The Window

Purpose of "The Window"

By Jean Royster

Welcome to the winter 2004 edition of "The Window."

The Aberdeen Heritage Trust publishes The Window semi-annually. Our purpose is to keep the Citizens of Aberdeen apprised of the upcoming events sponsored by Aberdeen Heritage Trust and to highlight structures, people and events that have helped to shape Aberdeen.

The Aberdeen Heritage Trust has recently completed a very successful Lecture Series in 2003. We hosted local men and women who spoke on a variety of topics including early settlers of Harford County and Harford's own automobile factory located in Havre de Grace. The lectures were well attended and very informative. The current schedule for the series for 2004 is located to the right of this column. Please plan on attending!

 

The highlight of our year is fast approaching! Aberdeen Heritage Day is scheduled for September 18, 2004. The location will again be Festival Park. Everyone is invited! Enjoy the vendors, museum displays, antique cars, entertainment and much more! The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8:00 a.m. held at the Aberdeen Senior Center. Come for the pancakes and stay for the day!

Bleinheim Lodge No. 102 I.O.O.F.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) can trace their roots back to England. The Odd Fellows name was derived from carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians who would gather together in search of odd work. Back in those days, it was odd for anyone to farm themselves out for service. They were thought of as odd because they helped others in need.

 

The Valediction for the I.O.O.F. begins with, "I am an odd fellow, I believe in the fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of man; I believe in Friendship, Love and Truth as basic guides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind." The I.O.O.F. is a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping others in need.

 

The Blenheim was originated from a Scottish community. The Blenheim Lodge was chartered in Aberdeen on February 16, 1859. Its first location was at Halls Cross Road and Bel Air Avenue near the present location of Grove Presbyterian Church. Old Post Road passed in front of the lodge building and was then the main north and south route through this section of Harford County. The first lodge building housed the lodge, G.H. Ivins General Merchandise and the Post Office. The Blenheim Lodge moved temporarily into the Tarring Building at the corner of Bel Air Avenue and Parke Street. A new building was soon under construction at the location of West Bel Air Avenue and South Philadelphia Road. A three story building was constructed in 1919.

The Blenheim Lodge I.O.O.F. occupied the second and third floor of the building and rented the first floor to Gibson and Sutliffe Department Store and the Post Office. A devastating fire destroyed the entire building on January 24, 1976.

The fire was caused by a natural gas explosion.

The Old Blenheim Lodge No. 102, West Bel Air Avenue

The Blenheim Lodge I.O.O.F. decided once again to rebuild in Aberdeen, but this time they would only consider a two story building in the same location.
The Blenheim Lodge ground breaking for the new building was held on May 15, 1977. The new building was dedicated on October 15, 1978. The I.O.O.F. occupy the second floor of the building and Dee's Flowers, Apollo Tanning and Trophy World occupy the first floor fronting on Rt. 40.

Present Location of Blenheim Lodge No. 102, Rt. 40

The Blenheim Lodge I.O.O.F. currently has fifty members. You can also join the lodge at the age of 16 after a current member nominates you and it is voted on by the entire membership.

Profile of An Aberdeen Land Developer

Robert Peter Bosworth, A New Orleans, LA native, graduated in 1973 from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in American History. For about ten years following graduation, he first worked as a carpenter, then went back to college and earned a Masters Degree in Architecture. Following graduation, he worked as an architect in San Francisco before coming East. In 1984, he was hired by the Rouse Company as a Development Coordinator, supervising a team of project specialists which included Architects, Attorneys, Leasing Agents, and Financial Planners. After working two years there, he joined the Baltimore firm of James F. Knott Development Corporation which also specialized in industrial and residential developments. In 1988, Mr. Bosworth started his own firm called Bosworth Properties and, along with the financial support of backers, began his first development in Aberdeen. That project was Phase Two, Windemere Estates. In his new business, he would buy acreage, then develop lots for builders to build on. In his first project, 118 single family residential lots were prepared.

