Delegate Mike McDermott When Hope Fails

When Hope Fails

by Delegate Mike McDermott

(Salisbury)  During a debate on the Don Rush show carried live on WSDL Public Radio, Senator Jim Mathias described the economy on Maryland’s lower shore as, “robust”. He touted the government spending that has been going on as one of the reasons he should be kept for another term of office.

I could not disagree more, and it seems the Maryland State Comptroller and I are on the same page.

“Robust” is not the terminology being utilized to describe Maryland’s economy, and particularly not that of the lower shore. Recently, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) reported how our State’s revenues for income and sales taxes are off by over $405 million dollars and the future is not looking any better.

“Wages and salaries are essentially stagnant. Local, independent businesses are struggling to meet payroll, cover their costs and turn a profit. Working families have cut back their spending because they just don’t have the money, they’re scared of losing their jobs, or, in many cases, both.”

-Comptroller Peter Franchot, Sept. 24, 2014

The Comptroller went on to say that Maryland families see their paychecks “moving in the wrong direction” and we are now second in the nation in foreclosures. He pointed out how the Maryland economy failed to grow at all in 2013 ranking #49 in the country. Without a dramatic shift in policy, he foresees even greater pain in store for the state.

Franchot stated, “We need to recognize that ‘hope’ is not an economic strategy.”

Jim Mathias and Martin O’Malley have grown government and increased our spending because they believe that therein lies our salvation. How else can we explain a 30% increase in spending during the worst recession ever faced by our country. Their strategy for job production is flawed and they have failed.

Conservative solutions have been scoffed at and never allowed to see sunlight in Annapolis, even while the sun sets on our failing economy. It is long past time to see change in the General Assembly. We need leaders, not excuse makers. 

 

 

TIME MACHINE ... 1922, 2006, 1974, 1918, 1961

"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; is has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable.  F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."


(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)

April, 1922
The Leavenworth Times (Leavenworth, Kansas)

TROOPS TO GUARD FIRE RUINED CITY

Will Protect Property Which Escaped Flames In Pocomoke City, Maryland.

Pocomoke City, Maryland, April 17.-  With ten acres in the heart of this city burned over causing an estimated property damage of $2,000,000, Governor Ritchie tonight ordered a company of the first regiment, Maryland National Guard, at Salisbury,  to proceed here at once to protect property which escaped the flames.

Tonight the town is in darkness. Wires are down. The heart of the business section is in ruins. Both banks have been destroyed and in addition to business structures fifty homes fell prey to the flames.  Communication with the outside world has been accomplished by tapping wires on the outskirts.


April, 2006 (Maryland State Archive)
Washington Post 

Del. K. Bennett Bozman, 69; Served Eastern Shore

By Allan Lengel
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 28, 2006

Maryland Del. K. Bennett Bozman, an affable Democrat from the Eastern Shore who fought to protect the coastal bays and served as the House's deputy majority whip, died April 27 after a cardiac arrest, just days before his 70th birthday.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said that Del. Bozman, of Worcester County, had developed bacterial meningitis while hospitalized on the Eastern Shore and was being taken by ambulance to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore mid afternoon when he died.

Del. Bozman's death caught colleagues and friends off guard and brought an outpouring of kind words from both sides of the political aisle.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about Bennett's untimely passing, and I am sure that sentiment is shared by the many citizens whose lives he touched during his decades of public service to citizens of Wicomico and Worcester counties," Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R) said. "He was truly an Eastern Shore gentleman."

Born May 8, 1936, in Norfolk, Del. Bozman attended Washington High School in Princess Anne, Md., and received a degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in 1961.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1961 until 1969 and went on to become a pharmacist and county commissioner on the Eastern Shore, colleagues said.

Del. Bozman became a member of Maryland's House in 1991. Over the years, he served on panels including the Ways and Means Committee and the Special Joint Committee on Competitive Taxation and Economic Development.

"Bennett truly was a very modest and very kind human being," said Del. Elizabeth Bobo (D-Howard). "He wasn't the kind of delegate who hopped on the floor just to [talk]. He only got up when he had something to say."

