Sunday, October 11, 2015

TIME MACHINE ... 1921, 1955, 1944, 1896, 1888, 1939.

"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, 1921 (Time Machine archive) 

A road inspection tour of the "Chesapeake Peninsula" by an official of the Automobile Club Of America reported good progress being made in development of hard surface roadways through Maryland and Delaware extending down to Pocomoke City.  

"Until the roadwork is entirely finished on the Dupont Highway, the completion of which is expected in 1922, motorists who intend to go as far south as Pocomoke City and Cape Charles will make better time and find all hard surfaced roads by going to Elkton and then south through Maryland. These roads, according to Mr. Wells, (head of the Automobile Club Of Maryland) are splendidly kept and might serve as examples to the other States."

However, the stretch from New Church to Cape Charles was described as poor dirt roadway.  Mr. Wells stated, "It is never necessary to erect a sign to inform motorists when they cross the Virginia line, for no other State in the East pays so little attention to public roads.  The result of this neglect is plainly seen in the contrast between the Virginia end of the peninsula and the Maryland-Delaware section."



March, 1955


The Salisbury Times



August, 1944


The Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Md.)


October, 1896
The Baltimore Sun

Snow Hill, Maryland, October 11, 1896:

Dr. Benton Harris Whaley, a prominent physician of Whaleysville, Worcester county, died at his home there Friday, at midnight, of Typhoid fever. He would have been thirty years old today. He had been confined to his bed for about two days. He was a skillful physician and very popular, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. He was the son of a local merchant and large landowner, the late Judge James Whaley and his wife, Elvira Thomas Green Whaley, Dr. Whaley was well known in Worcester, Wicomico (in) Maryland and Sussex county in Delaware. He leaves his widow, the former Margaretta Staton, daughter of the Worcester county Circuit Court clerk, John W. Staton, and three small children, James B, born 1893, Ella G., born 1894, and John D., born 1995. The doctor is buried in the Whaley Cemetery at Whaleysville.


June, 1888 
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)

Excursion to Salisbury.

The efforts of the merchants of Salisbury, long talked of, to secure a portion of the trade of the people of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, have at last taken a practical shape. The committee of the Board of Trade of that town on May 30th last, waited on the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad Company, for the purpose "of seeing if the company would lend some assistance as they could towards the development of the wholesale and retail business of Salisbury and to that end asked that the company make liberal excursion rates to Salisbury and return the entire year, or as long as they could practically do so without interference with other business and at certain seasons of the year to run special excursions." The company complied with their wishes and will begin to sell excursion tickets to Salisbury and return for $2.00 at most points on the E. S. of Va., on next Friday, June 29th, at which time an industrial exhibition is to be held at Salisbury.


Circa 1950's






Footnote: When Ranger Joe cereal first appeared on grocery shelves in 1939 it was America's first sweetened cereal. It was manufactured in Chester, Pa.



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 .


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.

Friday, October 9, 2015

The Worcester House


Thanks to the Pocomoke Public Eye reader who supplied information today on a question posted previously about The Worcester House. 

Not a comment or an opinion but a question that some long time resident of Pocomoke may know. Just over the MD line in VA not far down from the Royal Farms (same side of highway) is an antique store. I think it is called the Worcester House. It's a low, long building. One one end is a large walk in fireplace. Does anyone know when this building was built and what was it's original purpose? 
Anonymous
on 9/17/15


Thelma & Butch Arion, owners of The Worcester House Antiques; acquired the property in the early 1960's. Soon after, they built the center section of the "long, Bucks County Gold" building and that became their original shop in New Church, Virginia. In 1972, they expanded with the current section along with a large walk-in fireplace... a replica in the Williamsburg style. The 12" to 18" boards that surround the fireplace were from an old barn. That's right, it has been an antique shop for almost 53 years. Why the name the Worcester House Antiques? Originally, their shop and house was situated in Worcester County between Pocomoke & Snow Hill. The State of Maryland acquired their shop, house & land to make way for Route 113 North road. So, the name just stuck and there was really no reason to rename the business. The Arions divorced and Thelma Olsen Arion has been the sole proprietor of the shop and acreage. The antique market has changed over the years but she still carries on.
Anonymous
on 10/9/15


Thursday, October 8, 2015

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1921.. Automobile Club reports status of Eastern Shore roads; 1955.. Push is on to have a Pocomoke team back in the Central Shore Baseball League; 1944.. 1,000 German POW's end work strike at Westover interment camp; 1896.. Typhoid Fever claims life of a prominent young Worcester County physician; 1888.. Railroad offers Eastern Shore of Virginia residents reduced rates for excursions to Salisbury; 1939.. America's first sweetened cereal makes its debut.   

