Carroll County's 174th Birthday Celebration Jan. 19, 2011

Carroll County's 174th Birthday Celebration

Join the Historical Society of Carroll County for its annual celebration of the founding of Carroll County.  This year's guest speaker, Helen Jean Burn, examines the life of Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 07:00 PM thru 09:00 PM

Where: Holy Cross Hall, Church of the Ascension

Westminster, MD Parking on Ralph Street between Rt. 140 and Main Street

For more info: Historical Society of Carroll County 410-848-6494

http://hscc.carr.org/

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

Carroll County Birthday Celebration: Betsy Bonaparte

Join the Historical Society of Carroll County for its annual celebration of the founding of Carroll County.  This year’s guest speaker, Helen Jean Burn, examines the life of Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte.

Over the past 130 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Patterson Bonaparte has inspired countless books, movies, articles, and fictionalized accounts.

Helen Jean Burn, author of the new book Betsy Bonaparte, has spent 30 years studying the true story behind the legends.  

Born in Baltimore to a wealthy family in 1785, Elizabeth Patterson summered in southern Carroll County at her father’s estate, Springfield.

She shook local and Parisian society when she wed Jerome Bonaparte, brother of the Emperor Napoleon. Insisting on a better future for his brother, the emperor annulled the marriage, but not before it produced a son, Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte.

Betsy's failed quest to win royal status for her son and grandsons consumed the remainder of her seventy-four years, decades that transformed her from the glamorous "belle of Baltimore" into a shrewd and successful businesswoman determined to protect her family.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in Holy Cross Hall, Church of the Ascension in Westminster.  Parking available in the lot on Ralph Street.  Free admission.  Refreshments will be served.

20110119 HSCC CC 174th Bday Celebration

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*****

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Taping Mike Eaton memories on Friday at Cockey's

Taping Mike Eaton memories on Friday at Cockey's

As much pre-taping of Mike Eaton memories as we can get done with Jim Mayola of the Community Media Center, the further ahead we are!

If we could do this between 9 and Noon, it would be great … on-site at Cockey’s. So, who can I book. Call me Tuesday or email me. Many thanks.

Evelyn Babylon is the only one Jim Mayola has in the can, so to speak.

Timatha S. Pierce

Executive Director

Historical Society of Carroll County

210 E. Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

Phone: 410-848-6494

Fax: 410-848-3596

Web: hscc.carr.org

*****

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Carroll County Birthday Celebration TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 2010

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Join HSCC as we celebrate the founding of Carroll County on January 19, 1837.

Nancy Gibson, noted historian and former curator of the DAR Museum, will present a very special lecture on Carroll County quilts and their history. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. in Holy Cross Hall at the Church of the Ascension, 23 North Court Street.

Parking available in the lot on Ralph Street. Free; refreshments provided. For more information call the Historical Society at (410) 848-6494

20100119 Carroll County Birthday celebration Arts cultural events calendar, Carroll Co Community Events, Historical Society of Carroll Co, History Carroll Co, Westminster File community events

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Carroll Co MD Birthday Celebration 7 PM TUES 19JAN10 http://tinyurl.com/yhuqlmy Church of the Ascension http://twitpic.com/y0etq

*****

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

November 9, 1923 Maryland Governor Ritchie Re-Elected

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/p2s26 or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/239914928/md-history-nov-9-1923-md-gov-ritchie-re-elected

