Sunday, November 23, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... 1963, 1962, 1892, 1891, 1944, 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 archive/historical archive material)


August, 1963
The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, Md.)

Tawes Still Uncommitted On Future Of Assateague Island

SNOW HILL, Md. (AP)-  Gov. Tawes, still publicly uncommitted on the future of Assateague Island, says he's giving the problem close consideration.

That was about as far as the governor would go last night in indicating his views on the sand island after a second hearing on how it should be developed.

About 200 persons jammed the Worcester County Courthouse Thursday night to hear the case argued before the Board Of Public Works.   

Tawes and Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein, board members, heard 19 speakers, 16 of them expressing a preference for private development of the island, to a U.S. Interior Department proposal for federal development.

Goldstein has expressed an opinion favoring the federal plan for making the sparsely settled island into a national seashore park.

State Sen. John L. Sanford, D-Worcester, made an apparent reference to this in addressing the board Thursday night when he said he felt like a lawyer facing three judges- one of whom had already made up his mind about the case.

Sanford urged Goldstein to reconsider his stand.

Dels. Mark Pilchard and Russel O. Hickman, D-Worcester, also opposed the Interior Dept. plan advanced by Secretary Stewart L. Udall.

Pilchard urged the board to "do some soul searching before recommending federal development" and Hickman called Udall's plan the "most brazen socialistic scheme ever forced down the throats of Worcester Countians."

September, 1962 (Time Machine archive)

Pocomoke area residents were in shock on learning of the death of Dr. C. Stanford Hamilton.  The Pocomoke City physician, who was in his mid 30's, died in a violent single vehicle crash on Route 50 west of Salisbury when the car in which he was a passenger left the roadway and struck an abutment.  Two others, including Salisbury physician William Fisher Jr., were also killed and Donald Ramsey of near Pocomoke was critically injured.  The four were returning from Baltimore where they had attended a Baltimore Colts game.  

Footnote: Dr. Hamilton came to Pocomoke in 1955 when Dr. Lewis Llewelyn left to practice elsewhere.  Dr. Hamilton's daughter Linda, who was six years old at the time of his death, is Hollywood actress Linda Hamilton. In later years Dr. Llewelyn's son Doug was host of the original "People's Court" TV program.

August, 1892
Juniata Sentinel And Republican (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.)

A Maryland newspaper says:-  Down in Somerset county Maryland, the other day. The farmers have been in the habit of working on the roads, not when the roads needed it, but when it suited the convenience of the farmers. To destroy the absurd custom, a Maryland law authorizes the road supervisors to summon the farmers to work when work needed to be done. Supervisor McDorman tried this plan, but the farmers refused to obey his summons. He called the Sheriff, who tried to arrest the sluggards, who hit the deputy on the head and otherwise despitefully abused him. Forty farmers then gathered around the Sheriff and his deputy and drove them out of the community.

May, 1891
The Richmond Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

ONANCOCK GALA-DAY

A GRAND CELEBRATION OF ITS BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES

Procession, Banquet, and Fire-Works in Progress, An Attractive Programme and Fine Prizes.

(Correspondence of The Richmond Dispatch.)

ONANCOCK, May 23.-  Next Tuesday will be a big day in Onancock. Extensive preparations are making to celebrate the occasion in a becoming manner. In the afternoon several hundred mounted men, all masked and clad in gay costumes, will ride through the streets of the town, following will come floats representing the business houses and industries of the town, and at night there will be a sumptuous banquet and a musical concert at the Town Hall. The celebration will close with a grand display of fireworks. The Onancock Brass Band will furnish music for the occasion. It is confidently expected that this will far surpass anything of the kind ever witnessed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  

November, 1944
The Salisbury Times

(Ad)

THANKSGIVING At The WILLIAM PENN HOTEL In The Center Of Salisbury.

DINNER MENU

Cream Of Chicken Soup or Tomato-Grapefruit Juice

ROAST TURKEY with Fixings.. $1.25

Celery Hearts and Olives..Pickle Chips.. Cranbury Sauce..Candied Sweet Potatoes..Peas..Turnips..Corn..Cole Slaw..Mashed Potatoes..Ice Cream And Cake. 

Come. Let Us Join Together In Thanksgiving.

DINNER SERVED 12 NOON TIL 8P.M.

WM.PENN HOTEL & GRILL

North Division Street, Salisbury, Md.


(A visitor to Chincoteague writes his observations)

August, 1903
The Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

PART 6 (continued from last week)

It was deeply interesting to hear John A. M. Whealton, who was born on the island seventy-three years ago, tell of his struggles to obtain education enough to enable him to get along in the world. If I could convey to the reader's eye a true picture of the old gentleman, and could reproduce his language as he told me of his life, I am sure the recital would be as interesting at second hand as it was to me.

