NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

JANUARY 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXII NUMBER 1

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 SOCIETY PLANS FOR 1995 DECIDED

President - Jane Eagen On Saturday, January 14, 1995, Society President Vice President - Eugene Roberts Jane "Delegate" Eagen hosted the Society Board Secretary - Sarah Bourne annual planning meeting. In addition to the Board, Treasurer - John B. Bourne members were invited to provide input and assist in Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr execution of the Society's busy calendar for 1995 and Editor - Lester H. Sweeting several of the projects which were agreed to by the Board. Directors- 1994/1995 John Mitchell So that no one will miss out on these events, and Julie Bright given a newly upgraded and well working computer Sarah Moseley and new software, I am attaching the Calendar for 1995. Keep this in a handy place, and mark your Directors - 1995/1996 schedules now. Mildred Ridgeley Gray Wallis Hall Cain I will continue to include a bi-monthly calendar as James Ray well, but that one lists events of the Society and other groups as well. Past Presidents W. C. (Bud) Dutton The names of the new officers and Board members John Giannetti are shown in the box at the left. I have asked that Paul Lanham Sarah Bourne provide more in her series on the Warren (Dusty) Rhoads members of the Board and will share those as they Joyce McDonald come in. As I said, 1994 was a good year, and 1995 promises to be even better as we continue to prepare for the 300th birthday of this Prince of a County in 1996. The Society, ably led by our new officers and Board, has preliminarily developed specific Tricentennial activities - mainly in the publishing field. As these become more clarified, I will share them with the members in News and Notes.

The Tricentennial groups are forging ahead as well - planning for the Heritage Center continues with the report of our consultant, Charles Lyle (jointly sponsored by the FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Tricentennial Committee and the Society) delving into the riches of the County and Welcome to 1995, and the new era in providing preliminary advice as to where a Washington. As one involved daily in the Center might best be located and what it comings and goings on Capitol Hill, let me might contain. say only that I find this fascinating and that it keeps me off the streets and busy until the Last issue contained a questionnaire, and wee small hours. some replies have come in. This, in the next issue I shall present the first round results of 1994 was a very good year for the Society, that effort. I urge members and other one in which we accomplished quite a bit. readers to review the questionnaire and send But, sadly, it was also a year of loss. I have me your responses - your input is important! included a remembrance of Ivan Rainwater, a longtime friend of the Society, who passed I have reviewed the News and Notes in my away in December. We will miss Ivan. personal file and find that this is about the 25th I have done. While some members, We in Hyattsville and Prince George's most notably Paul Lanham^Fred DeMarr County will also miss our late Congressman and other members of the Board have from the 5th District of , The been very helpful to me in generating Honorable Hervey G. Machen, who material, let me make this plea -1 need your passed away late in November. Some 14 help in continuing to provide the kind of years ago, I was privileged to spend an information, especially historical anecdotes, evening with Mr. Machen and a tape vignettes, etc. that you would like to see. It recorder, while he reminisced about growing is your newsletter, and you can contribute to up in Hyattsville. Since that time, Sharon it. Just drop a line to the Society post office and I became quite close to Mike (Hervey's box or leave copy at Marietta or give it to son) and Judy Amanda (his youngest any Board member you see. daughter) and spent some lovely days with the family at Broome's Island. We will also Thanks, and a prosperous 1995 to all of you. miss Hervey. Lester H. Sweeting IN MEMORIAM Ivan began projects like the periodical collection and the publication of accession H. IVAN RAINWATER lists. He saw the need for special series, such as Filby's Passenger and Immigration "As best I can determine, Dorothy and Ivan Lists. Rainwater joined the (Genealogical) Society in the late 1970s. In 1980 Dorothy became "I'm not taking anything away from Ivan's the Chairman of the Education Committee, successors by telling you that without Ivan's and whether voluntarily or at Dorothy's efforts we may not have the fine Library we suggestion, Ivan began the task of do today. establishing the (Genealogical) Society's Library. "Ivan's dedication to the Society and its Library has been manifested in ways too "He collected the few books the Society numerous to mention here. His long years of owned, tracked down lost and missing books service were first formally recognized in and catalogued them. President Kay 1986 when he was chosen as the 3rd Mayhew and Ivan then negotiated with the recipient of the Jane Roush McCafferty C.G. City of Bowie for use of three rooms in the Award of Excellence. Belair Mansion. "Due to health considerations, Ivan resigned "Ivan and a team of members scraped, his position as Archivist on April 3, 1991. patched, plastered and painted what was to become our home for the next ten years. "In May 1991, the Library was jointly named Ivan bought lumber and supplies and he and in honor of Ivan and a Society Librarian. Bill Taylor built bookcases to conform to the Today the Library is officially known as the space. Much of the furniture and furnishings Rainwater-Miles Research Center of the for the Library came from the Rainwater's Prince George's County Genealogical home. Society.

"As a handful of people in this room today "As is most often the case, funeral and know, managing the Library was not a 1 day memorial services are sad occasions. We a week job. Ivan spent untold hours every attend them to say goodbye to loved ones, week for 11 years building that Library. family members, spouses, friends, co- workers or companions. Ivan is all of these "In 1990 it was necessary for the Library to to us. move from the Mansion to allow for renovation of the historic site. After a year "Ivan suffered a great deal this past year. in storage, Ivan negotiated with the City of And I think that as we acknowledge his Bowie and again we had a home for the death, we should be happy that he is in a Library. This time in the Belair Stable better place and bid him a fond farewell." Museum. Karen D. Miles "During Ivan's 11 years as Archivist, the Library grew from a handful of books to the Ed. Note. The Miles mentioned above is Karen Dufly nucleus of the collection we have today. Miles whose lovely eulogy for Ivan Rainwater, this is. I would also like to point out that the 3. Will not be repeated. Historical Society benefitted from the life of Ivan Rainwater and his surviving widow 4. Will not be announced in advance of presentation. Dorothy. The Rainwater's, long time members of the Historical Society, were 5. Awards will be presented honored with the St. George's Day Award in at the annual St. 1992 for their work on the Belair Mansion George's Day dinner held and with the Genealogical Society. Dorothy by the Society on the and Ivan were also very active in the early Sunday closest to April months of the Tricentennial Citizen's 23rd. Committee effort and Dorothy has served on the Tricentennial Citizens Committee and the 6. Awards will be determined by a committee composed Tricentennial Celebration Trust Board. of the Society's Board of Directors plus 3 Society Our condolences to Dorothy Rainwater. members at large (elected or appointed by the ST. GEORGE'S DAY AWARDS Society President). A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 7. Specific activity means The Society Board will meet at one that has accrued over 12:30 PM, March 18, in closed a period of time. If a session to select the 1995 specific project is the honorees for this prestigious basis for the Award, the award. This year, we are activity must have been asking the membership completed. (For example, specifically to make an award based on a nominations for the Board to publication could be made consider. Therefore, it is only after publication of appropriate that we review the the item.) criteria for the Awards. The St. George's Day Awards were 8. There are a limited established by the Prince number of awards each George's County Historical year. An average of 7 Society to honor individuals awards have been given and organizations that have over the years (although made a significant more were made in the contribution to the early years - to catch up preservation of Prince on needed recognition.) George's County's heritage. Honorees: 9. The Award recipient must be living, unless the 1. Need not be a County Committee had voted on resident or County-based the award and death organization. intervened before the presentation. 2. Activity for which honored must pertain to There are five specific Prince George's County. categories in which an Award (or Awards) can be made. 1976 John A. Giannetti, Prince George's These are — Preservation Jaycees (generally given due to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Scherer activities to preserve a Prince George's County Library System specific historic site or Prince George's Chamber of Commerce Vera F. Rollo area); Publications/Research; Frank F. White, Jr. Friends of Preservation; Paul Lanham Celebrations and Frederick S. DeMarr Commemorations; and "Workers Mrs. Henry Bowie, Laurel Horizons in the Vineyard." Please note Society that an award need not be made 1977 in each category. Vestry of Queen Anne's Parish City of Bowie R. Lee and Elizabeth P. Van Horn If you have a nominee for us Edith Bagot to consider, please write to John M. Walton, Jr. the Society to the attention Orva Heissenbuttal of Sarah Bourne, Secretary. Surratt Society Please provide a short Society of the Pilgrims of St. Mary's statement as to why you feel 1978 the award is merited. Theodore Bissell Remember, the award can be to William Cook Alan Virta a person, jointly shared Francis X. Geary between two people, or to a William Aleshire group. Thank you for your Friends of Montpelier, Jean Speicher Prince George's County Bicentennial suggestions. Committee Each of these awards is highly 1979 prized by the recipients. So Dr. and Mrs. Bryan Warren Shirley Baltz that you will know if your Frederick Tilp nominee has received the award Donald Skarda in the past, a listing of Prince George's Genealogical Society those awards to date follows. Gertrude Poe Laurie Verge and Joan Chaconas Louis Goldstein 1974 Maryland-National Capital Parks and 1980 Planning Commission American Clan Gregor Society Alice Ferguson Foundation Marlborough Hunt Club Louise J. Heinton Mrs. Christine Wilcox Helen W. Brown National Colonial Farm James Wilfong, Jr. Constance Ackerson Forrest D. Bowie Sister Catherine Wright Susanna K. Cristofane Robert Crawley 1975 1981 Rhoda Christmas (Mrs. John Bowling) Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Couser William Henry Duvall Ivy Hill Association Mr. and Mrs. John M. Walton, Sr. James G. Boss First Baptist Church of Riverdale Eugene B. Roberts, Sr. White Marsh Restoration Society Senator Thomas V. (Mike) Miller, Jr. Margaret Cook Delegate Charles Blumenthal James H. Shreve Hall of Fame of Prince George's John Brennan County Pauline R. Seidenspinner 1982 Francis McClellan for Claggett, Vestry of King George's Parish Haskell & Zimmerman Bldg. Prince George's Heritage, Inc. Robert Ware Strauss Millard charlton Associates Jane Eagen Citizens Advisory Committee for the Sandra Cross Prince George's County Historic Warren and Julie Rhoads Sites and Districts Plan City of Hyattsville Raleigh Donley, Jr. Dr. Phyllis Sparks 1990 Town of Riverdale Marietta House Committee Jim Maher 1983 Elizabeth Clagett Clark Mr. and Mrs. Jess J. Smith Kenneth Hodges Hyattsville Preservation Association, Ellen and Rogers Naylor, Debra and Inc. Peter Boundy for Coffren House Mildred Gray Anne and Lansdale Sasscer, Digges Society of Mareen Duvall Descendants Sasscer House Susan Pearl Frank Calhoun and Carlton Huhn for Ann Ferguson Harmony Hall Joyce McDonald 1991 1984 Marsha Brown National Quilting Association Margaret Law Callcott Oxon Hill Manor Foundation Ed Bosanko Prince George's Magazine Abraham Hall Restoration Committee Tanta Cove Garden Club Glenn Dale Methodist Church Elaine and Willard Entwisle 1985 Prince George's Community Television Gail Rothrock Laurel Historic District Commission Riversdale Historical Society Sacred Heart Parish Jean Sargent Queen Anne School 1992 John Hanson Savings and Loan, Inc. Andrew Wallace Joyce Rumburg Helen Haas Glenn Largent St. Paul's Methodist Church Prince George's Heritage Committee Sharon and Lester Sweeting Ivan and Dorothy Rainwater 1986 Friends of the Greenbelt Museum Mr. and Mrs. Courtland Lee John W. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kulla Lt. Dennis Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai David Shikles 1993 William George and the City of Mt. Michael and Deborah Franklin Rainier Henry Contee Bowie Clagett Doris Hoover, Addison Chapel 1987 Foundation Rev. John Baldwin Melinda Alter and Arthur Garroway Francis and Linda O'Brien Town of Bladensburg Angela Bell Columbian Harmony Society Emmanuel United Methodist Church Huntington Heritage Society Town of Landover Hills Raymond Bellamy, Jr. 1994 Elizabeth Allen 1988 A. Pierce Middleton Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brown St. John's Episcopal Church, Friends of the College Park Airport Beltsville W. C. Dutton, Jr. Richard and Carol Cissel Irene Robb St. Paul's Episcopal Church, David D. Duvall Brandywine Parris N. Glendenning Port of Bladensburg Heritage Dancers City of Greenbelt David P. Fogle 1989 Jean Hahn The Surratt House Committee Although Pogue's St. Mary's History is long If we can be of further service to the Prince George out of date, his more recent pictorial history County Historical Society [sic], please write. is available from the St, Mary's Historical Very truly yours Society. ALLEGHENY CEMETERY Submitted by Paul Lanham, Past President, who is now a resident of the rebuilt George E. Campbell Huntingtown, Calvert County, which was Superintendent destroyed by the British in early October, October 26, 1971 1814. Dear Paul, The Barney Letters - Completed The question was raised at our meeting last Friday as to why Barney was In the last issue, I tantalized some readers by buried in Pittsburgh. printing a letter from a Society member dated nearly a quarter century ago, Enclosed for your information is a xerox copy of the Barney entry in the Dictionary of concerning a nascent effort to return American Biography. Also enclosed is a Commodore Barney to Prince George's copy of the last four pages of Hulbert County from Pittsburgh, where he is buried. Footner's 1940 biography entitled Sailor of It was only because Barney was in Pittsburgh Fortune. on his way to his estate in Kentucky when he Barney was a first generation American born took ill and died that his body was interred in County. At the time of the War there. In any event, last issue, I shared a of 1812 and thereafter he lived in Elkridge. letter from a Society member, John C. Having been a Revolutionary veteran, he apparently received a gift of western lands Brennan, to the Allegheny Cemetery in for his military service. Following the War Pittsburgh. Here is the reply and a note to of 1812 he went out to Kentucky to inspect the file from Historian Fred DeMarr. these lands and was royally received by the Kentuckians. He apparently decided after this visit to go West with his family (second September 14, 1971 wife and children). On the way he became ill and died in Pittsburgh. The excerpts from Mr, John C. Brennan Sailor of Fortune give the details as to the Laurel, Maryland burial and his monument. This monument apparently commemorates another officer as Dear Mr, Brennan: well.

Thank you very much for your letter of Sept. 7th, and Perhaps the best way to track down relatives the articles on Commodore Joshua Barney. We will would be to contact the DAR or SAR since file these away for future reference. This will give us some of them are probably members of said much more information to pass on to interested organizations. parties about notables buriel [sic] at Allegheny. The toast given by Barney at the banquet Allegheny Cemetery will give much thought to your given after he was honored by the Kentucky legislature is one which should curl the hair suggestion on the removal. As you know there is of some of our local historians. It certainly considerable work involved in finding the heirs and was not well received at the time, however getting their permission to make this step. If in the historian Footner is rather benevolent in his future the next of kin gives consent and the necessary treatment of the incident. funds are raised, please contact us. Regards Fred [DeMarr] FROM THE TREASURER number-one priority of the British. Barney later commanded the American flotilla and, Treasurer John B. Bourne reports that the after being forced to destroy that fleet at Society is blessed with the following new Pig's Point (site of today's Marlboro Hunt member: Club) orchestrated a heroic but futile American stand at the Battle of Bladensburg. Rosemary Tantalo The furious British retaliations were and the following new LIFE Members: predominately directed against those unfortunate Marylanders whose homes were Barbara Benfield in reach of the powerful British fleet Melinda Alter and Art Garroway headquartered at St. George's Island. As a Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle J. Lancaster result, 300 families were forced to leave St. Frank A. and Shirley A. Nicolai Mary's County, moving mostly 800 miles to the Kentucky frontier. Pogue (page 160) Welcome all!! cites a population decrease from the mother country of nearly 3,000 inhabitants between A Book of Interest 1790 and 1820 (from 15,544 to 12,974) as a direct result. There are few historians who report some of our country's more interesting early Pogue's coverage of what he chooses to call activities in the manner that the late Robert "The War of Northern Invasion" (page 162) Pogue does in his Yesterday in Old St. is worded strictly from a Maryland viewpoint Mary's County, privately printed in 1973. - that it was a war based on the economics of a secure Northern business depression to be Pogue estimates the southern Maryland mitigated by discriminatory tariffs against a Indian population at 1300 persons at the Southern boom made possible in part by beginning of the 17th Century. Despite slave labor (page 169). 's enlightened policies with respect to the Indians, in less than one A comment by Pogue that Raphael Semmes hundred years, Pogue's research indicates a (born and raised in Charles County) held in decrease to less than 90 adult Native his lifetime both the General and 's Americans! (Page 115). Governor rank is interesting. As of the Nicholson, at a later date, even endorsed the Confederate raider Alabama. Semmes is principle of an Indian enclave near Great credited with the destruction of 58 Union Falls, to occasion a greater quantity of ships (page 167). tobacco to be made, and also to advance and encourage the New County (Prince In a closing note Pogue personally relates George's) (page 124). that his grandfather, Elbert Harper Pogue, manufactured 'roll-your-own' cigarettes Turning to the Wai' of 1812, Pogue reports known as "Sitting Bull Durham", later just (page 158) 556 British ships captured by "Bull Durham" possible the ancestor of privateers sailing from Baltimore alone, today's Camels. including Capt. Joshua Barney's Rosie. As a consequence, the capture of Baltimore was a 1995 Yearly Planner January January September July S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234567 14 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM PGCHS 6 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 1 8 9 10 11 12 13(14) BOARD ANNUAL PLAN- FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 2345678 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 NING MEETING 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 February FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 30 31 11 12:30 PM-3:00 PM PGCHS g PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY BOARD MEETING, FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO MARlhTl'A 9 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS February March BOARD MEETING, August S M T W T F S MARIETTA 5 M T W T F S 1234 1 1 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM PGCHS 12345 5 6 7 8 9 10 (if) BOARD MEETING, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 MARIETTA FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PCCHS 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 MEMBERSHIP MEETING 10 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 27 28 29 30 31 FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 18 1 0:00 AM - 1 :00 FM PGCHS BOARD ST. GEORGE'S NO- 23 2:00 PM TENTATIVE DATE - MINATIONS, MARIETTA PRINCE OF A COUNTY REC- EPTION, LOCATION TO BE March ANNOUNCED September S M T W T F S April S M T W T F S 1234 g 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS October 56789 10 (ft) BOARD MEETING, 3 ® ® ® © ® ® 12 13 14 15 16 17 OS) MARIETTA 14 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS (10) 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 BOARD MEETING, ~Tl 18 19 20 21 22 (23) 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MARIETTA ST. GEORGE'S DAY DINNER 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMBERSHIP MEETING, May MARIETTA 10 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM TENTA- November April TIVE DATE - PRESER- October S M T W T F S VATION MONTH RECEP- 11 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS S M T W T F S 1234567 BOARD MEETING, 234567® TION, LOCATION TBA 8 9 10 11 12 13® 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 MARIETTA 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 3 1 0:00 AM - 1 2:30 PM PGCHS 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 <2i> 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 BOARD MEETING, MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL 29 30 31 MARIETTA MEETING, ELECTION, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MARIETTA MEMBERSHIP MEETING, MARIETTA December May June 9 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS November S M T W T F S HOLIDAY GALA, LOCA- S M T W T F S 123456 10 10:00 AM - 1 :00 PM PGCHS TION TO BE ANNOUNCED 1234 789 (W) 11 12 (O) BOARD MEETING, 5 6 7 8 9 10 (U) 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MARIETTA 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 MEMBERSHIP MEETING, MARIETTA September 4 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY June FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO December S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 12 1 2 3 5 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 45678 9(10) 345678® FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 1/25/95 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

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DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FEBRUARY 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXIII NUMBER 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995

President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts Secretary - Sarah Bourne Treasurer - John B. Bourne Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr Editor - Lester H. Sweeting

Directors - 1994/1995 John Mitchell Julie Bright Sarah Moseley

Directors- 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray Wallis Hall Cain James Rea

Past Presidents W. C. (Bud) Dutton John Giannetti Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads More than 5,000 Marylanders served on both sides of Joyce McDonald the Battle of Gettysburg. They could be found in all branches of the Army from private to Major General on all parts of the battlefield. Brother against Brother would be their legacy. Copyright Grannies Attic Shurt Haus, Gettysburg. Hail! Prince Georges Official Song of Prince. Georges County, Maryland Words by Marie by C. FREDERICK OKTON 1SViujAM Moon

jf ^\ *4- —~^-[ —° * ' ' — ~ —m ^ 1 _q 5 9 j — 1 1 \~ S—— m" "4-3 * j —0 0 9 -+ — —q-zgJ *d Jf— 1. Prince Georg - es Coun - ty, heart of old Ma - ry •• land, 2. Your beau - ty long has fed the tired souls of men. 8. Tired ships of old were kissed by wel - com - ing shore; 4. May your rich jless - ings on us all free - ly pour,

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Child of the Free State, long u - nit - ed both stand, They have found rest in wood - ed hill and green glen. Lead - ers of men came through your wide o - pen door. On rich and poor a - like till time is no morel -J •*- J mm*_ • ed uJ • 5 P L m. p K E - i rP | m ^-^h h 1 I P5 1

| [ Vi P — =3 — ^d —--) r- 1 1 — | — ((T) v — — s• a~~l ^t d— 5^^—5 :c 3= ~zJ — * \^ • * 1 T Bla - zoned with glo - ry, may your whole fu - turer be! Blest with your soils and streams where food could be found, Prince Georg - es for - est helped to build hap • home, Hail, might - y Coun - ty, pride of State and 11 Land!

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| 4 j. _, j — PH>-- — i r -j-i L HI " ^^fr-r £-! ^J J— a — J- 9 M- — ^ rrpl —i * 'ii H* * TT -S-. Bui - wark of Tol - er - ance, and true Lib - er - ty. All that men need - ed in your -• self did a - bound, Shel - tered in safe - ty 'neath the blue, star - ry dome, Prince Georg - es Coun - ty, heart of old Ma - ry - land.

i — (-^ 0 — = Tm 1 — >*"i . •• Mj — K 1 . •!_ -» * '•* i— |EEEf — F — r -=-4- — l — — F- IX I !ir^HJ Copyright 1939, by Prince Georges Chamber of Commerce FRONTIER PROBLEMS Indian towns and scalp them while their warriors were committing like destruction The Washington Post of February 2, on our friends. 1995, under the heading "Negro Mountain Keeps Name" related the origin The Washington Post article references of that name to one "Nemesis", an Hubert Footner's Maryland Main and the African American who served in the years Eastern Shore, published in 1942, which just before our Revolution with Indian contains references to Cresap's Indian fighter Colonel Thomas Cresap on the campaigns. On page 151 of that reference Maryland Frontier in what was once there is an indication that Indian Prince George's County and is now uprisings had been put down in 1758, but Garrett County. flared up again in 1763 in a major way. The Lord Proprietary originally refused The article goes on to state that "a to pay for a defense of the Province massacre" of Indians that led to a general despite Indian boasts of a fifty to one border uprising was "erroneously" killing ratio. The area involved had been attributed to Cresap! part of Prince George's County and originally settled by Prince Georgeans, so While the passage of time may preclude a any Indian problems occurring there were full resolution of this controversy, the of great concern of the County and its following quotes from the research files of families. our late Society colleague, Judge Robert £. Lee van Horn, casts some doubt on the Colonel Cresap's career covered the innocence of Cresap and those under his Indian wars, the Revolutionary War and command with respect to the particular an intense boundary dispute with 'massacre' of Indians to which the article Pennsylvania's Quakers. After taking a refers. second wife at the age of 80, Cresap moved to Nova Scotia, where he died at The following are quotes from van Horn's the age of 106. Out of the Past (published in 1976 by the Society), attributed to the Maryland Paul Lanham Gazette, one of the leading newspapers of the day. (Page numbers refer to van FROM THE BOOKSHELF Horn's book) MARYLANDERS AT GETTYSBURG Page 106. 12/4/1775- 'sixty men from Prince George's County, at their own This new book by Daniel Carroll Toomey, expense, went to Western Maryland in published late in 1994, is a recent addition October 1775 to aid the settlers of that to the Society's Library. Its public region.' release was timed to include coverage of the November 13,1994 unveiling of the Page 10& 4/29/1776 - Daniel and Thomas only State memorial dedicated to those Cresap went out three weeks since with men who served on both sides of the sixty persons dressed and passed as Indians conflict at Gettysburg. It is hard to to kill the women and children in the believe that it has taken over 130 years to achieve a suitable memorial to the Sons of lives in England, who is a devotee of Maryland who fought and died in that 'militaria', an Ameriphile (if there is such great battle. a word), and one with an abiding interest in our Civil War period. TB visits us An interesting sidelight of that delay is fairly frequently and has, as part of those that 5 Union memorials dedicated in 1888 excursions, traveled to quite a number of cost a total of $5,500, while a Confederate Civil War battlefields. I still remember memorial placed in 1886 cost only $1,000; sweltering in 95 degree heat on July 4, and the Maryland Memorial cost 1993 at Gettysburg while watching a $300,000 in 1994! Inflation!! reenactment of Pickett's Charge. TB was here in November, and, of course, we Toomey, in a relative few pages (100), has returned to Gettysburg to ensure that produced a comprehensive coverage of he'd get 'authentic' militaria and virtually every aspect of Marylanders' Confederate battle standards. While participation at Gettysburg, both Union there, we were able to see the newly and Confederate. Profusely illustrated dedicated Maryland statue. We were with photographs of personages and quite impressed by the memorial, which monuments, and augmented with maps, captures in our mind both the pain of the casualty lists, reunion memorabilia, sons of Maryland as they fought against histories of participating units, etc., this each other (sometimes brother against volume is well worth reading by all Civil brother) as well as the healing that took War buffs. place in the decades after the battle. The fact that it took a century or more to Company C of the 1st Maryland (later agree on a suitable memorial for 2nd Maryland) regiment, CSA, included Maryland is an indication of the depth of most of the participants from Prince feeling. That it was achieved is, in itself, George's County. A quick perusal of the an appropriate memorial to those who casualty lists discloses the following fought and died in that battle. familiar local family names: The newspapers, of course, covered the Anderson, Barber, Clough, Clagett, dedication, and excerpts from one or Cushing, Davis, Dawson, Dutaney, Duvatt, more of those stories follow. Edelin, Edgar, Hamilton, Hammond, Hardesty, Kenney, Lanham, Laivson, McCann, McWilliams, Mulliken, Nash, Nichols, O'Bryan, Payne, Probest, Schultz, May we recommend that you take the Skinner, Shipley, Steele, Storm, Tingle, short drive to Gettysburg and view the Tolson, Welch and White. monument. It is a nice day's outing and Gettysburg has a large variety of Paul Lanham restaurants, shops, and tourist sites to visit. THE MARYLAND MONUMENT AT GETTYSBURG Les Sweeting

Your editor has a very close friend who March 1995 - February 1996 Yearly Planner March 95 March September September 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 "3 4 1 1 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM PGCHS 9 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 1 2 BOARD MEETING, 56789 10 (IT) FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO © 12 13 14 15 16 17(18) MARIETTA CD n 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 10 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 17 18 19 20 21 22 dD 26 27 28 29 30 31 MEMBERSHIP MEETING FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

18 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM PGCHS 23 2:00 PM TENTATIVE DATE- BOARD ST. GEORGE'S NO- PRINCE OF A COUNTY REC- MINATIONS, MARIETTA EPTION, LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED April 95 October 95 M T W T F S April S M T W T F S 8 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS October 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 234567® BOARD MEETING, 14 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS 8 9 10 11 12 13 (14) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 MARIETTA BOARD MEETING, (23> 24 25 26 27 28 29 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MARIETTA 29 30 31 30 23 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS ST. GEORGE'S DAY DINNER MEMBERSHIP MEETING, MARIETTA May 21 8:00 AM PGCHS BUS TOUR - 10 5:00 PM-8:00 PM TENTA- ALL DAY May 95 TIVE DATE - PRESER- November 95 S M T W T F S VATION MONTH RECEP- S M T W T F S 123456 November 1 2 3 4 789 (T6) 11 12 CO) TION, LOCATION TEA 5 6 7 8 9 10(0) 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 10:OO AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 13 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM PGCHS BOARD MEETING, 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 BOARD MEETING, MARIETTA 26 27 28 29 30 MARIETTA 2:OO PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, MEETING, ELECTION, MARIETTA MARIETTA June 95 June December December 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 10 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS 9 2:00 PM - 5:OO PM PGCHS 1 2 45678 9(10) BOARD MEETING, HOLIDAY GALA, LOCA- 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 MARIETTA TION TO BE ANNOUNCED 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 MEMBERSHIP MEETING, 31 MARIETTA September 4 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY July 95 FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO January 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 5 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 1 2 3 4 5 6 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 6 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 28 29 30 31 FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO

7 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO

August 95 g PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY February 96 5 M T W T F S FAIR, UPPER MARLBORO S M T W T F S 12345 1 2 3 6 7 g 9 10 11 12 9 10:OO AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 BOARD MEETING, 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 MARIETTA 25 26 27 28 29

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 2/25/95 THE RAMBLER He knows just as well as you that the people of Montgomery, Howard, ED. NOTE during the second decade of Frederick, Calvert, Anne Arundel, this century, the Washington Sunday Star Charles and St. Mary's, Loudoun, featured a writer knmvn as The Rambler. Fairfax, Alexandria, Prince William, King J. Harry Shannon, who wrote about George, Stafford, Westmoreland and Washington area history through walks Northumberland love their old home around the area. We came across a counties and feel as proud of them as volume of reprints of those articles dealing Prince George's people feel of theirs. with Beltsville, and thought our readers Such a sentiment is natural with people of might enjoy a portion of one article in good heart and feeling. The scenes of particular. one's youth take on a poetic glamour and radiance that glow brighter the longer The Rambler Writes of and farther our separation from them.