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

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 .


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.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

TIME MACHINE ... Pocomoke City in 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)


September, 1895
The Reidsville Review, (Reidsville, North Carolina)








Footnote: The given population figure of 3,000 sounds high for 1895.  Pocomoke City's 1910 population was listed at 2,309 according to the U.S. Census report from that year. Wonder if Mr. Hopkins had a hand in crafting this article to the benefit of his real estate dealings in Pocomoke City? -tk


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 .


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.






Friday, October 2, 2015

Chief Harden Assumes Duties..


(http://www.cityofpocomoke.com/news.html)

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE WELCOMES CHIEF WILLIAM HARDEN 
Posted October 2, 2015



The Pocomoke City Police Department welcomes William “Bill” Harden to his first day as Chief of Police. Chief Harden was officially sworn in last evening during a ceremony among the Mayor and City Council, City Business and Faith Leaders, Family and Friends. Chief Harden retired from the Maryland State Police after 25 years of service serving as Division Commander for Special Operations. He also worked with the Wicomico County Detention Center as an Investigator.

Chief Harden is ready to put his efforts and knowledge to good use in Pocomoke City. Harden is feeling positive and has dealt with challenging situations in the past and is ready to utilize his expertise to benefit the Pocomoke City Police Department and the citizens of Pocomoke City. “I’m excited,” he said. “I’m ready to start the job.”


Thursday, October 1, 2015

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

Pocomoke City takes the spotlight in an 1895 North Carolina newspaper article full of good things to say about our town of that day.

Read the article this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 


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 .


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.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

OCTOBER Events Coming Up!



POCOMOKE CITY SESQUICENTENNIAL.. Friday, October 9th.

DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE'S ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL.. Saturday, October 10th.

"A NIGHT AT THE OPERA" at the Marva Theater.. Saturday, October 10th.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Costen House Museum.. Sunday, October 11th.


More info at  http://downtownpocomoke.com/

Sunday, September 27, 2015

TIME MACHINE ... 1897, 1899, 1908, 1990, 1967, 1943.

"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, 1897
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House, Va.)

The Confederate re-union at Parksley next Thursday calls for the earnest encouragement and active support of every Eastern Shoreman, who loves the Lost Cause and the noble heroes who lost their lives in defense of it. It should be a day long to be remembered in the coming years,  and it will be one which we will be glad to recall, if by our efforts and through our aid on that day, the funds now in hand can be sufficiently supplemented for the erection of the monument to our fallen braves without further delay. Their splendid valor and heroic deeds long since demanded that the shaft be raised to commemorate their virtues, and it cannot be postponed longer, if we would not bring reproach upon ourselves of being false to them and untrue to the cause for which they fought and died. The monument, of course, will be erected to our Confederate dead at a later day, if not now, and in sufficient proportions to be worthy of them and to show to future generations the affectionate regard in which they were held by us, and contributions to that end will not be wanting from any who value patriotism, self-sacrificing devotion to duty and the priceless heritage of their honored names to their kindred and their kindred's children. Sufficient funds for that purpose, however, ought to be raised at Parksley next Thursday and we most heartily second the appeal of Harmanson-West camp, for every one is held a success.


October, 1899..
A monument honoring Confederate soldiers of the Eastern Shore of Virginia who lost their lives in the Civil War was unveiled in Parksley.




In the book 'Accomack County' (2009) by Tom Badger, the author states: In the center of Parksley stands a prominent monument dedicated to fallen Confederate soldiers from Accomack and Northampton Counties. The location of this monument is rather surprising considering the town was built by a bunch of "Northern capitalists," but, as often happens, a story is involved. When the railroad was built, a number of businissmen lobbied to have the county court moved from Accomac to Parksley, conveniently located on the rail line. The matter was put to vote, and be a narrow margin, the majority favored keeping the court in Accomac. Shortly thereafter, Parksley, as something of a consolation prize, was chosen as the site for the Confederate monument.   



October, 1908...



Peninsula Enterprise



December, 1990
The Frederick Post (Frederick, Md.)

(Excerpt)

Toll road to skirt I-95 envisioned
 Proposal greeted by sticker shock

NORFOLK (AP) — A transportation planner's proposal for a $2.5 billion, 250-mile toll road from Wilmington, Del., to Rocky Mount, N.C., has received a mixed reaction from politicians and highway officials.