 "When I was six years old I went to work with the women helping my father pick up oysters," he said. "The women folks worked in that day and time. I never went to school but three months in my life. But I saw that a man had to have some education if he was going to get along in the world. I studied my speller at home and worked all the sums in Pike's arithmetic until I got to the single rule of three. That was so tough I sent to Philadelphia and got another arithmetic-Bennett's-and in that I worked until I got so I could understand fractions, and could work out percentage and fellowship. Then I got Mitchell's geography and atlas, and it didn't take me so very long to learn the names of all the countries and the States and capitals and rivers. I read Goldsmith's history of England and a history of the United States. I have always liked history, and have read histories of old Greece and Rome." 

Mr. Whealton's language is, as a rule, that of an educated man, though he occasionally drops into the careless speech of the waterman. "I belong to the universal church of God," said the old man solemnly when I asked him regarding his church preferences. "I do not go to church often. But I read the Bible and God is good. 

Mr. Whealton's wife, two years his senior, is still living. He is in very comfortable circumstances, though in 1867 he saw all his property swept away through his having to pay a security debt. He is the authority on all matters pertaining to the history of Chincoteague.

"The old people in Chicoteague used to have the habit of handing down traditions like the indians," said Mr. Whealton, "and I used to love to listen to them."

 He has a most remarkable memory. Frequently he gives the year, the day of the week, and the month of an event, and will then remark in an interjectory way:

"I remember the wind was blowing nor'west," or "nor'east," as the case might be.

(A final portion from this article next Sunday.)


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!




"Somewhere Over The
Rainbow Bluebirds
fly.."
Flying On For JMMB.
Her Pocomoke Public
Eye postings (April,
2008 to June, 2014)
kept us informed. 


Thursday, November 20, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1963.. The Governor is undecided, Worcester officials oppose it; what's the issue?; 1962..  Pocomoke City physician dies in auto accident; 1892.. Somerset County farmers snub state roadwork law; 1891.. Onancock holding a grand celebration; 1944.. Thanksgiving Dinner at a popular Salisbury restaurant; and more of the observations written by a visitor to Chincoteague in 1903. 

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it 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!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

NOT GUILTY

 I-N-N-O-C-E-N-T

The Judge said that I am "argumentative" and I agreed, in fact I said "yes your honor I am 'VERY' argumentative. When you go to court and you are a defendant isn't it your or your attorneys job to argue? 

I told the judge that I removed the tags and why I removed the tags and that I didn't think that it was anyone's business why I removed "MY" tags from 'MY' car, in 'MY' yard etc. etc. and he agreed. 

The judge also caught Morgan in a lie (somewhat) and you could tell that did not go over well.

Oh well, anyway the judge agreed with me that I "had a reasonable expatiation of privacy",     

The verdict of me VS Morgan and PCPD. NOT GUILTY!


PLEASE Register Today!

PLEASE
Register Today! 
for the November
General Membership Luncheon

TOMORROW
Wednesday,
November 19
$12.00

Location:
Don's Seafood & Chicken House
1344 Ocean Hwy
Pocomoke City, MD
21851
12 - 1 PM

Featured Speakers:
Mary Brad Lambertson
Branch Executive Director
Lower Shore YMCA
Pocomoke 

and 

Dr. Jerry Wilson,
Superintendent
Worcester County
Public Schools
A Follow-Up:
Progress & Programs

Register at

Monday, November 17, 2014


"USS Pocomoke" received two battle stars for World War II Service: 
 
 


We see her here, 3 February 1943, location unknown. Note that her maintenance deck is crowded with single engine fighters.

Worcester County took pride in lending the name of its only river to a ship commissioned as the "USS Pocomoke," 18 July 1941, with John D. Price in command. It had a length of 492', a beam of 69' 6", and a draft of 21' 2". During the Second World War, both the American Navy built a number of seaplane tenders to supplement their aircraft carrier fleets. 


the Sweepers who kept the decks clean
 

The tenders allowed the aircraft, generally for long-range reconnaissance patrols, to be rapidly deployed to new bases because their runways did not have to be constructed, and support facilities were mobile much like supply ships for submarines or destroyers.
 