Prince George's County * * * * * August 17,1919 When we lived among the hills, the woods and fields they seemed to us to be very Prince George's County is a name that ordinary bits of landscape, but as we look spells home for a great number of back at those places after a lapse of years Washington people. It is very easy to they come before the mind's eye as the pronounce "Prince George's" in a way to most beautiful in the world. When we indicate that one holds the old county in lived there many of the people seemed to affectionate regard and remembrance. It us very commonplace, but as we look is very probably true that a greater back to those old folk of other times we number of the inhabitants of Washington know that, though they may have been were born in Prince George's county than plain and humble, they were among the in any other county in the , best of people. When we think of their and a very large percentage of native- graves in the quiet little churchyard or born Washingtonians are descended from the old fashioned, tangles and neglected Prince George's county families. A family burying ground we feel a sense of considerable portion of Washington's deep regret that we did not appreciate industrial population sleeps in Prince them at the full measure of their worth. George's county, and a large part of the And there is a lesson in this. It is that we food which sustains Washington is should be kinder, more tolerant and more produced in that county. gentle toward the people with whom we find fault now. Nearly everybody in Washington who came from Prince George's county, or A long time ago, and so long ago, that whose father or mother, grandfather or everybody has forgotten it now, the grandmother came from that old and Rambler wrote a series of historic and historic county, feels a strong sense of statistical stories on the neighbor counties attachment to it. The Rambler is glad to of Washington, and he described the admit that for these and other endearing geographical lines of Prince George's. reasons does Prince George's hold a Many Washingtonians know very little happy and sunny place in his thoughts. about that county. The northern and eastern boundary of Prince George's is the District of Columbia. Many grants of the Patuxent river. The county line land now within the District of Columbia follows the windings of that river from a and the limits of Washington dated prior point three miles northwest of Laurel to to 1695, describe these tracts as 'lying in the point where Swanson creek is half a the county of Charles." mile wide, and if you measure from Chalk point on the north side to Point Judith on The northwest boundary of Prince the south side it is a mile. The county George's county runs in a line from the adjoining Prince George's on the north is District of Columbia near Takoma to the Howard. upper Patuxent river, a distance of about thirteen miles, and the county on the The adjoining county on the east is Anne other side of the line is Montgomery. The Arundel, and on the southeast is Calvert approximate land area of Prince George's county. The south boundary of the county is about 482 square miles. The county extends in an irregular course water area of the county the Rambler from the Patuxent to the Potomac and the cannot compute except very roughly. It is approximate length of that line is thirty considerable. five miles. Beginning in the middle of the * * * * * Patuxent river off the mouth of Swanson The county seat is Upper Marlboro, creek, it follows the creek westerly for fourteen miles southeast of the Capitol four miles, turns north for four miles, building in an air line, but about four then travels westwardly in a line for about miles further by road. The principal six miles to the head of Mattawoman towns and settlements in the county are creek and follows that creek westwardly Laurel, Hyattsville, Riverdale, Mount for about twelve miles and then, leaving Rainier, College Park, Berwyn, the creek at a point two miles northwest Branchville, Beltsville, Lakeland, of Benville Corners, it strikes north with Muirkirk, Tuxedo, Magruder, Landover, an inclination toward the west and Ardwick, Seabrook, Glendale, reaches the Potomac river a trifle over Springfield, Sunnyside, Vansville, half a mile below the government fish Ammendale, Contee, Oakcrest, Mistletoe hatchery station at Bryans point, which is Springs, Bowie, Brentwood, Bladensburg, between Fort Washington and Marshall Collington, Mullikin, Hall, Leeland, Hall. Croom, Nottingham, Aquasco, Horsehead, Cedarville, Baden, This line crosses the Potomac river, there Brandywine, Cheltenham, Chillum, about a mile wide, and ends on the Hynesboro, Brightseat, Woodmore, Virginia shore close to Mount Vernon or Forestville, Talbert, Rosaryville, Suitland, about midway between the landing there Silver Hill, Camp Springs, Clinton, T.B. and Little Hunting creek. The county line Westphalia, Hardesty, Largo, Meadows, then follows the west shore of the Woodyard, Tippet, Sharperville, Oxon Potomac to Jones point below Alexandria, Hill, New Glatz, Friendly, Trueman Point, or a distance of about eight miles. The Chesapeake Junction and Seat Pleasant. county adjoining Prince George's on the So satisfactory is the growth and south is Charles, the parent county of development of the county that new Prince George's and the parent county of subdivisions and settlements come into existence each year. There lies before the FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Rambler a booklet entitled "Gazetteer of the State of Maryland," complied by Dr. R.S. Fisher and published at New York in 1952. All that it contains about Prince George's county follows:

The great thoroughfare of Prince George's county is the Washington Branch railroad, which traverses the northwest part and besides this there are several good post roads. Its extensive river borders affords outlets for its products seaward. First, let me apologize for a Upper Marlboro is the county seat couple of errors in the last News of justice and the following are the and Notes, specifically in the page villages and post offices: Aquasco, layout - because I failed to advise Beltsville, Bladensburg, the printer which page was which. Brandywine, Buena Vista, Fort Also, there were errors and Washington, Good Luck, Horse possibly omissions in the Head, Laurel Factory, Long Calendar, which we hope have Oldfields, Nottingham, been corrected. This new Piscataway, and Queen Anne. program for the calendar is good, but the rule with respect to FROM THE TREASURER computers is still "GIGO" (garbage in - garbage out) as it has been Welcome to New Members since UNIVAC made the scene in the 1950s. William G. Wilson Mr. Lauren R. Brown The lecturers for Society meetings promise to be quite AND interesting this year, beginning New Life Member with Don Creveling's discussion of the Laurel lead coffins and other Mildred Ridgfely-Gray archaeological items on March 11. April is, of course, reserved for Dues Notices the St. George's Day Dinner, held this year (as in the past) at the Second Request member dues invoices Marlborough Hunt Club on April tor 1995 will soon be mailed to those 23, 1995 (a pleasant Sunday members now delinquent. Please afternoon), and the venue for our respond promptly and renew your annual St. George's Day Awards member snip. Tbank you. and the unveiling of the Hall of Fame selection for 1995. John. B. Bourne HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12 - 4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

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DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MARCH 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXIII NUMBER 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 PRINCE GEORGE'S 299TH BIRTHDAY

President - Jane Eagen On April 23, 1995, Prince George's County celebrates Vice President - Eugene Roberts its 299th birthday. As we have done for a number of Secretary - Sarah Bourne years, the Society will celebrate at an afternoon dinner Treasurer - John B. Bourne at the Marlboro Hunt Club, and we will enjoy the Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr conviviality of seeing old friends, making new friends Editor - Lester H. Sweeting and sharing in the celebration, of the history of this Prince of a County. Directors- 1994/1995 John Mitchell The Prince George's County Hall of Fame will unveil Julie Bright its latest inductee - always a significant lesson in our Sarah Moseley past.

Directors - 1995/1996 And, last, but certainly not least, there will be the Mildred Ridgeley Gray announcement of the St. George's Day awards for Wallis Hall Cain 1995. As one of the past awardees, I know how James Rea special those awards are to the recipients.

Past Presidents We look forward to seening you all at the Banquet. W. C. (Bud) Dutton Invitations are in the mail, so please respond John Giannetti promptly! Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads Joyce McDonald apartment later this year. Welcome home Jim and Susan.

We are sending a letter to County Executive Wayne Curry acknowledging our understanding that budget priorities require that the grant we have been used to receiving will not be available this year; and expressing the fervent hope that it will be restored in PRESIDENT'S CORNER future years.

Things are rolling right along. I have found After much discussion and gathering of cost being president of the Society a very estimates, pricing, etc , it was decided that challenging job. It has been interesting, fun, the Society should table the issuing of a lots of work, and has kept my telephone very reprint of Lost A Brother . a young reader's busy. Our plans for the year are in place and story of the Battle of Bladensburg by the serve as the road map for our year's journey. Knipes. We realize that this is a The plans for the next three months disappointment to some, but we do not feel programs are confirmed. See the calendar that we can tie up the amount of resources notes for details. needed to have the volume printed at this time. Our March program was to hear Don Creveling, archaeologist, discuss the find of The Society did make a modest investment lead coffins at Laurel, and other related to support the conference fees for the Small topics. However, several days before the Museums Conference in Ocean City last meeting, he was hospitalized for severe back month. Stella and Bill Uber, Florence problems. We wish Don a speedy recovery. Riedesel, Mildred Ridgeley Gray, and yours We were fortunate to have Jack Hoyert fill in truly were very enthused and learned a lot in on short notice. His discussion of the history the three days of an excellent program. and culture of tobacco, while mayhaps not, as they say these days "P.C." was instructive. As a Society, we had committed to He has been a researcher and Director of the supporting a modest bond bill for the next University of Maryland Experimental Farm phase of restoration at Marietta before the for some time. You could have heard a Legislature. Freely admitting that I knew tobacco seed drop during this slide absolutely nothing about how to go about presentation - the audience was so doing this, I called Leo Green who advised interested. me that it was the very last day to file such a bill, but he would be pleased to sponsor it for One of the joys we share is the reassignment us. A flurry of paper ensued, and thanks to of our own Susan Wolfe to manage Marietta. the fax machine, it was on his desk in time. When we met to discuss matters, her My Irish lick came through, let's hope it husband, Jim, was upstairs putting together continues. Delegates Mary Conroy and Joan her desk and office equipment. We Pitkin co-sponsored HB 1279, requesting welcomed her back with open arms! The $375,000 of state funds to be used for the Wolfes will also be the tenants in the final phase of the restoration of the Manor. The matching funds are in the MNCPPC proposed budget for FY 1997. Orlando Ridout IV (a member of the Society of Mareen Duvall Descendants), Bowie City Councilman Bill Aleshire, and I testified at a March 11 hearing on behalf of the House bill. Its companion bill, SB775, sponsored by State Senator Leo Green, was the subject of a hearing on March 20, and Mr. Ridout and I will testify again. Several members of the political community have made calls in FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK support of our efforts. Many thanks to each of those supporters. By the time you receive 1995 continues to be a very busy year for this, we expect final action on the bill. We our Society, getting even busier as we look hope to celebrate this achievement at the ahead to 1996. Within the next month we Hunt Club on April 23, along with our will celebrate the 299th birthday of Prince birthday party and the St. George's Day George's County, and many, many members Awards. See You There!!!! of the Society are very active in that effort. We are almost to the point where a preliminary calendar of events County-wide, can be issued. I will endeavor to bring that to you as it is developed.

In honor of our 299th Birthday on Sunday April 23, 1995, of course, we will have our annual St. George's Day dinner, the presentation of the Prince George's County Hall of Fame selection for 1995, and the annual announcement of our St. George's Day Awards. So as to ensure the suspense continues to build, I will hold off on announcing the winners until the next edition of News and Notes.

Our May 13, 1995 membership meeting will feature a newcomer to Maryland, but a person who is of great importance to the future course of the Maryland Historical Society and our partnerships with that body.

President Jane Eagen Dennis A. Fiori was named Director of the Maryland Historical Society effective March 14, 1995. His prior experience as Director of the Concord Museum (Concord, Mass.), Assistant Director of the Maine Arts Commission, and Deputy Director of later Mistress of Riversdale herself, traveled Programs at the Institute of Museum as the teen aged bride of George Calvert in Services are indicative of Mr. Fiori's the early part of the last century. outstanding qualifications for this important post. We look forward to his insights on I have asked Mrs. Sweeting, my museum management, fund raising, and aforementioned partner in life, to pen an planned growth. Please join us in welcoming article on Mount Calvert to follow up on this Mr. Fiori to Prince George's County. item in a later edition.

As many of our readers know, your editor Society Secretary Sarah Bourne has provides shares a long standing relationship with a a short perspective on our new President. Librarian, who, besides being my anchor and the light of my life these past 29 years, also Finally, note that the calendar pages are sees that I take the time to explain myself becoming more and more numerous - with when disparate actions seem to indicate lack one for the month, and two for the year - as I of planning. So, let me explain this issue of said at the beginning, we are getting busier News and Notes. We began with President and busier. Enjoy all of this wonderful Eagen's message - which deserves, we activity. You will also see notice of the believe, pride of place. Then come my tours of Historic St. Thomas' Church in meanderings, because I own the printer. Croome, given the first Saturday of each month through December in honor of their We then turn to articles by my favorite, and 250th anniversary. most prolific contributor - Past President Les Sweeting Paul Lanham. His first article - about the Walker Colt, brings the history of a weapon probably seldom seen in the County into focus because of the person for whom it was named - Col. Walker of Toaping Castle, Prince George's County.

His second article on the earliest days of our area, before the founding of the County, in fact, came to his mind when he read of the recent acquisition of a piece of Prince George's real estate that has possibly the FIREARMS HISTORY - THE WALKER COLT greatest historical significance of all - for it was the site of our first county seat - Charles On a recent tour of the Far West, Doris and I Town, now occupied by the mansion known visited the Lost Dutchman Museum on as Mount Calvert. It must be noted that this Superstition Mountain, Apache Junction, is a different place than the Calvert Mansion Arizona 85217. - Riversdale, which has come into such prominence with its recent restoration, but Quite unexpectedly, a vintage 44 caliber they certainly share a common history, since handgun, a "Walker Colt", production 240, it was to Mount Calvert that Rosalie Steir, was noted in a display of weapons of the daughter of the builder of Riversdale and West, far from Prince George's County, which has a role in its history. (The National Colonel Walker's distinguished career, may Rifle Association Museum in Washington, be secured through the Society's Frederick DC proudly displays another example of this DeMarr Library.3 valuable antique firearm.) A picture of Toaping Castle as it existed in While a member of the famed Texas 1952, and in ruinous condition in 1967, were Rangers, Samuel Hamilton Walker was shown in an article in the Prince George's charged with responsibility for procuring 'a Post, by the late James W. Wilfong, January standard sidearm' for that unit. The "Walker 12, 1967, available at the Columbia Colt", incorporating his design changes was Historical Society. the end product of that effort. Captain (later Colonel) Walker served with distinction With respect to the Walker Colt, two during the Seminole War and was killed in observers might be consulted. It is stated the War with Mexico on October 9, 1847. that the early "Whitneyville-Walker He was born on February 24, 1819 at the Dragoon" model was limited to 240 guns, of family home, Toaping Castle, on Bear Creek which 15 can be located.4 Wilson also notes in what is now Greenbelt. The house, after that there were 180 models of the earlier which the Daughters of the American "Walker Workman" model preserved. Out Revolution chapter takes its name, stood at of a total of 1100 Walker Colts, only 100 what would now be the northwest corner of were produced strictly as civilian (rather than the intersection of Greenbelt Road and the peace officer) items. Capitol Beltway, on property now occupied by an automotive agency. The family's title Paul Lanham dated back to a land grant of February 5, 1754. After the last bear for which the creek "Times Have Changed! In 1770, English law was named was dispatched, the origin of the stated that all women, regardless of rank name lapsed into obscurity. A Walker family (maids or virgins) who seduced and betrayed burial ground still exists in the area.1 into matrimony any man by use of scents, paints, heeled shoes, bolstered hips, artificial Colonel Walker is buried in San Antonio, teeth or hair, iron stays, hoops, cosmetic Texas, although there is a current effort washes, etc. would be convicted of being made to relocate his remains to the witchcraft and the marriage declared null and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame in Waco. void." South west Louisiana Genealogical Society, V18-4, 1994 (quoted in PGCGS The Walker clan is still an active one, as Bulletin April 1995 p 174, v 26 no 8. evidenced by their family reunions.2 Further information on the family, and specifically on

1 Stones and Bones. Prince 3 Across the Years in Prince George's County Genealogical Society, George's County. Effie Gwynne Bowie, 1984, p. 603. 1947; and The Walkers of Toaping Castle. Maryland. Samuel H. Walker, 1883. 2 Prince George's County Genealogical Society Bulletin. Vol 26, No. 4 The Colt Heritage. R. L. 3, 3/11/94, page 52. Wilson, 1939, Simon and Shuster, p. 296. Calvert Hundred for the crime of witchcraft. Calvert County, from which our County was formed, must claim the blame for an execution in the one case and an acquittal in the other.

The Biblical injunction that "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" was a powerful admonition of which our ancestors were THE WITCHES OF MOUNT CALVERT completely aware and supportive. It is We noted the announcement in the February amazing, in light of other reports, that 2, 1995 edition of the Washington Post that historical documents only disclose these two the State of Maryland's Maryland Historic instances as taking place in what is now Trust had acquired an historic 75-acre Prince George's County. property on the banks of the Patuxent River that was the site of the first seat of Case number One - Rebecca Fowler, spinster government for Prince George's County at of the late John Fowler, in the year 1685, is its creation on April 23, 1696. recorded as follows:

According to local tradition, the plantation "That being led by the instigation of house that sits on the property incorporates a the Divell (sic) she did wickedly, 17th century building that served as the divelishly (sic) and feloniously at County's first courthouse. However, Mount Calvert Hundred practice and historians and researchers have been able to exercise in upon and against one trace the origins of the structure only to the Francis Sandsbury and several others 1780s. Still, there is general agreement that in that him and there bodies were today's mansion called Mount Calvert is the very much the worst, consumed, only remaining extant building left on what pined and lamed. was once Charles Town (named for King Charles the I?) The county seat from 1696 The case was heard on October 3, 1685 by until the relocation of government to Upper the Court, and a guilty verdict rendered, and Marlboro in 1721. (Note that Upper sentence of death by hanging was carried out Marlboro, although named for the ducal seat on October 9. Expeditious justice indeed! of the hero of the Battle of Blenheim under Queen Anne, was called 'upper' so as to Case number two was that of Hannah distinguish it from Lower Marlboro, situated Edwards, spinster of the late Richard some 12 miles downstream, in the adjoining Edwards, in the year 1686, declared as Calvert County). follows:

Early history in the Charles Town area, as it "That she the said Hannah Edwards existed prior to the founding of Prince did practice and exercise certain evil George's County is obscured by the passage and diabollicall (sic) arts called of time, but the records of the Maryland witchcraft, inchantments, charmes Provincial Court are interesting in that they (sic) and sorceryes (sic) upon and document two prosecutions in Mount against one Ruth Hutchinson and others upon their bodies. . .were very John B. Bourne, Treasurer much consumed, pined and wasted against the peace and form of the State in this case." MEET THE BOARD

Tried by a jury, according to the records, the Jane Eagen declares that she had little defendant was acquitted. The veniremen in interest in either history or heritage until the the case were Richard Smith, Andrew Social Studies unit on Maryland arose in the Abington, Walter Lane, James Neale, John county curriculum for her fourth grade class. Atley, Thomas Truxton, John Allen, John As is typical of her style, Jane did not settle Woodward, Moses James, Robert Benson, for the materials the county provided and Thomas Price and Thomas Cooke. sought to educate herself on the subject. A two semester course at the University of A complete report of known cases of Maryland under Dr. Verne Chatelaine was Witchcraft in Maryland is contained in an the spark that has driven a life time of article of that title by Frances Neal Parke in passion for Maryland and local history. A the Maryland Historical Society Magazine of large collection of books about the Free December 1936, beginning on page 271. State found their way into the Eagen The article alludes to executions at sea in personal library and into Jane's life. During 1654 and 1658, aboard vessels bound for the the 350th anniversary of the founding of colony. The Society's library has this Maryland, Jane was one of the county magazine in its collection. teachers who had the opportunity to participate in the Maryland History Paul Lanham Experience, where she found many like- minded souls. A direct result of that experience is Our Maryland, an elementary FROM THE TREASURER level text that Jane co-authored and that is widely used in the schools across the State Welcome to New Members! today. In researching the book, Jane discovered many exciting heritage locations Deborah A. Greenberg and is an avid tour guide and promoter of Jen A. Halloway local history. Robert J. Halloway One of her fourth grade classes piloted a VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!! research project at Partnership on the grounds of Adventure World, one that has UNPAID 1995 MEMBER DUES been a model for other student research efforts. She takes great pride in the fact that If the label attached to this issue of News one of those students will graduate this year and Notes reflects "94" circled in red, your with a degree in architecture, another is 'in 1995 dues payment has not been received by process' and several others have become the Treasurer. PGCHS Bylaws provide that history students in college. your name must be dropped from membership rolls — Please renew your As a life-long county resident, educated in membership today!!!! Thank you. county schools, and as an elementary teacher, Jane feels strongly that too many of constantly in order to roast the coffee our children do not acquire a sense of home regularly it loses much of its strength and or roots. A desire to help overcome this flavor, and if you cover it, the coffee at the deficiency has led Jane to accept the bottom will burn, and by the time it is done, awesome task as President of the Society some of it is burnt black, which imparts a and a leadership role in planning for the bitter flavor to the whole; neither can it be County's Tricentennial. The Society done by any other roaster, as they have to be recognized a good thing when they tapped stopped frequently to inspect the coffee, and her to serve on the Board of Directors a while standing still the coffee is burning at month before her retirement from teaching the bottom, and every time the door is became official. The citizens of Prince opened the aroma passes off. George's County, particularly the children, are richer for the all-consuming dedication of For sale by James A. Medley, Marlboro this extremely dedicated and talented lady. House, Upper Marlboro, MD.

Sarah Bourne, Secretary Ed. Note - James Medely operated the hotel in the Marlboro Tavern, and one can imagine FROM PLANTER 'SADVOCA TE that, as the local seller of this newfangled 4 SEPTEMBER 1861 device, he used it to roast coffee in the mornings and his overnight visitors waking GOOD COFFEE - SOMETHING NEW to this delightful aroma would awake "in good humor with" the host. Thanks to This you can always have by using Herman's Susan Pearl for this gem. celebrated COFFEE ROASTER, Patented January 18, 1859. Just such an apparatus as this has long been needed in every family to stop the men from grumbling at their wives for making bad coffee, and to keep the women in a good humor with the grocery men. This Roaster is so constructed that the coffee is shifted from one end of the cylinder to the other twice during each revolution - by this means all the coffee is exposed to the same heat, and every grain roasted alike. In the end is placed a small glass window. Through which the coffee can be inspected at any time without opening the door - thus obviating the all danger of burning it too much, and preventing the escape of the aroma. In order to have a rich, fragrant cup of coffee, it must be roasted regularly, and the aroma retained; if this is lost in roasting, the coffee becomes bitter, or flat and insipid. This cannot be done in an open vessel, for if you keep the vessel open and stir it April 1995 Monthly Planner April 7:00 I'M PRCVCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEOLCTGICAI, SOCIKIY MEETING, GREENBEI.T LIBRARY 8 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMB ERSHIP MEETING NO MEETING DUE TO ST. GEORGE'S DAY

23 1:OOPM-6:OOPMST. GEORGE'S DAY DINNER, MARLBORO HUNT CLUB April 1995-March 1996 Yearly Planner April 95 April August October 95 S_M_T_W 1. 7:00 FM PRINCE GEORGE'S S M T W T F S 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1 2 3 "~4" S" 6 7 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI 2345678 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ETY MEETING, GKEENBELT PGCHS BOARD 9 10 11 12 13 14 IS 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 LIBRARY 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 September 29 30 31 8 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM < 7:00 PM PRLNCE GEORGE'S PGCHSBOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 23 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM ST. GEORGE'S LIBRARY DAY DINNER, MARLBORO May 95 HUNT CLUB 9 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM November 95 S_MJMV_!_F._S PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1 23 4~ 5 6 May I 2 34 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 23 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS PRINCE 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 3 7:00 PM PRLNCE GEORGE'S 12 !3 14 15 16 17 18 OF A COUNTY RECEPTION. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- \'> 20 21 22 23 24 25 PLEASANT PROSPECT 28 29 30 31 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 26 27 28 29 30 LIBRARY October 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHSBOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT June 95 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LIBRARY December 95 ______PGCHS MEMBER- S_M T W T F S 12 3 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM i' 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SHIP MEETING PGCHS BOARD 3456789 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 |7 5:00 PM-8:00 PM PRESER- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 VATION WEEK RECEPTION. 31 ANDREWS AIRFORCE BASE PGCHS MEMBER- CLUB SHIP MEETING June November 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S July 95 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 1 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S January 96 S_MJ'JWjr F S ETY MEETING, GKEENBELT COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- S M T W T F S ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY " '1 2 3 4 ' 56 LIBRARY 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 11 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 PGCHS BOARD PGCHS BOARD 28 29 30 31 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- PGCHS MEMBER- SHIP MEETING SHIP MEETING August 95 July February 96 _____ December S M T W T F S f T 34 5 « 7:00 FM PRINCE GEORGE'S T ~2~ 3 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 456789 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 LIBRARY E TV MEETING, GREENBEIT 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 LIBRARY 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 8 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM O 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM PGCHS HOLI- PGCHSBOARD DAY GALA, RIVERSDALE August January September 95 7.00 PA1 PRINCE GEORGE'S 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S March 96 S_ M J W T F S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- S M T W T F S "" " " "l "2 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT ETY MEETING, GREENBF.LT " 1 "2 3456789 LIBRARY LIBRARY 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Printed bv Calendar Creator Plus on 3/25/95 Guided Tours of Historic St. Thomas9 Church Croome, Maryland

In observance of the 250th Anniversary of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, free guided tours will be offered the first Saturday of each month from April to December beginning at 1:00p.m.

Established by Act of the Maryland General Assembly in 1732, which taxed parishioners for as much tobacco needed to build St. Thomas', one of our county's six 18th Century churches.

Parish church of Thomas John Claggett, first Episcopal Bishop consecrated in America, whose epitaph, composed by Francis Scott Key, is inscribed on a brass tablet on the front wall.

Members of the Calvert family, proprietary Lords of Maryland, are buried in the cemetery. of Mt Airy Plantation, son of the fifth Lord Baltimore, and his daughter, Eleanor Calvert Custis Stewart,step daughter in law of George Washington, lie buried beneath the church's floor.

For tour arrangements, call Marion Freeman, St. Thomas'Parish House. (301)627-8469 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours. X WASHINGTON, DC

rW eEOI^UOOIt WORKAl MY POST OFFICE VOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORO U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

APRIL 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXm NUMBER 4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 WELCOME BACK FOR AN OLD FRIEND President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts Secretary - Sarah Bourne Mark your calendars for May 21, 1995 - when the Treasurer - John B. Bourne County finally welcomes back into the fold of historic Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr Editor - Lester H. Sweeting sites available for visits and celebration. Directors- 1994/1995 John Mitchell Built in the 1740s — Belair Mansion is a 2-story Julie Bright Sarah Moseley brick Georgian Mansion with hip-on-hip roof; architecturally compatible flanking hypens and wings Directors- 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray were added in the early twentieth centure. On the Wallis Hall Cain grounds is a small family graveyard. The main block James Rea of the mansion was built for , provincial Past Presidents , and was the country home of W. C. (Bud) Dutton John Giannetti his son, Benjamin Ogle, Governor from 1798 until Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads 1801. During the first half of this century, Belair Joyce McDonald was (he country estate of prominent horse-breeder, William Woodward. It is now the centerpiece of Bowie.