Picture caption and credit: Maryland Governor Albert Cabell Ritchie served from Jan. 14, 1920 to Jan. 9, 1935. This is a press photograph from the George Grantham Bain collection, which was purchased by the Library of Congress in 1948. (Digital ID ggbain.29462) According to the library, there are no known restrictions on the use of these photos. The date of this photograph is unknown. [19320000 c nd MD Gov Albert Ritchie]

~~~~

Today – err, yesterday in history it was reported:

Gov. Ritchie Re-Elected by 41,000 -- Only Executive to Serve Successive Terms--All State Candidates Win. Democrats Elect Nine Local Candidates in Carroll.—

Governor Ritchie lost Carroll County by 1657 on Tuesday. Four years ago he was defeated by less than 500.

Holland pulled through by only 14 over Gordy, Robinson lost to Coleman by only 19, Young carried the county over Brewer by 4.

Judge Thomas beats Brooks by 1799, the highest lead over any opponent in the county.

"Bill" Phillips carries the county over "Bill" Bowers by 546.

Samuel J. Stone is improving as he runs. He beat Kephart by 962.

State's Attorney Brown was re-elected by 225 over Walsh.

Daniel J. Hesson defeated Walter R. Rudy by 546 for State Senator.

The house of Delegates will be three Democrats—C. Scott Bollinger, John T. Yingling and Francis Earl Shriner, and one Republican, Melvin W. Routson.

The Judges of the Orphans' Court will be Thomas J. Haines, Democrat; J. Webster Ebaugh and William E. Green, Republicans.

William A. Roop, who ran for re-election for County Commissioner was defeated by John W. Reaver by 238.

John J. Johns is surveyor by defeating John D. Roop, Jr., by 663.

Miss Mary Janet Miller, Socialist, received 55 votes in the county. She ran ahead of any Socialist or Labor candidate for State offices.

Democratic Advocate, November 9, 1923.

19231109 Nov 9 1923 Gov Ritchie Re Elected

Elections History Carroll Co, Gov Ritchie Albert, Governors MD, History Carroll Co, History MD, History This Day in History

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

The long version of my Sunday column on the 1899 Manchester Fire Hall dedication

The long version of my Sunday column on the 1899 Manchester Fire Hall dedication has been posted on the http://www.explorecarroll.com/ web site. Lots of good trivia:

http://explorecarroll.com/community/3458/EAGLEARCHIVE/ http://tinyurl.com/yc7qn4n

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/jkrik

DAYHOFF: Dedication of fire hall in 1899 was a hot time in Manchester EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff

Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 9/27/09

This month is the 110th anniversary of the dedication of The Manchester Fire Engine and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 fire hall. The dedication, Sept, 2, 1899, was the scene of a community celebration. The fire company is part of a storied history of Manchester, whose roots go back as far as the 1730s.

Read the rest of the column here: http://tinyurl.com/yc7qn4n

Carroll Co Dist Manchester, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays history, Fire CC Depts 04 Manchester, History 1890s, History Carroll Co

Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff

http://twitpic.com/jkrik The long ver of my Sun col on 1899 Manchester Fire Hall dedication Lots of good trivia http://tinyurl.com/yc7qn4n

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Dedication of fire hall in 1899 was a hot time in Manchester

Dedication of fire hall in 1899 was a hot time in Manchester

http://explorecarroll.com/community/3458/EAGLEARCHIVE/ http://tinyurl.com/ybfjuos

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 9/27/09

This month marks the 110th anniversary of The Manchester Fire Engine and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 fire hall, which was dedicated Sept. 2, 1899, in a community-wide celebration.

The fire company is part of a storied history of Manchester that goes back hundreds of years, even before the German and English settlers first appeared on the scene in the early 1700s.

Read the entire column here: Dedication of fire hall in 1899 was a hot time in Manchester

20090927 SCE Dedication of fire hall in 1899 sceked

@CarrollEagle column: dedication of Manchester MD fire hall in 1899–KDayhoff http://tinyurl.com/ybfjuos

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Fall Events at the Historical Society of Carroll County

Fall Events at the Historical Society of Carroll County

August 29, 2009

http://hscc.carr.org/

In This Issue Antiques Appraisal Day Bus Trip to Riversdale and Hillwood Book Signing - Images of America: Westminster The Ghost of Legh Master Bus Trip to George Washington's Mount Vernon
