Volume 13, Number 2 Fall 2014 Needed: Access to Virtual Archives 14th Mayor’s Reception Oct. 25 On a ‘Cloud’ for City’s Vital History The Baltimore City Historical Society invites By Ed Papenfuse members and the public to attend the 14th Society President and retired State Archivist Mayor’s Reception and History Honors presenta- Recently, I was asked to speak on the tions on Saturday, October 25, at 1:30PM at the future of historical research and writing, Mansion in Clifton Park. It dates to the 1790s, is especially as it relates to helping teachers being revived by Civic Works and has figured access and make use of the rich resources prominently in marking the 200th anniversary that are currently being placed on line in the of the War of 1812 here. virtual world. My words were in the form of Ten contributors to the history of the city a challenge to all cultural institutions with will be honored, with remarks by Mayor Stepha- regard to their placing digital versions of nie Rawlings-Blake, City Councilwoman Mary their holdings on line. A reporter present Photo by Joe Stewart Pat Clarke and John Ciekot, director of the $7 headlined his blog with: A high-water mark in the two-year celebra- million Civic Works-Americorps restoration proj- “We need a ‘Wayback Machine’ for all tion of the 200th anniversary of the War of ect. Introductions will be by Ed Papenfuse, new cultural archives …. During a Baltimore Inno- 1812 was the return in September of the Tall president of the Society, replacing Joe Stewart. vation Week event hosted by edtech start-up Ships Sailibration that launched it. Here, the There is no charge and parking is ample at the Alchemy Learning, the retired Maryland State Coast Guard’s Eagle was socked in at the site, east of Harford Road at 33rd Street. Archivist called on cultural groups to get Inner Harbor. According to Civic Works’ research, Clifton collaborative in sharing and hosting online Mansion was built between 1790 and 1801 by archives.” merchant Henry Thompson and is the only re- The sponsor Alchemy Learning is a new Abe Sherman on the Square—Pt. 2 maining Baltimore home of an officer from the and innovative company devoted to linking By Paul J. Travers War of 1812. Thompson served as captain of the teachers to the resources of cultural institu- A month after the 1944 D-day landing of Flying Artillery, 3rd Maryland Brigade, during the tions through meaningful and easy-to-use Allied forces in Normandy, Baltimore news- Battle of Baltimore. Then Johns Hopkins bought lesson plans. It was my task to remind all paper hawker-turned-sergeant Abe Sher- and expanded it. Tours will be offered after the present that for that to become a dynamic man’s unit fought inland against entrenched reception, which includes light refreshments. and viable reality, attention also needs to be German defenders. The entire operation in Winners of the Society’s Historian/Scholar paid to the means of access through a per- that part of France was threatened when Award are folklorist Elaine Eff and emeritus manent and sustainable electronic archives- the attackers’ field headquarters nearly fell professor Garrett Power. Dr. Eff is author of last -as well as the need for a related digital in a counterattack that left most of the staff year’s acclaimed “The Painted Screens of Balti- sandbox in which teachers and researchers dead or wounded. Under a hail of bullets, more: an Urban Folk Art Revealed.” Power wrote can assemble and write their narratives. Abe and another sergeant ran from foxhole extensively on the city and state at the Carey Such an undertaking needs cooperation to foxhole, blasted the men out with forceful School of Law. and funding from universities, public and language, and placed them on the front line. Living History awardees include: Maria private, governmental agencies, and the A reinforced perimeter increased the odds of Broom, Baltimore-born and -educated actress- cultural institutions themselves. In all, what I thwarting the attack—as recounted eventu- storyteller with television credits from “The called for is our working together to preserve ally in the official text accompanying the Wire” to “West Wing”; Jed Dietz, director of the and interpret the past in a sustainable virtual Silver Star presented Sherman for bravery-- Maryland Film Festival, is helping restore the environment. Baltimore should take the lead, but there were more problems. Most of the Parkway Theater; City engineer Ronald Parks has not unlike the massive cooperative effort it remaining men from headquarters were chronicled Baltimore’s waterworks; and Romaine undertook to defend itself in 1814—and that