Come and join in Bowie Heritage Day, Sunday, May 21, 1995, 1 PM to 5 PM. Special events to be held at MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER the Belair Stable Museum and the Mansion, including First - a correction - Jeri A. military re-enactments, the Bladensburg Heritage Hollo way and Robert J. Hollo way Colonial Dancers, crafts people, horses, etc. were listed as Halloway last month. We regret the error. Welcome to Margaret Brent Tells Stories, Cooking from the new member Dorothy Ball. Colonial Table, and Music from Harpsichords! This is the last issue of News and Notes that will be mailed to those members who have not renewed membership (based on Society records) for 1995. Mailing labels reflect "94" if you are on this list. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR RENEWAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ~ ~"~ " MAY MEETING - SPEAKER CHANGE ST. GEORGE'S DAY AWARDS PRESENTED Because of an unforseen conflict in his schedule, Dennis Fiori, Director of the April 23, 1995 was the date - the 299th Maryland Historical Society, will not be able Birthday of Prince George's County - and to speak to the Society at our May 13, 1995 the Marlborough Hunt Club on the banks of membership meeting. We are advised that the Patuxent was our venue for celebrating Mr. Fiori will try to arrange to address us at this momentous and happy occasion. Our a future date. revelry was somewhat overshadowed by thoughts of the families of the victims of the We are fortunate, however, to have an terrible bombing in Oklahoma City, and we equally gifted substitute, Stephen E. Patrick, observed a moment of silence in honor of who is the Executive Director, Hammond- those who gave that last full measure, and Harwood House Association, Annapolis. their loved ones. Mr. Patrick will talk about the Maryland planter gentry (and especially those in Prince President Jane Eagen read the formal act George's County), their maritime trade ordering the erection of Prince George's connections, and their influence on the County, passed by the colonial legislature in society of the time. This illustrated lecture 1695. She also acted as Mistress of promises to be most informative. Ceremonies for the presentation of St. George's Day Awards to six of the eight A native Marylander, Mr. Patrick holds an recipients for 1995. These are: honors degree in American Studies and Russian from the University of Delaware, Victoria and ToddDavison of Riverdale for and a of arts degree from the College their loving restoration and preservation of of William and Mary. He has also trained at the Smith House in Riverdale. the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Museum, the Attingham Summer School on Kevin Phillips of Croom for his significant the English Country House at Oxford service as a member of the Prince George's University, and the Museum of Early Historical and Cultural Trust, Prince Southern Decorative Arts, University of George's Heritage, and most especially, his North Carolina. His museum experience management of "The Newell Post", the ranges from Annapolis, to Alexandria (The Prince George's County Historic Artifact George Washington Museum at the George Salvage Depot, under the aegis of the Trust. Washington Masonic National Memorial; to Philadelphia - The Masonic Library and Covington andMonique Stanwick of Museum of Pennsylvania. He has authored Aquascofor their restoration and several scholarly articles, including one preservation of "Sunnydale " in Aquasco, entitled "Marylanders in the Nascent Russo- site of the 1994 Fall Fund Raiser. American Trade" in the current issue of( Maryland Historical Magazine. Rebecca Livingston of Hyattsville/University Park, for her dedicated work with the Hyattsville Preservation Association and on the University Park Historic District Survey. W. Dicker son Charlton ofAdelphifor his DEAN ADELE STAMP long years of service to the County as a HONORED BY HALL OF FAME member of Prince George's Heritage, the County Representative to the Maryland One highlight of our annual St. George's Historical Trust, and other groups. Day celebration is the announcement of a new inductee into the Prince George's Dick and Betty Compton of Laurel for their County Hall of Fame. This year was no leadership and service to the Laurel exception. For the first time, the honoree Historical Society. was a woman, and (only for the second time) a person who was known to many of our Unable to attend were two other recipients: audience.

Karen Duffy Miles of Dunkirk for her long Ms. Adele Stamp, much loved and respected senice as a volunteer with the Prince Dean of Women at the University of George's County Genealogical Society and Maryland for 38 years - from 1922 until its library, and other organizations. 1960, was the 1995 inductee. The Hall of Fame Committee of Prince George's County, Helen Clark of Bowie in honor of her Inc. Presented a portrait of the late Dean participation in the restoration of the Bel Stamp by Win Warren, a widely known Air Mansion. Prince George's artist. The painting will join those of the other members of the Hall of Finally, Past President Warren "Dusty" Fame in the County Courthouse in Upper Rhoads, on behalf of the Society noted Marlboro. special recognition to two publications - Women of Achievement, a book published Those who knew Dean Stamp. Which last year detailing the accomplishments of a includes many of the Society members who diverse group of daughters of Prince attended the University of Maryland, George's throughout the past three especially those who were "her girls" as Ms. centuries; and Tassport to the Past", the Stamp referred to her charges, felt that Mr. quarterly publication of the MNCPPC's Warren had done a superb job of capturing History Division under the direction of John both Ms. Stamp's likeness and her Walton, Jr. personality as he labored on this work - self described as one of his most satisfying. Our congratulations to all of the very deserving winners of this most prestigious Adele Stamp was born about 1890 in award. Maryland and after securing her degree, was selected as the first Dean of Women for the University of Maryland in 1922. Accepting the position for one year - she set about establishing a place for the less than 100 female enrolles of the University - always ensuring that "Her Girls" were accorded proper treatment as "Ladies" and deserved that treatment. A model of decorum, there are a number of her "Girls" still active in Prince George's County who consider now less than a year away - in fact events themselves both fortunate and special will begin in only 6 months from the time because they were Dean Stamp's "Girls". you receive this newsletter, and other evidence of the celebration may be around LETTER TO THE EDITOR even earlier.

As those who have perused these pages over As many of you know, for personal reasons the past few years know, your Editor is not Society Past President Joyce McDonald without fault - and not without the resigned as Chair of the official Tricentennial wherewithal to admit same. So, when we Celebration Committee. County Executive goof up, we are pleased to be set right by the Wayne Curry named Tim Maloney to replace experts (perhaps we goof up solely to ensure Joyce, and Tim is working hard to carry on that the experts are reading this missive!). the work that Joyce and the rest of her volunteer army had started. For many April 1 1995 reasons, it was decided that a full-time Dear Lester— Director was needed (a need Joyce and In your March 1995 column I believe others identified very early on) and we are you are confusing Mount Calvert and Mount pleased to report that Anita Pesses (currently Albion in relation to Rosalie Calvert. It was M-NCPPC public affairs officer) has been Mount Albion on the Patuxent, the property detailed to the office for the duration. To owned by George Calvert, to which Rosalie better effect the many parts of her role as went after her 1799 marriage and where she Director, Anita has been provided with an spent the first several years of her married office at Riversdale, and the phone there is life. Mount Albion is near the now-dead 301-322-1996. town of Queen Anne —further up the river than Mount Calvert, which is near Croom. As many of you know, there were three My Landmarks of Prince George's County separate groups operating - in harmony but, (p. 66) says that Mount Calvert was built in at times, under different rules. While the the 18th Century by John Brown, who seems Tricentennial Celebration Trust, Inc (the to have lived there until his death in 1809. charitable corporation that will likely remain Mount Albion still exists - in private in existence after 1996 and that acts as hands - It was expanded in the 1930s and financial controller for the effort) has not 1840s by Rosalie's daughter Eugenia and changed, the Tricentennial Celebration became known as "Goodwood". Eugenia's Committee (the appointed committee) and additions to the house later burned, but the the Tricentennial Celebration Citizens original Mount Albion dwelling survived - a Committee (which was amorphous in size drastic method of restoration! and duties) have been merged. There remains a larger and reconstituted (or soon Sincerely Peggy Callcott. to be such) official committee that will be the coordinating force for all activities.

TRICENTENNIAL UPDATE And, speaking of activities - boy has the calendar become crowded - and some very It has been some time since we have special things are planned. I am unable to reported on the Tricentennial effort, which is list them all in this month's edition, but would highlight the most important for you - HELP IS NEEDED

Prince George's County is going to be on The Newsletter of Living History, called Television! Maryland Public Television has Holidays 1994 contained the following agreed to produce a 60 to 90 minute documentary advertisement recently: in celebration of the Tricentennial, to be aired (we hope) in April of next year. We also hope that Prince George's County Planters other PBS stations around the country will show this film. We do know that it will air on all of Guard reenactment group being MPT's outlets across the state. We also hope to formed. We are seeking information have copies of the video for purchase as a about the uniforms, weapons, souvenir. traditions, etc. of this ante-bellum (circa late 1850s) Maryland militia MVA Administrator Marshall Rickert has unit. If you have information or are approved the official Tricentennial interested in joining, please call Gary Commemorative License Tags, and these will be Jones at (301)262-3084. available shortly, at a price of $30. We hope that everyone who loves this County will sport one of Paul Lanham writes: these unique reminders of where we live.

Dorothy Rainwater's Tricentennial Cookbook will The flag of the Prince George's County be available for sale in the very near future. Over Planter's Guards can be viewed in its glass 290 recipes celebrating the history and diversity case at the Historical Society's DeMarr of Prince George's County will be found in this Library at Marietta. In addition, there is $ 10 soft color cookbook - a must have for all reportedly extensive coverage in the those cooks who want to know what Prince Inquirer - Gazette news item of the day Georgeans have eaten over the past 300 years. reporting its presentation to the Society.

The Tricentennial celebrates 300 years of history - As a matter of interest, the Prince George's but in the manner of the 1990s. Through the County Planter's Guard joined the list of good offices of the University of Maryland, the pre-Civil War citizen's militias of the day - Prince George's County Tricentennial will be available on the Internet, as soon as arrangements which included the Vansville Rangers, the can be made. Address information is Buena Vista Grays, and the Piscataway forthcoming. Rifles. Records at Annapolis show that these If you want to include any notices on this bulletin latter three organizations actually drew board, contact Anita Pesses at the Tricentennial weapons and accessories from the Federal office. government ~ items which these units happily carried South as hostilities The first item that will be available on our commenced! Internet point will be the 100+ page Bibliography produced by Bud Button and his subcommittee. Information on these and similar groups is meager. Any knowledge our readers can More to come in the next few issues. supply on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Please copy such to the Editor. Lester Sweeting FROM THE BOOKSHELF It was the Washington Post's Prince George's Weekly (February 2, 1995) which originally piqued my interest. The headline read "State Buying Site of Old P.G. County Seat: After 3 Years of Negotiations, Md. Acquiring Mount Calvert." Weekly Staff Writer Eugene L. Meyer went on to describe "a historic 75-acre property on the banks of the Patuxent River that was the site of the first county seat of Prince George's. According to local tradition, the plantation house there incorporates a 17th century building that served as the county's first courthouse. Historians, however, have been able to trace the building only to the 1780s. Still, there is agreement that the mansion called Mount Calvert is the only building left on what was once Charles Town, the county seat from 1696 until 1721." But alas, for the visually obsessed, there was no photograph. Two pictorial favorites from the Holden-Sweeting library shelves, including many Historic American Buildings Survey photographs of County sites, where quickly located. Alan Virta's Prince George's County: A Pictorial History features the northern (away from the river facade and the western facade dominated by the elaborate chimneys (page 43) . Our second visual extravaganza, Jack E. Boucher's Landmarks of Prince George's County also included a photograph of the unique chimney facade. I then consulted the 1974 description of Mount Calvert prepared by Christopher Owens, National Park Service Historian. This somewhat dense description follows but is softened by an architectural rebus illustrating some of the unusual features of this site.

"The house is two story, (I know about

Flemish bond because on a recent tour of Marietta, Dusty Rhoads, distributed a handout illustrating it) , brick structure with a three bay (north) facade. The second floor The windows are Over the openings, the jack arches are one \ 7 and one MB tall.

The — 7 has a fretwork frieze and boxed cornice.

.1 L. 1 ,1 I 1 / — L-Cl_l / OL f J The window frames are heavy timbers, pegged rather than mitered at the corners, with a wide bead on the inside edge. The door frames are beaded on the inside edge, with an molding on the outside edge. (7

THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

e w of V o/ t/u& t/H, ')f€'CO&/yi(AMyM; 04^ the significant contribution that your distinguished members have made to preserve the rich heritage of Prince George's County and the great State of Maryland ... in honor of the occasion of the 299th anniversary celebration of the founding of Prince George's County; and as an expression of our admiration, gratitude and great respect as you commemorate this historic day,

awe fiteaAea, fa ctyyu May 1995-April 1996 Yearly Planner May 95 May September November 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES 123456 9 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1234 COUNTY GENEA1OGICAI, SOCI- 7 g 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT PGCHS BOARD 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 LIBRARY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 23 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS PRINCE 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 OF A COUNTY RECEPTION, 13 1 0:00 AM- 1:00 PM PLEASANT PROSPECT PGCHS BOARD 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM October PGCHS MEMBER- 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES June 95 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- December 95 M T W T F S SHIP MEETING ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S LIBRARY 1 2 3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |7 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM PRESER- 3456789 1112 13 14 15 16 17 VATION WEEK RECEPTION, 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ANDREWS AIRFORCE BASE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PGCHS BOARD 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 CLUB 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 31 29 ROBIN HOOD FA YRE, MARI- ETTA MANSION PGCHS MEMBER- CALL FOR DETAILS - 464- SHIP MEETING 0690 MARKLAND MEDIEVAL SOCI- July 95 ETY - ANNUAL HASTINGS January 96 S M T W T F S June FAIRE AT MARIETTA S M T W T F S i 123456 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S (SOCIETY MEETING 2345678 7 S 9 10 11 12 13 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- MOVED TO GLENDALE 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT COMMUNITY CENTER 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 LIBRARY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 28 29 30 31 November 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY August 95 PGCHS MEMBER- February 96 5 M T W T F S II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S 12345 SHIP MEETING 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PGCHS BOARD 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 July 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 27 28 29 30 31 COUNTY GENEALOGJCAl SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- 25 26 27 28 29 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT SHIP MEETING LIBRARY December 8 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES September 95 PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- March 96 S M T W T F S ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S 1 2 August LIBRARY 1 2 3456789 3456789 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 O 2:00 PM-4:00 PM PGCHS HOLI- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 DAY GALA, RIVERSDALE ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 LIBRARY January 31 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS BOARD ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY October 95 September April 96 S M T W T F S 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM M T W T F S 1234567 123456 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 PGCHS BOARD 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 LIBRARY 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 28 29 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 4/26/95 The south facade is identical to the north facade in detailing. The doorway, however, is in the east bay. There are two dormers with 6/6 double hung sash windows.

The west gable end has a

The weatherings taper in at the second floor."

Key to the rebus: a. Flemish bond; b. Central doorway, with four light transom, flanked by; c. 9/9 double hung sash windows; d. 6/6 double hung sash windows; e. header; f. stretcher; g. entablature; h. ovolo; i. double exterior chimney with one story pent. Rebus sources: Classic Old House Plans; Three centuries of American Domestic Architecture by Lawrence Grow, N.Y., 1978. A Guide to Old American Houses, 1700-1900 by Henry Lionel Williams, N.Y., 1977. More Classic Old house Plans; Authentic Designs for Colonial & Victorian Homes, by Lawrence Grow, N.Y., 1986. Old House Measured and Scaled Detail Drawings for Builders and Carpenters, Dover reprints, 1983.

Can you visualize Mount Calvert, as pictured?

Frustrated Architectural Historian Bibliophile SHARON HOWE SWEETING HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12 - 4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours.

PRINCE 6EOR&mOIMMTOIll(Al SOCIETY POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MAY 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXffl NUMBER 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS -1995 KEEP HISTORIC SITES FREE President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts From the New York Times - May 9, 1995, Editorial Secretary - Sarah Bourne Page Treasurer - John B. Bourne Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr Editor - Lester H. At a time of constricted budgets, Bernadette Castro, Sweeting the new (NY) State Parks Commissioner, is under- standably looking for ways to generate more income Directors- 1994/1995 from the users of the thousands of campsites, nature John Mitchell Julie Bright centers, beaches and golf courses enjoyed by tourists Sarah Moseley and New Yorkers alike. The heir to the Castro Convertibles fortune and onetime Republican Directors- 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray candidate for the Senate says she wants park Wallis Hall Cain managers to become more "entrepreneurial," often by James Rea charging fees for visiting these public facilities. Past Presidents W. C. (Bud) Dutton For parks and recreation areas, her approach makes John Giannetti sense. But Ms. Castro should rule out one possibility Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads she has raised, the idea of extending the fees to places Joyce McDonald that have traditionally been free because of their educational and cultural value. The state operates 35 historic sites, ranging from Walt Whitman's Birthplace to George Washington's headquarters and Hudson River mansions from the Gilded Age. These places draw students and others who might well be discouraged if even a nominal fee were imposed. For now, Ms. Castro says she wants to impose Warburton Manor, sited at today's Fort parking or access fees for cars rather than Washington; Melwood, the Ignatius Digges admission fees, but a charge is a charge no house; and the magnificent Snowden estate, matter how you look at it. True, user fees Montpelier, near Laurel. The now vanished could help some of these historic sites pay for Spurrier's Tavern at route 1 and route 175, needed repairs at a time of diminished also near Laurel, hosted the General twenty- resources, and could provide money for five times whereas his diary related on June brochures or tour guides that might help draw 18, 1795, "my sick horse died." The even more visitors. venerable St. Barnabas's church, at Leeland near Upper Marlboro, and St. John's Church, But the Commissioner ought to explore other Broad Creek, both still in use today, record his ways of paying for these benefits, including attendance at Anglican services. corporate sponsorship. The principle that should be enshrined is unfettered access to Mr. Jones has done an excellent job in history. documenting an aspect of the life of our first President which is of universal interest. It is ©New York Times Co. assumed Mr. Jones is aware of the occasion of March 27, 1791, when the President's diary Ed. Note ~ I ran across the above editorial reports "Bathed at Queen Ann" [on the and thought I 'd include it just because it Patuxent just south of Central Avenue] and points out 'what the Society most values - an "Lodged at Bladensburgh" [possibly the unfettered access to our history is a benefit George Washington House] departing at without price that should be open to all. LHS 6:30am the following day for George Town. Also involved was an October 31, 1791(?) GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE stop en route to Philadelphia from Mount AND HERE - AND HERE Vernon at Upper Marlboro with breakfast at Queen Anne the following morning. A further The above eye-catching title heads an article reference relates to a crossing from Mt. by Carleton Jones which appeared in the Vernon to Mr. Digges at sunrise on May 9, Baltimore Sun Magazine Section of December 1787, dining at Mr. Richard Henderson's in 1, 1974. Bladensburg and lodging at Maj. Snowden's (Montpelier) where 'feeling very severely a Mr. Jones indicates that our first and well- violent headache and sick stomachy, I went to traveled president may have spent 750 nights bed early." The General's diary of Sept. 21, on Maryland turf many of which were en route 1787, refers to "dining at the Widow Ball's to Baltimore and Annapolis. Specifically (formerly Spurrier's) and lodged at Major mentioned are Prince George's County visits Snowden's who was not at home "and on the to Mount Lubentia (Castle Magruder) near the following day Breakfasted at Bladensburgh." P.O. Community College (and where Further, on March 13, 1797, the General and Maryland's state records, deposited for Mrs. Washington "breakfasted at Spurrier's safeguarding in Upper Marlboro in the War of where the lodging is good, the eating 1812, were hastily stored when the British tolerable" and then journeyed on to appeared at our county seat). Also mentioned Bladensburg for dinner and lodging at the sign are visits to Mount Airy (Dower House) in of the Indian Queen "a good house kept by Rosaryville, southwest of Upper Marlboro; one Ross." (NOTE: References in this paragraph abstracted from letter dated Feb. 1, The Last Path-finding Pioneer" 1972 and enclosures thereto from Mr. John A. Castellari, Librarian, Mount Vernon Ladies Jane August Burch, Association of the Union to Mrs. Felix Hitching Post Hill. Cristofane, a member of the P.G. Historical 1973 Society. Her Honor, the Mayor of Bladensburg, graciously provided the Edward Fitzgerald Beale, U.S. undersigned with a complete copy of the Navy, was a hero in the Battle of San Pasquale correspondence at that time. Interpretation of in the war for California in 1845. Why was the various enclosures are solely those of the he, a 23 year old Naval officer, fighting with undersigned and due to their fragmentary the U.S. Army forces? Because Beale extraction from basic references without volunteered in this expedition, just as he was continuity should be verified against the to do many times throughout his colorful source documents before quoting. Because of career, until he earned the title General. Beale their reference value to county history has been slighted by most historians but he has students, they are documented below: been called by writers of early Western history, 'The Last Path-finder" and "A Published Diaries of General Washington. Pioneer in the Path of Empire." Vol. II, p. 125; vol. ?, p. 162; vol. Ill p.214-5; vol. IV, p. 152; and vol. ? p. 238. The Battle of San Pasquale was the bloodiest George Washington by Douglas Freeman, fight in the winning of California and the U.S. Vol. 7, p. 446. Army lost this battle to the Mexican forces. On a rainy December day in 1846 the United One very minor discrepancy (possibly major to States lost 3 officers and 18 dragoons and some readers) in Mr. Jones' well written Captain Andres Pico's Mexican forces won. article is his reference to Montpelier as "state There is a monument now standing on the property" whereas actually the historically battleground in the peaceful Southern conscious Maryland National Capital Parks California valley. This monument honors the and Planning Commission holds title, a matter American men who fought under General in which the Prince George's County Stephen W. Kearny, Captain Abraham R. Historical Society played a significant role. Johnston, Captain Benjamin Moore, Edward F. Beale, U.S.N., and Kit Carson, the SUBMITTED BY PAUL LANHAM legendary scout.

Edward F. Beale was born in Washington, D.C. about a mile north of the White House on February 4, 1822. As he entered his teens he planned to enter the Navy because his father and grandfather had been heros in Naval battles. His maternal grandfather, Thomas Truxton, had received a gold medal from Congress for his capture, in the ship, "Constellation," of two French frigates, both his superiors in guns and men. Beale's father had received a silver medal from Congress for his service in the victory on Lake Champlain the ship soon removed them from his coat. over a British ship of superior forces on Meanwhile, Beale had many fights with his September 11, 1814. shipmates and he made life-long friends at this time regardless of his nature to settle By the time he was fifteen years of age he was arguments with his fists. ready to enter Naval school but Andrew Jackson was President in a democratic era that He was warranted in 1839 at the age of 17 and frowned upon prescriptive rights to enter the ordered to the West Indies Squadron where he Navy. Beale had these rights because of his served one year. Then he was sent back to the family background. According to the Beale Naval School at Philadelphia and in 1842 at family history, the incident of a fist fight gave age 20, he graduated and was commissioned him the naval appointment he wanted. One Passed-Midshipman with a commendation for afternoon after leaving school in Georgetown, his tests, in seamanship and his excellent young Ned and a friend named Evans argued English. His next duty was on board "The about President Jackson, Ned spoke for Porpoise" and then he was sent to the frigate Jackson while the other boy upheld the rival "Congress," which carried him to California. Adamites. A fist fight followed and while He was a tall, brown-eyed twenty-three year rolling on the ground, the two boys looked up old naval officer when he arrived in San Diego to see a tall man beside them. He demanded in time to fight in the Battle of San Pasquale. to know the reason for the fight and then he said, "I am Jackson. I never forget the men War with Mexico had just broken out, and and boys who are willing to fight for me, but, fighting had already begun when the frigate, of course, I do not wish for them to do it all "Congress" arrived in Monterey, California on the time. Now, put on your coats." July 20. Two weeks earlier California had been annexed to the United States by the Later, when Ned and his widowed mother Navy. Commodore Robert F. Stockton was in went to the White House to request his naval command of the "Congress," and bringing in appointment, Beale spoke up and reminded reinforcements. the President of the fight. Without a word, Jackson immediately wrote to the Secretary of The war between the U.S. forces and the the Navy to ask for Beale's immediate Mexican forces was still unsettled. Kit Carson warrant. Young Scale's Naval career was was on his way overland to Washington, D.C., begun by Old Hickory himself. with the news that California was under the Stars and Stripes. But after Carson had left, ""Edward Fitzgerald Beale," by Stephen fighting began again and Los Angeles had to Bonsai, 1912. evacuated. Commodore Stockton took the retreating U.S. men on board his ship, "The In February, 1837, he reported to the Naval Congress," and them proceeded to San Diego School aboard the receiving ship, "The with the intention of re-grouping and re- Independence," which was serving as the supplying. School. He arrived wearing a fancy coat that his mother had ordered a seamstress to make After his ship, "Congress," arrived in San along nautical lines with his Grandfather Diego, Stockton raised the stars and Stripes Truxton's large gold buttons. These buttons above the sprawling pueblo on its shores. were historical but the young men on board Commodore Stockton now made plans for a push northward to re-take Los Angeles, and Beale had a slight face wound but the then he received news unexpectedly that Californians had no fatalities and only a few General Stephen W. Kearney and his ragged injuries. remnant of the U.S. Army of the West had arrived at Warner's Hot Springs from Santa After the Battle, the Kearney detachment Fe, New Mexico and needed communication buried their dead and limped down the valley with the Naval forces. Commodore Stockton for several miles. The Californians were close sent as volunteers, Marine Captain Archibald behind and pinned the Americans down on a H. Gillespie, Midshipman Beale, Midshipman boulder-studded rise, later named "Mule Hill." Duncan and a party of bluejackets to meet Kearney and his men camped there after the Kearney and his Army forces. fighting and they were forced to eat their mounts or starve. They were trapped there General Kearney had word from Kit Carson with neither water or supplies and on his way East, that all was peaceful in circumstances were desperate. Midshipman California. Kearney than returned most of his Beale, Kit Carson, who had turned back from Army to Santa Fe and marched on to his trip East to join the U.S. forces, and a California with a small party, thinking that the now-nameless Indian volunteered to try to get state was under U.S. control. But he found through the Mexican lines. that he and his men were barred by a hostile band of Californians (Mexicans) about 60 Later, Senator Thomas Hart Benton gave a miles from his destination, San Diego. commendatory speech before Congress about the three volunteers and he described the Kearney decided to meet the Mexicans head- Army camp scene in these words: "The brief on without the necessary men and equipment, preparations for the forlorn hope were soon against the advice of the Navy men who had made; tho brief they were. A rifle each, a just met him. The Navy wanted General blanket, a revolver, a sharp knife and no food, Kearney to take a fairly safe route back to San there was none in the camp. General Kearney Diego, through El Cajon. invited Beale to come and sup with him. It was not the company of Anthony and The Battle of San Pasquale began and Major Cleopatra, for when the General asked Beale Emory, one of the army officers, later wrote what provisions he had to travel on, the that 'it was one of the most tattered and ill-fed answer was nothing. The General called his detachment of men that ever the U.S. servant to inquire what his tent afforded; a mustered under its colors." Many of handful of flour, was the answer. The General Kearney's cavalry had to use mules to make ordered it to be baked into a loaf and given to their charges. Kearney had underestimated Beale, When the loaf was brought, the servant the ability of the native Californians said that was the last, not the bread only but (Mexicans) as horsemen and fighters as they everything, that he had nothing left for the were defending their homeland. Two hours General's breakfast. Beale directed the after the Battle had begun, the U.S. had lost 3 servant to carry back the loaf, saying he could officers and 18 dragoons, and many men, provide for himself. He did provide for including Kearney himself, had been seriously himself, and how? By going to the wounded by Mexican lances which were smouldering fire, where the baggage had been bedecked with red, white and green streamers, burned in the morning, and scraping from the the colors of the Mexican flag. Midshipman ashes and embers the half-burned peas and were founded), has been invited to travel to promotional materials. In addition, visitors America to see the County for which her will be given a sheet with pre-printed ancestor is named. We await Her Majesty's questions for completion and inclusion in a pleasure with anticipation. County Birthday Book. Accumulating this kind of record could stand as an incredible Sheriff James Aliusi is the latest in a line of monument to who we are and a significant officials whose office dates to the founding of resource for the future. Portions of the book Prince George's County. Though the office may be published in bound form. has different duties, and a smaller territory (remember - we covered Maryland entirely to the West until well into the 18th century), theirs is a proud tradition and one to be celebrated on April 22, 1996 at Martin's Crosswinds - a Sheriffs Deputies Dinner and Reunion.