Robert Peter Bosworth

After Windemere, Bosworth Properties developed six business lots in the Aberdeen Industrial Park, 130 Townhouse lots in the Woodland Green Subdivision, 60 Single Family lots in the Chapel Glen Subdivision and 18 Single Family lots in the Chapel Crossing Subdivision. In addition, Bosworth Properties at one time owned the Long Property where Ripken Stadium is located and currently owns the land where it is planned, The Village at Carsins Run will be built. The latter is where the Continuing Care Facility for Presbyterian Home of Maryland, Inc. retirement community is planned.
Although Aberdeen is presently his most active development area, Mr. Bosworth also has projects in Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Howard counties. Because of his success and belief in this area, he hopes to continue in the development of Aberdeen's future.

Harford Bank

Harford Bank was chartered as a national banking association in April, 1964 under the name of Aberdeen National Bank and opened its doors to the public in May, 1964. On December 8, 1980, Aberdeen National Bank legally changed its name to Harford National Bank in order to expand into other areas of Harford County, Maryland. On July 2, 2001, Harford National Bank converted to a Maryland-chartered bank and changed its name to Harford Bank. The Bank operates six banking offices in Harford County, Maryland, with the Bank's main office located in Aberdeen, Maryland. The Bank is engaged in a general commercial and retail banking business serving individuals, businesses, and governmental units in Harford County, Maryland and neighboring counties.
The Bank's formation was motivated by the acquisition of the town's only independent bank, First National Bank of Aberdeen, by the Baltimore-based Equitable Trust Company. A number of citizens wanted to maintain an independent bank in town, owned and operated by members of the local community who were aware of the area's specific needs.
The original directors were George B. Adams, Clark D. Connellee, Earl B. Crabtree, W. Lester Davis, Charles W. Irwin, N. Joseph Lee, Jr., Frank G. Novac, Charles T. Oliver, Richard B. Samuels and Frederick J. Viele.

In 1972, the bank moved its drive-in facility to Jones Lane and, in 1974, opened its first branch, in Joppatowne.

Growth in the Consumer Loan Department created the need for a larger facility and in the spring of 1979, the Loan Department moved to the former site of the New Theatre, next door to the existing bank. This facility housed the Loan Department and executive offices until 2001, at which time, the Loan Department moved to the Marketplace Office in Bel Air.

A training area and more executive offices would occupy the space previously used by the Loan Department. Branches were opened in Bel Air (1980), Havre de Grace (1985), Aberdeen (1991), and another in Bel Air (1999). Further in 1986, the bank merged with the Enterprise Building and Loan Association, the oldest building and loan association in Harford County.

Present directors of the Bank are: John S. Karas, Chairman of the Board, Charles H. Jacobs, Jr., President, Tony L. Bennett, Carolyn Wilson Evans, Richard F. Foard, Jr., Henry S. Holloway, Charles W. Irwin, R. Raymond Mitchell, Stephen K. Nolan, Beatrice S. Sadowsky, Talmadge E. Simons and C. Wayne Tapscott.

Harford Bank continues to be locally owned and managed. Its assets have grown from $500,000 in 1964 to more than $160 million in 2003. Serving as president of the bank have been Frederick J. Viele (1964-1968), R. Raymond Mitchell (1968-1981), Richard W. Wilkinson (1981-2000) and Charles H. Jacobs, Jr. (since 2000).

Currently, a new 22,500 sq. ft. Operations Center is being construct at 8 W. Bel Air Avenue next to the Aberdeen branch with a completion date of June, 2004. The existing branch will be razed to allow for additional customer parking and an attached drive-in facility.
John Karas, Harford County Executive James Harkins and Charles Jacobs, Jr., at the Harford Bank Groundbreaking Ceremony, July 23, 2003 in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Memorial VFW Post 10028

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Phillippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure the rights and benefits for their service. Because many arrived home wounded or sick and there was no medical care or veterans pension for them. They were left to care for themselves.

Some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would become known as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado, and Pennsylvania the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000, by 1936 membership was almost 200,000, today membership is 1.8 million with 9,100 posts worldwide.

The VFW planned the establishment of the Veterans Administration and led the development of the national cemetery system.

