe@yahoo.com .


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