Relief from military tedium and war-time anxiety

During World War II, the "USS Pocomoke" was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and participated in the following campaigns:

Bougainville operation

Supporting air actions, 27 October 1943 to 1 May 1944 Western Caroline Islands operation

Capture and occupation of southern Palau Islands, 6 September to 14 October 1944

Marianas operation, Capture and occupation of Saipan, 17 June to 10 August 1944 


Christmas at sea
 

The photos taken aboard the "USS Pocomoke" come from the collection of Anthony Martiliano, who served on the ship. Here is the link: http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/41/4109c.htm I do not know if anyone from Worcester County was ever part of the crew though I am sure it would have been mentioned in our Worcester newspapers of the period. I add this particular post as part of our observance of Veterans' Day and our salute to those who gave up part of their lives so that we could keep ALL of ours.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

TIME MACHINE... 1997, 1886, 1944, 1920, 1840, 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 newspaper archives material)

August, 1997
The Capital (Annapolis, Md)

Salisbury dorms are now wired for Net

Salisbury (AP)-  Students at Salisbury State University will have 24-hours access to electronic mail and the Internet in their drom rooms this fall, thanks to a crew of two dozen students that wired 1,735 rooms this summer.

The $1.2 project will improve communication with professors and shorten the line outside the campus' eight computer labs, said senior Wade Laye, who was among the students who signed up to do the wiring at $7.50 an hour.

"Tension goes up and students get frustrated because everyone waits until the last minute to start their papers," Mr. Laye said.

Campus housing officials estimated last year that 40 percent of students have a personal computer, but they only had an Internet connection if they signed up with a private  provider for about $20 a month.

Salisbury State's network connection will cost $30 for the whole Fall semester. Students still must provide the hardware.

Salisbury state trimmed the cost of the project by using student labor under the supervision of PrimeNet of Baltimore.

The original project estimate was $1.6 million.

November, 1866
Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) 

THE FATAL AFFRAY AT SNOW HILL.- The Snow Hili (Md.) Shield gives the particulars of the affray between two respectable citizens in that town on the evening of the 9th instant, which resulted in the death of Mr. Littleton J.
Richardson, at the hands of Mr. Jas. K. Purnell. The Shield says "the affray took place in the saloon of Mr. J. B. Kies, corner of Market and Pearl streets, shortly after the closing of the polls. It seems that some angry words had some minutes previously passed between the parties, (not of a political character, for each had voted the same ticket,) which was renewed upon a second meeting, a scuffle ensured, and  while Mr. Purnell was down upon the floor, and Mr. Richardson standing over him, the latter was shot by the former through the lungs, which proved fatal in about ten minutes.  Mr. Purnell gave himself up, and an investigation was had before Squire Russell, when he was released on $5,000 bail to answer a court, E. K. Wilson and Geo. W. Covington, Esqs., entering in one-half the amount, and the principal himself in the other. Mr. Richardson leaves a distressed wife and eight children (three of them small) to mourn him. He has two daughters married."

June, 1944 (Time Machine archive)

A Pocomoke area road construction project was one of twelve in Maryland for which Governor Herbert R. O'conor requested priority consideration from the federal government.  The project would involve relocation and rebuilding nine miles of a 24 foot lane of an ultimate dual highway on Route 13 from Pocomoke to the Virginia line.  The cost would be $665,000.  The governor's plea to the Facilities Review Board of the War Production Board stressed the urgency of the twelve projects from a safety and traffic requirements standpoint.

April, 1920
Marylander And Herald (Princess Anne)

"MIRACLE MAN" COMING

Firemen To Have Great Picture On April 26th With Vaudeville

(Excerpts)

"The Miracle Man," the greatest picture ever produced by motion picturedom, which has been causing such a great sensation in New York and elsewhere, will be shown on April 26th at the Auditorium, Princess Anne. The picture was to have been shown on April 9th, but owing to the great demand for it all over the country the date had to be postponed until the 26th.

This wonderful picture story is now being shown in the big cities for prices ranging from 75-cents to $2.50, and the price here will be 50-cents.  The firemen wanted to give the people of our town the best that money could buy, and they feel secure that they have obtained the par excellence of what the country affords.

In addition to the picture there will be five vaudeville acts by the youngsters, which should keep those happy who do not like pictures. The proceeds of the entertainment will be used to start a fund to buy an automobile fire engine of the latest improved type.




October, 1840
The Sun (Baltimore)

CAN ANY OF THE YANKEES BEAT THIS?-  The Worcester (Md.) Banner states that a pumpkin has been raised in that county, which measured seven and a half feet in circumference. Would not that make a lot of pies for thanksgiving day?