The charter for Aberdeen VFW Post 10028 was received from the national office in Kanas City, Missouri on April 17, 1961 and incorporated on June 21, 1961.
The newly formed VFW post purchased its first home on US Route 40 from Phillip and Anne Kurtz, which is now a parking lot owned by JP Chevrolet where it meets the WAWA Store property.
By February, 1991, the need for a larger and newer building forced the post to build at its present location on Old Philadelphia Road and Short Lane (Rt. 715). Currently the Post has 343 regular members and 144 Ladies Auxiliary members. The VFW does much for the community as well as promote patriotism. Once a month, dinner and bingo is provided for the veterans at Perry Point Medical Center. The members also provide lunch with games and music for the mentally handicapped. Throughout the year, dinners, bingo and other activities are held as fundraisers to support their work with the March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Alliance of Youth, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and the list goes on. The VFW is best known for the Buddy Poppy Program which raises millions of dollars to help support veterans and their dependents. To learn more about the VFW visit their web site at www.vfw.org.

Spesutia Church of St. George's Parish

Drawing of Spesutia Church and Vestry of St. George's Parish
When Henry VIII became King of England in 1509, he rejected the Roman Catholic Church, and established the Anglican Catholic Church, also known as the Episcopal Church. In~1649, Colonel Nathanial Utie came from Virginia to explore the upper Chesapeake Bay area, and find a place to settle.

In 1658, Colonel Utie obtained a license to trade with the Native Americans and was granted Bearson's Island, which is located a few hundred yards south of Havre de Grace. He re-named it Spesutie, using the Latin Spes-Utie which means Utie's hope. The spelling later became Spesutia as it is known today. By 1668, settlers were established along the Bush River shores.

In 1671, Spesutia Parish, one of America's earliest Anglican parishes, was established at Gravelly (now part of the Aberdeen Proving Ground), about two miles southeast of Perryman. As settlers moved inland, this first church's location became inconvenient to parishioners. This original wooden structure is no longer standing, and the surrounding community of Michaelsville has "largely vanished." In 1718, the Spesutie Parish was split into St. George's and St. John's parishes. The early graves were moved from Gravelly, to the current site of St. George's Parish, and a second building was erected at the current site of Spesutia church of St. George's Parish. This structure deteriorated quickly, and a third structure built in 1758 also became obsolete. In 1851, the present church was erected.

Because Anglican (Episcopal) churches were associated with the crown of England, a vestry house was built in 1766 at St. George's, to handle the civic affairs of the sovereign Maryland Calvert's. This small "Flemish bond brick structure" is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is unique because there are few structures in Harford County dating to the 1700's. Most early wooden structures have deteriorated in Maryland's humid weather, and many vestries were replaced in colonial times. Essentially, other than maintenance, and a few cosmetic changes including a slate roof replacement for wood shingles, St. George's parish vestry house is an original structure, and is still standing.

Through the vestry, the Anglican churches would record births, deaths, and marriages. Taxation (including a tithe to the church of 40 lbs of tobacco for each adult male and every slave), and "land processioning" (verification of land ownership & land marks, etc.) every four years, social welfare, and road projects, were commonly handled in the vestry. Each vestry was sworn to enforce laws against treason, blasphemy, drunkenness, cohabitation outside of marriage, dueling, Sabbath breaking, and administering justice for violations. Many vestries served as schoolhouses, often with the clergyman or one of his relatives teaching the children. The clergyman held worship at church, and presided over almost all government functions at the local level. Remarkably, many of St. George's vestry house records are still available. Church and cemetery records for 1820-1920 are also available, and there are complete building specifications for the vestry house still in the parish records.
In the cemetery at St. George's, you can find some historic graves of Maryland including the gravesite of a former Maryland State Senator, Gabriel Christie, and a former Maryland U.S. Representative, Jacob Alexander Preston. There is even supposed to be a sailor who was buried in a hanging casket, so that he would always be above the land. Other names that may have ties to Harford County include Perryman, Pennington, Jay and Booth. Osborn, Hopkins, Mitchell, Stump and Holloway, are all Harford county farmers.