The 9th Annual Antiques Appraisal Day Saturday, September 12 10:00 am - 4:00 pm American Legion, Carroll Post #31 Corner of Green & Sycamore Streets in Westminster Bring up to three items per participant for evaluation by our appraisal experts. The fee is $20.00 for the first item, $10.00 for the second item, and $5.00 for the third item. Appraisal Day features a panel of experts who are adept at assessing a full range of antique and collectible items as well as a number of appraisers with intriguing areas of specialization. Use this opportunity to learn about your antique furniture, folk art, jewelry, glassware, ceramics, toys, silver, pewter, fine art, quilts, primitives, textiles, and militaria. This year we are pleased to include specialists in antique clocks, coins and currency, rugs, and watches. Whatever it is you want to bring, we should just about have it covered. Appraisers will even make the occasional trip to a car or truck when items may be too heavy or too large to move inside. Food and beverages will be available from the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary throughout the day. Call the Historical Society for information at 410-848-6494 or visit our website at hscc.carr.org Bus Trip to Riversdale and Hillwood Thursday, September 17 Our morning destination is Riversdale, a National Historic Landmark plantation home built between 1801 and 1807. Construction of the elegant manor house was begun by Henri Stier, a Flemish aristocrat, and completed by his daughter, Rosalie, and her husband George Calvert, grandson of the fifth Lord Baltimore. The house remained in the Calvert family until 1887. A restoration of the house to its appearance during the period of Rosalie and George Calvert's occupancy, 1801-1838, began in 1988 after the discovery of Rosalie Calvert's letters in the family archives in Belgium. After our tour of Riversdale, we head to Washington for a visit to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Lunch will be in Hillwood's Café. Lunch choices are: Petite Tarragon Chicken Sandwich (chicken and red grapes tossed with tarragon mayonnaise on croissants), Albacore Tuna Sandwich (albacore tuna on croissants with lettuce and tomato), or the Piedmont (tomatoes on focaccia with fresh Mozzarella, olive oil and garlic). All come with a salad, dessert and beverage. Then, spend the afternoon on a self-guided tour of Hillwood. Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired Hillwood in 1955 and began to create a series of pleasure gardens for her leisure and the entertainment of her guests. The mansion was renovated to provide easy access to the outdoors, with terraces and porches on all sides. The museum features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia and a world-renowned collection of eighteenth-century French decorative art and furnishings. The collection includes Fabergé eggs, Russian porcelain, Russian Orthodox icons, Beauvais tapestries and Sèvres porcelain. View the exhibitions, wander the gardens, visit the museum shop - the choice is yours. Cost for the trip (includes transportation, admissions and lunch) $70 for HSCC members $80 for non-members Reservations are required by September 1 Call the Historical Society for information at 410-848-6494 or visit our website at hscc.carr.org Author's Book Signing Saturday, September 26 Images of America: Westminster New book available at the museum shop and bookstore of the Historical Society of Carroll County The latest and long awaited book in Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series will be available September 21. Images of America: Westminster, by Society Curator of Collections Catherine Baty, features over 190 historic photographs of Westminster covering its growth from a small crossroad to a thriving city. The book will be available in the Shop at Cockey's for $21.99. Westminster joins Farming in Carroll County, which was released earlier this year. Also available are volumes on Carroll County, Taneytown and Sykesville. Society members receive a 10% discount on purchases in the shop. The Shop at Cockey's 216 East Main Street Westminster Saturday, September 26 10:00 am - 4:00 pm The Ghost of Legh Master Box Lunch Talk and Book Signing Tuesday, October 13 12:00 - 1:30 American Legion, Carroll Post #31 The Historical Society is pleased to announce the publication of a new book about one of Carroll County's most notorious citizens, Legh Master. The Ghost of Legh Furnace by G. Donald Riley, Jr., examines Legh Master's life and character to determine if he really deserves the sinister reputation history has bestowed upon him. For over two centuries, ghost stories prevailed in Frederick and later Carroll County, Maryland, describing the evil deeds of Legh Master. He allegedly pushed one of his slaves into a blast furnace during a jealous rage. Legh Master appeared at night riding his gray horse through the woods with a white sheet over his head and shoulders yelling "stick stuck," scaring his neighbors. Legh Master, a