(A visitor to Chincoteague writes his observations)

August, 1903
The Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

PART 5 (continued from last week)

Swlmmlng appears to be almost natural. Everybody is as much at home in the water as on land. One of the first sights I saw when I came over from Wishart's Point in the launch that carries the mail was a dozen boys, from six to ten years old, sporting in the water near the wharf, clad in bright colored trunks of the scantiest character.

Living is expensive in Chincoteague, despite the fact that every variety of sea food is right at hand. But flour and meal, meat of every character, poultry and eggs, groceries, of course, and all fuel, have to be brought from the outside. A leadlng man here told me he believed it was possible to clear a thousand dollars a year raising eggs and poultry on the island. Very few are raised. Ducks and geese are seen much more frequently than chickens. I was struck with the small number of dogs.

Everybody knows everybody else on Chlncoteague. Perhaps not more than 5 per cent of the inhabitants were born off the island. There are said to be factions and more or less dissension among the people, but none of this was apparent to me. There was a jollity, freedom of speech and manner, and propensity to "skylark" among the men, young and old, that is not found generally. I saw a man in front of the hotel this morning knock a pipe out of the mouth of a friend with whom he had been talking and then run to escape punishment.

Chincoteaguers work hard in the oyster season. I have not seen many men at work since I have been here, and it has always been easy to find a group of six or a dozen men who are ready to talk indefinitely. And to me it is about the best talking I have heard in a long time. The quaint language,  the rich flavor of the sea in all conversation, the sailor like directness of speech, are all wonderfully pleasing, and make it hard for one to tear himself away and work. "Peculiosity" and "phenomity" are two words I have added to my vocabulary since I came to Chincoteague.

The Chincoteague people have not had the school advantages which many of them desire, yet in recent years the sons of several men have gone to college from this island, and there were Chlncoteague boys in two or three Virginia colleges last year.

(More from this article next Sunday.)

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!



"Somewhere Over The
Rainbow Bluebirds
fly.."

Flying On For JMMB.
Her Pocomoke Public
Eye postings (April,
2008 to June, 2014) 
kept us informed.




Saturday, November 15, 2014

Every Sunday On The Pocomoke Public Eye..

<1800<1850<Time<1900<1950<Machine<2000<<

It's reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archive and historical archive material, primarily of local interest. 

This week we share items from  1997, 1886, 1944, 1920, 1840, and 1903.

Check back tomorrow, 11/16, right here!

Friday, November 14, 2014

MARYLAND ON PACE FOR ANOTHER LOW IN TRAFFIC FATALITIES



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gayle Waters

Phone Number: (410) 957-1600

MARYLAND ON PACE FOR ANOTHER LOW IN TRAFFIC FATALITIES

Enforcement of DUI and seat belt laws key to reducing highway deaths.


[Pocomoke City, Maryland]  In 2013, Maryland had a 50-year low in traffic fatalities as highway deaths fell almost nine percent from 2012. As 2014 draws to a close, highway safety and law enforcement partners are optimistic for another decrease in traffic fatalities but say it rests largely in the hands of those traveling our roadways.

Ultimately, our drivers must do the right things,” stated Chief Kelvin Sewell. “If people choose to go out and drink, we strongly recommend that they have a designated driver or get a cab home. And of course, we want everyone using a seat belt in every seat, every time they get in a vehicle.”

From 2009 to 2013 in Maryland, 856 people were killed in impaired-related crashes, accounting for a third of all traffic fatalities across the state. In addition, almost 600 people died in crashes where they were not wearing a seat belt.

Our law enforcement partners are out there strictly enforcing our laws, particularly when it comes to impaired driving and seat belts,” said MVA Administrator and the Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety, Milt Chaffee. “We are committed to our goal of moving Toward Zero Deaths on Maryland’s roads and a driver making the right choices means that we can stop needless and preventable tragedies from occurring.”

More than 23,000 people were arrested for DUI in Maryland last year and there were tens of thousands of seat belt citations issued. Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are severe, including thousands of dollars in fines and fees, not to mention the increased risk of crashes associated with impaired driving. Drivers also face fines of $83 for failing to wear a seat belt, a law that is enforceable in both the front and back seats.

Our first step is to try and educate people about making the right choices but when that fails, we make arrests and issue seat belt citations to deter people from breaking the law again,” stated Chief Kelvin Sewell. Each time someone gets behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, it is a potential tragedy waiting to happen. Each time they drive or ride unbelted, they increase their risk of death in a crash by as much as 45 percent. Ultimately, it’s up to everyone to do their part by always driving sober and buckling up.”

# # #
Note: Maryland's Toward Zero Deaths campaign focuses on preventing impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving, while also promoting seat belt use.  For more information on the Toward Zero Deaths campaign, please visit www.towardzerodeathsmd.com.