Cemetery at St. George's Parish

Roye-Williams Elementary School
Havre de Grace Colored High School, established in 1930, was the first high school for blacks in Harford County. Havre de Grace Consolidated was an outgrowth of the Havre de Grace Colored High School which stood at the corner of Alliance and Stokes Streets in Havre de Grace. That school plus all the former elementary schools for blacks were consolidated into the school which served grades K-12. Mr. Leon S. Roye was the first black high school principal in Harford County at the Havre de Grace Consolidated School until it became Oakington Elementary.

Roye-Williams Elementary School on Oakington Road

In 1950, Central Consolidated at Hickory replaced Bel Air Colored High School which was located on Hayes Street in Bel Air. Dr. Percy V. Williams became principal when Central Consolidated opened.

In 1965, when total integration of schools in Harford County took place, the two previously all black schools, Central Consolidated School in Hickory and Havre de Grace Consolidated School in Swan Creek were changed to elementary schools. They were renamed Hickory Elementary School and Oakington Elementary School.

Subsequently, the African-American community petitioned the Harford County Board of Education to name the previous all black schools after principals who headed them. After several meetings and several protests, a compromise was reached and Oakington Elementary School was named for both men.

Steeped in rich history, Roye-Williams Elementary School continues to serve its youth with pride. The school has undergone four major renovations. In 1958, 12 classrooms (third wing) were added to the existing 24 room school; in 1967, six rooms were added to the second wing; the kindergarten was added in 1968; and air conditioning, an office suite, and library renovations were completed in 1975. The school capacity is 686 and the current student enrollment is 620 with the average number of students per class as 22.

U.S. Army Ordnance Museum

The Ordinance Museum, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, is home to many rare and one-of-a-kind pieces of Military equipment. From small arms and machine guns to tanks and bazookas, from every world war and major conflict the United States has been in, the "Ordnance of War" finds it's way to the Museum. Keeping track of all this is no easy task, because not only is American equipment represented at the Museum but ordnance from many foreign countries is also displayed here.
The individual that is responsible for this collection is retired Marine Captain, Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, Dr. William (Jack) F. Atwater. Since his arrival in 1989 to assume the duties of Director/Curator, Dr. Atwater has worked tirelessly to promote and upgrade the Museum displays and refurbish the aging ordnance that is his pride and joy. Born in Dallas, Texas, the son of an Air Force Officer, Jack earned his undergraduate degree from Berea College. Dr. Atwater's graduate degree in Military History is from Duke University. Prior to coming to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Jack was Curator at the Don F. Pratt Museum in Fort Campbell Kentucky.

Dr. William (Jack) F. Atwater

Asked about what impact the Ordnance Museum has on the City of Aberdeen, Dr. Atwater states that prior to 9/11/01, approximately 150,000 people a year visited the Museum. Seven to eight busloads arrive each day carrying visitors from all over the world. The economic impact is significant as hotels, restaurants, gas stations and the like all benefit from the tourists. Even though it is possible to visit the Museum, attendance has been affected due to increased security on the Proving Ground.

Dr. Atwater is dedicated to keeping the Museums' aging artifacts from deteriorating. Toward this end, Dr. Atwater would like, one day, to have all of the military pieces under roof. Visit the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum located on the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. The phone number is 410-278-3602.

Correction from the August 2003 Issue of "The Window" — The Baker House story. The Baker House was built by James Bramwell Baker, one of five sons of George Washington Baker.

 

Heritage Recipe

Submitted by Ramona Bennett, Chairwoman, Aberdeen Heritage Trust Committee

Recipe for County Cherry Pudding

Ingredients:

  • 1 can pitted cherries (drained) save juice
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 cup sifted flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1?2 teaspoon vanilla

Drain cherries reserving liquid (save for sauce). Melt butter, 1 quart baking dish (about an 8"x12" baking dish). Sift together flour, baking powder salt, nutmeg, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir in milk, almond extract and vanilla. DO NOT BEAT. Just merely stir until mixed. Turn batter into hot baking dish with melted butter in it; butter will come to top of batter. Spoon drained cherries into the center of the batter. (Down the length of dish) Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure batter is set. Let stand Â1?2 hour before serving.
Sauce for Cherry Pudding
Juice from drained cherries – add 1 tablespoon cornstarch, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon butter, ½ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon almond extract. Cook until thick stirring constantly. Dish cherry pudding up to serve and ladle sauce on pudding.
Mission Statement for the Aberdeen Heritage Trust
"To safeguard the heritage of the City of Aberdeen, by preserving sites, structures and districts that have historical significance. To promote preservation and appreciation of these sites, structures and districts for the education of our community."

