Originally Published in the Cecil Whig
There are history lessons and there are history lessons. The latter involve great research: pouring over old newspapers, faded hand written letters, and county records for hours on end until one’s eyes are so bloodshot they don’t see much of anything anymore. Then there is the former, the kind that, like a lazy inner tube ride down a gentle river or creek, takes the reader to some familiar, but some unfamiliar places as well. It is of this type of history lesson that I wish to explore today.
The Historical Society of Cecil County does not occupy a large physical plant, however, it is packed literally to the rafters with all things historic, especially when it comes to Cecil County history, as well it should. But over the last few years the focus of history has shifted. It has moved away from the library setting with rows of books on shelves, and moved toward the virtual or on-line library. The Historical Society of Cecil County joined the march some time ago.
At the close of each of these weekly articles, there is the note “for more information, contact the Society at www.cecilhistory.org.” More and more of you are doing just that and you are discovering that “lazy inner tube ride” approach to history. For example, “this day in history” articles have been a mainstay of many a local newspaper for generations. The Historical Society has, on line, a link to a listing of events significant to Cecil County for every day of the year. Here is the link: http://www.cecilhistory.org/virtuallibrary/cecilcountyalmanac.pdf Some upcoming February anniversaries include: the incorporation of the Community Fire Company of Perryville in 1924; the Elkton Academy fire during a snow storm in 1854; and not to be too self-serving, there was the first meeting of the Historical Society of Cecil County in 1932.
This almanac is part of a larger index of information called Cecil County History and Genealogical Fact Files. Don’t let the long name scare you. It’s very user friendly. It was composed by the late Ernest Howard who did all of the necessary exhaustive research. You know, the bloodshot eye type of research! Among his other civic activities, Howard was instrumental in the restoration of several old church buildings in the county, and in 1955, he was a central figure in the establishment of the Cecil County Library. Quite a busy man!
While perusing this almanac of facts, you may come across some strange location names. This is particularly true if you are new to Cecil County. Have no fear. We have you covered! There is another link on the site called the “Fast Fact File” that will supply a short definition for all things Cecil County. Here is its web link: http://www.cecilhistory.org/howard/howard/fact.htm It was digitized by former society board member and author, Milt Diggins from 3 X 5 cards written by Mr. Howard.
Some of the names are quite, how should I put it, enlightening? For example there’s “Beer’s Corner,” “Bendy House,” “Cayote’s Corner,” “Contention Run,” “Fingerboard School,” and my personal favorite, “Vulcan’s Rest.” Live long and prosper!
This VERY short tour of just one section of the Society’s virtual library is far from exhaustive. Heck no! We haven’t even touched the finding aids, special research projects, the Journals of the Historical Society, and the ever popular, though a bit intimidating, vertical files. We’ll save those for future articles, so stay tuned. And as always, for more information you may contact the Historical Society of Cecil County 24/7 by linking to our web site at www.cecilhistory.org Happy hunting!