POCOMOKE PREPARES FOR ANNUAL PARADE




POCOMOKE CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 807

Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

(410) 957-0802

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Mike Shannon (410) 726-5777

POCOMOKE PREPARES FOR ANNUAL PARADE


            On Monday night, December 1, 2014, Pocomoke City will be transformed into a “Winter Wonderland” as the town plays host to one of Delmarva’s largest nighttime Christmas parades.

            Always held on the first Monday night after Thanksgiving, the Pocomoke parade has become an Eastern Shore tradition and will attract over 100 units from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia along with thousands of spectators.

We have our web site up and running. This is where you will find the applications and rules for this year’s event. If you are interested in participating this year you should go to pocomokechristmasparade.com to register. If you have any questions you can contact Mike Shannon at 410-726-5777 and leave a message with your name, address and telephone number and type of entry.

            Each year the parade features marching bands representing high and middle schools from seven counties in three states.  Also featured will be beautifully decorated and lighted floats entered by schools, civic organizations, churches, and commercial enterprises.

            Clowns, marching units, fire departments, equestrian units, and of course Santa Claus will round out the two-hour event, slated to kick-off at 7:00 p.m. sharp.  The route will take the parade north on Market Street beginning at 14th Street and ending at the Pocomoke River.
           
            Professional judges, including members of the National Judges Association (NJA), will score entries in many different categories.  Awards will be awarded immediately following the event to the top entries in each category.

A special thanks to the community of Pocomoke City and surrounding areas for the recent support given to us to continue this great tradition that has been a part of the town of over 40 years. 

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be postponed until Tuesday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m.

-30-


Governor-elect Hogan to attend National Governors Association seminar in Colorado this weekend

Office of the Governor-elect
PRESS RELEASE


For Immediate Release:
November 13, 2014
Contact: Hannah Marr
hmarr@hoganforgovernor.com

O: (443) 221-4450 M: (443) 935-3684
                                              

Governor-elect Hogan to attend National Governors Association seminar in Colorado this weekend

ANNAPOLIS, MD – November 13, 2014 – Maryland governor-elect Larry Hogan will attend the National Governors Association Seminar for New Governors this weekend in Westminster, Colorado. The seminar will include governors and governors-elect from around the country.

"My team and I are excited to travel to Colorado this weekend for the Seminar for New Governors," said Governor-elect Hogan. "I am looking forward to learning as much as possible in order to make our transition as smooth as possible, and meeting with other newly elected governors from across the country."

Over the weekend, the governor-elect will attend presentations on assembling a cabinet, recruiting and staffing, budgeting, and more.

#   #   #

For more information or to request an interview, contact Hannah Marr at hmarr@hoganforgovernor.com (443) 935-3684

Web: www.hoganforgovernor.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/Hogan4Governor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChangeMaryland

Authority: Hogan-Rutherford Committee to Change Maryland, John C. Wobensmith, Treasurer.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Houses that have Vanished; By Bob Jones

Houses that have Vanished -- the Hickman Home, Greenbackville Road:
The "Hickman Home," built 1736, was undoubtedly Mattapony's finest dwelling for the two centuries it lasted. The north gable, the only part standing a decade ago, was still impressive by its towering height. Even 35 years ago, the house was sufficiently intact to make restoration feasible. Now, it will clearly never rise again. Here's hoping that this modest narrative will serve to keep its history from vanishing entirely into the chasm of Time.
I encourage readers to master the colonial meaning of the word "Mattapony." I remind you that during our first few decades (1660-1742), Worcester and Wicomico were lumped into old Somerset County, which, in turn, was divided into about nine districts that were known as "hundreds." Had I lived in thoses times, my will would have started, "I, Bob Jones, of Mattapony Hundred, do hereby . . . " Mattapony was essentially southern Worcester County, that is everything south of Ayres Lane and Castle Hill Road. North of that boundary was another "Hundred" known as Bogerternorton (Snow Hill, Berlin, and the future Ocean City). What we know as the Eighth Election District is basically old Mattapony.
The main gateway was located on the Pocomoke River, not far from Beth Eden Church Road and Route #113. Fittingly, it was referred to as Mattapony Landing. See below photo of the church that stood nearby.
For the first 100 years after settlement, most of the houses built were quite small, often only one room and a loft -- see photo in Comments. The only grand home in southern Worcester County was "Beverly" built on the Pocomoke River in c1774. In the northern part of the County, grand colonial homes would include "Genesar" (c1730) and "Radcliffe Hall" (c1750) the main dwelling on a large working plantation of 2,200 acres.
The "Hickman Farm" was originally part of a tract called "Transylvania," patented in 1676 to William Walton for 800 acres. It is located on the south side of Greenbackville Road, which runs from George Island Landing Road, at Portersville, to the town on Greenbackville. The house was set far back in the field, the lane some four tenths of a mile. I have not visited the ruins in several years -- today, there may only be rubble.
When the first settlers arrived from Accomack Co. to our area, the first land claimed was along Worcester's Chincoteague Bay and the Pocomoke River. One of the earliest land grants, for example, was effected just the previous year (1675) when Lord Baltimore granted Mt. Ephraim (2000 acres) near Public Landing, which lies outside Mattapony. So, "Transylvania" may well have been the first land grant in Mattapony Hundred.
In Part II, I will tell you about the Hickman family who lived there and give a description of the house. Below, in Comments, there are six photos to go with this account. --RFJ