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering in any of the Aberdeen Heritage Trust activities, please write to:

Aberdeen Heritage Trust
P.O. Box 1005
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001.

Aberdeen heritage trust

Board of Directors

  • Councilman Ronald Kupferman
  • Thomas Baine
  • Billie Landbeck
  • Ramona Bennett, Chairman
  • Maria Fothergill
  • Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning
  • Jean Royster. Secretary
  • Mark Schlottman, Vice Chairman
  • Joe Swisher, Treasurer
  • Dennis Riddell
  • Debra Stern
  • Robert Martz
  • Judy Hinch
  • Sue Evans
  • Ruth Hendricksen

SEPTEMBER 2004

Purpose of "The Window"

Welcome to the summer 2004 edition of "The Window." The Aberdeen Heritage Trust publishes The Window semi-annually. Our purpose is to keep the Citizens of Aberdeen apprised of upcoming events sponsored by Aberdeen Heritage Trust and to highlight historical structures and spotlight some of the men and women that have helped to shape Aberdeen.

 

The highlight of our year is fast approaching! Aberdeen Heritage Day is scheduled for September 18, 2004. The location will again be Festival Park. Everyone is invited! Enjoy a day of games, household sales, food, crafts, museum displays, hobby displays, music, and much more! The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Aberdeen Lions Club held at the Aberdeen Senior Center. Come for the breakfast and stay for the day!

 

We appreciate your comments and suggestions for future articles in "The Window." Please contact Phyllis Grover at 410-272-1600 ext. 216.

 

Grace United Methodist Church

The heritage of Grace Church dates back to 1769. This was a time of Early Methodism in America. The present congregation of United Methodists in Aberdeen traces it roots back to the Bush Forest Chapel, which was located on Stepney Road about one mile south of Route 22. At this site, a log chapel was built in 1769, which became known as the Second Oldest Meeting House in America. Early Methodist preachers such as Francis Asbury and Freeborn Garrettson rode the circuit to preach in this early meeting place. A stone chapel replaced the original log structure in 1842, which was destroyed by fire in 1878. Another church was built near the stone chapel, which was used until 1925 when it was abandoned. Stone ruins remain on the site today.

Later, Methodism moved into what was to become the town of Aberdeen with the forming of the Aberdeen Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) Church in 1856. The original building was located at the corner of Franklin Street and Route 40. This congregation grew to need a larger facility, and in 1893 a new Aberdeen M.E. Church was erected at the present site of Grace United Methodist Church. The land and building were provided for by five Baker Brothers – successful businessmen in the canned food industry. Several descendants of the Baker Brothers remain as active members of the present congregation.

The advent of the Civil War, rooted in the issue of slavery, led to a division in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Although, John Wesley and Francis Asbury both preached against slavery, there remained sympathizers for both sides of the issue in the Aberdeen area – Maryland being a "border" state. Thus in 1866 a group of Methodists left the original Aberdeen M.E. Church to form the Grace M. E. Church South. This building was located at the corner of West Bel Air Avenue and Law Street. The second building on this site remains today as it has served several other congregations since the early 1940's. In 1939 the divided Methodist Conferences voted to merge back together. This merger was largely overseen and directed locally by Rev. Allan Gillis, the forefather of several members of Grace Church today. The merger service took place in May, 1942 when the church was renamed Grace United Methodist Church. Following the merger of the congregations, a master plan for new facilities had to be designed. From 1945 until 1965 the present buildings were constructed and consecrated. The present sanctuary walls contain five cornerstones: Bush Forest Chapel; 1856 Aberdeen M.E. Church; Grace M.E. Church, South; 1893 Aberdeen M.E. Church; Grace United Methodist Church 1964.