Busch expressed similar sentiments. "Everybody loved Bennett Bozman," he said. "He was a natural with people. He always had something positive to say."

In 2000, despite long odds, Del. Bozman took a shot at unseating Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, a popular moderate Republican who had far more financing.

Del. Bozman's party offered little material help, figuring the money could be better spent on a candidate with better odds. Still, that didn't stop him from chalking up 25,000 miles on his wife's car and traveling both shores of the Chesapeake. He lost by a considerable margin.

Survivors include his wife, two children and three grandchildren.


June, 1974 (Time Machine archive)
(The Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

Lt. McGee Given Farewell Dinner

OCEAN CITY-  In a testimonial dinner, highlighted by humor, a stellar audience, and a moving salute to his family by guest of honor, Edwin D. McGee, the Salisbury barrack "E" commander was given an affectionate farewell by friends and fellow officers this weekend.

He is retiring July 1 after 33 years with the Maryland State Police.

First Lt. McGee, 57, who was born near Pocomoke City, came to the Salisbury barrack after a short hitch as a rookie in the Belair area, at the start of his career in 1941.  Remaining here, he became barrack commander in 1969.

At the gala Friday evening dinner-dance, a host of well-wishers took the podium to tell "Big Mac" anecdotes and present him gifts. 


April, 1918
Marylander And Herald (Princess Anne)

Crisfield Man To Prison

William S. Guy, a merchant in Crisfield, pleaded guilty in the United States Court in Baltimore last Wednesday of violating the Mann Act, when he went to Baltimore with Annie Elizabeth Carter on March 26 last. He was sentenced to 18 months in the Atlanta penitentiary.

Guy is married, and it was said after his arrest that his wife knew of his intimacy with Miss Carter, who is 24 years old, but of weak mind. In going to Baltimore the couple went through Philadelphia, and that gave the government jurisdiction in the case. 

Footnote:  As originally passed by Congress in 1910, the Mann Act's ambiguous language of "immorality" meant it could be used to criminalize consensual sexual behavior between adults.


August, 1961
(The DailyMail- Hagerstown, Md.)

Citizens Happy Circus Has Left

SNOW HILL, Md. (AP)-  The circus has left town, and no doubt the citizens of this Worcester County seat are relieved.

Early Tuesday morning, a Brahma bull made its way through town to a farm about one mile north of Snow Hill.

Only two days previously, Mrs. Alton Smack opened a door of her home only to see an elephant standing beside her garage.

Both the bull and the 17,000 pound elephant broke loose from their confines at the circus, which ended its engagement Tuesday.

Skeptical town police finally had to usher the elephant to its proper home.  The keeper couldn't be found.

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.

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 1922, 2006, 1974, 1918, and 1961.

Check back tomorrow, 10/5, right here!

This is Your Cypress Park!

Everyone knows we have a beautiful Cypress Park, but many people do not appreciate it.  I was sickened by this scene yesterday!  There are trash cans around the park.  Use them!  Or, you can take your trash home.  The accumulation of bottles, trash, old soccer balls and dog toys is appalling.  Come on, Pocomoke.  Clean up after yourselves!   Is there a youth group out there who would spend a day on service to the community?  Is there a PHS student who needs Community Service credits?  Cypress Park and the adjoining Nature Trail need some clean up!   Who is going to step up to the plate?

Pocomoke PD PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Chief Kelvin Sewell and members of the Pocomoke City Police Department wish to thank the Women in Action group of the First Baptist Church in Pocomoke City for their generosity and appreciation.  The Women in Action hand delivered a tray of homemade baked goods to the members of the Police Department and congratulated them on a job well done for their outstanding service to the citizens of Pocomoke City.

It is not often we receive such special treats and each and every member wishes to thank you for your thoughtfulness and time.  The baked goods were delicious and were shared with every member of the department.  The officers are proud of their commitment to the City of Pocomoke and proudly patrol our neighborhoods to deter crime and provide a safe environment for you and your families.