clerks, cooks and orderlies who hadn’t fired Stec Somerville of Bolton Hill, after a career in we have celebrated this fall. a weapon since basic training. Even if they preservation. While our Baltimore City Historical So- wanted to shoot, they had no ammunition. In Memoriam are Art Donovan, Colts tackle ciety and others offer wonderful programs Taking charge, Abe scrounged for for the Colts and nationwide PR man for his adop- including the Community Lecture Series weapons from vehicles. Finding crates of tive Baltimore, dying last year at 88; Prof. Homer originated by Mike Franch, the urban envi- hand grenades, the men ripped them open E. Favor helped establish Morgan State’s School ronmental series fostered by past president with bare hands and Abe carried them to of Urban Studies and Human Development, Joe Stewart, and academic conferences led the foxholes. With the Germans now taking dying last year at 88; Jean Hepner, a stalwart of by Garrett Power, and while the city abounds cover in a thick hedgerow, hot shrapnel was Fell’s Point revival, died in February at 91; Gregory in cultural and historical places to visit and the best weapon to cut through it. The gre- Kane, Sun columnist known for his perceptive learn, there is no plan (Continued on Page 2) nade counterattack (Continued on Page 3) observations, died of cancer at 62 in February. Urbanism Lecture Nov. 8 Abe Sherman - Continued from page 1 desecration of the up, you buy it,” and “This ain’t no library. Go up University of Massachusetts emeritus was successful. Half an hour later, when the war dead, members the Pratt,” were the common refrains hurled Chair of Board of Directors . . . John C. Murphy professor of Geography Rutherford Platt German rifles were silenced, men wondered of the Society of the at terrified browsers as he patrolled the aisles President ...... Ed Papenfuse will return to Baltimore for a free lecture on when the attack would resume--most likely War of 1812 and with hands folded across his chest. “Reclaiming American Cities: The Struggle with reinforcements and tanks. the Star-Spangled To teens and young adults, it was a rite Newsletter Editor ...... Lewis H. Diuguid for Humane Urbanism Since Olmsted” at the Air support was requested but that Banner Flag House of passage to be thrown out of the store, an Newsletter Layout ...... Tina Fleming Warren Maryland Historical Society’s France Hall on presented another problem. Someone had Association had ordeal of fire that proved you were a real Staff ...... Don Torres Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1PM. In 2009, he organized to mark the perimeter for the pilots. Under no plans for the ki- Baltimorean. An invite to the basement for a [email protected] • baltimorecityhistoricalsociety.org the well-attended conference, “Humane Me- sporadic enemy rifle fire, Abe walked the line osk. Abe was to be belt of Abe’s favorite cognac meant you had tropolis Baltimore” here. and placed the markers. Minutes later, Allied landscaped from his Abe Sherman passed muster and were now unofficially a This lecture is part of the Exploring Envi- planes pummeled the perimeter. The battle patch of sidewalk. member of Abe’s army. Taped to the cash Virtual Archives - Continued from page 1 ronmental History series and is co-sponsored was over. Abe and his men crawled from their The issue quickly became a political hand register was one of Abe’s favorite quotes from and no place for coordinating and access- The Lynx, a privateer built in Fell’s Point, was by Friends of Maryland’s Olmsted Parks & foxholes to treat the wounded and pick up grenade. Families and friends were pitted Harry Truman: “I never give anybody hell. I ing the sources, primary and secondary, of captured by the British in 1812. This Maine Landscapes, Baltimore City Historical Society, the pieces of their headquarters. against one another. While the issue was be- just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” the city’s history. There is no communal, remake arrived in the tall ship fleet, docking and the Maryland Historical Society. In books Abe was never much on letter writing. ing resolved behind closed doors at City Hall, Abe flourished at his store in the shadow virtual forum where scholar, teacher, and on Broadway Pier alongside the Pride of Balti- and conferences, Platt has advanced the His family only heard about his decora- Abe was relocated across the street to the of the Enoch Pratt Free Library for reasons interested citizen alike can explore the city’s more II, also a Chesapeake pilot schooner. goal of making cities more environmentally tions from the families of other