William C. Mann says the proposed toll road would allow motorists to skirt traffic-choked Interstate 95. The highway would start at Interstate 295 in Wilmington, run down the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, through Hampton Roads on existing highways, and tie into 1-95 at Rocky Mount. 

Mr. Mann acted on his own when he sent his proposal to lawmakers and highway officials in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. Although none have made any promises and some are skeptical, many encouraged him to keep pursuing his idea. 

Mr. Mann proposed financing the road by cutting the one-way toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for Virginia residents from $9 to $8, but making the one-way fee $20 for all others. Truckers would pay a higher toll. The money could be distributed among four state highway departments for construction of the new East Coast highway.



August, 1967..




Salisbury Times




1943..






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 .



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.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Recent Comments..

1-50 of 7937 
If the good reverends, pastors, preachers whatever you call them spent half as much time on being real religious leaders as they did on this nonsense crime just maybe would take a drastic decline. The young "ladies" need to be told to keep their pants up and the young "gentlemen" to keep their zippers zipped! It's that simple. Too many babies being born in sinful unions with losers and criminals who have no desire to be fathers. In and out of jail not paying for the children and not being in their lives on a consistant basis. when they are, the baby daddies acting like gangsta's with their idiot music and ghetto trash mouths. Kid's as young as 3 running around saying the N-word-real classy and yes I have heard this! The little girls then go on to make more babies they can't support and the little boys thugs-yes I said it-Thugs! Citzens group would best be served by going in the neighborhoods telling mothers and father if they are even around to throw out the devil's music on City Manager addresses Pocomoke regarding Sewell Termination
Anonymous
on 9/25/15
I am proud of the Pocomoke mayor and council for selecting Ernie Crofoot as city manager. His accomplishments are many and his experience is vast. I had never heard of Mr Crofoot before but took the time to investigate and no one can ever say that the best person wasn't picked for the job. on City Manager addresses Pocomoke regarding Sewell Termination
Anonymous
on 9/25/15
I'm just wondering how long before a light bulb goes off in some's heads and they figure out that the elected officials and other government employees can not legally discuss a former employee's termination or employment record. They act like this is unique to Pocomoke or something. Every time I hear them say at a council meeting they 'want answers' all I can think is 'duh, what are you simple or something? Enough already, it's getting old. They are acting like a bunch of children. As supposed men of God (and I say supposed because The Word seems to have escaped them) the Bible has many quotes and verses on the virtues of patience. A real man of God does not pick and choose which parts of the Bible they want to follow. They talk the talk and more importantly THEY WALK THE WALK. Romans 8:25~But if we hope for what we do not see, WE WAIT FOR IT WITH PATIENCE. "WAIT FOR IT WITH PATIENCE! Patience never means accusatory confrontation. Philippians 4:6~Do NOT be anxious about on City Manager addresses Pocomoke regarding Sewell Termination
Anonymous
on 9/25/15
Father we bind every evil demon spirit making Tom ill in the name of Jesus. We ask that You touch him Jesus and heal him! We bind sickness from him and speak healthiness into his body in the name of Jesus! Amen and thank you Lord! God bless you all and please bathe Tom in prayer. on Asking for your prayers
Anonymous
on 9/25/15
Glad to see that our Mayor and Council have taken steps to restore these positions by hiring Mr Crofoot and Chief Hardin. Mr Hardin is a true professional whom I had the opportunity to work with when he was in Princess Anne, absolutely what Pocomoke Police need and I assure them he will get things straightened out. He is a no nonsense player. Get your affairs in order, do whats right or look for a job, that's my advice to the Officers. Mr Crofoot is also a no nonsense player whom I am familiar with from Caroline County. He too is great for the town. Look up folks, things are gonna be much better once these two get working hand in hand. on City Manager addresses Pocomoke regarding Sewell Termination
Anonymous
on 9/24/15
This is a great event, Karah you have done yet another year's worth of phenomenal planning for this event. Thanks for promoting our town in a positive light. We are a great town and we are "The Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore" on Pocomoke's 4th Friday this week!

New Date For POCOMOKETOBERFEST..

Due to possible inclement weather Saturday's (9/26) event has been rescheduled.



Thursday, September 24, 2015

Hurricane Gloria..