 Thank You

                                                                                                                                Chief Kelvin D. Sewel &Pocomoke Police Personnel

COMMUNITY ALERT

COMMUNITY ALERT

During the past few months in the early morning hours, there have been several local businesses that were broken into and ransacked.   The suspects were looking for cash and easily re-sellable items that are easy to carry.    Pocomoke City Police have initiated additional patrols in the area during the day and evening hours.

Pocomoke City is a quiet community and residents may become complacent about security.  I encourage business owners and residents alike to make sure you do not leave your doors unlocked after business hours and to leave a security light on that would deter individuals from trying to hide in the darkness.  In addition, the installation of security alarms and cameras would be an added asset and deterrent for criminals.  It seems that these individuals are targeting businesses that are known to not have any cameras or security systems in operation.

Please remain vigilant and notify the Pocomoke City Police Department of any suspicious activity that you may see.

Kelvin D. Sewell

Chief of Police

October 3, 2014

Delmarva Discovery Center October 2014 Newsletter

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1922.. Governor orders National Guard to Pocomoke City following disasterous fire; 2006.. Remembering a popular lower Eastern Shore leader; 1974.. Testimonial dinner for a Pocomoke native; 1918.. Prison term for unfaithful Crisfield husband; 1961.. Unexpected happenings when the circus came to Snow Hill.

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!

PRESS RELEASE Pocomoke Police Department

1500 Market Street

Pocomoke, Maryland   21851

410-957-1600

September 1, 2014 – September 30, 2014

  
    
 9-1-14          Jarrell Roberts, age 28 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 1^st Degree; Assault 2^nd Degree; Reckless Endangerment.

9-1-14           Jerren Hinmon, age 25 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 1^st Degree; Assault 2^nd Degree; Reckless Endangerment.

9-2-14           Alyssa Whitson, age 21 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Trespassing on Private Property.

9-2-14           Sarah Thuss, age 22 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 2^nd Degree; Reckless Endangerment.

9-2-14           William Borum, age 24 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 2^nd Degree; Reckless Endangerment.

9-3-14           Stan Schoolfield, age 26 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100 and on 3 Warrants for Disorderly Conduct, an Alcohol Violation, and Failure to Obey all thru Worcester County.

                       

9-3-14           Kylie Joholski, age 19 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00 and Dangerous Weapon Concealment.

9-4-14           Luquan Brittingham, age 19 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Burglary 2^nd Degree and Theft less than $100 thru Worcester County.

9-4-14           Keshon Hayes, age 20 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Burglary 2^nd Degree and Theft less than $100 thru Worcester County.

9-4-14           Jeffery Dickerson, age 37 of Greenbackville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana.

9-4-14           Brooks Marshall, age 27 of Greenbackville, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana.

                                               

9-5-14           Jerren Hinmon, age 25 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Assault 2^nd Degree, Theft less than $100, Reckless Endangerment, and Robbery thru Worcester County.

9-5-14           Saunders Bibbins, age 36 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

9-6-14           Maya Magee, age 53 of Washington, DC was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana, and CDS Possession with intent to Distribute.

9-6-14           Donald Toles, age 51 of Washington, DC was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana, and CDS Possession with intent to Distribute.

9-6-14           Lori Ahmed, age 58 of Washington, DC was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana, and CDS Possession with intent to Distribute.

9-7-14           Tremayne Rogers, age 33 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana and on a Warrant thru Worcester County.

9-9-14           Alphonso Taylor, age 44 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-13-14         Steven Clark, age 36 of Hampton, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Handgun in Vehicle.

9-13-14         Charles Palmer, age 55 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged Driving under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving while Impaired by Alcohol.

9-13-14         Robert White, age 22 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-14-14         Joseph Revels, age 53 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged Disorderly Conduct, Assault 1^st Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree (2), and Resisting Arrest,

9-19-14         Myra White, age 26 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Driving under the Influence and Driving while Impaired.