soldiers. front of the Court House, where he battled he would never had imagined. In the early history and reflect upon it. livable, sustainable, and just. That changed on August 3, 1944, when the dive-bombing pigeons. Business plum- ‘70s, Abe finally heeded the advice of his Among the cultural and research insti- providing an integrated place of knowledge front page of the Baltimore News-Post pro- meted. The newsstand would not survive if son Philip, who constantly reminded him tutions holding the documents, artifacts, of what exists, where, and how to access it documentary treasures of the city’s history, claimed, “How Baltimore Men Helped Break not located on the square. To Abe’s surprise that hippies were pumping millions of dol- and stories of Baltimore’s past, there needs in a virtual world where teachers can mine let alone all the historic places that teach- Nazi Attack.” Just below the bold headline and delight, local politicians, notably the lars into the economy. Abe’s disgust with to be a renewed coming together of those what is there and make real contributions ers and tourists might like to know about was a picture of Sgt. Sherman. Despite the president of the City Council and the comp- the hippie movement softened to a high resources in a sustainable virtual world to the value of what they find. Nor is anyone and visit. For example Cityview does not fame, Abe remained a reluctant hero, shun- troller, came to his rescue. When the political level of discomfort as he began stocking an in which the resources are shared, well taking the lead in providing a permanent even recognize that there is a city archives ning the awards of battle. Promotions only posturing and bickering was finished, Abe eclectic mix of peace buttons and medal- explained, and inexpensive to access. The place for linking and accessing the virtual holding the largest single collection of Bal- meant more stripes and more worries. Abe emerged victorious. lions, incense, New Age books, underground future of informing the world about Bal- knowledge of the city’s history, as expressed timore’s records. prided himself on the title of the “Stripeless The shack was replaced by a six-sided, newspapers, and posters with images of Jimi timore and its history lies in how well it is on web sites and online sources, as well as The logical place to manage such an in- Sergeant.” He never sewed them on. bronze-colored aluminum-and-glass kiosk Hendrix, Frank Zappa, James Dean, and Spiro told on the web. A sustainable and dynamic providing the stimulus for improving what tegrated effort at access and explanation of In November 1944, Abe, then 47, was with sliding glass doors, a flat roof, light fix- Agnew. Abe not only had their money, but environment is needed, where students of is available virtually on Baltimore’s past. resources would be the Pratt Library or the forced to leave the war front due to arthritis. tures, and heat. The price tag of $11,000 was unknown to him, he had their respect. He any age and interest can easily find what has A number of institutions have made Maryland Historical Society, with substan- After treatment at an Army hospital in Texas, picked up by the Schaefer Brewing Company, had become their working-class folk hero, been written, access what sources exist and a stab at easing the way to their own tive monetary contributions from all cultural he was “invalided” out of the Army and back which donated the structure to the city for who represented the common man. explore--both in terms of actual site visits holdings, and in pointing to resources and resource institutions in and around the in Baltimore. “My legs sort of gave out on Abe’s exclusive use on a lifetime lease. On Hippies jokingly referred to the store as to exhibits and surviving historic places and elsewhere. Admirable examples are the city. With adequate funding, it could also me,” was how Abe described it. Ironically, a Veterans Day 1964, hundreds of customers Abe’s Head Shop. However, be advised, if you virtually through online documentation. It web sites of the Baltimore City Archives be managed by the City Archives--currently few days after his return, he received notice and friends along with the 44-piece Southern sought words of wisdom from the white-haired is an all-inclusive proposition, from Ruth to at http://baltimorecityarchives.net, the supported by the limited resources of the to register for the draft--he had never done High School band turned out for the dedica- mystic, may he get a haircut and a bath. Poe to Mencken to a rainbow of immigrants Maryland Historical Society, and Baltimore Maryland State Archives. so in