wealthy English gentleman, arrived in Frederick County near Westminster in 1770-1771 where he invested in six thousand acres of land and an iron furnace. During the Revolutionary War, Master, a Tory, sailed to the Bahama Islands leaving his wife and daughter in Baltimore to find their way back to England. Riley follows Master's footsteps during the war and after he returned to Frederick County in 1782. The first day of sale for The Ghost of Legh Furnace, published by the Historical Society and printed by Graphics Universal, will be October 13. On that day, the author will present a lecture about Legh Master at the Box Lunch Talk and will be available to sign copies of the book. After that date, the book will be available for purchase in the Shop at Cockey's. Cover price is $15; HSCC members receive a 10% discount. Bus Trip to George Washington's Mount Vernon Thursday, October 22 Join HSCC on October 22 for a very special trip to the most visited site in America - George Washington's Mount Vernon. The estate includes the Mansion house, slave quarters, kitchen, stables, greenhouse, four different gardens, the Forest Trail and a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. For most of the day, everyone will be free to plan their own schedule. The Mansion house features original furnishings and items owned by the Washington family and is shown as it was in 1799, based on an inventory made when George Washington died. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and the Ford Orientation Center include 25 new theaters and galleries that tell the story of George Washington's life. Wreathlaying ceremonies are held daily at George and Martha Washington's tomb. A variety of museum shops throughout the estate offer a wide assortment of books, gifts and collectibles. Lunch is on your own at Mount Vernon. The Food Court at Mount Vernon includes burgers, deli sandwiches, baked goods, pizza, ice cream and more. Relax in the glass-enclosed Pavilion or sit on the terrace. The Mount Vernon Inn restaurant is available for a more elegant, sit-down lunch. In mid-afternoon, the group will travel to George Washington's distillery and gristmill. Washington erected a large stone gristmill in 1771 to produce high quality flour and cornmeal for export to the West Indies, England and Europe. In 1797, Washington built a whiskey distillery adjacent to the gristmill. The distillery was the largest in America, producing 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, making it one of the most successful economic enterprises at Mount Vernon. Cost for the trip (includes transportation and admissions) $65 for HSCC members $75 for non-members Reservations are required by October 9 Call the Historical Society for information at 410-848-6494 or visit our website at hscc.carr.org

*****

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Md Natl Guard Co H began in the flower business

The Maryland National Guard Company H, from Carroll County had its beginnings 110 years ago in the flower business.

From its roots in a Frizellburg flower business, to the shores of Normandy on D-Day, part of the family tree of the famed 29th Division, Company H, from Carroll County started to grow 110 years ago.

By Kevin Dayhoff, May 20, 2009

Next Monday is Memorial Day. It is a solemn day that Carroll County has faithfully observed for 142 years

Hopefully I will see you and your family at the historic Westminster Cemetery when we gather together, after the traditional Memorial Day parade, to our express our profound gratitude for the acts of brave patriots who gave their full measure to preserve our way of life.

Just after last year’s observances of Memorial Day, I wrote a Sunday Carroll Eagle column on D-Day, and the fact that many Carroll Countians served in the 29th Division - which along with V Corps and the 1st Infantry Division made up the total of 34,250 troops, 3,300 vehicles - who landed at “Omaha Beach” that faithful day on June 6, 1944, at 6:30 in the morning.

For several months after that column appeared, many readers asked for more information on the 29th Division and its humble beginnings in Carroll County as Company H of the Maryland National Guard

As a matter of fact, the D-Day column came as a result of reader feedback from an earlier column on the history and tradition of the Memorial Day observances in Westminster.

Folks also took me aside during last year’s Westminster’s Memorial Day ceremonies and contacted me after I had the opportunity to talk about the Memorial Day holiday and D-Day on WTTR with Gail Jones, the guardianship program coordinator for the Carroll County bureau of aging, on the “Carroll Senior News” program.

Then the topic came up again when I was honored to be the guest of George Miller and Paul Garver last year at the Westminster Senior Center for a Memorial Day program.