The present sanctuary was consecrated on 30 January 1966 in a service with Bishop John Wesley Lord presiding. During the construction of the present sanctuary, the old parsonage was razed and replaced by another house purchased by the congregation. The pastor and family now reside on Mount Royal Avenue in a serene suburban area of downtown Aberdeen.

As the congregation of Grace United Methodist Church moves ahead in planning for the next century, an expansion plan has again been put into place. The congregation wishes to provide the means of expansion for future generations of Methodists at this central location in the City of Aberdeen.

Lions Club

The Aberdeen Lions Club was organized in 1932, and the charter was dated May 31. At the first meeting, held in the old Hutner Hotel, records indicate there were 23 charter members of the club.

The Aberdeen Lions Club is the oldest club in Harford County, the second oldest club in Lions District 22-A and the first service club to serve the Aberdeen community.

In continuing to promote the growth of Lionism, the Aberdeen club has sponsored or co-sponsored four other Lions Club: Bel Air, 1942; Perryville, 1944; Havre de Grace, 1945; and Edgewood, 1947.

Throughout the years, the number of members in the club has varied greatly, starting with the 23 members and rising to the present membership of one hundred members.

The service activities of the Aberdeen Club have been numerous and varied. During the 1930s, the club sponsored an eight-team softball league. In 1934 the Lions sponsored Boy Scout Troop 350 and, later, a Cub Scout Pack and Explorer Post. For a few years, the club also sponsored a Camp Fire Girls Troop. The club also has actively supported Little League baseball and football programs.

Other activities include Christmas parties for children, Christmas baskets for the needy, eye examinations and eyeglasses for all ages, hearing tests and hearing aids, and food, fuel and lodging for the needy. The club equipped a trailer to provide a mobile site for vision and hearing screening. The club also maintains a loan closet for medical support with such items as wheelchairs and crutches.
In the educational field, the club provides annual scholarships for Aberdeen students and has supported many local school projects in the elementary, middle and high schools.

The club has supported many civic projects, including the construction of a USO building for service members during World War II; purchase of a Scout hut for Troop 350; construction of lights and scoreboard for the Aberdeen High School athletic field; a pavilion for the Aberdeen Swim Club; and the new Aberdeen Festival Park.

Beyond the local community, the club has supported the Harford Fuel Fund, the Harford Memorial Hospital, the Lions Association for Sight and Hearing, the Lions Vision Research Foundation, Leader Dog for the Blind, the Maryland School for the Blind, the Lions International Foundation, drug and alcohol awareness programs, youth exchange programs and many other projects.

The club has used a variety of fundraisers over the years to provide the funds necessary to support all the club's community service activities; including card parties, dances, donkey basketball games, cake and candy sales, broom sales, light bulb sales, Christmas tree sales, fruit sales, pancake and spaghetti suppers, cruises and mint sales. The citizens of Aberdeen have been unstinting in their support of these projects.

The club takes pride in its accomplishments during the past 75 years and in the many outstanding and public-spirited men and women who have served their community through their years of service and membership.

Gravel Hill Cemetery

St. James AME Church, located in the community originally known as Gravelly Hills, became the centerpiece of a community of freed slaves in the early 19th century. Buried in the church cemetery are the remains of four African-American Harford county men who fought for the Union during the Civil War. All four men; Lewis Bowser, Santa Bowser, Abraham Turner and Peter Moses returned home from the Civil War to help establish the church. It is for these reasons that St. James AME Church Cemetery, located on Gravel Hill Road, became a designated historic landmark of Harford County in 1996.

The graveyard surrounds the church and contains nearly 300 graves. As is common in many old African American burial grounds, many graves are not identified with headstones, but with solitary rocks. These rocks are often not indigenous to the area and are thought to identify an African birthplace.

Among the historically significant graves are the four mentioned United States Colored Infantry (USCI) veterans. Peter Moses' gravestone is still remarkably intact with an inscription that reads: "In Memory of Peter Moses, Member of Company A, 10th US Infantry, Born May 16, 1847, Died July 11, 1890." Lewis Bowser's gravestone is similar to those markers that are found in Antietam National Cemetery. His stone reads: "Lewis Bowser, Com., B. USCI." Santa Bowser's stone, also a standard military gravestone, has deteriorated with age and can no longer be read. Unfortunately, the stone of Abraham Turner's grave has been disturbed and can no longer be found.

