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!
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!
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
"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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Authority: Hogan-Rutherford Committee to Change Maryland, John C. Wobensmith, Treasurer.
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.
# # #
Web: www.hoganforgovernor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
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
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.
The Mayors Old Fashioned Christmas Evening
Download: Chili
Cook-Off Rules Download:
Chili
Cook-Off Entry Form Download:
Wreath
Silent Auction Rules Download:
Wreath
Silent Auction Entry FormCLICK THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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
410 957-4597 Fax
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."
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.
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
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!
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