The Bladensburg Races Return. On August 10, 1996, Bladensburg will help celebrate one PISCATAWAY INDIANS of their most important events in our three AND GENEALOGY centuries with a re-enactment of the Battle of Bladensburg. While not known as 'their finest The Prince George's County Genealogical hour' we are pleased that Bladensburg will use Society Meeting on Wednesday, June 7 will this event to teach our children (and adults) feature a discussion by Mrs. Marvin Savoy of what happened that day. This is but one of the the Governor's Commission on Indian Affairs. events Bladensburgers anticipate next year. Her talk is on Piscataway Indians and Genealogy, at the Greenbelt Public Library, 11 The Kick Off Event - A Festival of Lights Crescent Road, beginning at 7:00 PM. showing the way across three hundred years. Each November, in honor of the Holiday PRESIDENT'S THOUGHTFUL Season, the Maryland-National Capital Park RAMBLINGS and Planning Commission turns Watkins Regional Park into a fairyland of lights and I was delighted with the attendance at our St. tableaux. Well, beginning in November 1995 - George's Day Celebration. We regret that we and heralding our Tricentennial Year, the had to turn people away and will arrange to Festival of Lights will contain a new display accommodate more celebrating people next and will be the place to get your Tricentennial year - after all - it is the big one! John Calendar (the first of many places). Mitchell, Wallis Cain and Dusty Rhoads are doing the advance planning for us. Kudos to The Birthday Book - What promises to be Wallis and Dusty for doing their usual one of the biggest 'reach out' events of the wonderful things for us this year. We really year is being coordinated by Margaret Hayes do appreciate their efforts and do not take of Iverson Mall and Bonnie Walters of Prince them for granted. How fortunate we are to George's Plaza. Working with other shopping have a pair who work so well together. Dusty centers in the County, they will set up Kiosks was our representative to the Preservation with historic displays, calendars and project Week Celebration Task Force. Thanks again Dusty. the "Tricentennial Person" for each school, we will have to hold ten (10) teas—yes, t-e-n The plan for Marietta is to have the windows teas! Sharon Sweeting has kindly repaired by September and (with hope) we volunteered to head up the planning for these will open the house at that time. It will remain events, and coordinate the effort - but she will open throughout 1996 for the Tricentennial expect and need your help!!! This is an events. Funding for the balance of the ambitious plan - if you would like to be a part restoration is in the M-NCPPC budget for FY of it, please call me at 249-6409 or Sharon at 1997. If we can get matching funding through 927-4514 so that we can appoint team a bond bill in the next legislative session, it will captains for each tea and put teams together. lessen the chance of restoration being We will have to spell Octtttttttttober a little postponed for another year. This is a must for differently after this! The one credit class for the rest of the plans being made. teachers which we have jointly sponsored with the History Division of M-NCPPC for several This year is rolling along very quickly and years was approved for the coming school many things are happening and many more are year with the consideration that it is supported (hopefully) going to happen. One of the goals by the Board of Education and publicized to I have is to have many of you - the Society the teachers. They are endorsing the idea and members - be participants in the programs of we have an excellent opportunity to enlist the Society. It may mean making cookies and teachers at the October teas. The class could tea sandwiches, pouring tea, helping hostesses, begin in February if all goes as planned. washing dishes, making telephone calls, filing, helping put packets together, helping register In November we will receive the legislators guests, helping in the Gift Shop, or telling how and council members. This will be an your family did things together in the past, opportunity for us to become better explaining and demonstrating canning, acquainted. The entire history and quilting, shelling walnuts, or any one of a preservation communities need to be more myriad of things - but being actively involved visible and vocal in order to be recognized by in passing our heritage to a new generation. the people who make the decisions about regulations and funding. Educating them is The Fall is going to be crammed full of ourjob! opportunities for volunteers - with teas, receptions and general activity. The walls of Susan Wolfe, Marietta's site manager, is Marietta will think the Duvals are on a social planning, with us, to hold one event each merry-go-round. The Board of Directors has month throughout 1996 in celebration of the approved a series of teas for teachers and a Tricentennial of Prince George's County. As reception for legislators and members of the these plans firm up, we will let you know - and County Council. After a very successful again seek your involvement and help. meeting with the Board of Education staff Meanwhile, you might be practicing your regarding the Tricentennial Celebration and croquet game, reviewing how to make a yo-yo explaining our outreach efforts to help or a kite, a pillow or a quilt, reading up on teachers prepare for the great 300th, I find bamboo, or looking around to see which of that we will probably have to double the your circle might be celebrating a golden number of teas originally planned. If we invite wedding anniversary. All plans are not each principal and the teacher designated to be definite - but it sounds like we are in for a year packed with fun and frolic. suitable closing to our series of spring meetings. June 10, our last meeting date until October, is when we honor the student recipient of the Skarda Award. I hope to see you there!! AN INVITATION

JUNE MEETING Mr. and Mrs. Francis Scott Key

The final meeting before the summer hiatus Present Their Compliments and will take place on June 10. The Donald Request the Honor of Your Skarda Award will be presented, and we shall Presence at an Afternoon of also recognize the work of all students who Reminiscences and participated in the County History Day Conversation in Honor of program. The students and their families will The Upcoming 220th be invited guests. If nice weather prevails, we Birthday of the United States hope to be outside on the lawn. The theme Of America for History Day was At Home in History, the Tricentennial theme. The student with the and most historically significant project will receive the Skarda Award. Society Board The One-Hundred Eighty First Member, Mildred Ridgely Gray, was Chair of Anniversary of the History Day, which was sponsored by the Writing of Our National Anthem Prince George's County Historical and Cultural Trust. We encourage the study of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER history, especially County history, and this is but one way of bringing it to the attention of TWO O'CLOCK P M others while applauding the efforts of young SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1995 students. MARIETTA MANSION Alan Gephardt and Sonia Sacha are historical GLENDALE, MARYLAND re-enactors who portray Mr. and Mrs. Francis Scott Key. They will be present at the June 10 reception and are anxious to meet each of you and tell you of themselves and their families and the great events leading to the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. One of our county's citizens played a central role in that story. Both Mr. Gephardt and Ms. Socha have thoroughly researched their the lives and families of the persons they are portraying and have made many appearances at museums and events. Following their presentation, they will mix with our members and guests. Don't miss this wonderful afternoon planned by Julie Bright. It promises to be a delight. This is a June 1995 - May 1996 Yearly Planner June 95 June October December 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S (SOCIETY MEETING MOVED COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 14 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TO GLENDALE COMMU- 3456789 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 NITY CENTER 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 LIBRARY 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM November I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGKAl SOCI- 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBELT PGCHS MEMBER- LIBRARY July 95 January 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S 1 PGCHS BOARD 123456 2345678 July 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 C 7:00 FM FRINGE GEORGE'S 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- 28 29 30 31 30 31 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY SHIP MEETING 8 10:00 AM-1:00 PM December £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- August 95 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT February 96 5 M T W T F S August LIBRARY S M T W T F S 12345 1 2 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- O 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM PGCHS HOLI- 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT DAY GALA, RIVERSDALE 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 LIBRARY 27 28 29 30 31 January 25 26 27 28 29 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT September LIBRARY September 95 March 96 S M T W T F S (f 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- j 2 1 2 PGCHS BOARD 3456789 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 LIBRARY 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 February 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9 10:00 AM-1:00 PM •7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 31 PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 23 1:OOPM- 5:00 PM PGCHS PRINCE OF A COUNTY RECEPTION, PLEASANT PROSPECT 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM October 95 PGCHS BOARD April 96 S M T W T F S October S M T W T F S 1234567 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 123456 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT SHIP MEETING 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 LIBRARY 28 29 30 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM March 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY November 95 PGCHS MEMBER- May 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234 SHIP MEETING 9 10:00 AM-1:00 PM 1 2 3 "4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MARKLAND MEDIEVAL SOCI- PGCHS BOARD 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ETY - ANNUAL HASTINGS 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 FAIRE AT MARIETTA 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 5/29/95 June 1995 - May 1996 Yearly Planner June 95 March December 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 9 PGCHS MEMBER- 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3456789 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 SHIP MEETING 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 April 31 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEA10GICA1 SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY July 95 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM January 96 S M T W T F S 13 S M T W T F S 1 PGCHS BOARD 123456 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 28 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM ST. GEORGE'S 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 DAY DINNER, MARLBORO 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 HUNT CLUB 28 29 30 31 May I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEA1OGICA1 SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBE1T August 95 LIBRARY February 96 5 M T W T _F_S S M T W T F S 1 ~2 3 4 5 123 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 II 10:00 AM-1:00 PM 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 PGCHS BOARD 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 25 26 27 28 29 PGCHS MEMBER- SHIP MEETING

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Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 5/29/95 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours.

POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

JUNE/JULY 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXffl NUMBER 6

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 SOCIETY ESTABLISHES CALENDAR FOR TRICENTENNIAL President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts EVENTS AT MARIETTA Secretary - Sarah Bourne Treasurer - John B. Bourne At the Board meeting in May, we discussed the Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr Editor - Lester H. Sweeting Tricentennial, our role therein, and what is planned for the year by Susan Wolfe, Facility Manager of the Directors-1994/1995 MNCPPC Owned Historic Site. Final selection of the John Mitchell Julie Bright events has now been made and we can both announce Sarah Moseley the schedule and advertise for your help in bringing these plans to fruition. Maybe your help will be Directors- 1995/1996 planning and coordinating a tea party. Maybe it could Mildred Ridgeley Gray Wallis Hall Cain be putting on a costume and demonstrating how James Rea women made apple butter or canned runner beans. And, maybe it will involve celebrating with us the fact Past Presidents W. C. (Bud) Dutton that you and your spouse have been married for fifty John Giannetti years or more. Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads Joyce McDonald All of those things and more will take place - and there is plenty of work to go around. As usual the pay in monetary terms is lousy, but the intangible benefits are incalculable.

Inside you will find more data on each month's plans, and specifics as to how you can help - please sign up now. The Society needs you!!!!! The Last Path-finding Pioneer the United States Patent Office. He was allowed to keep enough to have a wedding Jane Augusta Burch ring made for his fiancee, Mary E. Edwards, Hitching Post Hill of Chester, Pennsylvania. Beale made four 1973 more overland trips from California to Continued— Washington. In 1849 he married Mary Edwards, and he decided to resign from the Beale was then selected to carry the Navy because he wanted to settle in dispatches to Washington, D.C. reporting the California with his wife. His son Truston happenings in California. He left for the was born in San Francisco in 1851. Beale Capitol two months after the Battle of San knew the large opportunity of the territory Pasquale, still suffering from the injuries of and within a year of his Naval resignation, he his first experience. On his trip East, Beale owned a transportation company carrying had a company of 12 soldiers and his friend equipment to the gold miners at $1.00 a Kit Carson. It was a dangerous overland pound. He operated his business from trip, through Indian territory, but they Sacramento and Marysville to the American arrived in Washington in May 1847 with the Fork. He then became co-owner with two news that California had been won as part of business associates, his old , the United States. Beale and Carson were Commodore Stockton and William H. very popular with the citizens of the East Aspinwall, promoter of the Pacific Mail Coast. Beale was reassigned to the Pacific Steamship Company and the Panama squadron and in 1848 he was summoned by Railroad. Beale's first year of operation Commodore Thomas Catesby Jones to take netted the three men $100,000, Beale's share the first official news of the gold discoveries being $13,000 and this amount became the and a bag of the precious metal to foundation of his fortune. Washington. He was ordered to try to get there before the Army courier, who was Beale, having deep respect for the Indians making the trip by boat. Beale decided to go and recognizing the barbarous and inhumane overland through Mexico, the quickest but way white settlers were treating Indians, most hazardous way. Beale dressed as a Beale spoke to his friends in Washington Mexican in frontier clothes and [since] he about the possibility of Federal supervision had a browned skin and could speak Spanish, of the tribes. Much to his own amazement, he attracted no attention. He sailed from his ideas and arguments were repeated at the Vera Cruz to Mobile, Alabama, boarded a White House, and, in 1852, President Millard stagecoach there and reached Washington in Fillmore appointed him the first the record breaking time of 47 days. The Superintendent of Indian Affairs in California Army courier arrived two months later. and Nevada. Congress appropriated Beale's heroism at San Pasquale and this $250,000 to start Beale's ideas for better winning of the gold dust derby made him protection, aid and reservations for the more popular everywhere. Indians. At this time, he surveyed land and a detailed journal, "Beale Expedition of P. T. Barnum offered to buy the gold dust Central Route to Pacific, Expedition of for an exhibition, but Beale turned it over to 1853" was kept and later published by Gwinn Harris Heap, one of the twelve Beale to use a camel corps for transport member party. The manuscript is in the across the western wastelands. In his report Library of Congress. to the Secretary of War on May 12, 1858, Beale wrote of the trial walk of the camels: As Superintendent, Beale was understanding "My admiration for the camels increased of the Indians and he was a pioneer in his daily with my experience of them. The kind treatment of them. The Indians trusted harder the test they are put to the more fully him and hundreds of them asked to be placed they seem to justify all that can be said of under his protection to live and work in his them. They pack water for others four days ward, which already had 70,000 Indians. under a hot sun and never get a drop; they Beale carried out his Indian work with his pack heavy burdens of corn and oats for usual energy and good ideas, and he was months and never get a grain; and on the given powers that were described as 'Vice- bitter greasewood and other worthless regal in breadth, scope and finality." During shrubs not only subsist but keep fat; withal, his term, he established reservations and won they are so perfectly docile and so admirably the friendship of the Indians, but the hatred contented with whatever befalls them. No of corrupt Indian agents, who did not want one could do justice to their merits or value Beale's supervision. These dishonest agents in expeditions of this kind, and I look sent a report to Washington saying that forward to the day when every mail route Beale had used his position to line his own across the continent will be conducted and pockets. Due to Beale's excellent worked altogether with this economical and accounting, he was exonerated of the charge noble beast." and his accusers were removed from office. Later, when Beale met one of his accusers in Seventy-seven camels were purchased in the a Hotel lobby, true to his character, Beale Mediterranean countries and brought back to punched him in the nose. Texas. The expedition started with a plan to survey a road along the 35th parallel and it In 1856, Beale retired from his position as was to be a 40-day trip. The caravan Superintendent, and the Governor of consisted of 56 men, 350 sheep, 8 mule- California appointed him a Brigadier-General drawn covered wagons, 2 small box-type of the militia. This gave him the rank to talk ambulances and the camels. Beale later effectively with the Indian chiefs, who were described the caravan in these words: "the beginning to rebel because of the conduct of loose animals, the wagons and teams, and the white settlers. Beale soon calmed the then old Mahomet, with the long line of his Indians and they returned to their grave and patient followers." All the camels reservations and another war was prevented. wore bells and one of the camel drivers was a Syrian named Jadji-Ali (or Hi-Jolly). He In 1857, President James Buchanan was a pleasant man whose fame spread appointed Beale as Superintendent of the throughout Arizona and has been a legend Wagon Road Expedition from Fort Defiance for over a century. All along the 35th in the New Mexico territory to the Colorado parallel in 1858, Beale's expedition was a River on the California Border. Secretary of fascinating sight. War Jefferson Davis gave his permission for Later, Army-trained mule drivers could not 1861, he began to appoint officials who teach the camels and some of them could be depended upon to rally the States of disappeared in the desert and others were the Union. One of the first men Lincoln killed by Indians who liked camel hump more appointed was Beale, as Surveyor General of than buffalo meat. An Army board reviewed California and Nevada. Beale volunteered the camel experiment and ended their use. for active service and wrote Lincoln of his Some were sold at auction and Beale wishes. Lincoln denied Beale's request purchased a few for his ranch, Tejan Rancho, because he thought that Beale would be near the present city of Bakersfield. more useful in California by keeping the West joined with the Union. So General Beale's wagon roads were among the first of Beale saw no active service in the Civil War, the 1850s. Army posts were established as Scribner's Magazine of October, 1911, after Beale's expeditions had opened the expressed it "because the providential roads. Fort Mojave was one and was President knew Beale's presence in that situated near Beale Crossing on the debatable state (California) would preserve it Colorado River, seven miles south of the for the Union." Beale accepted the duty town of Hardyville. There is a Beale assigned him, but wrote a letter to President monument in Kingman, Arizona which Lincoln that tells the type of person he was: commemorates the camel expedition of "San Francisco, California. 1858. July 24, 1861. His Excellency President Lincoln: In the winter of 1858, Beale led another A short time ago you did me the honor to exploratory party and his plan was to prove appoint me to a most important and that winter was not a barrier to overland responsible position for which I beg you to travel in the West. Crossing the plains from accept my grateful acknowledgment. Under Fort Smith, Arkansas to the Colorado River, any other condition of public affairs you have he found that exposure to weather caused no left me nothing to be desired; but to the flag illnesses and that the route was plentifully under which I have received honorable supplied "with the three great requisites for wounds, under which my father and overland road - wood, grass and water." In grandfather fought for the honor and glory of his report he estimated the cost of a railroad the country, I think I owe something more, constructed from Fort Smith to San Filipe, in this hour of trial, than a mere performance New Mexico - $21,391,000. Beale foresaw of duty in a position of ease and quiet. To the replacement of wagon roads with the government I owe early education and railroads. support, for I entered its service almost as a child and feel toward it a filial affection and President Buchanan placed Beale in charge gratitude. All that I have, even my life, I of wagon road construction for the Central owe to it, and it is a debt I am willing Plains during 1859 and 1960 because the greatfully and cheerfully to discharge. need for better traveling between East and West was very important. "From fourteen to twenty-five, my life was passed at sea, and for the past fifteen years After President Lincoln was inaugurated in principally on the Great Plains and in the Rocky Mountains. I served during the to emancipated slaves and would drive many Mexican War, and at its close, I resigned and miles to encourage and talk with former have been engaged in many expeditions of slaves about their new freedom. some importance since. I know that I am resolute, patient and active and if I had not When Ulysses S. Grant became President in courage, my love of country would supply 1869, he appointed Beale - whom he had the lack of it in such a time as this. Devoted known during the Mexican War - Envoy to my country, and owing it everything I Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary have in the world, I write to offer my to Austria-Hungary. The Austrians services to you in any capacity you may wish remembered Beale as the man who had to use them, until the present rebellion is sympathized with Benito Juarez, the man crushed out of the land. You cannot add to who had Emperor Maximilian executed. a distinction you have already conferred Maximilian was, of course, the younger upon me by any appointment, for there is brother of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph. none within your gift more distinguished or The Emperor accepted Beale's appointment more honorable; nor do I desire any change because he was already in Vienna, but was except that I may more efficiently serve the not friendly to the new diplomat. With the United States. In a word, I wish simply to assistance of Count Gyula Andrassy, foreign offer my life for the flag. officer of Austria-Hungary, the rift was healed and Beale and the Emperor became "With great respect, your obedient servant, friendly. In Vienna, it was said that Beale E. F. Beale." "would travel a thousand miles to avoid an idle function and twice that distance to visit Beale resigned his position as Surveyor an interesting naval installation or a horse General because he was not satisfied with the stud." Beale resigned his post after one year government's mining policy, which he and returned to Washington. thought was unfair to the miners. Beale stated his policies, and then said "I never In 1870, Beale bought a horse farm "Ash desire again a place in public affairs." He Hill", in Prince George's County, and he and then retired to his estate, Tejan Rancho. President Grant shared a hobby of raising trotting horses. Grant would leave the White After the Civil War, Beale purchased House and go out with Beale to his country Decatur House in Washington, DC for his house for visits. Grant's Arabian horses, wife and family. The Beales had three "Lappard" and "Linden", which had been children - Truxton, Mary and Emily. presented to him by the Sultan of Turkey Decatur House is on Lafayette Square, while Grant was on a world tour, were across from the White House, and is the shipped to "Ash Hill" for safe keeping. oldest house remaining on the square today. The house was designed by Benjamin LaTrobe for Stephen Decatur, the hero of the Algerian War. Beale divided his time {Beale and Grant shared a close friendship between his California ranch and his and correspondence during the latter's Washington home. He made many speeches retirement. Beale continued to be active in Washington and California, and was tasty recipes of Prince George's County is a seriously considered for the post of Secretary must have. Two hundred and ninety six of the Navy under President Chester Alan recipes are included along with a capsule Arthur. history of the County.

(E. F. Beale died, apparently of jaundice of To order your copies of the Tricentennial the liver, on April 22, 1893. His large but Cookbook at $10 each, write to simple funeral, held at Decatur House, Tricentennial Celebration Office, 6005 48th included a procession led by honorary Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737. Checks pallbearers - Vice President Levi P. Morton, should be made payable to the Tricentennial Supreme Court Justice Field, Senator Henry Trust. All proceeds will be used for Cabot Lodge, Judge Bancroft Davis and Tricentennial projects. Admiral Daniel Ammen. Beale was, according to his wishes, buried in Chester, The editor would like to thank Dorothy and Pennsylvania.} her team for their very hard work in collecting the recipes, editing the book and getting it out in a timely fashion. Beale started his career in the Navy but his achievements were made on the land, and his Reflections From the Revolution title General was not an Army title, but from his political appointments. Beale was an Perhaps one of the most exhilarating of all outstanding American, whose deeds were events ever to occur in Prince George's unusual and heroic - a pioneer in the path of County took place between July 19 and 25, empire and the last of the continental path- 1782. A countryside still wildly exuberant finders uniting the States from the Atlantic to over the news of the combined the Pacific. French/American victory at Yorktown the Jane Augusta Burch previous October, was treated to the 1973 spectacular march northward of the French Army. Ed. Note: "Ash Hill", sometimes known as "Hitching Under the command of Marshal Jean Post Hill" is now the home of Past President Baptiste Donatien De Vimeur Rochambeau, of the Society John Giannetti and his family. the army had been proceeding northward since June 28 at a rate of 10 miles per day. TRICENTENNIAL COOKBOOK It arrived at Bladensburg from Georgetown RELEASED (then in Maryland) on July 19, 1782 after breaking its sixteenth camp in the vicinity of We are happy to announce the availability of the P Street Bridge in Rock Creek Park. the a significant memento of our County The Bladensburg area was well known to the Tricentennial Celebration. - The Prince French engineers as its wagon train had George's County Tricentennial Cookbook. passed through that town almost a year Edited by Dorothy Rainwater, this before on September 23, 1781 en route interesting and useful guide to historic and Southward from Annapolis to the eventual encounter at Yorktown. the various Army units and a wealth of historical detail with respect to landmarks of Two days rest was permitted in Bladensburg that period at each campsite. and local tradition attributes this in part to the enthusiastic reception of the patriotic Paul T. Lanham townspeople. This may be debatable as one Source: American Campaign of chronicler (Chastellux (4) II615) had earlier Rochambeau 's Army, translated by Rice & reported (July 18 at Alexandria) that many of Brown, 1972 the soldiers participating in the dancing had disengaged themselves of their clothes, 00 THE ROflD UITH retaining "not an article of dress except their DUSTY RHOADS shirts, which in general were neither extremely long, nor in the best condition, nor Mark Saturday October 21 on the did this occasion the least embarrassment to calendar now, because Dusty the ladies, many of whom were of highly Rhoads is busy setting up another polished manners, and the most exquisite stellar bus tour in Maryland. This delicacy." In retrospect, it is not improbable time he is heading east - across that the army was truly fatigued and that a the Bay. Details will be in the rest interval amid the serenity of Bladensburg next edition. was highly beneficial if not a vital necessity. PRESIDENT'S RAMBLINGS The eighteenth camp was recorded at Snowden's Iron Works on the Patuxent on Summer is upon us! You cannot help but July 22, eighteen and one-half miles away. wonder how uncomfortable our fore fathers The journal of one of the marchers, must have been in their heavy clothing and Blanchard by name, notes that he was well no air-conditioning. Some had large tree lodged on July 25 in the house of a wealthy shaded homes with cross ventilation, but not Major, Thomas Snowden, where he had everyone shared in that amenity. One of the excellent ham for dinner and again for more memorable songs in the musical 1776 supper, in the company of Major Snowden's was about John Adams and the closing and attractive wife and daughter. (The locale, of opening of a window. course, is Montpelier, located on Route 197 just east of Laurel). I wonder if it was always done with such good humor? There are many questions History records that, despite the diverse about "the good old days". Modern hazards of such long trips under such medicine, transportation, sanitation, and conditions, the French army did return home communication can make you think twice. safely, in due course embarking from the Crowding, crime, lack of privacy are on the Port of Boston in September. Original maps, other side of the ledger. many in color, prepared by the Army's engineers at each encampment are filed in the Our June meeting was a delightful gathering Map Division of the Library of Congress. on the lawn at Marietta Manor. Our guests These show the assigned bivouac areas of of honor, Oliver Butler, the Skarda Award winner; and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Scott Key. were welcomed by everyone and joined in the fall. Susan Wolfe will have an intern, the pleasantries of the afternoon. Oliver's Miss Kim Dillon from the University of family members were with him and were South Carolina, working with her on the pleased to discover Marietta and that it was interpretive and furnishings plan for so close to their home. Unfortunately, we Marietta. At the July meeting Susan shared did not have the video of the slave site that some exciting news with us. Next year each Oliver researched. Mildred Gray will house will have 32 hours per week of arrange to get a copy for the Society. Oliver interpretive assistance. Probably the house is a student at the nearby Woodmore will be able to be open Thursday through Elementary School. His teacher, Mrs. Jill Sunday on a schedule similar to the one of Walker was unable to attend but sent her Surratt House. This could mean a lot to the greetings. Yes, she is a member of the Society: more people coming through, Walker family on Woodmore Road. coming to our shop, learning about us, and our library. We do want to put our best foot Mr. and Mrs. Key felt right at home at forward. Marietta since Justice Duvall was a contemporary. They told us of their families It is now time for us to make sure that at and their eleven children. Mrs. Key Marietta we are ready for the Tricentennial. preferred living in Georgetown to living in The two areas that are important to us and Frederick. The circumstances of the writing our exclusive responsibility are the gift shop of the Star Spangled Banner were related to and the library. us in a very friendly manner. It seems that one time when Mrs. Key was cleaning up she A meeting was held with all interested threw out the original copy of the poem, but parties regarding the gift shop with the it was retrieved by her husband. After the following results. Joyce Me Donald related meeting they told us they were quite to us the history of the shop and how it has impressed with the DeMarr Library and functioned. Her input and many talents and would like to come there for research. Mr. abilities have been one of its greatest assets. Key said "It's a book about me!" when he The different tasks were listed and plans opened the gift we had given them. made for a fall opening. Stella and Bill Uber Fortunately, I had found this book in a used will work with the purchasing; Renate Ryan book shop months before. It was one they and Myrna Collins the inventory; I will find a did not have except in a Xeroxed copy they computer program for the bookkeeping. had made at Enoch Pratt Library. They You will see opportunities in the classified answered many, many questions and ads. The shop will be in the glass room on remained as guests of the reception until ground level. It is going to take some everyone left. Julie Bright and her capable careful planning, arranging, and lots of hard assistant, prepared a beautiful table of sweets work to complete the job. I am confident it and fruits that all enjoyed. A fine time was will be done with the result of an attractive had by all on a beautiful spring afternoon. shop that we can once again view (and shop in) with pride. Our goods for sale will be a At the June board meeting in the morning we bit more varied to appeal to the additional spent time discussing the gift shop, its future, groups that we anticipate coming to and the plans for the opening of the house in Marietta. With less space and the house

8 being open more it behooves us to manage it number of years, are very gracious and well to make it profitable. Wallis Cain, the chairman, is quite excited about it. I hope to see all of you there. At the present time the library has so many things in it that it cannot be used effectively. Classified Ads Volunteer Help Wanted The stacks of things and boxes are in the way and Fred is moving them constantly to Computer operator/Bookkeeper for gift get to something else. This has to be very shop. PGCHS computer at Marietta and frustrating to him. The table in the center is program will be provided. Needed to keep used for Board of Directors' Meetings. The inventory current, record sales, and prepare room is used for the general meetings 5 monthly report for Board of Dir. Please call times a year for about 3 hours each time, 249-6409. a total of fifteen hours. I have asked Fred to come up with a plan for the library by our Gift shop salespeople and workers. Usually next board meeting so this matter can be weekend afternoon hours when the house is explored even further. He was smiling and open. 10% discount offered on purchases. has ideas in mind already. Perhaps our Pleasant surroundings. No computer in the general meetings could be held at the nearby shop, only receipt books. 249-6409 Glendale Community Center in one of their Scheduler for gift shop, keep track of house expandable meeting rooms. October, opening dates and call volunteers to staff gift November, March, May, and June are the shop. Some names will be provided. This months we now meet at Marietta. The room could be done from your home. 249-6409 is often crowded and there has to be a great deal of shifting and moving around before Painters to paint small room to be used for the meeting can be held. Our September fall gift shop, date to be announce soon, but will fund raiser and April St. George's Day events be in August or early September. A one time are held at other larger sites. The Christmas opportunity to be of service to the Society. Party can be at Marietta because people are 249-6409 circulating. The board meetings and committee meetings could be held upstairs at Gift shop coordinator. To work with others Marietta. to keep things running smoothly and to report to the Board of Directors each These are ideas swirling around in our heads. month. Computer report available. I would appreciate hearing your reactions and suggestions so they can be considered also. Drop a note to me at Marietta or call me at my home, (301) 249-6409. I will welcome your input.