School Dumps Christmas, Easter

Editors note: I bet ya they still take the day (s) off with Holiday pay. I say if they want to remove 'American' Holidays from the Calendars and vocabulary and not recognize them then they should have to work those days.


By Todd Starnes
There’s a new battleground in the war on Christmas – the suburbs of our nation’s capital. The school board in Montgomery County, Maryland has decided to appease Muslims families by making the school calendar — religious neutral.
That’s bad news for all you Jews and Gentiles out there.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN TODD ON FACEBOOK FOR CONSERVATIVE CONVERSATION!
As of next year – all Christian and Jewish holidays will be removed from the calendar. That means no more Christmas, no more Easter and no more Yom Kippur.
There’s no word on whether the board will remove the Irish from St. Patrick’s Day or the love from St. Valentine’s Day or the trees from Arbor Day.
For years local Muslims had been urging the district to close schools for two of their holidays. Many gathered outside the school board offices holding signs like “Support Equality for Eid” and “Because…our children matter too.”
Instead, the school board opted to eliminate all religious holidays.
Board members whacked the Jesus holidays because they did not want to disrespect or be insensitive to the Muslim community.
“This seems the most equitable option,” board member Rebecca Smondrowski told the Washington Post.
If you’ve read my new book, “God Less America” - you know how well appeasement works.
The school district says kids will still be able to celebrate the holiday formerly known as Christmas and the holiday formerly known as Easter. Now — they’ll be called winter break and spring break.
Ho Ho Ho, America.
DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG
Click here to get a copy of Todd’s book – “God Less America” – read about the rise of Islam in America. 



The Mayors Old Fashioned Christmas Evening

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TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1997.. Improved internet access for those 40% of SSU students who have personal computers on campus; 1886.. Deadly argument between two respectable Snow Hill citizens; 1944.. Governor gives priority for new highway from Pocomoke City to the Virginia line;  1920.. Firemen's fundraiser will bring "The Miracle Man" film to Princess Anne; 1840.. Worcester County's giant pumpkin; and from 1903, more of the observations of a visitor to Chincoteague.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it 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!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Investigation Update

For Immediate Release

Investigative Update


On October 10, 2014 at approximately 10:00 p.m. three suspects entered the Duck-In liquor store located in Pocomoke City, Maryland. Two of the suspects were armed with small caliber handguns, the three suspects robbed the store and got away with $1,293.00 in currency.

The Pocomoke City Police Criminal Investigations Section along with a member of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team conducted the investigation which led to the three suspects being arrested and charged for the crime. 


                    1. Shyheem Pitts from Snow Hill, Maryland was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Robbery, Theft, 1st and 2nd degree Assault.

                    2.  Keyshon Hayes from Pocomoke City, Maryland was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Robbery, Theft, and 1st and 2nd
         degree assault.

                     3.  Luquan Brittingham from Pocomoke City, Maryland was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Robbery, Theft, and 1st and
                           2nd degree assault.


Further investigation also revealed that two of the three suspects, Keyshon Hayes and Luquan Brittingham were both involved in the downtown Pocomoke City burglaries. These cases were closed by arrest in August 2014.   All three of the armed robbery suspects are being held at the Worcester County Detention Center under a “No Bail” status awaiting trial.   
                                                                                                           

Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police

Pocomoke City Police Department
Office of Administration
1500 Market Street
Pocomoke City, MD  21851
PocomokePD@comcast.net

Sunday, November 9, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... 1900, 1971, 1890, 1880, 1954, 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 archive/historical archive material)


March, 1900
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)

Valuable Farms For Sale

The undrsigned offers at private sale two of the most desirable farms in Worcester County.