9-20-14         Derrick Edwards, age 21 of Selma, AL was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-20-14         Jennifer Colona, age 34 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-20-14         Heather Uff, age 40 of Westover, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-21-14         William Ward, age 32 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 2^nd Degree.

9-21-14         Lacie Ward, age 34 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Assault 2^nd Degree.

                                               

9-21-14         Amelia Kudyba, age 31 of Hope, RI was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-21-14         Paul Henri, age 34 of Seaford, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – Marijuana.

9-23-14         Breana Bonneville, age 23 of Snow Hill, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-23-14         Nicholas Ryant, age 23 of Philadelphia, PA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.

9-24-14         Tina Mackey, age 30 of Crisfield, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for CDS Possession – Marijuana thru Worcester County.

9-24-14         Brynae Planter, age 20 of Salisbury, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft: Less $500 Value.

9-25-14         Teonce Trader, age 24 of Pocomoke City, MD arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for 2^nd Degree Assault thru Worcester County.

9-27-14        Luquan Brittingham, age 18 of Pocomoke City, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, Assault 2^nd Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Resisting Arrest.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Theft: Less $500 Value.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 16 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 13 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 17 was arrested for Disturbing the Peace.

Eleven (11) additional arrests were made for various traffic violations.

Kelvin Sewell

Kelvin D. Sewell

                                                                                                                                                                                Chief of Police

                                                                                                                                                October 1, 2014

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ANTHONY BROWN?

Nearly a week after Comptroller reports massive revenue shortfall, Anthony Brown AWOL on solutions.  Will Brown slash spending, hike taxes again or run up more debt to fix shortfall?

ANNAPOLIS, MD – September 30, 2014 – Anthony Brown continues his general election strategy of refusing to directly answer questions on tough economic issues and instead, hiding behind the cut-and-paste responses of his campaign manager.  In the latest example, the reclusive Lt. Governor is absent without leave on a major report last week by state Comptroller, and fellow Democrat, Peter Franchot.  In a tough worded statement directed toward the O’Malley-Brown administration, that more than the massive $405 million tax revenue shortfall itself is the “painful reality it indicates for the budgets of Maryland families and small businesses.”

According to gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan, “Maryland taxpayers deserve to know whether Anthony Brown plans to fill this massive tax revenue shortfall by slashing programs, further tax hikes on struggling families or by adding to our $45.3 billion state debt.  Maryland needs a governor who won’t hide from reporters and avoid the tough questions on where he stands,” said the Anne-Arundel County small business owner who is running neck and neck with the sitting Lt. Governor.

 

“While it won’t be easy to change Annapolis, the solution is simple,” said Hogan.  “As governor, my first priority will be to submit a responsible budget that begins to eradicate the nearly $2 billion in waste, mismanagement and duplicative spending we’ve identified in hundreds of audits that have been ignored by the O’Malley-Brown administration.

“While protecting hard-working rank and file state workers whose jobs and pensions have been under assault by O’Malley and Brown, we will put senior administrators and agency heads on notice that all outstanding audits must be addressed by April 16^th, ninety days after our administration begins.

“With the money we save, we will begin rolling back the Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown’s 40 straight tax hikes.  Enabling struggling families and small businesses to keep more of their hard earned money will grow our economy and create jobs.”

Excerpts from Comptroller Franchot’s statement:

Franchot: "Essentially, workers perceive that their take-home pay is headed in the wrong direction and the purchasing power for Maryland families is, in reality, diminishing,"
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2014/09/24/comptroller-peter-franchot-slams-marylands-economy.html?page=all

Franchot: “Far more important than what a $405 million shortfall means for the state budget is the painful reality that it indicates for the budgets of Maryland families and small businesses.”
http://comptroller.marylandtaxes.com/Media_Services/2014/09/24/news-release/

Franchot:  “Six years removed from the economic collapse, and far too many families and small businesses are still waiting for the recovery they keep hearing about.”
http://www.abc2news.com/news/state/maryland-tax-revenue-estimated-to-be-down-405-million-in-next-two-years


CONTACT:    For more information and interviews, contact Adam Dubitsky at M (240)625-2683, or adubitsky@hoganforgovernor.com.