Grave of Lewis Bowser

The history of these four veterans gives us insight into Harford County at the time of the Civil War. Lewis Bowser was born near Havre de Grace around 1839 where he remained a slave until the outbreak of the Civil War. He walked to the enlistment center in Philadelphia to join the Union Army. Once in the Army he bivouacked in Petersburg, VA. for picket and construction duty. He and his unit were part of the force that entered into Richmond soon after that city's surrender. He returned to Havre de Grace in 1865, where he married and fathered 12 children, earning his living as a farmer. He was buried at Gravel Hill on March 10, 1913.

Santa Bowser, also a local slave, enlisted in West Chester, PA on March 25, 1864. Serving as a cook for his unit. Upon his return to Havre de Grace in 1865, he settled in the Gravel Hill Community where he married and fathered two children.

Peter Moses enrolled in the army in 1863 and entered into Company A at Granery Island, VA. where he served as the company drummer. Records indicate that Moses was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. Mustering out in 1866, Moses returned to Havre de Grace where he married.

Abraham Turner enlisted in the Army at the age of 30 and mustered out at Hilton Head, North Carolina in 1865. Upon his return to Havre de Grace he married and adopted two children.

St. James AME Church remains the centerpiece of the community as it did at the time of the Civil War. Today, under the leadership of Reverend Violet Hopkins Tann, the church fulfills a significant contribution to its members and surrounding communities.

Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

The Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce was first organized around 1918, about the time Aberdeen Proving Ground became part of the Aberdeen community.

In 1989, the chamber was reactivated under a new charter. The first president of the current chamber was Richard Wilkinson, while the current president is Patricia Donovan.

The Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, with more than 200 members, is a strong ally of the City of Aberdeen. This nonprofit agency's purpose is to advance the civic, commercial and industrial interests of the City of Aberdeen and to promote the general welfare of the city and its subdivisions. The Chamber of Commerce provides guidance to families and businesses moving into Aberdeen and Harford County.

The Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce has a lot to offer its members in the form of meeting new contacts at the monthly business meetings, finding out about business opportunities, and introduction of members to new contacts through the monthly Chamber newsletter. By becoming involved in special events, such as Basket Bingo and other promotions, the Chamber provides funds for its annual scholarship award. The Chamber also lends its support to the local Boys and Girls Club, and the Ripken Museum.

As one of the Chamber's Past Presidents states, "Our strength lies with our members and we can only be successful if we join forces to achieve the goals of the entire group."

Ramsgate Estates

Ramsgate

Located in Aberdeen on the east side of Paradise Road and bordered to the north by Carsins Run, a tributary to Swan Creek, Ramsgate is a small community of approximately 60 homes. The property, a small farm, was purchased in the early 1960's by Joseph Lindenstruth, a local builder, under the corporate name of Ramsgate Estates, Inc. Mr. Lindenstruth's goal was to build an up-scale housing development in Aberdeen where no two houses were to be built alike. To achieve this, Mr. Lindenstruth began construction of custom stick built homes. As the development grew, other independent builders were contracted to build homes in the development, with Mr. Lindenstruth retaining design approval prior to construction.

Drive through the neighborhood and you are surrounded by attractive homes, mature trees, street lamps and quiet streets. In the late 1980's, after retiring, Lindenstruth sold off the remaining lots, which were subsequently developed by local builders such as William Wagman, Charles Glassman and Oris Grim.

Today, some 30 plus years later, the development is essentially built out, and yet retains the vision of individuality that Mr. Lindenstruth originally envisioned.