No.1-  Is the home of the late Senator S.K. Dennis, contains about 250 acres, and is the well known "Cedar Hall Farm," is situated on the Banks of the Pocomoke River, 7 miles from Pocomoke City.  About two-thirds of this farm is under very successful cultivation, is high red clay land of superior quality, not a ditch on it or the need of one, has steamboat landing on the premises, has good pine woodland, is 4 miles from railroad station. Is improved by a large 8 room dwelling which is in good condition. This farm is especially suited for stock raising or truck farm, has large quantities of fruit of various kinds. This farm is offered for sale to settle an estate, and is worthy of the attention of anyone seeking a comfortable home where both pleasure and profit can be combined.

Price $7,000.00. Terms to suit purchaser.
(See footnote)

No.2-  Is the home of the late Thomas W. Hargis, located 3 1/2 miles from Pocomoke City, and contains 212 acres. Is improved by a very nice 8 room building, about 150 acres of the land under cultivation, balance in woodland. This farm is suitable for stock or truck raising, and must be seen to be appreciated.

Price $5,000.00. $2,000 cash, balance on long term.

For further particulars call on or address, F.H. DRYDEN, Pocomoke City, Md.  

Footnote: Based on the reference to the late Senator S.K. Dennis being a former owner of "Cedar Hall Farm," the property apparently is historic "Beverly" or "Beverly Mansion."  From Wikipedia: "Beverly is a historic home located in Pocomoke City, Worcester County, Maryland, United States. It is a 2 1⁄2-story, Georgian-style Flemish bond brick house built about 1770. The house faces the Pocomoke River. An original circular ice house survives on the property.

Beverly was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Littleton Dennis, great great grandson of John Dennis of Beverly England, died in 1774 before the house was finished but work went on and was completed by his widow Susanna Upshur Dennis and their children and their descendents lived in the house for nearly 150 years."


Beverly Mansion, 1988

April, 1971
The Evening Sun (Hanover, Pa.)

(Excerpts)

Dodger Great Furillo Bitter Over His Final Baseball Days

By Ed Nichols

Carl Furillo, remember him?

The forgotten Brooklyn Dodger hero of the past has been found.

He's installing elevator frames on the 60th floor of a 1,350-foot skyscraper, that when completed will give New York not one but two buildings taller than the longtime champ, the Empire State Building. This new big house is the Manhatten World Trade Center.

His voice over the telephone sounded most congenial, as always, but not with the same enthusiasm as during his baseball playing days.

"Don't talk baseball to me." he said. "I haven't seen a game in 11 or 12 years."

I've known Carl since he started his pro career in the late 1930's with the Pocomoke City Chicks of the Eastern Shore (D) League.

"Yes, I often think of Pocomoke," Furillo declared.  I believe my $100 a month salary was one of the highest on the team. The Pocomoke people were wonderful."

Among his Pocomoke teammates were Gene Hermanski, an outfielder, who also advanced to the Dodgers, and first baseman Ed Sudal, now a National League umpire.

Furillo identified himself as one of the better hitters in the game, winning the National League batting title in 1953 with a .344 average.

Baseball, a game which he loved and gave 20 years of his life- 15 in the major leagues- has looked past Furillo.

He left the game quite bitter, challenging his release (by) the Dodgers in 1960.  Carl insisted he was blackballed. However the years of working at obscure jobs have mellowed this old warrior.

Furillo can't help but recall the circumstances which ended his big league career. He received an unconditional release from the Dodgers in May, 1960, because, according to general manager Buzzie Bavasie, that no other major league team would claim him and that "he no longer could do the job."

Carl insists he was injured at the time and should have been put on the injured reserve list for 30 days, and paid his medical expenses for the remainder of the season.

He took his case to court and won, but has been out of baseball ever since.

That's when the blackballing charges were made. Furillo, then 38, was confident he could play two or three more years with another club, but he felt he was deprived of the chance.

He tried to contact all the other major league clubs.  "All they told me," Furillo said, " 'Sorry, our roster is filled.' If that's not blackballing, then I don't know what is. Can you blame me for being bitter about baseball? I couldn't get a job as the fourth assistant groundskeeper." 

July, 1880
Denton Journal 

Ocean City is now an encorporated town, as you will see by the placards posted about the hotels and elsewhere. Its sacred precincts are half mile long and from the ocean to the bay in width, with a 'belt' north and south of twenty miles. 

L. W. Showell and G. Stokes hold the reins of government for now. It has an organized police force which can be distinguished by a brass star which he wears over his heart, yes, one officer, he being captain, sergent and the whole force. 

May, 1954 (Time Machine archive)
(Oakland Tribune- Oakland, Ca.)