Our fall fund raiser will be at Pleasant Prospect on September 23. (Mark it on your calendar right now.)The hosts, the Ambassador and Mrs. Raymond L. Garthoff, who have been members of the Society for a July 1995-June 1996 Yearly Planner July 95 July November January 96 S M T W T F S 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S S M T W T F S 1 11 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 123456 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT PGCHS BOARD 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 LIBRARY 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 28 29 30 31 8 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- PGCHS BOARD SHIP MEETING August December August 95 2 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S February 96 5 M T W T F S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S 12345" 123 LIBRARY LIBRARY 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 0 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM PGCHS HOLI- 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 DAY GALA, MARIETTA 27 28 29 30 31 PGCHS BOARD 25 26 27 28 29 January September 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 7.-OO PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT September 95 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY March 96 S M T W T F S LIBRARY S M T W T F S 1 2 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1 2 3456789 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PGCHSBOARD 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 20 WINTER PASTIMES AT 31 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS PRINCE MARIETTA 23 OF A COUNTY RECEPTION, PLEASANT PROSPECT 21 WINTER PASTIMES AT October MARIETTA October 95 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S February April 96 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- S M T W T F S 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S S M T W T F S ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 1234567 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 123456 LIBRARY 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 LIBRARY 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 PGCHS BOARD 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 28 29 30 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS BOARD PGCHS MEMBER- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM SHIP MEETING PGCHS MEMBER- November 95 MARYLAND MEDIEVAL SOCI- SHIP MEETING May 96 S M T W T F S ETY - ANNUAL HASTINGS S M T W T F S 1234 1 2 3 4 FAIRE AT MARIETTA 18 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LOVES OF 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (SOCIETY MEETING 5678 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 A LIFETIME - GOLDEN 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 MOVED TO GLENDALE 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMORIES AT MARIETTA 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 COMMUNITY CENTER 26 27 28 29 30 31 March 21 8:00 AM-6:45 PM PGCHS FALL BUS TRIP 1 HOW THE BETTER HALF LIVED - AN EXHIBIT November £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S June 96 December 95 I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- S M T W T F S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S 1 2 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 1 3456789 LIBRARY 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 7/16/95 July 1995 - June 1996 Yearly Planner July 95 March June January 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S i 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 8 SHIP MEETING 123456 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 PGCHS BOARD GLENN DALE FESTIVAL AT 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 MARIETTA AND GLENN 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 DALE COMMUNITY 28 29 30 31 PGCHS MEMBER- CENTER SHIP MEETING

31 HOW THE BETTER HALF LIVED - AN EXHIBIT August 95 February 96 5 M T W T F S April S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 LIBRARY 25 26 27 28 29

8 GLENN DALE COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT AT MARIETTA

September 95 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM March 96 S M T W T F S PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1 2 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM MARCH- 1 2 3456789 3456789 ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 MENT AT MARIETTA 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 14 11:00 AM-4:00 PM MARCH- ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- MENT AT MARIETTA May October 95 I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S April 96 S M T W T F S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- S M T W T F S "l 2345 6 7 ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT "123456 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 LIBRARY 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 28 29 30 PGCHS BOARD 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- November 95 SHIP MEETING May 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 18 SPRING, MAY POLES AND 1234 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 CHILDREN'S GAMES ON 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 THE LAWN AT MARIETTA 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 June 26 27 28 29 30 31 g 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY December 95 June 96 S M T W T F S 8 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S i "2 PGCHS BOARD l 3456 789 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 PGCHS MEMBER- 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 7/16/95 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours. WASHINGTON. DC

FBIIKE 6EOR6E'KOI)HTY HBTORKAl iOCIfJY POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

AUGUST 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXffl NUMBER 7

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 WOODWARD & LONGING President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts By Paul Lanham Secretary - Saran Bourne Treasurer - John B. Bourne With some awe, I note the Washington Post has Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr Editor - Lester H. Sweeting covered every aspect of the lamentable demise of a local institution, Woodward & Lothrop's Directors- 1994/1995 Department Store, in articles dated 1/18 & John Mitchell Julie Bright 1/30/1994 and 6/23,6/25,6/29 and 7/1/95. Such Sarah Moseley coverage is more than justified considering the respected status of this "grand dame" in the minds Directors - 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray of those of us who for years equated "shopping" as Wallis Hall Cain synonymous with a trip to Downtown James Rea Washington, DC! Past Presidents W. C. (Bud) Dutton A fascinating look at the history of Woodies is to John Giannetti be found in the hard cover, 215 page From Paul Lanham Founders to Grandsons, published in 1955 to Warren (Dusty) Rhoads Joyce McDonald commemorate the firm's 75th anniversary. This book, available in the Frederick S. DeMarr Library at Marietta, faithfully recounts the image of the grand mezzanine, the marble display cases, the tea room, the spectacular holiday window displays and a host of other remembrances for those of us who were privileged as to have been exposed to them. The store's passing not only signals the end of an institution, but also the end of an era which may be gone, but is not yet, nor should it be, forgotten. SECRETS OF THE LATE REBELLION The close-knit community surrounding the venerable Holy Trinity Church (dating back As the days of the Civil War passed by, to 1704) like many other Southern Maryland Southern Maryland and particularly Prince communities, guarded the dangerous secret George's County, came under increasingly of its local safe house with fanatic devotion intense surveillance by the Union War even well after war tensions had diminished. Department's "Detective Bureau." The In fact, the Holy Trinity Church History of infamous General Lafayette C. Baker (head 1964, states (in its sole reference thereto). of the organization which ultimately became referring to the beloved Reverend Harvey today's Secret Service) was only too aware Stanley, the Church's rector from January of the clandestine Confederate travels to and 1852 until his passing in January, 1885: from Richmond and the active Confederate activities in Canada. Those efforts required The Rev. Mr. Stanley was rector continual courier activity, not only to during the Civil War years when coordinate European purchases to evade the famine, death, pestilence and war Northern naval blockade but also to organize were riding up and down the valleys guerilla operations from Canada into Union and over the hills of Southern territory to entice Union retaliation, the Maryland.3 significant goal being to induce indirect British responses against the Union. (The However, it was left to a later writing4 to Confederate raid on St. Albans, Vermont, boldly note that "it is significant that not one being one of the most visible such word is mentioned in Vestry records about operations.)1 any war, yet this war was notably crucial. "5

Random raids by the Union Detectives into Ackerson also notes that Rev. Stanley's Prince George's County narrowly missed annual salary was increased from $400 in apprehending Southern couriers Wat Bowie, 1851 to $800 in 1857, both as a testimonial John H. Surratt, and even John Wilkes to his devotion to his parish and to his Booth. An efficient network of "safe documented concern over support of a wife houses" across the County miraculously held and five children on such a meager salary.6 up, despite the obvious dangers of such activities.2

3Livesey, Howard, Chair, and Committee, Holy Trinity Church - 'Hanchett, William; The Lincoln ColflngtotL Privately published, 1964. Murder Conspiracies. University of Illinois, 1983. 4 Ackerson, Constance Pelzer, Holy Trinity - CpHington - Her People and Their 2Freese, Dr. ?, Secrets of the Late , 1978. Rebellion Cronbargan & Co., 1882; Thomas A. Jones, John Wilkes Booth. Laird & Lee, 5 Ackerson, page 160. 1893, both contain interesting and illuminating details of this activity. 6Ackerson, page 182. Relying on the recollections of Annie that, for a brief period during the War Stanley, Ackerson reports significantly that Between the States, the United States Naval "Dr. Stanley ran a rest station of some kind Academy at Annapolis (which celebrates a in the basement (of the Rectory) for birthday this year) was temporarily Confederates passing through the area. "7 transferred to Newport, Rhode Island. On April 24, 1861, the USS R.R. Cuyler towed Annie also noted "herself as standing on the the frigate USS Constitution out of hill, throwing things at the Federal or Union Annapolis Harbor, transporting the entire soldiers as they went by?' complement of Midshipmen from the Academy to Newport, where they remained The parishioners of Holy Trinity Church for the duration of the War. See: Toomey, must truly have been horrified to leam that Daniel Carroll, The Civil War in Maryland. testimony at the trial of the Lincoln Toomey Press, Baltimore, 1983, page 15. assassination conspirators brought out into Court (and public) view the fact that Rev. Paul T, Lanham Stanley did actually operate a Confederate safe house during the War. This assertion Paul also writes that the July 1995 was contained in a manuscript written in Catalogue, #140, of Heritage Books, Bowie, 1863 by Oscar Heinrichs, a former Md. notes the publication of a new work by Confederate officer on the staff of CS A Society Member Shirley V. Baltz and her General Edward Johnson, who named both late husband, George E. Baltz. Prince Rev. Stanley and John H. Surratt as running George's County, Marylandr Marriages and safe houses early in the War. Deaths in Nineteenth Century Newspapers, Volume lr A through J. 321 pages. $25. Of course, at that time, the Federal We are told: Prosecutors were intent on proving a Confederate plot to assassinate Lincoln. These accounts of marriages and death Accordingly, Rev. Stanley's clandestine make not only interesting reading, they also activities were to slide into welcome act as a social commentary on life in rural obscurity, until briefly resurrected by Ms. 19th-century Prince George's County. Ackerson.8 There are stories of duels, murders, lynchings, railroad accidents, fires, falls Paul T. Lanham - 7/24/95 from horses, drownings, etc. The extraordinary numbers of deaths of babies, THE NEWPORT "ACADEMY" children and young people give some insight into Victorian affinity with death. What is It may come as a surprise to some to learn striking is the lack of sensationalism. A copy 0/G.M. Hopkins' 1878 map of the County shows the locations and names of 7Ackerson, page 161. political districts. "Hall, James D. (Highly renowned We congratulate Mrs. Baltz on the scholar of the Lincoln Assassination), letter publication of this work. She is a long-time dated 10/10/82 to Paul Lanham. member of the Society, a recipient of the Jonathan T, Walker in 1868. Pleasant prestigious St. George's Day award, a past Prospect remained in the Walker family for Chair of Prince George's Heritage, and the over a century. author of other works on Maryland personages and history, copies of which are Recently restored by Ambassador and Mrs. on file in the Society's Frederick S. DeMarr Garthoff, Pleasant Prospect is a fine late- Library. Georgian plantation house, elegantly understated, with graceful moldings and plasterwork ornamentation such as garlands, swags and urns, applied to interior doorways and mantels. Its lovely Adamesque front doorway opens into a Georgian floor plan, with a center hall and two rooms to either side. The current stairway was added in the third quarter of the nineteenth century and replaced an enclosed stairway originally in the rear of the house. A hyphen and kitchen wing on the south end are typical of the late eighteenth and nineteenth century architecture in Southern Maryland. PLEASANT PROSPECT Pleasant Prospect is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

September 23,1995 Fundraiser In addition, Pleasant Prospect is one of fourteen properties in Prince George's The Society's annual Prince of a County County on which the Maryland Historic Fundraiser Reception will be held on Trust holds an historic easement, which Saturday, September 23 at Pleasant ensures that the building will continue to Prospect, the home of Society members, the offer insights to our history and our roots for Honorable and Mrs. Raymond Garthoff. years to come. Having met our host and hostess, your Editor is sure that this is an A map to this lovely home is provided event you will not want to miss. See you herewith. there.

Built in 1798 for Dr. Isaac Duckett, TREASURER NOTES described as one of the most opulent planters of the state, Pleasant Prospect was Society Treasurer Jack Bourne advises that constructed on land originally patented in we have new members to welcome: 1698 as Spriggs Request. Later the home of his daughter and son-in-law, John and Eliza Ruth and Win Warren Contee, it remained in their family until Barbara B. Fellows after the Civil War when it was sold to EASTERN SHORE BECKONS all of his hard work on this annual event. OCTOBER 21 BUS TOUR TRICENTENNIAL PLANS CONTINUE Past President Warren (Dusty) Rhoads has maps in hand and is ready to lead Society Some may be unaware that Prince George's members and guests on yet another excellent County is having a momentous birthday on tour of Maryland's historic buildings. This April 23, 1996 - 300 years young and still time, we are advised, promises to equal past growing, glowing and getting better all the tours - with a visit to the Eastern Shore. time! Travelers will leave Marietta at 8:30 AM and will visit: We have provided information about proposed and scheduled events in celebration MEREDITH HOUSE- Home of the Nield of this anniversary. But repetition does not Museum, this house was originally detract from the importance of the event. constructed in 1760 and enlarged and remodeled over the years. The House The Society, in concert with the Maryland stands as a tribute to Eastern Shore life in the National Capital Park and Planning 1850s. Headquarters of the Dorchester Commission and others is working to ensure County Historical Society, the adjoining that our members are aware of events and Museum of local artifacts is well worth the are able to participate to the fullest extent in trip. honoring our past, our present and our future. LUNCHEON will be at the Exchange Pub. Please see the reservation form for menu One way of doing so has already taken place choices. Then it is off to: - and the fruits of those labors are yours for a small price. We speak of the wonderful POPLAR HILL-- A Georgian style mansion Prince George's County Tricentennial dating from 1805, this house has many Cookbook, edited by Dorothy Rainwater of colonial details, including hand carved Bowie. With 300 recipes from all times in cornices and chair rails, and features the our history, all parts of our County, and all original pine floors, and early paint colors. manner of our diverse population, this is a This is truly the showplace of the Salisbury must keepsake - and one which has uses that Historic District. will be demonstrated every day in the kitchens of the gourmet cooks throughout Finally, but not least, we have a visit to Prince George's County. These books, PEMBERTON HALL One of the earliest priced at $10, would make wonderful dated (1741) Gambrel-roofed houses in stocking stuffers for the holidays. Order Maryland, Pemberton Hall is home to the yours now from the Society or from the Wicomico Historical Society. The house is Tricentennial Celebration Office at 301-322- designed to simulate an 18th century barn. 1996. Truly an interesting location. Many of you have received notice that now Please sign up early and thanks to Dusty for is the time to make a bold statement about your support of prince George's and our WE ARE A DIVERSE AND A Tricentennial Celebration by acquiring a BELIEVING POPULACE. And, through unique and lasting memento - a Tricentennial the indefatigable leadership of Society Board license plate for your car. Again, reasonably Member Mildred Ridgely Gray and her priced at $30 (higher for lower numbers) stalwart band of volunteers, the entire these are a surefire conversation item. religious community of Prince George's Again, order from the Tricentennial County is being energized for our birthday Celebration Office. celebration. Our youth are a central focus of this effort - with plans for exhibitions of Finally, and most long-lasting - we Prince drama, oration, art and technology, and a Georgians have an opportunity to leave our massive youth worship service. All houses mark in brick for future generations. of worship, regardless of how young or old, Through the good work of Bob Crawley and how large or small, are asked to submit a his excellent team, and as a major fond- history of their organization. With the help raising effort for our Heritage Center, Bob of sponsors, we hope to produce a book has developed the Walk of History. To be detailing this information for now and for located at the County Seat - Upper future generations. Marlboro, it consists of individual bricks on which you can have engraved up to three The oldest County Office (predating the lines of message. Again, pricing is erection of the County by one day) is the reasonable and you will receive appropriate Office of Sheriff. And our good friend recognition to share with friends and family. Sheriff Jimmy Aluisi and his deputies, Call Bob at 301-423-4168 or the officers, and retirees, will have a reunion and Tricentennial Celebration Office. dinner at Martin's Crosswinds on April 22, 1996 to celebrate their founding. Perhaps one of the more exciting programs planned for 1996 was developed by the Not surprising, I would guess, is that, while prince George's County Shopping Center we needed a Sheriff, before we were Marketing Group - the Birthday Book. founded, it was not for several weeks that an Located in kiosks in each of the major attorney was needed. Jack Johnson, State's shopping malls and centers in the County, Attorney for Prince George's County, traced these will be a place where County residents his office back to June 23, 1696. He and his and visitors can complete (at one's leisure) a stalwart prosecutorial staff are working on a Birthday Book Page, where you can tell suitable celebration for that anniversary as about yourself and your family - who you well. are, who you were, and what your hopes for the future are. It is said that a book will be Sports has played a part in the history of the published from these pages - lets all make County since the time that Henry Clagett the this a tome without end - a true snapshot of First settled at Weston. So, we hope to see the 700,000 Prince Georgians in 1996!! reenactments of racing at Upper Marlboro, and an Old-timer's baseball game at the new SKTY SEVEN FAITHS - SIX Prince George's Stadium, home of the HUNDRED HOUSES OF WORSHIP - Baysox, and a lot of other events as well. WSJ

PARK.

talverton PLEASANT PROSPECT UOKTPELIER MANSION 12806 WOODMORE ROAD MITCHELLVILLE

From 1-95, go east on Rt. 214 or Rt. 450 to Enterprise Rd. (Rt.193)

From 301, go west on Rt. 214 or Rt. 450, to Enterprise Rd. (Rt.193),

\\.ND. Turn onto Enterprise Rd. and then onto Woodmore Rd. r.s /^College/ Greenbelt Park yr'ND'*j£CREEK Driveway is 1.5 miles on left after turning onto Woodmore Rd. from J/V.P. OF MARYLAND Enterprise Rd.

Park PARK It will be marked w/ a PGCHS sign.

tsville New Carroiiion Dale

Jdrffonston RR.T^—ANACOSTIA Brentwood. ttlge /RIVER s.v.P, v^^«7>^ ._. ^^ •"•=•'• \fuiLic«^C~i~|fc^ ^s Landover ITATK» . LAVHOUSE ^^^f »B.n CULTIMAL ARTS.^^. HlllS^ Bowie Cheverly

95) Glenarden. 12806 Woodmore

Falrmount .Heights Light -•Jit ENTERPRISE! wddbMbREp^J "Seat Pleasant RD ufH^r Capitol ; Largo Heights Pdlnter Rjdge

Ml. District Heights

PLEASENOTE: As a courtesy to the owners, it is WESTERN requested that NO PHOTOGRAPHS BRANCH be taken inside of the house. The S.V.P. Society also requests that guests remember that high heels damage old floors beyond repair. UPPER MARLBOR? May 1995-April 1996 Yearly Planner May 95 September December November 95 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 123456 £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 9 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM PGCHS HOLI- "1234 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- DAY GALA, MARIETTA 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT 12 13 14 IS 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 LIBRARY January 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 9 1 0:00 AM- 1:00 PM COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS BOARD ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 10:00 AM - 6:OO PM DEFEND- LIBRARY ERS' DAY CELEBRATION, June 95 FORT HOWARD PARK, 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM December 95 S M T W T F S EDGEMEER, MD PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1 2 3 i 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 23 1 :00 PM - 5 :00 PM PGCHS PRINCE 20 WWTER PASTIMES AT 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 OF A COUNTY RECEPTION, MARIETTA PLEASANT PROSPECT 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 f^f*ffitior 21 WHITER PASTIMES AT wvlUIMSl MARIETTA 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- February ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 7 7:00 FM PRINCE GEORGE'S July 95 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- January 96 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM LIBRARY S M T W T F S 1 123456 2345678 PGCHS BOARD 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 PGCHS BOARD 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 PGCHS MEMBER- 28 29 30 31 SHIP MEETING 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM MARYLAND MEDIEVAL SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- ETY - ANNUAL HASTINGS SHIP MEETING FAIRE AT MARIETTA August 95 (SOCIETY MEETING 18 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LOVES OF February 96 S M T W T F S MOVED TO GLENDALE A LIFETIME - GOLDEN S M T W T F S 12345 COMMUNITY CENTER MEMORIES AT MARIETTA 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2 1 8:00 AM - 6:45 PM PGCHS FALL March 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 BUS TRIP 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 1 HOW THE BETTER HALF 25 26 27 28 29 November LIVED -AN EXHIBIT 1 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S ETY MEETING, GREENBELT COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- LIBRARY ETY MEETING, GREENBELT September 95 LIBRARY March 96 S M T W T F S 11 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S 1 2 9 1 0:00 AM- 1:00 PM 12 3456789 PGCHS BOARD 3456789 10 11 12 13 14 IS 16 PGCHS BOARD 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 PGCHS MEMBER- PGCHS MEMBER- 31 SHIP MEETING SHIP MEETING

December 31 HOW THE BETTER HALF 6 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S LIVED - AN EXHIBIT October 95 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- April 96 S M T W T F S ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT S M T W T F S 1234567 LIBRARY April 123456 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 14 IS 16 17 IS 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 LIBRARY 28 29 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 8/20/95 TKe Prince George's County Historical Society

1995-FALL TOUR-1995 MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE Saturday October 21st MEREDITH.'HOUSE/NIELD MUSEUM-Originally built in 1760,enlarged and remodeled over the years,the house now stands as a tribute to the 1850's.This and the adjoining museum of local artifacts are the Headquarters of the Dorchester County Historical Society Luncheon at the Exchange Pub--SEE BELOW FOR FOOD CHOICE POPLAR HILL-This Georgian style mansion,dating from 1805,has many colonial details including hand carved cornices and chair rails. Along with the original pine floors,early paint colors,It is the showpiece of the Salisbury Historic District. PEMBERTON HALL-One of the earliest dated(l741)brick gambriel roofed houses in Maryland-and-HERITAGE CENTRE,designed to simulate an 18th century barn,this interesting location is the home of the Wicomico Historical Society. The price of $32.00 per person includes all entrance fees,transportation and luncheon. GUESTS ARE WELCOME LEAVE FROM "MARIETTA" SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS 5626 BELL STATION ROAD PROMPTLY AT 8:30 A.M. DEADLINE OCTOBER 14th--NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE LUNCHEON SELECTIONS AND NAME/NAMES CRAB CAKE . BAKED CHICKEN Please make checks payable to:Prince Georges County Historical Society Mail to Warren Rhoads,12501 Kemmerton Lane Bowie,Maryland 20715 CASH BAR AVAILABLE

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

ERECTED ON ST.GEORGE'S DAY, APRIL 23, 1696 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours.

PBIHCE fiM'UOUHTr HBTORKAl HKEIT POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

SEPTEMBER 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXffl NUMBER 8

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 SOCIETY KICKS OFF FALL SEASON President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts, Jr. As you know, our Fall season kicks off with out Secretary - Sarah Bourne "Prince of a County" fundraiser reception on Treasurer - John B. Bourne Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr September 23, 1995, which will have been held by the Editor - Lester H. Sweeting time you read this. But the Fall is rapidly filling up with Society events and meetings, and other activities, Directors- 1994/1995 as we work up to the Tricentennial next year. John Mitchell Julie Bright Sarah Moseley As our President observed, October will have many more "T"s in it than usual, as the Society hosts at Directors - 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray least 400 of the County's educators at Tea and Wallis Hall Cain Tricentennial events spread over 10 days in October. James Rea Any Society member who wishes to assist in this Past Presidents effort, by pouring, or by providing cake, cookies or W. C. (Bud) Dutton other tea related items will be more than welcome. John Giannetti Contact either Jane Eagen or Sharon Sweeting (301- Paul Lanham Warren (Dusty) Rhoads 927-4514) to sign up. Joyce McDonald Our October meeting involves a change of venue. Because of the weekend-long Marching Through Time encampment at Marietta, we have agreed to meet at the Glendale Community Center, which is just north of Marietta on the left side of Route 193 as you head toward Greenbelt. The speaker at that meeting will be Anne Palumbo, Executive Director, Prince George's County Arts Council/Arts in Public Places Program. Her topic promises to be most interesting — "Prince George's County Artists and Arts Patrons in Colonial Times." See you there!! Restoration of the windows at the mansion linguist, and on occasion, conducted entire may necessitate closing for November and arguments in a foreign tongue. At times he part of December - watch this space for took William Guista, distinguished translator further details. of the U.S. State Department, abroad with him. Mr. Guista lived on the corner of Now, let us turn to one of Hyattsville's noted Spencer and Avon (now 42nd Place and sons - Jackson Ralston. Two items are Gallatin Street, in Hyattsville). presented, and we must say that the first was a typescript without attribution, while the Mrs. Harriet Ralston purchased Lot 26 from second relates Mr. Ralston's primary victory C. C. Hyatt on April 8, 1882. On July 26, in a race for Congress. I should note that he 1882, she purchased Lots 1, 2, and 3 of the was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat Sydney Whiteside Sub of Lots 27 and 28 of the Hyatt E. Mudd in the 5th district race. The Mudd Addition to Hyattsville. seat was safe for a quarter of a century. In 1882, Mr. Ralston and Mr. Littlefield were JACKSON H. RALSTON, ESQ. responsible for Messrs. Wine and Johnson purchasing the Ravenswood tract which at HYATTSVILLE LUMINARY that time consisted of 190 acres. Until the purchase and development of this tract, Jackson H. Ralston was born in Sacramento, Hyattsville's expansion had been slow. California, and lived as a young man in Quincy, Illinois, and in other Western cities. Mr. Ralston built his first home on Wingrest His father, Judge James H. Ralston, died on Place, not 4200 Decatur St., next to the home the desert in Nevada. The Indians discovered erected by his mother, Mrs. Harriet N. his remains which consisted of bones and a Ralston, which borders on 42nd Ave. (4206 watch. That part of the desert was later Decatur St.) This house was later purchased named the Ralston Desert in his memory. by the Howard M. Rice family. The original house on the first site was moved to 42nd Judge Ralston (the elder) was a prominent Ave. And later became the Naylor home. attorney who served in the Illinois Legislature with Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. In 1886, Mr. Ralston called a meeting of the interested parties in incorporating the Town. Jackson Ralston obtained his law degree Jackson Ralston, J. Rogers, and William C. from Georgetown University in 1876. He Lewin drew up the incorporation papers and opened his office with a Mr. Siddons, and the presented them to the Legislature. firm was known as Ralston and Siddons. Later Mr. Richardson became a member of His first definite steps in the field of the firm, and his name was added. international relations were taken in 1889 when he acted as Counsel for Felipe Mr. Ralston moved to Hyattsville (Prince Angocillo, representative of the Abortive George's County) in 1882. He became Republic of the Philippines. interested in International Law. He was chosen as umpire in several controversies Mr. Ralston was a noted advocate of the between countries. He was an accomplished single tax and was the author of many splendid publications on this subject. In While serving as an attorney for the Union, 1892, as President of the Hyattsville Board of he obtained Supreme Court decisions that Commissioners, with the aid of Charles H. made certain the right of trial by jury in Long and George S. Britt, he procured the police court and established contempt of adoption of the abolishment of the court as a criminal proceeding. improvement tax. In 1890 he was instrumental in abolishing the personal Mr. Ralston served Hyattsville well. He property tax. This was the first time any town served on the first school board with James in the United States had put such a law on its B. Burnside and Henry A. Drury. They were books. However, the State Court of Appeal responsible for the building of the first school declared the measure unconstitutional. Later, building in Hyattsville at Ravenswood and Hyattsville adopted a modified form of the Johnson Aves. (43rd and Farragut St.) He single tax, and Mr. Ralston was responsible made arrangements for the First National for the enactment of a State constitutional Bank of Marlboro to establish offices in provision that permitted towns wishing to do Hyattsville and was one of the organizers of so to use the single tax system. Capitol the Hyattsville Building Association. Heights and Perryville instituted the plan. In 1897 he was awarded a Doctor of Laws Mr. Ralston was also co-author of the Best Degree from the National University of Referendum Provision in the United States. Washington.