Downtown Pocomoke Hosts Annual Fall Festival

For Immediate Release

September 29, 2014

Pocomoke City –

The Downtown Pocomoke Association is hosting their Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2014, beginning at 11:00am and ending at 4:00pm in Downtown Pocomoke City. The event will be held within the two blocks of Market Street between Front Street and Second Street.

There is fun for the entire family at this block party style event; horse and pony rides, moon bounce, pumpkin painting, kid’s tattoos, face-painting, sidewalk chalk art, paint the plow, food sales, sidewalk vendors, farmers and flea market, and free admission to our local museums including the Delmarva Discovery Center, Sturgis One Room School & the Costen House.

Enjoy live, onstage entertainment including music by Pocket Full of Sand, DJ Kay and the MAR-VA Theater and performances by the Dance Loft, Pocomoke Karate Studio and Feet of Fire. A puppy costume parade sponsored by Salty Dog Grooming will begin at 12:00pm.

Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and trick or treat in participating downtown businesses with the Passport to Pocomoke Game. A Children’s Costume Contest will be held at 2:30pm onstage. Registration is between 11:00am-2:00pm.

In the event of inclement weather the festival will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, October 18, 2014, from 11:00am-4:00pm.

For more information or a full calendar of events please visit downtownpocomoke.com, like us on Facebook “City of Pocomoke”, or call 410-957-1333.

Karah Burton Lacey

Downtown/Project Coordinator

Pocomoke City, MD

Office: 410.957.1333 x111

Cell: 443.783.1275

downtownpocomoke.com

Like us on Facebook "City of Pocomoke" & "4th Friday"

Seagull Century Cycling Event Draws Thousands to Delmarva!

The Seagull Century Cycling Event, the 26th annual has become a very popular ride for cycling enthusiasts.  This year there were more than 6000 riders.  The first ride, in 1988, had 60 cyclists.  The event has grown to a major cycling event for Maryland!   Many come to Salisbury from many miles away.  Pre-rides were available on Friday, to tour the Salisbury area, and a post -ride on Sunday goes to the Red Roost.  The annual ride, brings enormous tourism to lower Delmarva.  Restaurants, motels, and museums all benefit.  Scholarship and grant money is raised for Salisbury University Students.  Fundraising  is done for some major local charities.  Cyclists each paid $75 to ride.

Three rides are described on the Seagull Century website, 2  hundred milers and a 64 mile route.   Pocomoke's Cypress Park is a stop on the 100 mile long "Snow Hill" route.  

Riders left Salisbury between 7 and 9 am.  Bob Marval of Salisbury, was the first to arrive in Cypress Park for a rest stop. 

Weather was perfect!   Riders had a mild dry day, and light wind.  Approximately 1200 cyclists were expected to stop in Cypress Park for water, Gatorade, and pit stops.  Pocomoke City Police had roads blocked to protect riders.  A Pocomoke City ambulance and crew were on site for injured riders.  One bicycle shop set up a tent that had tools, tires & technicians for emergency repairs.

 Colorful spandex jerseys sported logos of previous cycling events, favorite bike shops, and fundraising events.   Some "spicy" shirts looked like cans of "Old Bay", while other shirts resembled the Maryland flag!  ( Santa-- please find a shirt for me!)

Pocomoke City is fortunate to be chosen to host  a rest area and help make the Seagull Century a success in so many ways.

TIME MACHINE ... 1921, 1928, 1907, 1961, 1889, 1892

"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; is 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)

July, 1921
The Washington Herald (Washington, D.C.)

Fishermen on Eastern Shore Catch Huge Shark

EXMORE, Va., July 26.-  Fishermen of the Walker Fish Company, of Willis Wharf, have caught what is thought to have been the largest shark ever seen on the Eastern Shore. The monster measured ten feet, six inches in circumference; the distance across its jaws, which encased six rows of vicious looking teeth, being twenty-four inches, and its weight 1,200 pounds.