I promised that I would fill-in more of the history of Company H this year, in time for the 2009 Westminster observance of Memorial Day.

Candidly, the history and tradition of Company H of the Maryland National Guard and the 29th Division will remain a long-term project because one could write a lengthy book on the topic.

For this installment, we’ll just introduce you to the early roots of Company H and we’ll see what further questions arise and take it from there.

[…]

Read the entire column here: http://tinyurl.com/rb7542

Memorial Day http://www.explorecarroll.com/ Md Natl Guard Co H began in flower business Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/rb7542
http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/2941/dayhoff/

20090520 sdosm Md Natl Guard Co H began in the flower business

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Colleagues praise former Sen. Charles Smelser By Beth Ward,

Colleagues praise former Sen. Charles Smelser By Beth Ward, Times Staff Writer Saturday, January 31, 2009

Charles H. Smelser may have lived in Frederick County, but the former state senator, bank president and dairy farmer was still able to call Carroll County home.

“Even though I live in Frederick County, Carroll County still claims me, and I claim them,” Smelser, who was born in Uniontown, said in 1999.

Smelser, 88, died Thursday at his home near Unionville.

Friends and former colleagues remembered Smelser on Friday as a good man and a fiscally conservative Democrat.

“He was one of the finest men I’ve ever met,” said Del. Donald Elliott, R-District 4. “He’s probably one of the most principled individuals I’ve ever had contact with.”

Smelser served in the General Assembly for almost three decades as both a delegate and a senator representing Carroll and Frederick counties before retiring from the Senate in the mid-1990s. In 1995, he received the First Citizen Award on the floor of the Senate.

Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, was elected to fill Smelser’s seat and said he knew Smelser since he was a child.

[…]

Sen. Larry Haines, R-District 5, also called Smelser a mentor and said it was an honor and a privilege to serve with the man who he knew most of his life.

[….]

Richard Dixon, former state treasurer and state delegate, said Smelser encouraged him to run for the House of Delegates. Dixon said Smelser was well-liked by colleagues and constituents, and pointed to him running unopposed a number of times as an example of his popularity.

[…]

Manchester resident Joe Getty, a former delegate, said his father graduated from New Windsor High School with Smelser in 1937.

[…]

In lieu of flowers: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702 or Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.

On the net: Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com/.

[…]

Read Ms. Ward’s entire article here: Colleagues praise former Sen. Charles Smelser

20090131 Colleagues praise former Sen Charles Smelser By Beth Ward

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/01/31/news/local_news/newsstory2.txt

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Fitzhugh was just what the doctor ordered in Carroll's medical past

Fitzhugh was just what the doctor ordered in Carroll's medical past

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 1/25/09

On Jan. 25, 1935, Dr. Henry Maynadier Fitzhugh, a well-known local physician, died at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore.

Today, the name Fitzhugh is barely known to most Carroll County residents -- except for those who are aware the hill overlooking Westminster on the western end of town is colloquially known as "Fitzhugh's Hill." This is in the area we now know as Ridge Road (off Old New Windsor Road).

So why is a hill in Westminster dedicated to local doctor?

Well, in a tribute to Fitzhugh written for the Historical Society of Carroll County by historian Jay Graybeal, it's noted in the introduction that the good doctor was "a leading figure in volunteer work" here in Carroll.

"Dr. Fitzhugh served as the chairman of the Council for Defense for Carroll County, an organization that coordinated all local civilian war work activity," Graybeal writes. "After (World War I) he became a leader in the fields of education and medicine."

Fitzhugh's obituary reports that he "had been the president of the State Board of Education since 1920, a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners since 1910 and its secretary and treasurer since 1924.

"He was the president of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty in 1930 and was a member of its council and one of its delegates to the American Medical Association at the time of his death.

"For the past year he had been the president of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States."

All noteworthy, but where does Fitzhugh's Hill come into play?