In 1902, Mr. Ralston was the agent in charge After moving back to Palo Alto, California, of the Pious Fundse in which the United he wrote several more books and gave States and Mexico were the litigants. This lectures at Stanford University. was the case to open the Hague Permanent Court of Arbitration. The government The Palo Alto Press described him "as not published Mr. Ralston's report as its agent. only a distinguished man but a rare soul, In 1903, he was the Umpire of the Italian- widely beloved. He was learned, lovable, Venezuelan Mixed Claims Commission and tolerant, kindly, eminently human and shortly after edited Venezuelan Arbitration of humane, and gifted with a delightful sense of 1903 and Report of the French-Venezuelan humor." Mixed Claims Commission under Protocol of 1902. He authored International Arbitration His last residence in Hyattsville was on the from Athens to Locarno and many other legal site where the Hyattsville Theater stood publications. which is now the car lot adjacent to Lustine's Oldsmobile Car Company. As an attorney for the American Federation of labor, Mr. Ralston defended Samuel Jackson H. Ralston died on October 13, Gomphers, John Mitchell, and Frank 1945. Morrison in the famed Buck's Stove and Range litigation in which Gomphers, Ed. Note: We came across the above typescript but are not aware of its provenance. In any event, we find it interesting Mitchell, and Morrison were in danger of and hope our readers will also. In addition, we offer the getting jail terms. following reprint of an article from the Washington Times, Tuesday, May 16, 1916. (This is not the current paper by that Each time 1 was reminded of the subject, I To my chagrin, a boundary planting of enquired of the Commission as to the status ornamental hedge has now completely of the fence; each time I was assured "just be obscured the iron fencing! But look closely, patient"; but Mrs. Marshall, bless her heart, it is there and Margaret and I both felt it vigorously kept me aware of her concern and looks very nice. Although, I must say, she the importance of the matter. And, so, I kept was amazed at "how well it had weathered up the pressure! the passage of time. Real craftsmen they had in those days!" Finally, one evening after I had again telephoned and 'harassed' the Commission President's Ramblings on the matter and was again advised "please be patient," I received a personal call at I am so delighted with your responses to the home. requests for help and services in the classified ads and last month's Ramblings. It "Pail" the caller said" "I was in the front has been wonderful to have such support and office today and overheard what you were help to get things moving. Thank you, thank told. Off the record, it's time you understand you, thank you! the problem." The caller then related his concern over the fencing and the care he had The invitations to the Tricentennial Teas are taken to protect it, as the ground restorations out and the replies are coming in fast. It proceeded. To his horror, when the time appears we will have many people at each came to reinstall the fencing, only one piece tea. There are still some openings for helpers remained. The balance had been irretrievably to clean up, set up, and greet our guests. used as reinforcing rods in the mansion's Now, if you would like to bake some concrete walls!! goodies, they would be appreciated also. Call Sharon Sweeting, 927-4514. "However" the caller continued "we have used the remaining piece as a guide and had By the time you receive this we will have had facsimile pieces reproduced. As soon as I our fall fund-raiser at Pleasant Prospect. can properly 'antique' these new pieces with Wallis and Dusty have done such a great job appropriate nicks, scratches, etc., I will in the planning that it was a great success. A rebuild the fencing, and twenty-five years special thanks to both of them. It seemed to from now only you and I will know the true me that everyone was friendly and chatty, story." despite the verrrry cool weather. The Garthoffs were very hospitable hosts. Needless to say, Margaret was delighted with her reinstalled fence, and until her very recent The gift shop is really coming along. We passing, remained a close friend indeed. Our found some base cabinets on sale and Tim friendship bonds cemented together in our Yatman is doing the carpentry work! Now if "successful Waring Cemetery endeavor." that isn't a stroke of good fortune .... We will be indebted to you for a thousand years, It was some years later that I checked the Tim and friend. I saw it today and got quite cemetery project. On my first visit, I could excited. Stella and Bill Uber are working not find it; but was successful at a later visit. hard to get things together. Several members and friends have volunteered to work in the Fred DeMarr is working on a plan for the shop and a decorative artist has offered her library that will allow more of the collection services. Opening day has not been decided be available without moving boxes, stacks, yet, but you will know as soon as we can get etc. The October and November meetings it all together. We need volunteers to work will be at the Glenn Dale Community in the shop when the house is open. Call me Center. We are trying it out to see how it at 249-6409 and I will direct you to the works. signer upper or sign you up on the spot A nominating committee has been appointed In the middle of all of the Tricentennial Teas to fill the vacancies for next year and the we are inviting two people from each Friends next class of directors. There was also a of groups in the county to have motion presented to raise the lifetime brunch at Marietta and get to know each membership dues to $400. It was tabled to other. There won't be an agenda, but we can allow members to respond and to join at the become acquainted and decide if we would old rate of $200 until January, 1996. like to do this once or twice a year. It is hoped that we can coordinate calendars so The Board of Education has requested that we won't be competing with each other. we sponsor a class for teachers in the spring Think how nice it would be to have events semester. We will use the same format used offered on many days rather than so many on in the past. Each class will be held at a the same days. different historical site with two or three speakers. The teachers participating will be With the help of everyone on the Board of required to submit lesson plans using some of Directors and advise from delegates we have the information presented and in turn will formulated a plan to try to get a bond bill receive one credit for certification renewal. through the legislature for funds from the One of the attraction of the class is the state to match funds from MNCPPC for snacks served at each class. We try to keep Phase II or completion of the restoration of them appropriate to the theme of the Marietta. Phase I of the restoration, the evening and on the last meeting we go all repair of external and structural features, has out and serve a buffet Florence Reidesel been completed. It included replacing and took care of the refreshments last year, pointing up some of the external brickwork. unfortunately for us, she has moved to Some drainage and internal support work was Hagerstawn and we need another volunteer. done also. Phase II will include more We can supply recipes and ideas and internal work, air conditioning, heating, reimburse you for expenses. It is fun and sewer and water hook up, plaster repair and the classes are very interesting. This is a detail work. The windows are scheduled to wonderful opportunity for those of you who be done this fall. It is difficult to have the love to cook but don't always have the house open until the windows are done, thus occasions or partakers. our limited schedule of events until 1996. The house will be open through 1996, At the County Fair we gave out many Tricentennial Year, then hopefully, the brochures and enjoyed chatting with many Phase II can become a reality. people who had never heard of us. Wouldn't Newman. Arbitration Law and Procedure." The Washington-Hyattsville candidate for He was born in Sacramento on February 6, Congress makes a hobby of civic reforms. 1857, educated in the San Francisco high Less than a month ago he was among the school, and graduated in law from sponsors who went to Congress urging the Georgetown University, in this city, in 1876. report of the Community forum's bill to permit the use of Washington school houses The Washington Times Tuesday, May 2, for public discussions. 1916, page One. Miss Margaret Wilson, daughter of the President, was chief sponsor for this measure ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL now pending before a House committee. by Paul Lanham Elimination of alleys, the eradication of the loan shark's evil, city hygiene and sanitation, Members attending the September 23, 1995, simplification of judicial procedure, and reception at the lovely home of Ambassador other municipal and general reforms are and Mrs. Raymond Garthoff, Pleasant among the things which Mr. Ralston has Prospect, were saddened to learn of the supported. passing of a beloved Charter Member of the Familiar Figure In Courts Society, Margaret Mullikin Marshall. For a number of years Mr. Ralston was associated with Frederick L. Siddons, now a For many years, I have been knowledgeable justice of the Supreme Court of the District of of a past event which would have been of Columbia, in the practice of law. The tall, great interest to this gracious lady, but one for vigorous, fighting Ralston is a familiar figure which my silence, I believe, was the 'better within every courtroom in the District. part of valor.' The story goes as follows— Mr. Ralston's activities, however, have not In the early 1970s, the Maryland National been confined solely to his position as Capital Park and Planning Commission, general counsel for the American Federation having acquired the historical Captain of labor and a practicing attorney for other Newton White estate on Enterprise Road, clients. was busily engaged in restoring the mansion As early as 1878, he was a delegate to the and constructing a community golf course on International Typographical Union of North the site. America. In 1883 he was counsel in Washington for Felipe Agoneille, Mrs. Marshall had an intensive interest in that representing the Filipino republic before the part of the property designated as "The war broke out; he was American agent and Waring Family Cemetery." She was counsel in the case of the Pious Fund of the delighted as this hallowed ground was California Against Mexico, the first dispute brought back to life from the tangle of briars, submitted to the permanent Court of fallen trees, etc., accumulated over the Arbitration at the Hague under the peace decades. However, with growing concern, convention of 1899; he was also named by she noted that the ancient iron fencing had the United States in 1903 as umpire for the not been reinstalled and, so, she enlisted my Italian claims against Venezuela before the assistance (as I was President of the mixed tribunal at Caracas. Historical Society in those days) for Mr. Ralston is author of "International corrective action. The Prince George's County Historical Society

1995-FALL TOUR-1995 MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE Saturday October 21st MEREDITH.'HOUSE/NIELD MUSEUM-Originally built in 1760,enlarged and remodeled over the years,the house now stands as a tribute to the 1850's.This and the adjoining museum of local artifacts are the Headquarters of the Dorchester County Historical Society Luncheon at the Exchange Pub--SEE BELOW FOR FOOD CHOICE POPLAR HILL-This Georgian style mansion,dating from 1805,has many colonial details including hand carved cornices and chair rails. Along with the original pine floors,early paint colors,It is the showpiece of the Salisbury Historic District. PEMBERTON HALL-One of the earliest dated(l74l)brick gambriel roofed houses in Maryland-and-HERITAGE CENTRE,designed to simulate an 18th century barn,this interesting location is the home of the Wicomico Historical Society. The price of $32.00 per person includes all entrance fees,transportation and luncheon. GUESTS ARE WELCOME LEAVE FROM "MARIETTA" SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS 5626 BELL STATION ROAD PROMPTLY AT 8:30 A.M. DEADLINE OCTOBER 14th--NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE LUNCHEON SELECTIONS AND NAME/NAMES CRAB CAKE BAKED CHICKEN , Please make checks payable to:Prince Georges County Historical Society Mail to Warren Rhoads,12501 Kemmerton Lane Bowie,Maryland 20715 CASH BAR AVAILABLE

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

ERECTED ON ST. GEORGE'S DAY, APRIL 23, 1696 October 1995 - September 1996 Yearly Planner October 95 April July April % S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234567 144 n11:00 AM-4:00 PM MARCH- 21 SUMMER PASTIMES AT 123456 S 9 10 U 12 13 14 ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- MARIETTA 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 MENT AT MARIETTA 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 August 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 1:1:0( 0 PM - 5:00 PM ST. GEORGE'S 21 DAY DINNER, LOCATION TO 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S BE ANNOUNCED COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 23 tHAPPY SOOTH November 95 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM May 96 S M T W T F S BIRTHDAY PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1234 1234 5 6 7 g 9 10 11 TO US!!! September 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 IS 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 26 27 28 29 30 31 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 7:07 0 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 1 * COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- LIBRARY ETY MEETING, G8EENBELT LIBRARY 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD December 95 11 110:0< 0 AM- 1:00 PM 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM June 96 S M T W T F S PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1 2 PGCHS MEMBER- i 3456789 22:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 SHIP MEETING 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 PGCHS MEMBER- 16 17 IS 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 SHIP MEETING 22 DEMONATRATION OF 30 SCHOOL DAYS AT 18 SSPRINGF , MAY POLES AND MARIETTA CHILDREN'S GAMES ON THE LAWN AT MARIETTA January 96 July 96 S M T W T F S June S M T W T F S 123456 5 7:7:0C0 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 123456 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 7 8 9 10 U 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 LIBRARY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 8 10:0ic 0 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD 2:02: 0 PM - 5:00 PM

February 96 PGCHS MEMBER- August 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING S M T W T F S 1 2 3 GGLENL N DALE FESTIVAL AT 123 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MARIETTA AND GLENN 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 DALE COMMUNITY 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 CENTER 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 July 3 7:0™0 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT March 96 LIBRARY September 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 13 K10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1234567 3456789 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 PGCHS BOARD 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 29 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 10/1/95 Each time 1 was reminded of the subject, 1 To my chagrin, a boundary planting of enquired of the Commission as to the status ornamental hedge has now completely of the fence; each time I was assured "just be obscured the iron fencing! But look closely, patient"; but Mrs. Marshall, bless her heart, it is there and Margaret and I both felt it vigorously kept me aware of her concern and looks very nice. Although, I must say, she the importance of the matter. And, so, I kept was amazed at "how well it had weathered up the pressure! the passage of time. Real craftsmen they had in those days!" Finally, one evening after I had again telephoned and 'harassed' the Commission President's Ramblings on the matter and was again advised "please be patient," I received a personal call at I am so delighted with your responses to the home. requests for help and services in the classified ads and last month's Ramblings. It "Pail" the caller said" "I was in the front has been wonderful to have such support and office today and overheard what you were help to get things moving. Thank you, thank told. Off the record, it's time you understand you, thank you! the problem." The caller then related his concern over the fencing and the care he had The invitations to the Tricentennial Teas are taken to protect it, as the ground restorations out and the replies are coming in fast. It proceeded. To his horror, when the time appears we will have many people at each came to reinstall the fencing, only one piece tea. There are still some openings for helpers remained. The balance had been irretrievably to clean up, set up, and greet our guests. used as reinforcing rods in the mansion's Now, if you would like to bake some concrete walls!! goodies, they would be appreciated also. Call Sharon Sweeting, 927-4514. "However" the caller continued "we have used the remaining piece as a guide and had By the time you receive this we will have had facsimile pieces reproduced. As soon as I our fall fund-raiser at Pleasant Prospect. can properly 'antique' these new pieces with Wallis and Dusty have done such a great job appropriate nicks, scratches, etc., I will in the planning that it was a great success. A rebuild the fencing, and twenty-five years special thanks to both of them. It seemed to from now only you and I will know the true me that everyone was friendly and chatty, story." despite the verrrry cool weather. The Garthoffs were very hospitable hosts. Needless to say, Margaret was delighted with her reinstalled fence, and until her very recent The gift shop is really coming along. We passing, remained a close friend indeed. Our found some base cabinets on sale and Tirn friendship bonds cemented together in our Yatman is doing the carpentry work! Now if "successful Waring Cemetery endeavor." that isn't a stroke of good fortune .... We will be indebted to you for a thousand years, It was some years later that I checked the Tim and friend. I saw it today and got quite cemetery project. On my first visit, I could excited. Stella and Bill Uber are working not find it; but was successful at a later visit. hard to get things together. Several members and friends have volunteered to work in the Fred DeMarr is working on a plan for the shop and a decorative artist has offered her library that will allow more of the collection services. Opening day has not been decided be available without moving boxes, stacks, yet, but you will know as soon as we can get etc. The October and November meetings it all together. We need volunteers to work will be at the Glenn Dale Community in the shop when the house is open. Call me Center. We are trying it out to see how it at 249-6409 and I mil direct you to the works. signer upper or sign you up on the spot A nominating committee has been appointed In the middle of all of the Tricentennial Teas to fill the vacancies for next year and the we are inviting two people from each Friends next class of directors. There was also a of groups in the county to have motion presented to raise the lifetime brunch at Marietta and get to know each membership dues to $400. It was tabled to other. There won't be an agenda, but we can allow members to respond and to join at the become acquainted and decide if we would old rate of $200 until January, 1996. like to do this once or twice a year. It is hoped that we can coordinate calendars so The Board of Education has requested that we won't be competing with each other. we sponsor a class for teachers in the spring Think how nice it would be to have events semester. We will use the same format used offered on many days rather than so many on in the past. Each class will be held at a the same days. different historical site with two or three speakers. The teachers participating will be With the help of everyone on the Board of required to submit lesson plans using some of Directors and advise from delegates we have the information presented and in turn will formulated a plan to try to get a bond bill receive one credit for certification renewal. through the legislature for funds from the One of the attraction of the class is the state to match funds from MNCPPC for snacks served at each class. We try to keep Phase II or completion of the restoration of them appropriate to the theme of the Marietta. Phase I of the restoration, the evening and on the last meeting we go all repair of external and structural features, has out and serve a buffet. Florence Reidesel been completed. It included replacing and took care of the refreshments last year, pointing up some of the external brickwork. unfortunately for us, she has moved to Some drainage and internal support work was Hagerstown and we need another volunteer. done also. Phase II will include more We can supply recipes and ideas and internal work, air conditioning, heating, reimburse you for expenses. It is fun and sewer and water hook up, plaster repair and the classes are very interesting. This is a detail work. The windows are scheduled to wonderful opportunity for those of you who be done this fall. It is difficult to have the love to cook but don't always have the house open until the windows are done, thus occasions or partakers. our limited schedule of events until 1996. The house will be open through 1996, At the County Fair we gave out many Tricentennial Year, then hopefully, the brochures and enjoyed chatting with many Phase II can become a reality. people who had never heard of us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our membership grew and platform supports with paw feet. The table is we had more people involved with the history in very good condition. of Prince George's County. Let's make it happen! The above item is a Commission surplus item. The minimum bid accepted is $2,000. IN SEARCH OF All bids must be in writing and mailed to: OLDFANGLED OBJECTS Pat O'Malley In celebration of the 300th Anniversary of M-NCPPC Executive Office Building Price George's County, the Arts and Cultural Purchasing, Suite 300 Heritage Division of the Maryland National 6611 Kenilworth Avenue Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks Riverdale, MD 20737 obsolete objects from Prince George's County residents. Outdated kitchen gadgets, The bid deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, November antique toys and games, oldfangled 17, 1995. Please include your name, address, appliances, vintage clothing and garden tools telephone and bid amount. Mark the lower are some of the items sought for an exhibit in left hand of the envelope "Reference" April, 1996. Objects for display must be at Marietta Table." least 50 years old.

The exhibit "Oldfangled: Obsolete Objects AN INVITATION HIKERS/BIKERS/HORSEMEN from the Attics and Closets of Prince George's County," opens free to the public at NEW TRAIL CELEBRATION the Gallery, Harmony Hall Regional Center, WB&A Trail Open House to celebrate the acquisition of the Fort Washington, Maryland, from April 1 entire six mile railroad right of way in Prince George's through April 30, 1996. A grand reception is County. planned for Saturday, April 27, 1996. 10 am October 21 (rain or shine) Glenn Dale Recreation Center Interested residents should call (301)454- Rte. 193 between Rte 564 and Rte 450. Glenn Dak, Maryland 1450rTTY (301)454-1472 for further information and to receive an entry form._ 10AM - Free Irish Donuts, coffee and opportunity Deadline foj entries is February 16t 1996. to socialize and view trail displays. Speeches from 10:30 to 11:00 AM

The "Oldfangled" exhibit is a program of the 11 AM Ride/Hike trail and adjoining country road to Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Glenn Dale Pond of Marietta Mansion - PGCHS Commission, Prince George's County Society Headquarters - a MNCPPC Property Department of Parks and Recreation, Arts Bikers - Wear Your Helmets! and Cultural Heritage Division. For more information, call Morris Warren, WB&A Recreational/Commuter Trail Association - 301-459-7090. For Sale by Sealed Bid: Antique (c 1840) round extension dining table with two leaves. The Wood is mahogany, with mahogany veneer. The cylindrical pedestal splits in half to support the leaves. The pedestal rests on October 1995 - September 1996 Yearly Planner October 95 October January April 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234567 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 20 WINTER PASTIMES AT 123456 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- MARIETTA 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 LIBRARY 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 21 WHITER PASTIMES AT 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 MARIETTA 28 29 30 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD February 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT November 95 LIBRARY May 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING S M T W T F S 1234 MARYLAND MEDIEVAL SOCI- 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1 234 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ETY - ANNUAL HASTINGS 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 16 17 18 FAIRE AT MARIETTA PGCHS BOARD 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (SOCIETY MEETING 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 26 27 28 29 30 31 MOVED TO GLENDALE COMMUNITY CENTER PGCHS MEMBER- SHIP MEETING 21 8:00 AM-6:45 PM PGCHS FALL BUS TRIP 18 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LOVES OF December 95 November A LIFETIME - GOLDEN June 96 S M T W T F S MEMORIES AT MARIETTA S M T W T F S 1 2 I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S "" 1 3456789 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- March 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 LIBRARY 1 HOW THE BETTER HALF 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 LIVED - AN EXHIBIT 30 II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM A 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS BOARD COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY January % PGCHS MEMBER- July 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING 9 10:00 AM-1:00 PM S M T W T F S 123456 PGCHS BOARD 123456 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 6:00 PM - 10:15 PM TRICEN- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 TENNIAL KICKOFF - WAT- 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 KINS REGIONAL PARK PGCHS MEMBER- 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 SHIP MEETING December 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 31 HOW THE BETTER HALF COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- LIVED - AN EXHIBIT ETY MEETING, GREENBELT February 96 LIBRARY April August 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 9 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM PGCHS HOLI- 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DAY GALA, SITE TO BE COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ANNOUNCED ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 LIBRARY 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2« 29 January 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 GLENN DALE COMMUNITY 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 8 EASTER EGG HUNT AT COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- MARIETTA ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT LIBRARY 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM March % 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD September 96 S M T W T F S 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM MARCH- S M T W T F S 1 2 PGCHS BOARD ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- 1234567 3456789 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 MENT AT MARIETTA 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2* 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 29 30

Printed by Calendar Creator Plus on 10/1/95 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM AHMVAL. Return to PGCHS Post Office box 14, Riverdale, MD 20738-0014 Virta, Allen, Prince George's County: A DATE Pictorial History. Price 29.95, plus tax of $1.50 and NAME p/h of $2.00-total $33.45. ADDRESS

Calvert of Maryland, by James Otis. Hard Cover, CITY, STATE AND ZIP 166 pp. PGCHS exclusive reprint of this 1910 original, TELEPHONE complete with lithographed illustrations. Delightful story of the settling of Maryland. A great holiday gift for a PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER NEW OR child with an interest in history. $ 6.95 incl tax. RENEWAL

Atlas of Prince George's County. Maryland. 1878. CHECK APPROPRIATE CATEGORY Hopkins/White, Soft Cover, 50 pp. Published by PGCHS in 1975, this 2nd edition was printed in 1990. The maps FULL TIME STUDENT $10.00 are organized by then-existing election districts, show MEMBER $20.00 primary roads, major landmarks and lists property owners LIFE MEMBER $200.00 $50.00 in 1878. A must for the home historian. $5.00 plus $.25 SUSTAINING MEMBER ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION $ taxand$1.00s&h. I AM ALSO INTERESTED IN HELPING Souvenir Book/ Lanha lial-1872t o1972 . THE SOCIETY AS A VOLUNTEER. PLEASE by Paul Lanham, et. al. Soft Cover, 112 pp. 1972 The CONTACT EM REGARDING VOLUNTEER history of the Lanham area, including interesting OPPORTUNITIES. illustrations. Discusses early personalities and the influence of railroads on the development of Lanham. __I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JOIN THE $4.00 plus $.20 tax,$1.00s&h. MARYLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND AM ENCLOSING $25 FOR INDIVIDUAL OR $35 Berwvn Heights: History of a Small Maryland FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP. Town. Donald Skarda. Soft Cover, 54 pp. 1976 Well written story of a tura-of-the-century suburban town. OUR OPERATING SUPPORT COMES FROM Gives background history of the area. $3.00 plus $.60 tax YOUR DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS. ALL and $.50 S&H. CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. WE APPRECIATE YOUR Gabriel Duvall. A Short Piography. by Shirley Baltz. CONTINUED SUPPORT. Soft Cover, 5 pp. 1985. Brief synopsis of the life of Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Duvall, builder of PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO PGCHS Marietta. Proceeds benefit Marietta restoration. $1.00 MAIL PAYMENTS TO plus $.05 tax, $.50 S&H. PGCHS, PO BOX 14 A History of Beltsville. Soft Cover, 96 pp. 1976 RIVERDALE, MD 20738-0014 TELEPHONE 301-464-0590 Draws on the writings of the late historians Ethel Woodward and Susie Beall. $4.00 plus $ .20 tax and $.50 S&H. Taussig, Betty, Windfall of Inherited Treasures. $10.00, Tax $1.00 s&h, $2.00.

Journey Through Time: A history of the Prince George's County Police. 29.95 plus tax $1.50 plus s&h $2.00 HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours.

POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OCTOBER 1995 OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXIII NUMBER 9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 LIFE MEMBERSHIP COST INCREASE President - Jane Eagen Vice President - Eugene Roberts, Jr. The Board of Directors has been reviewing the Secretary - Sarah Bourne financial status of the Society and has determined Treasurer - John B. Bourne that it is appropriate that the Society consider Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr changes to the level of funding necessary to effect Editor - Lester H. Sweeting a lifetime membership in the society.

Directors- 1994/1995 Why should this be necessary? John Mitchell Julie Bright Ten years ago, and the current life membership Sarah Moseley level was set more than a decade ago, the cost of mailing News and Notes was less than $1.00 per Directors- 1995/1996 year. In addition, printing costs and other costs Mildred Ridgeley Gray attendant to maintaining our extensive mailing Wallis Hall Cain lists and other activities were less than $5 per James Ray member per year. Thus, the income from a $200 life membership offset the total annual cost for Past Presidents such a membership for an extended number of W. C. (Bud) Dutton years. John Giannetti Paul Lanham In 1995, however, we have found that mailing, Warren (Dusty) Rhoads printing and other costs have risen so that the Joyce McDonald income earned from the life membership trust fund exceed the annual cost of maintaining an extensive list of life members. LIFE MEMBERSHIP The current officers, shown on the front COST INCREASE page, have been renominated for an CONTINUED additional year.