Profile of an Aberdeen Business Man

Mr. Leonard Elmer McGrady was born in Colorado in 1916, and later his family moved to Delta, PA. His first job was doing contract-hauling jobs in his own dump truck. During World War II, he got a deferment and worked for the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a sub-contractor hauling guns and war materials up and down the East coast in his tractor-trailer. After the war, he sold his truck and went into the used car business on Route 40 in Aberdeen. In 1955, he built his first apartment building at 420 Philadelphia Boulevard (US 40). This started Mr. McGrady on a new career, which he continues to work today. The following is a somewhat chronological list of some of the residences he has built in Aberdeen: three homes on Edmund Street; brick ranchers on Baker Street; thirty-five homes in the Ruby Drive area; 30 homes on Baltimore Street; 38 homes in Hillcrest Manor; 94 town homes and 20 houses in the Hillcrest Public School area; and a 14 apartment unit on Bel Air Avenue across from the Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his Aberdeen projects, he has converted school buildings in Port Deposit and Slate Ridge into apartments; built 72 apartments in Elkton; 35 apartments near Salisbury and about 20 residences in Joppatown.

Mr. McGrady and his wife Goldie (the former Goldie Marie Simmons from Bel Air) have been married for 63 years and have raised three children. In addition, during their marriage they have been a business team. Mrs. McGrady has been a Real Estate Agent in Aberdeen for over thirty years with her company Lengold Realty. Both enjoy what they do and they continue to work at their business daily.

— Leonard and Goldie McGrady

George D. Lisby Elementary at Hillsdale

The elementary school was built and dedicated on May 26, 1969. It is located at 810 Edmund Street in the Hillsdale Downs community. The current enrollment in the school is approx. 400 students. Ms. Alice Crue is the Principal at the school. The school was renamed the George D. Lisby Elementary at Hillsdale in 1999 to honor Mr. George D. Lisby. The late George D. Lisby, former educator and Board of Education member with the Harford County Public Schools was honored during a dedication ceremony held on June 11, 1999. The school was renovated and a new media center was added. The state of the art media center was a dream of Mr. Lisby's.

 

Havre de Grace Maritime Museum

The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, situated where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, tells the story of this region's rich maritime heritage. Founded by a historically minded group of local citizens, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum was incorporated in 1988 as a private, not-for-profit, educational institution dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, and interpretation of the maritime skills and heritage of the Lower Susquehanna River and Upper Chesapeake Bay.

The museum develops both permanent and temporary exhibits that highlight its growing and historically significant collection, which includes the tools and implements from many bay-related industries such as fishing and boat building, as well as historic photographs, documents, and journals.

The museum offers a rich interpretive program, including school and group tours, storytelling, lectures, concerts, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and children's camps.

The museum preserves the rich maritime tales and traditions of the Upper Chesapeake Bay through its many special programs and events.

The Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School preserves the ancient art of building wooden boats by sharing this skill with new and continuing students each Tuesday evening year round. The public is invited to watch these skilled craftsmen hard at work restoring and repairing classic wooden boats or modeling and building newer versions.

The Susquehanna Flats Environmental Center offers students and visitors an opportunity to explore this rich and ecologically diverse setting. From the waterways to the shorelines, discover the origins and changes of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum offers membership, educational programs and special events.

Heritage Recipe

Submitted by Ramona Bennett

Recipe for Cream of Crab Soup

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • pepper to taste
  • 10 cups whole milk
  • ½ tsp. Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 lbs. Crab meat

Melt butter in large kettle, then stir in flour slowly and keep stirring until smooth (be careful not to burn). Slowly add broth and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Slowly add milk; keep stirring until slightly thickened. Do not boil. Add Old Bay and crabmeat.

Heat through and serve hot.

Note: If you want to kick up the taste, add a couple of splashes of sherry before adding crabmeat. Also a dash of salt. (This recipe can be halved easily) Enjoy!

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering in any of the Aberdeen Heritage Trust activities, please write to:

Aberdeen Heritage Trust
P.O. Box 1005
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001.

Aberdeen heritage trust

Board of Directors

  • Councilman Ronald Kupferman
  • Thomas Baine
  • Billie Landbeck
  • Ramona Bennett, Chairman
  • Maria Fothergill
  • Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning
  • Jean Royster. Secretary
  • Mark Schlottman, Vice Chairman
  • Joe Swisher, Treasurer
  • Dennis Riddell
  • Debra Stern
  • Robert Martz
  • Judy Hinch
  • Sue Evans
  • Ruth Hendricksen