Long before Carroll Hospital Center was dedicated on Aug. 27, 1961 -- or even before its predecessor, the Carroll County War Memorial Medical Center, was dedicated on Nov. 11, 1952 -- folklore refers to two locations in Westminster that were considered for the location of a hospital.

Carroll Hospital Center officials Kevin Kelbly and Teresa Fletcher, speaking during an historical society luncheon just this past October, noted that there was talk of the need for a hospital as far back as the 1880s.

Records of the historical society, they said, also note that the local medical society spoke of the need for a hospital in 1916.

Then in 1917, three private citizens -- Dr. Henry M. Fitzhugh, Theodore Englar and Dr. Lewis K. Woodward Sr. -- offered to buy the Montour House on Main Street (in Westminster) and convert it into a hospital.

According to Kelbly, Fitzhugh "built his home and physician office ... on Ridge Road with the thought that this structure might some day become a Masonic Hospital."

Alas, the Fitzhugh home never did become a hospital, but the hill where he lived is a reminder of the man who, for a time, certainly "looked out" over the city's health. His obituary notes that "Dr. Fitzhugh's friends say of him he was one of the finest American examples of an old-fashioned family physician and friend."

Read more here: Fitzhugh was just what the doctor ordered in Carroll's medical past

http://explorecarroll.com/community/2150/fitzhugh-was-just-what-doctor-ordered-carrolls-medical-past/

20090125 SCE Fitzhugh was just what the doctor ordered sceked
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

New Windsor Carroll County Maryland Citizens To Organize Fire Co.

NEW WINDSOR CITIZENS TO ORGANIZE FIRE CO.

Democratic Advocate, January 23, 1948

About 200 citizens interested in the organization of a fire department for New Windsor and community gathered in the Carlton theater Tuesday evening. Mr. Hesson presided at the meeting.

A state insurance representative spoke before the gathering and announced that the insurance rate would increase from 22 cents to 35 cents on a $100 if the fire department was not organized for that town.

When asked for members to support a fire department for the city about 65 put their names on the dotted line as members.

An election of officers will be held next Tuesday evening.

A new fire pumper will be purchased sometime in the near future.

The following from the Union Bridge Fire Department were present to assist in the organizations: Howard Gray, Emory G. Minnick and Lewis Baker.

Democratic Advocate, January 23, 1948.

Related: http://www.nwfd10.org/

http://www.newwindsormd.org/

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/01/23/newsroom_projects/fire_companies/fire3.txt

The NWFD Celebrates 60 Years of Service at Annual Awards Banquet

19480123 New Windsor Citizens To Organize Fire Co
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

60 years ago, Davis opened the first chapter of the library book

60 years ago, Davis opened the first chapter of the library book

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 1/16/09

Other columns by Kevin Dayhoff on www.explorecarroll.com: http://explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO


Photo: The Davis Library in Westminster, MD, was dedicated on May 27, 1951 in the former Westminster Methodist Protestant Church building. According to a web site history of the Carroll County Public Library, "In 1958 a county-wide library system was established, with the Davis Library operating as the central branch." The Davis Library served as the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library from May 1958 to March 1980.

Bob Allen's piece in last week's edition of The Sunday Carroll Eagle on the future of the Carroll County Public Library reminded me that it was 60 years ago on Jan. 21, 1949, that another newspaper carried the headline:
"Library Donated By Mr. & Mrs. Davis, The Immanuel Methodist Church To Be Site ..."

The article, in the now-defunct Democratic Advocate, reported that "the donation of a library for Westminster to be known as The Davis Library was made by the Board of Trustees recently set up to secure a charter and establish and conduct the project."

The Jan. 7, 1949, minutes of an organization meeting for the library mention that the library "first occupied part of the Times Building in 1911, later moving to the Wantz building, then back to its present location in the Times Building in 1936."

The library in Carroll County began in 1863 in the Odd Fellow's Hall (now known as Opera House Printing Company), at 140 E. Main Street. The library moved to the Times Building in 1911.

The 1949 newspaper article continued by naming a number of distinguished citizens who were involved in forming the Davis Library:

"Those named by Mr. Davis to this first self-perpetuating board were: Walter H. Davis, K. Ray Hollinger, Gerald E. Richter, George K. Mathias, Samuel M. Jenness, Ralph G. Hoffman, Carroll L. Crawford, Norman B. Boyle and John R. Bankard ...

"The donors are Walter H. Davis and wife, Elizabeth R. Davis. Mr. Davis is one of Westminster's outstanding citizens. ... He is active in religious, public and civic affairs, served on the city council and as acting mayor for a time. He is head of the W. H. Davis Company, Buick automobile dealers and has been a resident of Westminster for over 50 years."

And for his donation, his name is forever etched in the book of Carroll County history.

From books to pets

In last week's column I noted that when Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech the night of his election, he promised his daughters a puppy. Many presidents vie for having the most unusual pets, however, President John Quincy Adams may take the cake.

Last week's Sunday Carroll Eagle history question was: What were President Adams' two pets?

Glenn Plott, Heidi Davis, Michael Sears, Ruth G Anderson, Sam Greenholtz, Richard Siehler, Bruce Sadler and Marian Goettee all knew that President Adams had an alligator and silkworms.

Sadler, this week's winner of the historic Sunday Carroll Eagle mug, wrote that "President John Quincy Adams was in the White House from 1825-1829. He was given a pet alligator by the Marquis de Lafayette, which he kept for a time in a bathroom in the East Room of the White House. He also had pet silkworms."

Anderson wrote that it was the president's wife "Mrs. Louisa Adams (who) raised silkworms! It is said that she had gowns made from the silk."
Greenholtz noted that he has "never been able to find out what the names of the silkworms were or if he "walked" them daily. ...

"While these are strange to say the least, I think that Calvin Coolidge with his raccoons and other White House pets certainly rank up there with weird "normal" animals," Greenholtz added. "Of course Taft, with Pauline the cow on the White House lawn is another tale to be sure."

Good points, Sam, but actually, President George W. Bush also has a pet cow -- though he keeps it on his Texas ranch.

Sears was curious to know if "you could pet a silk worm." However he was not so sure he would want to pet an alligator. Of course, as President-elect Obama will soon find out, there's no need for him to go looking for pet alligators -- he'll find himself up to his neck in them soon enough.

Getting back to the history of Westminster -- and for your very own Sunday Carroll Eagle mug -- here's this week's question:

What nationally famous person gave a presentation at the Odd Fellows Hall on Oct. 13, 1870?

Think you know? Drop me an e-mail at kdayhoff AT carr.org, with "Sunday Carroll Eagle" in the subject line.

When he's not talking with his pet stuffed animal named "Mr. Moose," Kevin Dayhoff may be contacted at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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Journey of history, discovery - 'Legacy' is lesson in heritage for filmmaker

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Journey of history, discovery - 'Legacy' is lesson in heritage for filmmaker

Journey of history, discovery - 'Legacy' is lesson in heritage for filmmaker

By Bob Allen ballen@patuxent.com

Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 1/07/09

As it is with nearly every Maryland county, Carroll has its own list of historical "firsts."

In Carroll County, for instance, the first rural free delivery postal route in the nation was established (in 1899).

The very first reaping machine was invented and patented here (1839). And in 1764, the first Methodist congregation in North America met near present-day New Windsor.

Yet unlike Maryland counties such as Anne Arundel or Washington counties, Carroll did not host key events in the founding of the nation or endure the trauma of a major Civil War battle.

That's why veteran filmmaker and Westminster resident Marilyn Maguire assumed a more grassroots perspective in 2007 when she began mapping out "Carroll County's Legacy," her recently completed 58-minute-long video history of her adopted home county.

"Joe Getty (one of numerous local historians interviewed in 'Carroll County's Legacy') has the perfect line that you hear very early in the film," Maguire explains.

Getty, in recounting the various waves of English, Irish and Pennsylvania-Germans who comprised the county's earliest white inhabitants, notes:

"The history of Carroll County is the history of everyday life, of ordinary people doing ordinary things, and so when you talk about our history you're talking about the thread of everyday living in the patchwork of Carroll County's history."

[…]

Living 'Legacy'