VERY CONSERVATIVE-  The residents of Somerset County, Md., will have to mark their "X" on the ballot in the same old way in the June 28 primary and the general election next fall. There will be no voting machines.  Supervisors voted against the purchase of machines for fear they would probably bring confusion to the primary.


(Route 50 travelers today are hardly aware of the little community of Vienna, since the newer bridge over the Nanticoke bypasses the town.  In earlier years an older bridge led directly through the small community.  The article below goes back to still an earlier time reflecting the Vienna of another era.)   

July, 1890
Baltimore Sun 

Vienna Connected with the World by a Railroad

Vienna, Md., July 4, 1890: Today was an important epoch in Vienna's history of a century and a half, for the old, but thriving, town was for the first time connected with the outside world by a railroad and for the first time the whistle of the passenger locomotive awakened echoes among the town. Even though the railroad is not yet complete all the way to town, visitors came by the hundreds, many crossing the Nanticoke River from the Wicomico side and sail boats brought crowds from points up and down the river. In Vienna visitors enjoyed themselves in partaking of refreshments and in outdoor sports. Notwithstanding the lack of railroad facilities which were long needed, Vienna has in late years forged ahead in business enterprises. The town, one of the oldest in the county, is surrounded by rich and fertile farm lands and for many years noted for the intelligence and hospitality of its 600 to 800 residents. It has some of the largest stores in the county. The Nanticoke River at the town is a half mile wide and the depth is sufficient for the largest sea going vessels. During the early colonies it was a great shipping point and thought at one time to become the metropolis of the state. Most of the tobacco grown in the county, the chief staple of produce in those days, was shipped from Vienna and remains of an old warehouse in the town are yet visible. Wealthy and prominent men lived in or near the town limits. John Gilmor, ancestor of that family of Baltimore, was one of the earliest merchants and it is noted he received the earliest consignments of imported goods in the state at this port. The town also has fruit packing houses and a tin can factory as well as large grist and timber mills owned by Thomas Higgins and Sons. Vienna Academy is recognized as one of the leading institutions of learning in the country. There are an abundant number of churches of nearly all denominations and there is a commodious public hall. The Nanticoke Steamboat Company furnishes transit by water to and from Baltimore and other east coast ports. Vienna will prove to be a large feeder to the railroad and forge ahead rapidly. Among the old residents of Vienna are Dr. Levin Hodson and Thomas Withers Smith. The old hotel which has stood for many years and afforded warmth and good cheer to travelers on the old stage line from Cambridge to Salisbury, will, it is thought, soon give way to a larger and more modern structure.


(A visitor to Chincoteague writes his observations)

August, 1903
The Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

PART 4 (continued from last week)

The deposits in the bank of the Banking Company of L. L. Dirickson, Jr., at Chincoteague, amounts to $99,109.74. The total resources are $160,061.74. The capital stock is 49,200. And the bank is only nine months old.

I remarked once before that everybody in Chincoteague has money. D. J. Whealton is worth perhaps $200,000, and has recently erected on the island a fine house costing a goodly sum. Joshua Whealton is worth well on towards a hundred thousand, some people say he ls worth more. Captain Rowley has a snug fortune and is making more every day. John L. Anderton, who lives across on Assateague, is worth at least fifty thousand. Captain John Bunting is "mighty well fixed" as one of his neighbors expressed it, and the same might have been said of Captain John A. M. Whealton, and a number of others. The men are "not much on clothes," as one of them said, but it would be hard to find a Virginia town where the women are so well dressed as in Chincoteague. It was apparent to the male eye that all the gowns were not of the very latest design, but they were of good quality, and were worn as though the wearers were used to dressing well.

There is at least one piano in Chincoteague, and probably more. The strains from many cottage organs may be heard in the course of a stroll down the main street.

There are three doctors on Chincoteague, and they each appear to have a fair practice. One physician told me that two-thirds of the deaths on the island, probably, were due to pulmonary troubles. Another said that in cases of what he termed dry catarrhal affections, he had known patients to be relieved by a stay here. However, the fine physical specimens one encounters here forbids the impression that Chincoteague is not a good place in which to grow men. The men down here do not conceal their manly development by too many clothes. One of the handsomest fellows  I ever saw, who carried me from his boat to the landing on Assateague, wore only shirt and trousers, and the latter were rolled to hls knees.

(More from this article next Sunday.)


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!




"Somewhere Over The
Rainbow Bluebirds
fly.."

Flying On For JMMB.
Her Pocomoke Public
Eye postings (April,
2008 to June, 2014)
kept us informed.