Upon being dissected the shark was said to contain several smaller sharks and a large sea turtle. The skin, which served as a protecting armor plate, was more than half an inch thick, with a rough surface sufficiently sharp to lacerate the hands of the twenty-odd fishermen who participated in its capture. 

1928

In the 1920's and 1930's Worcester Countian Dale Wimbrow, of Whaleyville, gained acclaim as a composer, recording artist, and writer both away from his Eastern Shore home and locally. Here on the Shore his most popular recording was "The Good Old Eastern Shore."
  
Listen to the recording at the link below, and see more info in the footnote. 

http://jnjreid.com/cdb/TheGoodOldEasternShore.mp3

Footnote:

(From Wikipedia)

Dale Wimbrow (June 6, 1895 – 1954) was an American composer, radio artist and writer. He is best known for the poem, The Guy in the Glass, written in 1934. Earlier in his career, he created several musical recordings in the still-young recording industry, and was known as "The Del-Mar-Va Songster". He occasionally recorded with a quartet of musicians known as the "Rubeville Tuners", and he was also sometimes known as Peter Dale.

Wimbrow's early career was in music and radio. Under his own name and as Old Pete Daley of Whaleysville, he became known for his records and radio performances with orchestras. His credits include a number of recordings in the 1920s, in which he performed as the solo vocalist, and often as his own accompanist (on the ukulele). The majority of those songs were his own creation, and he began turning to songwriting almost exclusively in the later part of the decade. Perhaps his best-known musical composition was the 1930 jazz tune entitled "Accordion Joe". Played by Duke Ellington's band, it appeared that same year as the soundtrack to an animated short film of the same name, starring Betty Boop. The tune has appeared several times over the years in Duke Ellington compilation albums.  

January, 1907
The Crisfield Times

Marion

The article about shelling the streets of Marion, two weeks ago, in the "Times," has been the leading topic of conversation here ever since. It's something that every body wants done. Your correspondent was talking with one of the commissioners a few days ago with reference to shelling our streets. We have an able, broad minded and public Spirited Board of commissioners and we have great confidence in them and trust it will not be betrayed. Shell the streets of Marion and make everybody happy.

September, 1961
The Salisbury Times

(Excerpt)

Pocomoke Students Awarded Certificates

POCOMOKE CITY-  Nine students from the ninth and tenth grades at Pocomoke High School have been awarded Certificates of Merit for finishing in the top one quarter of the State in National Education Develpment tests given last spring.

Those receiving certificates at Pocomoke were: Mary Linda Bailey, John R. Bloxom, Steve M. Jenkins, Anna Sue Lankford, Wayne A. Powell, and Rebecca L. Timmons in the ninth grade; and Barry Spinak, Wilson Sturgis, and Christine Lundstedt in the tenth grade.

July, 1889 (Time Machine archive)
The New York Times

SNOW HILL, Md., July 29-  A rainstorm surpassing all previous ones that have fallen this year in Worcester County began here early Thursday morning last and continued with increased fury throughout Friday.  All railroad communication has been cut off since Friday in consequence of numerous wash-outs, and it will probably be several days before trains can again commence running.

Purnell's Mill, near Snow Hill, was completely swept away Friday night, together with a bridge and a large portion of a dam.  With this last storm is swept away the last remnant of hope for the growing crops in Worcester.  A few farmers most favorably situated will perhaps raise half an average crop of corn, while many others will raise none.

January, 1882
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House)

Sheep Raising.

We find from the United States census report of 1880 that Accomac county produced 5,379 fleeces from the sheep raised in 1880. Why this quantity should not be ten timeas as large we fail to see. This is sheep country. Everything indicates that this husbandry might be made to produce even more to our farmers than that of sweet potatoes. The grazing and climate are all that could be desired. One thing, and one thing only is in the way of sheep raising — the everlasting "yaller dog" is now, has been, and will be an obstacle, until they are thinned out. How this may be done is the problem. Let us hear from our intelligent farmers on the subject.


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.