The Carroll County Community Media Center will hold the premiere of the television documentary "Carroll County's Legacy" on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m., at the Community Media Center, 1301 Washington Road in Westminster. The screening will be followed by a question and answer period with the producer, Marilyn Maguire of Maryland Public Television. The premiere is free and open to the public, although reservations are requested. To RSVP, call 410-386-4415.

In addition, excerpts from "Carroll County's Legacy" can be viewed on the Carroll County History Project's Web site, http://www.carrollhistory.org/.

DVD copies of "Carroll County's Legacy" can be purchased for $30 by calling the Community Media Center, at 410-386-4415.

Read the entire article here: Journey of history, discovery - 'Legacy' is lesson in heritage for filmmaker

20090107 Journey of history discovery by Bob Allen

http://explorecarroll.com/community/1993/journey-history-discovery/

Kevin Dayhoff E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr DOT org His columns appear in The Tentacle, www.thetentacle.com; The Westminster Eagle /Eldersburg Eagle The Sunday Carroll Eagle - Opinion: http://explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Carroll County’s Legacy in Presidential Politics by Joe Getty

Carroll County’s Legacy in Presidential Politics by (c) Joe Getty

October 30, 2008

I am always amazed at how the Baltimore region media wrongly stereotypes Carroll County as some unsophisticated poor “country cousin” that is always doing something to embarrass its big city counterparts.

The most frequent media technique to pigeon-hole Carroll County’s citizens is to send a news reporter for a “person on the street” interview. To me, they are talking to a normal, common-sense Carroll Countian with traditional conservative values – but in the Baltimore City media, it always comes off as commentary from some far-out, right-wing zealot.

Recently, the public radio station WYPR sent a reporter to find Obama supporters in Carroll County. The journalist actually did a fairly good job in balancing both sides in comparison with many hatchet jobs done by other media outlets – but you are still left with an underlying insinuation of “Here we are in Carroll County wondering how in the world those people out there could vote for John McCain?”

If the big city media got past its myopia of Carroll as a long-standing Republican bastion in a Maryland sea of blue, they would realize that there is a diversity of political opinion in the county. In fact, through most of the 20th century, the majority of registered voters in Carroll County were Democrat. And traditionally, the elected officials in Carroll County ranged about 50/50 of Democrats to Republicans.

It is a phenomenon of the 1990s that Republicans gained the majority in voter registration and, in 1998, captured all of the state, local and courthouse seats in Carroll. Probably many factors contributed to this very recent Republican dominance.

One of the major factors would be that, despite party labels, county residents have had a long tradition in choosing the more conservative candidate in presidential politics.

As shown by the chart below, over the past 70 years, a Democrat presidential candidate carried Carroll County in only one election. That candidate was Lyndon Johnson who beat Barry Goldwater in the county by the slim margin of 119 votes in 1964.

Moreover, if you go back 90 years of elections, Republican presidential candidates have been victorious in Carroll County in 20 out of 22 contests. Even Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who carried the county in the depression era election of 1932 against Herbert Hoover, failed to carry Carroll County in his three latter campaigns.

We can expect the pendulum to swing back and for local Democrats to be elected to state and local office, perhaps as early as 2010 when the county government switches from three at-large commissioners to five commissioners elected by district.

But the county’s bedrock philosophy of conservative politics, especially as shown in presidential contests, will likely be around for many decades to come.

Year	Republican	Votes	Democrat	Votes
2004	Bush	55,275	Kerry	22.974
2000	Bush	41,742	Gore	20,146
1996	Dole	30,316	Clinton	17,122
1992	Bush	28,405	Clinton	15,447
1988	Bush	31,224	Dukakis	12,368
1984	Reagan	27,230	Mondale	8,898
1980	Reagan	19,859	Carter	10,393
1976	Ford	15,661	Carter	9,940
1972	Nixon	16,847	McGovern	4,408
1968	Nixon	11,888	Humphrey	4,658
1964	Goldwater	8,332	Johnson	8,451
1960	Nixon	11,445	Kennedy	5,763
1956	Eisenhower	11,749	Stevenson	4,423
1952	Eisenhower	11,563	Stevenson	4,934
1948	Dewey	8,003	Truman	4,226
1944	Dewey	8,999	Roosevelt	4,483
1940	Wilkie	8,300	Roosevelt	5,883
1936	Landon	7,383	Roosevelt	6,493
1932	Hoover	5,732	Roosevelt	6,482
1928	Hoover	8,644	Smith	3,731
1924	Coolidge	5,301	Davis	4,616
1920	Harding	5,784	Cox	4,273