Our Treasurer, Jack Bourne, advised the NOVEMBER 11 Board of Directors that a long-range plan SOCIETY MEETING TO must include resolution of this matter. REFLECT ON THE SECOND WORLD WAR It is therefore suggested that the Membership consider that a change to our The Society is pleased to be able to present a By Laws with respect to life membership lecture by a veteran of the Second World increasing the cost thereof to reflect the War, Bernard Thomas Nolan, economic realities will take effect on Colonel, Retired, United States Air Force. January 1, 1996. Consider a life Col. Nolan, who has just returned from a membership as a personal Holiday Gift for reunion of his comrades in the Eighth yourself or another! Bomber Command, will discuss the Air War in England and Europe and his 33 combat ANNUAL MEETING missions in B-24Hs and N-17Gs, between ELECTION OF OFFICERS November 1943 and October 1944. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Col. November is the end of our year, and the Nolan also served at Andrews Air Force November Meeting of the Society is given Base and with the National Aeronautics and over to a business meeting, in addition to a Space Administration. speaker (see article below). We look forward to your attendance at this Our Board of Directors includes all Past meeting, which, you are reminded, will take Presidents, who serve ex-officio. place in the Glenn Dale Recreation Center on Enterprise Road. In addition, the officers serve one year terms. Six Directors are elected for two year A LADY WARRIOR terms on a staggered basis. FROM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

This year, Directors John Mitchell and Julie Bright are nominated for new two-year terms, and Sarah Moseley is retiring from the Board. Bill Uber is nominated for a full term to replace Sarah Moseley. In addition, the Director class of 1995/1996 is losing two members ~ Judge James Ray and Wallis Hall Cain. Mildred Ridgeley Gray will continue her term. In light of the two resignations, nominations have been announced for Melinda Alter and Catherine Clagett. My Librarian and her cohorts in the On mustering out, Yeoman Hall joined the Hyattsville Preservation Association are Navy Division of the Veterans' continuing their efforts to document Administration. In 1921, she joined the Hyattsville through oral histories with some Bureau of Navy Personnel as a civilian. of our elderly residents. While talking to After Pearl Harbor, she was released to the one such lady, Mrs. Mamie Kier, they were WAVES, with the understanding that she allowed access to some of her old records - would return to her civilian job after the war including early High School publications, ended. In the Second World War, Mrs. and other memorabilia. Beckett (she had married in 1934) was promoted to a senior lieutenant and was Among the items sent along for our made paymaster. She was considered for information, however, were documents appointment as Head of the Waves, but a relating to a lady by the name of Esther heart condition precluded her accepting that Virginia Hall Beckett, who was born in high position, although she concluded her Hyattsville (we believe) in 1898 and who service successfully, mustering out as a had a fascinating history in her own right. Lieutenant on January 25, 1946. Mrs. Beckett was better known as one of five women who served on active duty in Esther was one of the founders of the both world wars, and one of only 5 of the American Legion, and its second Post, the 11,000 women who served during WWI U.S.S. Jacob Jones Post of the American who was awarded the World War I Victory Legion of the District of Columbia. (My Ribbon. sources, though sketchy, indicate that this may have been an all-female Post.) Esther Virginia Hall was born in Maryland on February 24, 1898, and she grew up (we Taking an active interest in the Legion, (Ms are told) in Hyattsville. On December 7, Hall was a continuous member for 62 years) 1917 she enlisted as a Yeoman 3rd Class in she was Commander of the Post in 1927, the Yeoman (F) branch of the United States and was a Departmental Commander of the Navy. These "Yeomanettes", forerunners of District of Columbia Department of the the WAVES, served as yeoman (a clerical American Legion as well. She traveled on rating), electrician's mate, storekeepers, the S.S. Leviathan, flagship of the American cooks, stewards, and mess attendants. The Legion's trip for the tenth anniversary Nursing Service was a totally different American Expeditionary, with General branch. Most of these young ladies lived in Pershing and others to celebrate the private quarters. They did drill, parade and anniversary of the Armistice. While on that worked a wartime schedule. They also voyage, she led the tribute to the U.S.S. received promotions like other enlisted Jacob Jones and her gallant crew, who were personnel. Esther was promoted to Yeoman lost in a submarine attack off the Scilly Isles 2nd Class on May 1, 1918, and Yeoman 3rd on September 16, 1917. Class on November 1, 1918. On February 16, 1919, she mustered out into "inactive" It was on that trip to Europe that Ms. Hall status. Her service and service of 427 other met Norman P. Beckett, also a veteran of Maryland ladies allowed male yeomen to be World War I, and a legionnaire. They were reassigned for overseas duty. married in 1934, and moved to Denver, where Esther was instrumental in setting up pay as now due. the Veteran's Administration - Western. Letter from Army Paymaster to Captain X: At her death in 1980, Mrs. Beckett was "In reply to your letter, it is pointed out that Commander of the lola Barracks No. 2711 since the date therein mentioned, the Battle of the Veterans of World War I, a unique of Hastings has been fought, in the course of office for a woman to hold (and she was the which a considerable deficiency in bows and sole woman in any Barracks in Kansas). arrows was brought to light. Since you She the subject of at least two Certificates of appear to be the sole survivor or this Appreciation of a greatful nation signed by incident, your liability in respect of the Presidents - the First by Harry S. Truman, deficiency, the replacement value of which is and a posthumous certificate signed by estimated at 63,875 pounds, 6 shillings and Ronald Reagan. 8 pence, cannot be questioned, "if therefore you will remit the sum of 6 Esther Virginia Hall Beckett - a daughter of shillings and 8 pence, the matter can be dealt Prince George's, is shown above in her with per contra and may be considered as WAVES Uniform. closed."

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK An well - ana your faithful Editor can well remember when £, s, a were the rule (ana one First, let me, on behalf of Treasurer Bourne could divide by 12 and 20). and the Society, welcome new members: Carolyn T. Lee, Brenda L. Marcum, Next a short tale lifted from the latest Mavis McAvoy, and Queen Anne Prince George's County Genealogical School/Kimberley Kratovil. Welcome Society Bulletin: All!! THE SAD FATE OF I cannot resist the following two short pieces. The first is from one of the reprints REVEREND FRIDAY - we received in connection with the material OR THE GREAT ONION MURDER submitted on Lt. Esther Hall Beckett reported above and relates to her duties as Harper's Ferry, WV, May 31, 1877 (a Navy Paymaster. tale derived from various newspaper accounts) PAYMASTERS NEVER FORGET On the night of May 31, 1877, the Reverend John M. Friday, the popular Letter from Captain X to Army Paymaster: young minister of St. John's Lutheran "I observe that my promotion to the rank or Church of Harper's Ferry, left a church Captain is shown as taking effect from tne meeting in progress at his home to perform 19th May, 944. I therefore request that my account may be credited with 63,875 pounds (about $300,000) as representing arrears of a secret marriage across the Potomac No more has been learned of the two men. River on the Maryland shore. Expecting But in 1905, a man under death sentence at only a brief absence, he asked the meeting Hagerstown for an unrelated murder to await his return. He never returned. allegedly confessed to the murder (of The gathering adjourned, and the minister's Reverend Friday). The truth will never be young wife began a night-long vigil. She known. Reverend Friday's widow died at finally fell into exhausted slumber and Philadelphia in 1908." dreamed her husband had been murdered. October - Month of Teas - Successfulll The next morning a lock keeper saw a hat floating in the C&O canal. It was Thanks to the efforts of Sharon Howe Reverend Friday's. Later in the day his Sweeting, and her loyal assitants, Dusty body was found in the canal above a lock Rhodes, Maxie Phillips, Sarah Bourne, near Sandy Hook, Maryalnd. The Fred DeMarr, Bud Dutton, Susan and Jim Reverend's watch had stopped at five past Wolfe, Stella and Bill Uber, Melinda ten o'clock. Examination of the corpse Alter, and others, the Society served tea to revealed that he had been struck on the more than 150 Prince George's County head and either pushed or fallen into the Teachers this month - and acquainted them water and drowned. with the Library, the Gift Shop, Marietta, Prince George's Rich History and our Three weeks later two men were arrested Tricentennial. on suspicion of the murder. One man allegedly confessed to a private detective This was considered a succesful effort from Baltimore—who had been placed as a from the point of view of numbers, and 'decoy'—that the two had stolen from the gift shop sales - in excess of ONIONS[!] from Mr. Earnhardt at Sandy $1200 at last report. Hook, one man carrying the loot in a sack. Walking up the canal, the men encountered By the way - if you have not journeyed to Reverend Friday, who had lingered near the new Gift Shop - located in the 'glass' the railroad bridge after performing the room in the basement - you must. Tim marriage. The man with the sack of Yatman and associate did a wonderful job onions used it to strike the Reverend, who installing cabinets. President Jane Eagen fell into the canal and drowned. pushed, prodded and managed. Bill and Stella Uber arranged, inventoried and set it The confession was later disavowed, and up. It truly delightful and is a must stop. when the case went to trial, the men were acquitted—despite press accounts which had Of course, since the Mansion will be pronounced the mostly circumstantial closed for the next six weeks while evidence adequate for conviction. windows are rebuilt - we cannot meet there - but we are assured that the Christmas Gala will take place at Marietta on Liberal regulations in Maryland made December 9!!! Harpers Ferry a popular wedidng site because couples could marry on the Potomac River Bridge or on the As usual - the price of admission is a dish Maryland shore and walk back to West Virginia. - ready to serve - of your favorite holiday through Z (Heritage Books, Inc., 1995) may sweet or savory treat. See you there!!! not sound like a good read but anyone interested in historical documentation will Lester Sweeting be enchanted.

The parameters of the volumes are very carefully outlined in the Introduction: newspapers, such as the National Intelligencer (Washington), which have already been "extracted, indexed and printed" are only sparsely represented. "The same is true of the Maryland Gazette. Annapolis." Twenty-four other newspapers housed in Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Library; the Maryland Hall of Records and Maryland State Library, both in Annapolis; and the Library of Congress are included. This introduction is followed by G. M. Hopkins' 1878 map of Prince George's County without which the reader would soon become frustrated. Next is an essential "Key to Abbreviations". FROM THE BOOKSHELF What follows is best described on the back Let me begin by recusing myself of any cover: "These accounts of marriage and semblance of objectivity related to this death make not only interesting reading; review and to state at the beginning my they also act as a social commentary on most profound admiration for the life in rural nineteenth-century Prince compiler's of these volumes: Shirley V. George's County. There are stories of Baltz and the late George E. Baltz. Unlike duels, murders, lynchings, railroad many of you, 1 have only known Shirley accidents, fires, falls from horses, since the late 1980s when we served drownings, etc. The extraordinary together on the Board of Prince George's numbers of deaths of babies, children and Heritage. That is, she was the Chairman young people give some insight into the and I was the newest recruit and to say Victorians' affinity with death. What is that 1 was impressed with her historical striking is the lack of sensationalism." knowledge and attention to detail would be a serious understatement. In a short For example, in Volume 1, on page 105 time, she became my role model. PRINCE appears this notice: GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND Marriages and Deaths in Nineteenth Century Newspapers. "CALVERT, ELIZABETH - We regret Volume 1: A through J and Volume 2: K to record the death of Mrs — at 'Mt November 1995 - October 1996 Yearly Planner November 95 November March May 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 1 2 3 4 1 HOW THE BETTER HALF 1234 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 LIVED - AN EXHIBIT 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ETY MEETING, GKEENBEIT 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 LIBRARY 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ft 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 26 27 28 29 30 31 II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT PGCHS BOARD IffiRARY 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 9 10:00 AM-1:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- PGCHS BOARD December 95 June 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM S M T W T F S "1 2 1 3456789 21 6:00 PM - 10:15 PMTRICEN- PGCHS MEMBER- 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TENN1AL KICKOFF - WAT- 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 SHIP MEETING 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 KINS REGIONAL PARK 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 31 HOW THE BETTER HALF 30 December LIVED - AN EXHIBIT 5 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- April ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S January 96 LIBRARY COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- July 96 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S O 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM PGCHS HOLI- S M T W T F S 123456 LIBRARY 123456 DAY GALA, SITE TO BE 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ANNOUNCED 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 g GLENN DALE COMMUNITY 14 IS 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 EASTER EGG HUNT AT 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January MARIETTA 28 29 30 31 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM ETY MEETING, GREENBELT PGCHS BOARD LIBRARY 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM MARCH- ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- August 96 February 96 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM MENT AT MARIETTA S M T W T F S PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 14 11:00 AM-4:00 PM MARCH- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 WINTER PASTIMES AT ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MARIETTA MENT AT MARIETTA 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 21 WHITER PASTIMES AT 71 1 :OOPM-5:00 PM ST. GEORGE'S MARIETTA DAY DINNER, LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED February 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGES 23 March 96 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- HAPPY SOOTH September 96 S M T W T F S ETY MEETING, GREENBELT S M T W T F S 1 2 LIBRARY BIRTHDAY 1234567 3456789 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TO US!!! 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 PGCHS BOARD May 29 30 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS MEMBER- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT SHIP MEETING LIBRARY April 96 October 96 S M T W T F S 18 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LOVES OF II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 5 M T W T F S A LIFETIME - GOLDEN 1 2 3456 PGCHS BOARD 12345 789 10 11 12 13 MEMORIES AT MARIETTA 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 PGCHS MEMBER- 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 November 1995 - October 1996 Yearly Planner November 95 May September May 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234 11 SHIP MEETING 22 DEMONATRATION OF 1 2 "3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SCHOOL DAYS AT 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 SPRING, MAY POLES AND MARIETTA 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 s 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 CHILDREN'S GAMES ON 26 27 28 29 30 31 THE LAWN AT MARIETTA October 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM June PGCHS BOARD « 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 11:00 AM-5:00 PM HAST- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- INGS MEDIEVAL FAIRE AT December 95 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT June 96 MARIETTA .MJLWJLJ~ LIBRARY S M T WJT F S 1 2 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM i 3456789 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 10:00 AM-1:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 PGCHS BOARD 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SHIP MEETING 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 30 PGCHS MEMBER- 13 11:00 AM-5:00 PM HAST- INGS MEDIEVAL FAIRE AT SHIP MEETING MARIETTA GLENN DALE FESTIVAL AT MARIETTA AND GLENN January 96 26 PRESERVING IN THE KITCH- July 96 S M T W T F S DALE COMMUNITY EN - CANNING DEMON- S M T W T F S 123456 CENTER STRATIONS AT MARIETTA 123456 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 July 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 COUNTY GENEA1OGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT LIBRARY 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM February 96 PGCHS BOARD August 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S i 2 3 21 SUMMER PASTIMES AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MARIETTA 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 August 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY

March 96 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM September 96 S M T W T F S PGCHS BOARD S M T W T F S l 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 "7 3456789 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 September 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 29 30 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM PGCHS BOARD April 96 October 96 S M T W T F S 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 5 M T W T F S 123456 PGCHS MEMBER- 12345 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 SHIP MEETING 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 - ready to serve - of your favorite holiday through Z (Heritage Books, Inc., 1995) may sweet or savory treat. See you there!!! not sound like a good read but anyone interested in historical documentation will Lester Sweeting be enchanted.

The parameters of the volumes are very carefully outlined in the Introduction: newspapers, such as the National Intelligencer (Washington), which have already been "extracted, indexed and printed" are only sparsely represented. "The same is true of the Maryland Gazette. Annapolis." Twenty-four other newspapers housed in Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Library; the Maryland Hall of Records and Maryland State Library, both in Annapolis; and the Library of Congress are included. This introduction is followed by G. M. Hopkins' 1878 map of Prince George's County without which the reader would soon become frustrated. Next is an essential "Key to Abbreviations". FROM THE BOOKSHELF What follows is best described on the back Let me begin by recusing myself of any cover: "These accounts of marriage and semblance of objectivity related to this death make not only interesting reading; review and to state at the beginning my they also act as a social commentary on most profound admiration for the life in rural nineteenth-century Prince compiler's of these volumes: Shirley V. George's County. There are stories of Baltz and the late George E. Baltz. Unlike duels, murders, lynchings, railroad many of you, 1 have only known Shirley accidents, fires, falls from horses, since the late 1980s when we served drownings, etc. The extraordinary together on the Board of Prince George's numbers of deaths of babies, children and Heritage. That is, she was the Chairman young people give some insight into the and I was the newest recruit and to say Victorians' affinity with death. What is that 1 was impressed with her historical striking is the lack of sensationalism." knowledge and attention to detail would be a serious understatement. In a short For example, in Volume 1, on page 105 time, she became my role model. PRINCE appears this notice: GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND Marriages and Deaths in Nineteenth Century Newspapers. "CALVERT, ELIZABETH - We regret Volume 1: A through J and Volume 2: K to record the death of Mrs — at 'Mt Airy,' on Thurs last. She was the relict of or grandmother had one like it. Orlando the late Maj EDWARD HENRY Rideout IV visited with a Duvall relative CALVERT, who was the eldest s/o from the West Coast and arrived at the BENEDICT CALVERT of Mt Airy & height of one of the Teas. He was very grandson of CHARLES, the 6th Lord pleased to see the House being used and Balto. She was one of our oldest citizens, making new friends. having been in the 77th yr of her age. She was a lady of the old school, retaining to Susan and Jim Wolfe allowed us to use their the last the habits & manners of days long kitchen, which was not only a lifesaver, but past; enjoying the esteem & respect of a also a truly gracious act. A special thanks to large acquaintance. PA 4/1/1857." all of the Helpers (Dusty, Sarah, Melinda, etc.) And especially to Sharon and the J only hope the same can be said of me. Wolfe's. Maxie Phillips is a most gracious Reviewed by: Sharon Howe Sweeting hostess and helped care for our guests in a special way. Many commented on how nice Editor's note: These volumes and it was to be treated so well, to be pampered many other special materials are after a long day in the classroom. It was available from the newly relocated suggested that Marietta might be a quiet Gift Shop at Marietta. meeting space for small groups.

The Gift Shop was well received - and sold PRESIDENT'S RAMBLINGS many books and other items. Stella and Bill Uber; along with a new member, Kay I think Marietta is smiling! She has recently Eisinger, and my House Guest, Virginia hosted the TEN Tricentennial Teas and had Good, took care of many customers. We about 175 guests. There were many have on hand every book that is available. volunteers and MNCPPC staff members The Illustrated Inventory of Historic Sites assisting and explaining the events of the and The Tricentennial Cookbook both were coming year. It was a first time visit for very popular with out customers. Linda almost all of our guests. They were quite Dickenson has volunteered also. She is a surprised that Marietta was there. Gabriel decorative artist and is also learning to use Duvall was also unknown to almost all of the computer. The shiny silver labels on the them until they came to tea. new white bags, and the shop are looking quite spiffy. Come and join in as a Sharon Sweeting (and Les) outdid herself volunteer - and as a customer. We plan to preparing goodies, cucumber sandwiches, open each Saturday from Noon to 4:00PM zucchini bread, snack mixes, and the most and, as we have more volunteers, perhaps to delicious scones you can imagine. There extend hours to Sunday as well. If a were many oohs and ahhs heard as each particular book or other item is of interest, guest picked their cup and filled it with one let us know. Christmas is coming - we will of the many blends of tea offered. The have seasonal items on sale, and hope you Marietta teacup collection was shown off will visit. and commented upon frequently. Some selected a special cup because their mother I recently visited Charleston, and did a tour of their shops. I asked about suppliers and Susan Wolfe, Site Manager, to plan monthly the managers were quite forthcoming and events for the Tricentennial Year. She is helpful - so that I now have lists which we also working in concert with us on the shall use for restocking. The Charleston Teacher Training for the Spring of 1997. Preservation Society has very successfully adapted the designs of gates, doorways, and Our 1995 events - the St George's Day other historic motifs to jewelry and linen Dinner and the Prince of a County items. They have marketed them well. Reception at Pleasant Prospect, In Wouldn't it be nice to have some of the September, were well attended and decorative motifs of Marietta as designs for successful, as was the Fall Bus Tour - led by jewelry and Christmas Ornaments? Dusty Rhoads.

Representatives from each of the Historic As we wind down, I want to thank one and House Museums in the County (staff and all - your support has been marvelous -1 "friends" alike), were invited to Marietta need and revel in it!! for brunch and we exchanged many ideas. We are all aware that budgets are being cut Jane Eagen, President and that the Historic Sites starring and budgets are at risk. It is extremely important HOLIDAY RECIPES that all of us work in concert to keep as One of the Society's Past Presidents has prevailed on many staff people and as much of the budget me to disclose a secret recipe which he enjoyed at the as possible. recent Teas. As this has been a family favorite for many Holidays at the home of my family (at least Life since January has for your President since before my marriage nearly 30 years ago), I been challenging and there has never been a suggest it now. The recipe makes quite a bit, and should be stored in a sealed tin or large heavy duty dull moment. I feel we have been fairly zip-type bags. I would not freeze it. successful in our endeavors, and hopefully have acquainted many more people with the Holiday party mix Society and Marietta. The gift shop, of course, has moved, refurbished and 1 box each wheat, rice and corn chex cereal. 1 box honey nut cheerios. reopened. This was accomplished only with 1 large can mixed nuts the great effort of many people who have 1 large bag stick or bitesize pretzels worked in it in the past and present. We have continued to work with the mix dry ingredients in a large bowl (or two bowls, if Tricentennial Committee and the Board of necessary) Education to host the teas for teachers to In a separate bowl, mix 2 tbsp. Garlic powder, 2 tsp educate them to the programs and the riches celery powder, 2 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce. Add available to them. Our first efforts to have 1 '/2 Ib butter, and microwave, stirring occasionally, legislation passed to help fund the until mixture is melted. Mix liquid into dry ingredients, coating well. Place on baking sheets in restoration of Marietta were not successful, fairly thin layers (leave enough room to stir). Bake at but we now have a track record and we have 250° for 2 hours(stirring occasionally). Let cool and renewed our efforts for the 1996 legislative then place in sealed containers. Serve in small bowls. session. We are both better informed and Enjoy. better prepared. The Society worked with

8 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. PUBLICATIONS ORDER Annual Membership Application

Prince George's County: A Pictorial History by Alan Virta. $29.95 plus tax Date $1.50, plus s&h $2.00. Name Calvert of Maryland. $6.95 (tax Address incl.) plus $0.55 s&h. City, State, Zip Telephone-Home Atlas of Prince George's County, $5.00 Business plus $0.25 tax, plus $0.50 s&h. Please indicate whether this is a new Indexes of Church Registers. 2 vols. membership or a renewal $20.00 plus $1.00 tax, plus $2.50 s&h. New Renewal Chaesapeake Bay of Yore, $25.00 plus $1.25 tax, plus $1.00 s&h. CHECK APPROPRIATE CATEGORY

Lanham Centennial. $4.00 plus $0.20 Full Time Student $10.00 tax plus $0.55 s&h. Member $20.00 Lire Member $200.00 Berwyn Heights. $3.00 plus $0.15 Sustaining Member $50.00 tax, plus $0.35 s&h. Additional Contribution

I am also interested in helping the Society Gabriel Duvall Biography. $1.00 plus $0.05 tax, plus $0.35 s&h. as a volunteer. Please contact me regarding volunteer opportunities. Fire Call, by Francis X. Geary, $5.00 plus $.25 tax, plus $1.00 I would also like to join the Maryland s&h. Historical Society. I am enclosing $25 for an individual membership or $35 for husband History of Beltsville. $4.00 plus $0.20 and wife. tax, plus $0.55 s&h.

Please forward the above checked Our operating support comes from your dues publications. Full payment and contributions. All contributions may he (payable to PGCHS) is enclosed. tax deductible. We appreciate your continued support. Name Please make checks payable to PGCHS Addr e s s Mail Payments to:PGCHS, PO Box 14, City State Zip Tel. No. Riverdale, Md 20738-0014. Tel 301-464-0590 THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours.

POST OFFICE BOX 14 RIVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL NEWS AND NOTES

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OUR 43RD YEAR VOLUME XXm NUMBER 10