(excerpt from The Dispatch, Ocean City)

‘It Was A Real Disaster Area’: Hurricane Gloria Remembered 30 Years Later


OCEAN CITY — Thirty years ago this weekend, Ocean City Councilman Dennis Dare was a young city engineer for the town of Ocean City.
The year was 1985, and Dare and other town officials got word that a Cape Verde-hurricane called Gloria had taken a sharp turn in the Atlantic Ocean and was churning with increasing force toward the East Seaboard.
When the hurricane passed by on Sept, 27, it left behind significant damage including the destruction of the majority of the resort’s famous Boardwalk. Gloria quickly went into the record books as one of Ocean City’s benchmark storms.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Asking for your prayers

I'm going to ask everyone who would to please keep my father in prayer. My father, Tom, created The Pocomoke Public Eye and has poured himself into it over the past several years until a few months ago when his health started to decline. Monday morning he was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center and admitted to PCU due to some health complications. His blood pressure has been as high as 210/110. As of right now he is out of PCU and in a regular room and his blood pressure is more under control, but he faces many more obstacles with his kidneys and liver function. As a Pastor, a Christian, and his son, I'm believing that God can and will do a miracle in his life and will be restored better than he was before. I'm asking to those to please pray for him. My family and I greatly appreciate it!

Travis Ayres

City Manager addresses Pocomoke regarding Sewell Termination

An Open Response to Emails re the Termination of Pocomoke City Police Chief 
Please allow me to provide a general response to all those from across the State, as well as from Pocomoke City, who have sent the form email to our City Clerk regarding the termination of employment of our former Chief of Police. I will address the points raised by paragraph as presented in the emails.
1. The characterization of the “firing as “unlawful” is a matter of legal opinion, and has been expressed without knowledge of the facts; which facts the City is prohibited by law from providing. I will say this – no one has been fired, disciplined, etc. on the basis of race, or for filing an EEOC claim, or for assisting others in filing an EEOC claim. I am often surprised that folks want to jump to conclusions because someone else says it is so, rather than waiting for the process to play out. Believe me; if it were legal to tell you why Chief Sewell was fired, I would be first in line to do so. You might also ask yourself this question, if the City is so racially negative and motivated, how is it that Chief Sewell ever became the City’s first African-American chief? Also, the statistics do not support the claim that crime is down overall in Pocomoke City. Although acceptance in the community is a significant factor, being a Chief of Police requires more than just being popular in any community.
2. The only type of meeting where a discussion of an employee’s performance and action to be taken is at an administrative function or closed session. Although a technical violation of the Act may have occurred (not admitting same), the notice to be provided, again as provided by law, would and could not have named Chief Sewell. That is part of the protection offered all employees when it comes to personnel matters.
3. On a personnel matter, it was not necessarily so that a vote was required to be taken in public, only that it be reported. Everyone is aware that the vote was 4-1, with Councilwoman Downing the only vote opposed to the termination. The law does not permit the “explanation” referred to in the emails. To “explain” would be to “reveal.” We simply cannot join the public into the personnel matter process. Why there is the continuing doubt over this proposition is beyond me.
4. Regarding the issue of asking media to leave the room, the Mayor has many times, contritely, taken responsibility for his mistake. I note that the email notes that “hundreds” of citizens came to express concerns. If you heard the Mayor, he asked some media to leave to make room for the citizens. Not a legal excuse, but a well-intentioned motivation.
5. I, too, stand for transparency in the government process. I have provided many government clients over the years with open meetings, public information, and ethics training. My contract and resume will soon be posted on our web page. Although I was not employed by the City at the times these actions were taken, I am satisfied that the firing of Chief Sewell was warranted and legal, and was not done in violation of his, or anyone’s, rights. I trust that the public will give Chief Harden an opportunity to move us forward.
Ernie Crofoot.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1897, 1908.. Confederate reunions held in Parksley, Va.; 1899.. Monument honoring fallen Confederate soldiers from the Eastern Shore of Virginia is unveiled; 1990.. Proposed toll road through Delmarva draws mixed reaction; 1967.. Check out these new car prices at Miller-Massey in Pocomoke City and Princess Anne; 1943.. How housewives can aid in World War II effort against Hitler. 

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

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 .



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.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

View Eclipse Sunday Night From Wallops..






Total Lunar Eclipse

Join us at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center as we watch a total lunar eclipse! Telescope and binocular viewing will be available weather permitting. 

This total lunar eclipse will be visible from most of North America, South America, Europe, west Asia and parts of Africa will be able to see the eclipse. The eclipse will last for 3 hrs and 20 mins from beginning to end. The Moon will be totally eclipsed (totality) for about 1 hr and 12 mins.

Date: Sunday, 9/27/2015
Time: 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Location: NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, Wallops Island, VA
The presentations will take place in the Visitor Center auditorium and the telescope viewing will take place on the Visitor Center grounds.
phone 757.824.2298