LIFE MEMBERSHIP As reported in last month's News and Notes, the Board has been considering a report from the Treasurer and his committee that we consider an increase in the cost of a Life Membership in the BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1995 Society. The current cost, set over a decade ago at $200, is insufficient to produce the income needed President - Jane Eagen to cover the costs of a membership. This is due, in Vice President • Eugene Roberts, Jr. part, to increased printing and mailing costs, and to Secretary - Sarah Bourne the decrease in the interest paid on cash investments. Treasurer - John B. Bourne As the purpose of these memberships is to help us Historian - Frederick S.DeMarr build a small endowmentfor a large endowment), we Editor - Lester H. Sweeting must attend to the cost of maintaining these memberships. Directors - 1994/1995 John Mitchell At the Society Board meeting on November 11, the Julie Bright issue was again raised, and the Board, after Sarah Moseley dicussion or the issue, decided that now is the time to make this change. Therefore, effective January 1, Directors- 1995/1996 1996, a Life Membership in the Society will cost Mildred Ridgeley Gray $400. We believe this is still a bargain, and that it Wallis Hall Cain will enable us to continue, in a small way, to build a James Rea fund from which to earn operating income. Past Presidents Of course, this means that you still have the W. C. (Bud) Dutton opportunity to acquire a Life Membership (or to John Gtannetti give a holiday gift that keeps on giving) at the lower Paul Lanham price of $200. Send your check today to the Warren (Dusty) Rhoads Society. Joyce McDonald By the way, dues statements will be issued for annual memberships shortly after the New Year. Thank you and Happy Holidays!!! HOLIDAY GALA AT MARIETTA The Board also decided that, regardless of the impending removal of Marietta's windows, the 1995 Holiday Gala will be at Marietta on December 9. As usual, admission is a plate of your favorite holiday fare. Bring a friend - enjoy! FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK April 21, 1996 on your Calendar Now - Our annual Well, we have been talking Saint George's Day Dinner will about it for what seems to be take place at the Andrews Air years - and yet it is now upon force Base Officers Club. us. On November 21, 1995, the Sunday Dinner and a presen- celebration of the Tricenten- tation of portraits of three nial of Prince George's County of the prominent Prince Geor- officially began - with an gians (one each from the 20th, outdoor reception at Watkins the 19th and the 18th Centu- Regional Park. For those who ries) will be presented, as have not seen the annual will our special Tricenten- Festival of Lights at Watkins, nial Year St. George's Day let me say that this is a must Awards. visit - you need not leave the car - bundle the kids up and On St. George's Day itself - drive through this marvelous Tuesday, April 23, 1996, plan display created by the Mary- on a very long day. Beginning land National Capital Park and with breakfast at Mount Planning Commission - and look Calvert and continuing until for the Tricentennial theme. the Wee Hours of April 24 at the Gala at Cole Field House You should also have received on the University of Maryland by now the Tricentennial Campus - the day will be Calendar. A note of caution filled with reenactments of this calendar may show a lot the original County Court, of events, but they are but a parades and speeches in Upper sampling of all of the many Marlboro, and many many other many local and special events festivities to mark our that are being held to honor special day. our 300 Years At Home in History in 1996. So enjoy For those who revel in our them all - there certainly are agricultural past (which many and they certainly ref- dominated this County for its lect our diversity and our first 250 years, and which is people. still in evidence today) there is a series of special treats I must, in fairness to the beginning on January 23, 1996 hundreds of hours of volunteer with a reception at the time put in by your Board and National Agricultural Library many, many others, point out a in Beltsville. Not to be few of the most notable events missed. that we as a Society will host or co-host over the next year. During the week of April 22, The Calendar attached lists as 1996, Maryland Public Televi- many as we can fit, but a sion has promised an hour long further description is appro- documentary on our County to priate to whet your appetite be aired on all PBS outlets in for this wonderful series - the area. Based on a prelim- something for everyone— inary description given at our last Tricentennial meeting, To honor ourselves as a this promises to be a signi- Society and others who have ficant event - more digestible done so much for Prince than Ken Burns but more George's County — Mark Sunday memorable than Seinfeld. Hopefully, copies of the tape if any of our members has a will be available as mementos suggested replacement for Mr. as well. Bourne, please let us know, as soon as possible. We appre- Speaking of mementos - how ciate your assistance. about a brick in the Tricen- tennial Walk at Upper Marl- We would also like to welcome boro? These permanent remin- new members — Anne C. Polumbo ders of ourselves and our and Shirley H. Shafer. ancestors can be purchased through the Tricentennial Another announcement - about Committee. See the request our Board. At the annual form in the mailing you meeting on November 11, 1995, received earlier this month or the Members present, by ac- call the Tricentennial Office clamation, agreed to the Board at 301-952-1696. of Director's nominations for positions on the Board and for Last, but certainly (as they officers. These are: say) not least, we have the Maryland House and Garden Jane Eagen, President Pilgrimage. At the specific Eugene B. Roberts, Jr., request of our partners - the Vice President sponsors of the Pilgrimage, Sarah Bourne, Secretary the beneficiaries are the Herb John B. Bourne, Treasurer Garden Project at Marietta and Frederick S. DeMarr, the Frederick S. DeMarr Historian Library of Local History which Lester H. Sweeting, is part and parcel of the Editor Society. See the flyer enclosed herein. Directors - 1995/1996 Mildred Ridgeley Gray TREASURER'S COMMENTS Katherine Clagett Melinda Alter First, we should point out that our Treasurer, John Directors 1996/1997 (Jack) Bourne, is desirous of William Uber being replaced. After long John Mitchell and faithful service to the Julie Bright Society, he has decided (as Colin Powell might have said) Our 5 currently active Past- that he does not wish to Presidents will continue as serve. We respect that, but members of the Board - W.C. we also would note that rep- (Bud) Dutton, John Giannetti, lacing such a pillar of the Paul Lanham, Warren (Dusty) Society is neither easy nor Rhoads, and Joyce McDonald. necessarily desirable from our point of view. Please welcome back our experienced members and But, we must accede to the welcome to our new members! desires of one of our most ardent supporters. HOUSE AND GARDEN PILGRIMAGE Our Treasurer, I would point out, should be a Certified The May 4th event is further Public Accountant. Therefore, described in attached flyers, but we thought that a small plantation house with flush description of each of the end chimneys and a unique sites, from the County His- stepped gable at one gable toric Sites and District Plan end. Its Georgian-plan might also whet one's appe- interior features fine tite. So, here goes— Federal-style trim. Contemporary outbuildings Belair Mansion include a bank barn and smokehouse. Fairview was Built in the 1740s — Belair built for Baruch Duckett, Mansion is a 2-story brick whose descendants reside there Georgian mansion with hip-on- today. This was the home of hip roof; architecturally the prominent Duckett and compatible flanking hyphens Bowie families, including Oden and wings were added in early Bowie, Governor of Maryland twentieth century. On the from 1869 to 1872, who is grounds is a small family buried in the family graveyard graveyard. The main block of located a short distance from the mansion was built in the the house. 1740s for Samuel Ogle, pro- vincial governor of Maryland, Bowling Heights and was the country home of his son Benjamin Ogle, State Built circa 1970—Bowling Governor from 1798 to 1801. Heights is a large, three-part During the first half of the frame Victorian Gothic mansion twentieth century, Belair was with outstanding Eastlake-and the country estate of promi- Stick-style decorative de- nent horse-breeder William tails. The 2^-story, hip-roof Woodward, and is now the cen- main block is flanked by terpiece of the residential asymmetrical lower wings, one community of Bowie. of which served as a private Catholic chapel. The grounds Belair Stables include several unique his- toric out-buildings. This Built in 1907—This is a U- striking house was built for shaped stable building with an John D. Bowling, Jr., and is arched entryway of local nearly identical to Villa de sandstone; brick shedrows Sales in Aquasco, built by containing tackroom and stalls Bowling's sister a few years extend at both ends. This later. Bowling Heights is an picturesque structure was outstanding example of Victo- built by James T. Woodward in rian Gothic domestic archi- 1907 and enlarged by his heir, tecture. William Woodward. Home to famous racehorses Gallant Fox, Billingsley Omaha and Nashua, this stable symbolizes the Belair estate's Built circa 1695, rebuilt in association with thoroughbred 1931 — Billingsley is a 1^- race horses for more than two story house of the Tidewater centuries. style, with steeply pitched gable roof, and brick walls Fairview laid in Flemish bond with glazed headers. It was built, Built circa 1800—Fairview is probably at the end of the a 2-story stuccoed brick seventeenth century, as a home of Colonel Thomas Hollyday, was designed by Baltimore first Chief Justice of Prince architect Robert Gary Long, George's County Court; during Jr., and built in 1846 on the the eighteenth and nineteenth site of the Episcopal church centuries, it was the home of organized in 1810 by Bishop the Weems family. Billingsley Thomas John Claggett. The 4- was renovated in the mid- story crenelated entry tower nineteenth century as eviden- was constructed in 1896. ced by the mature Greek Trinity Church has long been Revival-style interior trim. associated with the prominent In 1931, owner Arthur Meloy families of Upper Marlboro, constructed the steeply many of whom are buried in the pitched cross gables which cemetery which surrounds the dominate the north and south church. elevations. Although substantially altered, Darnall 's Chance Billingsley is significant for the example it offers of very Built circa 1700, renovated in early architecture, as well as 1858 and rebuilt in 1988 — for its spectacular riverfront Darnall's Chance is a 1^ location. story, hip-on-gambrel-roof dwelling, the early tfeston eighteenth-century home of the prominent Carroll family. Early nineteenth century, During the eighteenth and earlier wing — Weston is a nineteenth centuries this 2^-story, side-gabled brick important town residence was plantation house. The princi- the home of a series of pal facade is laid in Flemish successful merchants and in bond, and the interior exhi- 1858 was renovated in the bits detail in both Federal Italianate style by merchant and Greek Revival style. The E.G.W. Hall. For most of the main block was built early in twentieth century it was the the nineteenth century for home of merchant Harry Buck. Thomas Clagett VI, and soon In 1988, the house was rebuilt afterward enlarged, probably to its original configuration. incorporating part of an Located on the grounds is an earlier Clagett dwelling. unusual eighteenth-century Weston has been the Clagett burial vault. family seat for nine gener- ations. It is an excellent Strawberry Hill example of a multiperiod plantation house. The grounds Built circa 1869 — Strawberry include several farm out- Hill is a two-part 2-story, buildings, as well as the gable-roof frame farmhouse Clagett family graveyard. with bracketed cornices, projecting bays and an Trinity Church atypical floor plan. It was built circa 1869 by Thomas Built in 1846 and 1896 — Clagett VI of Weston for his Trinity Church is a brick son, Gonsalvo, and is one of church with steeply pitched several fine Victorian houses gable roof and gothic-arch in the Marlboro area which stained glass windows, and Clagett provided for his later entry tower. The church children. When Strawberry Hill was built, it fronted on carefully detailed plantation the Washington-Marlboro Turn- house. pike; it is still a prominent landmark. THE HPC COMES INTO BEING Duk&shire Recently, after testifying at Built by Will Smith circa 1928 a Park and Planning budget for the J. Yancey Christmas hearing on the needs of the family, this handsome Neo- Historic Preservation Commis- Georgian house is modeled sion, it was suggested by Bud after Rough Time's Manor on Dutton that I might consider grounds that were once part of writing an article on the Lord Baltimore's and the history of preservation Calvert family lands from the efforts in Prince George's Provincial period. Their County. manor house, Mount Airy, still stands to the south. The My interest in historic Christmas family raised preservation was an extension thoroughbred horses, including of my interest in American the sire of champion "Rough history. I grew up in the Time." The house was named Woodbridge section of Rough Time's Own in honor of NorthEast Washington, DC near this champion stakes racer. the border with Prince Many of the details of the George's County. I traveled house are architectural in and out of Prince George's remnants of 'lost' Washington, County frequently visiting including the tile floor from relatives and thus learning a the foyer of the old Library little of the history of the of Congress. County. In 1959 I was hired by a large international in- His Lordship's Kindness surance service company as a field underwriter and later as Built in 1784-1786 — His an Insurance Claims specialist Lordship's Kindness (also with my territory being Prince known as Poplar Hill) is a George's County. Traveling five-part Georgian brick through the County, I became Mansion with hip roof, hyphens aware of a number of old and wings; the walls are laid buildings vanishing to the in Flemish bond, and the wrecker's ball. Knowing interior exhibits outstanding nothing about any preservation Federal-style decorative efforts at the time I thought detail. This elegant mansion it would be a great project to was built by Robert Darnall, document these buildings. I and included in one wing a no sooner started on this private Catholic chapel. A project when I learned about smoke house, wash house and other preservation activities, aviary are among the historic the 1937 WPA project of outbuildings, and there is a documentation and survey, Mr. family graveyard on the Van Horn's work, and private grounds. His Lordship's preservation efforts by owners Kindness is now partially of historic properties. When surrounded by an operating I moved to Prince George's horse farm; it is a superb County in 1961, I kept up my example of an elegant and interest in preservation. As and political activities, I activate the Trust by ap- was appointed to the Planning pointing the first members Board by County Executive Bill thereto. It was not long Gullett in 1971. after the Trust was estab- lished that Jack Carey, a Once at the Commission, I developer who owned several learned that there was no historic properties and one of active preservation plan in the first appointed commis- the County, other than Park sioners to the Trust, came to and Planning purchasing of me and told me that he had historic structures. There reviewed, with his legal was an information map counsel, the Trust Charter, produced by Park and Planning and there was no enforcement in 1968, but, when it came to provision in the Charter; and enforcement or control through therefore very little other the zoning or subdivision than education could be done process, there was no program. by the Trust. Knowing of Pressure, however, was coming these limitations, the members from several directions to do of the Trust played a signi- something to preserve historic ficant role in future preser- sites; citizens in Laurel, vation efforts. However, we Riverdale, and Clinton were still had no preservation concerned about the historic plan, so we were back to structures Park and Planning square one. had purchased and wanted to be assured that they would be By luck, Jim Gleason, the preserved. Staff at the County Executive of Montgomery Commission were concerned and County, had appointed Tom there was considerable natio- Anderson to the Maryland nal attention being focused on National Capital Park and Historic Preservation. Planning Commission in Montgomery County in 1971. As a Commissioner concerned Tom was from an old Rockville about preservation, it was not family, he was an attorney nad long before I was approached had served in the State by Susanna Cristofane, Sarah legislature and was active in Walton and Margaret Cook, who historic and preservation were pioneers in preservation groups. I had known Tom from in Prince george's County. my political activities, and They informed me that the we were kindred souls when it General Assembly had passed came to preservation. I laid legislation creating the out the preservation problem Historical and Cultural Trust we faced in Prince George's in 1966 in Prince George's County, and he pointed out County. However, no one had that they faced similar activated the Trust or ap- problems in Montgomery County. pointed Commissioners to it. We made a request of our It was their belief that the fellow Commissioners to allow Trust would be the appropriate us to establish a Historic vehicle that would provide a Sites Committee within the County-wide preservation plan. Commission to study the problems. After several I approached County Executive meetings, it was agreed that Bill Gullett and told him of we would develop a this concern. He agreed to preservation plan for Montgomery and Prince George's and went out to the public. Counties. A historian had We were also required to make been hired in Montgomery an annual report to the County, and another in Prince Council, which we turned into George's County. It would be a lobbying effort for the their job to begin the survey Plan. We received grants from of historic sites in both the Maryland Historical trust Counties. We drafted to finalize our inventory of legislation and found sponsors historic sites, which we did in both delegations in with the help of the Planning Annapolis. The legislation Commission and John Walton, amended the Charter of the who was the sole employee in Maryland National Capital the History section at the Parks and Planning Commision time. to provide for a Historic Sites Master Plan to be By 1978, Montgomery County was developed. A considerable facing a preservation problem amount of lobbying was done in in Takoma Park, and they Annapolis to passed this resurrected their Preservation legislation, which was signed Plan and approved it. in 1973. At the same time, in 1978, the At the same time, the legal Prince George's County Council department of the Commission was becoming concerned as was drafting a preservation citizens of the County were plan for both Counties. By lobbying them to purchase 1975, the preservation plan every historic home that was and inventory of historic endangered by development. At sites was ready to go to the the same time, Council respective County Councils. I Chairman Bill Ammonett saw the attended the Montgomery County advantages of Historic meeting and watched as our Preservation as a way to plan was turned down. Several promote tourism. By this weeks later, the same fate time, my good friend Larry awaited us in Upper Marlboro, Hogan was County Executive and as our plan went down in another friend, John Butcham, flames and our efforts up in was Chairman of the Planning smoke. When we testified that Commission. After intensive there would be four humdred lobbying by many citizens, an buildings on the plan, the Advisory Committee was formed Price George's County Council to develop a Preservation Plan said our plan was too and Gail Rothrock was hired as ambitious and far reaching. the first employee. The Plan was enacted by the County It was now early 1976 and both Council and the Historic Tom and I were off the Preservation Commission was Commission. At this time, the fored in 1980, with Gail next County Executive, Rothrock as its first Winfield Kelly, appointed me employee. In a nut shell, to the Historical and Cultural that is the history of the Trust. I decided to use the founding of the Historic Trust as a 'bully pulpit' to Preservation Commission. It promote the Historic is a great lession in Preservation Plan. We perserverance. developed a little slide show HOUSMarylandE & GARDEN Pilgrimage

Dear Fellow Members of the Prince George's County Historical Society:

Prince George's County, in its Tricentennial Year, will open its doors to the 59th annual Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage on Saturday, May 4. 1996. Join with us in making the 1996 Tour for Prince George's County an exceptional one to celebrate its 300 years.

Proceeds realized from the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage are divided among various tour projects. It is our great pleasure to announce that the Prince George's County committee has selected two projects towards which the tour proceeds will be directed: The Prince George's County Historical Society Library (the Frederick S. DeMarr Library), located at Marietta, the society's headquarters, and an herb garden for Marietta, its design to provide an educational setting from which an introduction to Prince George's County history may be given.

Filling a void where there has been no central "heritage center" to date, the library has amassed several thousand volumes on Prince George's County and Maryland history and such allied areas as architecture, art and antiques. Local newspapers, photographs, maps, personal papers, artifacts and memorabilia have added depth to the collection. Funds from the 1996 Prince George's County Tour will help to organize, catalogue, and preserve our County's archives and heritage.

News and Notes will have monthly reports from us so that we can fill you in on some of the houses to be on the 1996 tour and specially organized events to take place at some of the sites to celebrate the county's Tricentennial. Look for further updates here. In the meantime, think 6f purchasing a gift certificate as a holiday gift.

Sincerely yours.

Wallis Hall Cain Lynn Springer Robert Co-Chairs, 1996 Prince George's County Tour 1205 A Providence Road • Baltimore, Maryland 21286 • (410) 821-6933 • Fax (410) 821-7620

Sponsored by The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland • Prescription Maryland • The National Society of Colonial Dames of Maryland Maryland Historical Society • Maryland Historical Trust • Baltimore Museum of Art PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY 1696-1996 welcomes the 59th Annual Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage Tour Saturday, May 4,1996, from 10:00 to 5:00.

Specially organized as part of Prince George's County's Tricentennial Celebration, patrons and guests may enjoy a full day's tour or may visit at individual houses.

Featuring 12 fascinating, historical and architecturally significant houses and sites spanning three centuries:

*BELAIR c.1745 *WESTON c.1806 * BELAIR STABLES c.1907 * TRINITY CHURCH c.1846 *FAIRV1EW c.1785 * DARN ALL'S CHANCE c.1700 * BOWLING HEIGHTS c.1869 * STRAWBERRY HILL c.1868 *BILLINGSLEY c.1695 *DUKESHIRE c.1928 * PONTOON BOA T TOUR * HIS LORDSHIP'S KINDNESS c.l 784 (from Iron Pot Landing to Patuxent/Mt. Calvert)

Tickets: $20/full day or $5/per house

Advance ticket sales are appreciated. Although all tickets are available at any of the sites on the day of the tour, a full day's ticket may be purchased in advance by sending in the below:

Total Amount Enclosed • No. of Tickets i $20) $ Make check payable to: Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage For: 1996 Prince George's County Tour.

Tickets will be mailed to: Your Name phone Address:

Mail to: Mrs. Ralph \V. Powers, Jr. PO Box 8 Friendship, MD 20758 These make great gift certificates! Robert Crawley, author of the We can use more lights and above piece, is the Chairman imagine it is nighttime. of the Historic Preservation Commission - a post no other I have agreed to serve as your person has held since its President for another year. founding in 1980. My goal for the coming year is to have Marietta and Gabriel Duvall known to many more PRESIDENT'S RAMBLINGS people in this County and particularly in the commun- Look out 1996! Here we come! ities surrounding the Mansion. We are celebrating the Prince Reaching out to groups, or- George's County Tricentennial ganizations, and individuals with a BANG!! It will have should be a part of all of our started on November 21 at activities this year. We have Watkins Regional Park by the many events scheduled at time you read this. Many of Marietta and will have many you have worked long and hard opportunities for each of us to see this day come and to do this. We are indeed should be very proud of the fortunate to have Vera Rollo events and activities planned serving as publicity chairman for this exciting year. Very to assist in this effort. The few groups on this continent Supreme Court Historical So- have been in existence for 300 ciety and the Prince George's years. We are very special. County Bar Association have both shown a definite interest It would have been wonderful in Marietta and in honoring if all of you could have heard Gabriel Duvall. If we and our the two ladies who are res- new associates and members ponsible for the Maryland join together, we should be Public Television special on able to accomplish many and our County speak of us in such great things. glowing terms. They said how much they have enjoyed their When you consider your New task and would do it for free Year's Resolutions, please is they could live at Mount remember Marietta and the Calvert! You could feel their Society. If each person did sincerity and it truly warmed one thing to help and brought one's heart to listen to their a friend to an event (start on praise of our diversity and December 9!) or a meeting, we how well it works for us, the could accomplish my goal and beauty of the County, the enjoy every moment of the dedication of the many who experience. have worked so hard to preserve historic sites, and CLASSIFIEDS the wealth of sites we are fortunate to have. You could All openings listed herein are truly step out of the ugly available to both male and stepsister cloak and leave it female applicants. The lack behind forever. of monetary benefits and salary applies equally to all I hope each of you is planning - we do not discriminate in to come to the Holiday Gala. our desire to provide oppor- IT WILL BE AT MARIETTA EVEN IF tunities for each one to THE WINDOWS ARE BOARDED UP. serve. Painters and cleaners. Needed Meeters, Greeters, and Tea and to paint the rooms in a Party People - We plan to have stately old home on Bell a series of open house events Station Road. No pay or to which we will invite groups benefits, but good company and and representatives of neigh- a great sense of accomp- borhood associations. We need lishment; satisfaction guar- friendly members to host and ranteed. Date of project to hostess these sessions, ref- be determined soon. Apply to reshments to serve, and, as Dusty Rhoads or Susan Wolfe at always, set up and clean up 464-5920. personnel. Sign up now, final dates will be announced Shop Assistants Short hours - shortly. immediate openings - generally 12 to 4 on Saturdays until GABRIEL WHO? January when program expands and additional hours will be It is so easy and so unfair to available on Friday and assume things. We all to Sundays. Pleasant surroun- often assume that everyone dings and interesting cus- knows who Gabriel Duvall was, tomers, occasional weekday and that he lived at Marietta hours when advance booking of in prince George's County, tours is made. Join the Maryland. If we found our- already committed group on selves in Oklahoma or Tenn- December 2 for our grand essee, however, we would have opening and celebration. Sign little idea about the local up sheet in the Shop or call notables and heroes. At the 249-6409. Tricentennial teas for Teachers very few of the File Clerks - openings teachers knew about our available now - you can work Gabriel Duvall. This points alone or as a group. Make a up to us the need to educate party of it on an afternoon the public about our County and help file the zillions of and for us especially to cards Librarian Fred DeMarr spread the word about Mr. has in boxes. Let's get this Justice Duvall. task done before we redo the Library. Help wanted now! Offering attractive programs and events at Marietta is one Docents - Tour Guides - a way we can have the people in wonderful opportunity to learn nearby communities come and and share with others , get acquainted with our famous openings available soon, former resident. If you have training provided by the ideas you would like us to capable site manager, Susan consider, please feel free to Wolfe. Welcome visitors and pass them along. Maybe this guests to a wonderful house is the special project in with charming character and a which you would like to become rich history. Usually daytime involved. Reply to 249-6409. hours on weekends, Friday to Sunday, occasional weekday Jane Eagen opportunities for school children and special tour groups. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CALENDAR Yearly Planner December 95 December March June 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 2 1 :00 PM - 4:00 PM GRAND OPEN- 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 ING - THE NEW MARIETTA 2345678 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 GIFT SHOP PGCHS BOARD 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 30 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- PGCHS MEMBER- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY SHIP MEETING

O 10:00 AM -1:OOPMPCGHS 31 HOW THE BETTER HALF January 96 BOARD MEETING - LIVED - AN EXHIBIT July 96 S M T W T F S MARIETTA M T W T F S 123456 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM PGCHS HOLI- April 123456 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 DAY GALA, MARIETTA 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MANSION 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January ETY MEETING, GREENBELT 28 29 30 31 LIBRARY 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- « GLENN DALE COMMUNITY ETY MEETING, GREENBELT EASTER EGG HUNT AT LIBRARY MARIETTA February 96 August 96 S M T W T F S 13 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM PGCHS 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM S M T W T F S 1 2 3 BOARD ANNUAL PLANNING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SESSION, SWEETING HOME PGCHS BOARD 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11:00 AM-4:00 PM MARCH- 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 WINTER PASTIMES AT ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 MARIETTA MENT AT MARIETTA 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2 1 WINTER PASTIMES AT 14 11:00 AM-4:00 PM MARCH- MARIETTA ING THRU TIME ENCAMP- MENT AT MARIETTA March 96 February September 96 S M T W T F S 7 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 21 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM ST. GEORGE'S S M T W T F S 1 2 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- DAY DINNER, ANDREWS 1234567 3456789 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT AFB OFFICER'S CLUB 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 LIBRARY 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 23 HAPPY SOOTH 29 30 PGCHS BOARD BIRTHDAY 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM TO US!!! April 96 PGCHS MEMBER- October 96 S M T W T F S SHIP MEETING May S M T W T F S 123456 1 2 3 4 5 I 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM LOVES OF 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 A LIFETIME - GOLDEN ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 MEMORIES AT MARIETTA LIBRARY 27 28 29 30 31 March II 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM 1 HOW THE BETTER HALF PGCHS BOARD LIVED - AN EXHIBIT May 96 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM November 96 S M T W T F S £ 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS MEMBER- S M T W T F S 1234 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT SHIP MEETING 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 LIBRARY 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CALENDAR Yearly Planner December 95 May September June 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 18 SPRING, MAY POLES AND 22 DEMONATRATION OF 1 3456789 CHILDREN'S GAMES ON SCHOOL DAYS AT 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 THE LAWN AT MARIETTA 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 MARIETTA 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 June October 30 « 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 12 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM COUNTY GENEA10GICA1 SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT PGCHS BOARD LIBRARY 11:00 AM-5:00 PM HAST- January 96 INGS MEDIEVAL FAIRE AT July 96 S M T W T F S 8 1 0:00 AM- 1:00 PM MARIETTA S M T W T F S 123456 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 PGCHS BOARD 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM PGCHS MEMBER- 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 PGCHS MEMBER- SHIP MEETING 28 29 30 31 SHIP MEETING 13 11:00 AM-5:00 PM HAST- GLENN DALE FESTIVAL AT INGS MEDIEVAL FAIRE AT MARIETTA AND GLENN MARIETTA February 96 DALE COMMUNITY August 96 CENTER S M T W T F S 26 PRESERVING IN THE KITCH- S M T W T F S 1 2 3 EN - CANNING DEMON- 1 2 3 7 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 July STRATIONS AT MARIETTA 4 5 6 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- 25 26 27 28 29 November 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 1 EXHIBIT-RULING THE ROOST - A POLITICAL 13 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM HISTORY OF PRINCE GEORGE;S COUNTY March 96 PGCHS BOARD September 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 21 SUMMER PASTIMES AT 9 10:00 AM-1:00 PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3456789 MARIETTA PGCHS BOARD 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 August 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 29 30 7 7'00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S PGCHS MEMBER- COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- SHIP MEETING ETY MEETING, GREENBEIT LIBRARY 30 EXHIBIT-RULING THE April 96 10 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM ROOST - A POLITICAL October 96 S M T W T F S HISTORY OF PRINCE S M T W T F S 123456 PGCHS BOARD GEORGE;S COUNTY 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 September 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4 7:00 PM PRINCE GEORGE'S 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCI- ETY MEETING, GREENBELT LIBRARY 14 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM May 96 PGCHS BOARD November 96 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PGCHS MEMBER- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 SHIP MEETING 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 TRICENTENNKAL CALENDAR NUMBER ONE Weekly Planner Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 MN-CPPC HOLI- 11:00 AM- 3-.OOPM MUNICIPALITIES MARIETTA - PASSPORT TO HISTO- DAY DISPLAY, RY TRIPS- ALL YEAR- PHOTOGRAPHY WINTER PASTI- WATKINS REGI- CALL 301 -434-2900 EXHIBIT - US MES EXHIBIT ONAL PARK WRIGHT BROTHERS AIR ARENA THROUGH I/ EXHIBIT - COLLEGE PARK AIRPORT THRU 1/28 28/96 MUSEUM - ALL MONTH

Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 SLAVERY AND INDENTURED SERVITUDE EXHIBIT AT RIVERSDALE THRU 1/28/96

Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 MARIETTA PRESE- NTS WINTER PASTTIMES DE- MONSTRATIONS -FEE

Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 MARIETTA PRES- 1:00 PM - 4:00 CELEBRATION OF ENTS WINTER PM TRICENTEN- AGRICUITUKE IN FASTTIMES NIAL FARM PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY -NATIO- DEMON- SUBCOMMIT- NAL AGRICULTURE STRATIONS - TEE RECEPTION, LIBRARY, FEE NAT. AGRI. BELISVILLE LIBRARY Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 LOVES OF A LIFE- TIME EXHIBIT AT MARIETTA, THROUGH FEB- RUARY 23

Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 10 Weekly Planner Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Febll Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 17

Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 2:00 PM - 4:00 FM TEA FOR TWO - FREE TO THOSE WED OVER 50 YEARS, MARI- ETTA MANSION Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 2 2:00 PM GEORGE THE BETTER HALF WASHINGTON -LIVES OF 19TH MUSICAL - CENTURY HARPSICHORD WOMEN - EXH- MUSIC - MONT- IBIT AT MARI- PELIER ETTA THRU MANSION 3/31 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM SEARCHING FOR YOUR AN- CESTORS - SES- SION 1 BOWIE BRANCH LIBRARY MarlO Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar 15 Mar 16 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM SEARCHING FOR YOUR ANCESTORS - SESSION 2 - BOWIE BRANCH 1IBRARY

Marl? Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 2 2 Mar 2 3 PATTERNS IN 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM TIME, PATTER- SEARCHING FOR NS OF HISTORY YOUR ANCESTORS - SESSION 3 > - QUILT SHOW BOWK BRANCH - MONTPELIER LIBRARY MANSION THRU 3/31 PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC

PUBLICATIONS ORDER

Prince George's County: A Pictorial History by Alan Virta. $29.95 plus tax annre $1.50, plus s&h $2.00.

Calvert of Maryland. $6.95 (tax Annual Membership Application incl.) plus $0.55 s&h. Date:

Atlas 01 Prince George's County. $5.00 Name: plus $0.25 tax, plus $0.50 s&h. Address:

Indexes or Cnurcn Registers, 2 vols . City, State, Zip: $"20".00 plus $1.00 tax, plus $2.50 s&h. Telephone-Home: Business: Cnaesapeake Bay of Yore. $25.00 plus Please indicate: New Renewal $1725 tax, plus $1.00 s&h. Check below the category you select: Lankam Centennial, $4.00 plus $0.20 Full-time Student- $ 10.00 tax plus $0.55 s&h. Member $ 20.00 Sustaining $ 50.00 _ Life Member...($400 eff 1/1/96) .S200.00 Berwyn Heights. $3.00 plus $0.15 tax, plus $0.35 s&h. Additional Contribution

_ I am also interested in helping the Society as a Gabriel Duvall Biograpliy, $1.00 plus volunteer. Please contact me regarding volunteer $0.05 tax, plus $0.35 s&h. opportunities. _ For membership in the Maryland Historical Fire Call, by Francis X. Geary, Society, include an additional $25.00 for individual $5.00 plus $.25 tax, plus $1.00 or $35.00 for husband and wife. s&h.

Oui operating support comes from your dues and contributions. All contributions History of Beltsville. $4.00 plus $0.20 qualify for tax deduction. We appreciate your support. tax, plus $0.55 s&h. Please make checks payable to PGCHS Please forward the above checked Mail check and form to: publications. Full payment (payable to PGCHS) is enclosed. Prince George's County Historical Society Name Post Office Box 14 Address Riverdale, Maryland 20738-0014 City State Zip 301-464-0590 Tel. No.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library: Saturdays 12-4 PM and during special events The Society is located at Marietta, 5624 Bell Station Road, in Glenn Dale, MD, off Marietta Tours - Suspended Until Route 193, near Route 450. This is a Further Notice - Information 301-464- facility of the Maryland National Park and 0590 Planning Commission.

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Features a Tasteful Collection of Handcrafted Items for Home and Gift- giving, Toys and Games for Children, small antiques, Historical Society Publications and souveniers of Historic Marietta.

Call 301-464-0590 for Gift Shop Hours. WASHIMCTON, DC

POST OFFICE BOX 14 RTVERDALE, MARYLAND 20738-0014

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIVERDALE, MD PERMIT NO. 1948

DATED MATERIAL