WWI, too young, or WWII, too early. tion. Mayor Theodore McKeldin called the Abe died on April 15, 1987, at 89. His two and the absorbing exhibits of the Maryland Heritage. But these are largely volunteer The model makes best use of a “cloud” When asked about his enlisting in 1942, kiosk the “Taj Mahal” of newsstands. Abe was surviving sons, embracing his patriotic legacy, Historical Society, Walters, BMA, and the or single-staffer operations that are only in which the hardware would be shared by he proudly proclaimed, “I hated Hitler. I’m more than gracious: “Hell, it’s better than the proved there was more than ink running B&O Museum, to mention but a few. able to address a miniscule portion of the the universities and the city in its computers, Jewish and I never run away from being a old one,” he growled to reporters. through their veins. Lee, cited for bravery in To meet that future of virtual access wealth of resources available. Where should with the overall management/captaincy of Jew.” By spring, Abe was back on his feet at In July 1970, though, Abe’s newsstand Korea, retired from the Army as a colonel be- tied to actual visits, institutions need to look such a dynamic and extensive portal to the the portal vested in an institution such as the the newsstand, selling newspapers, telling passed into Baltimore’s history with its clos- fore teaching at University of North Carolina, beyond their walls and provide inexpensive city’s past be based? Who, will, as with the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Archives, or the war stories, and barking at browsers from ing. Health issues were the culprit, but Abe and Philip, an attorney and brigadier general access to the treasures they hold in a search- Baltimore-built Chasseur and Lynx, 200 MHS. In building such an integrated guide 6:30 in the morning to 5:30 at night. Life on would never admit defeat, especially to old in the Maryland National Guard, served as the able context that guides the interested years ago captain and crew the ship? Most to virtual sources, places to visit and learn, the streets of Baltimore picked up where it age. The bard of Monument Square found state director for the Selective Service. Abe, not only to what they have online and off, of all, who will pay for it? and resources not yet online, there needs had left off. The newsstand again was Abe’s another reason, the environment. Appearing in addition to his many military awards and but to resources elsewhere related to the My suggestion is that it should be a to be an inexpensive component, a perma- guard shack, where he watched over the at a meeting of the Board of Estimates, Abe decorations that included the Croix de Guerre, topic. Teachers must be able to find easily high priority of the city government to nent depository of the research and writing city, vacating his post once a year to attend read a statement from the back of a cash bal- one of France’s highest honors for bravery, teachable resources on line through virtual fund such an endeavor, with support from of those who pursue the City’s history, at American Legion conventions. ance sheet. “The smog, foul air, fumes around received the Maryland Distinguished Service workbooks or binders, as those proposed private and non-profit sources. The hosts whatever level, easy and inexpensive. Coming home a hero from Europe in the stand felled me twice. This is enough Cross in 1978, the state’s highest award. by the Alchemy project, and a dynamically should be a collaborative among the major 1944, Abe had fought his last war--but not his warning. So, thanking God again for another Abe’s critics claimed that he was man out developed subject portal maintained in universities and cultural institutions of all 2 More Greenmount Tours last battle. There would be one more at his chance to carry on in new pastures, the spirit of step with the times. But he seems more a one stop on the “cloud” of the internet, yet flavors, from historic houses to major de- Two-hour walks through historic Green- stand under the guiding hand of Lady Balti- yields to the flesh. So, let’s grow Baltimore. I man for all times. As the nation celebrates the shared and contributed to by all institutions positories. It needs to be permanent and mount Cemetery with educator Wayne R. more on Monument Square. Only this time, it salute you. Shalom.” bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner, it’s having artifacts and records relating to the not disappear, as does all the work currently Schaumburg will take place on Saturdays, was not his life but his livelihood. Many locals Retirement was never an option. He not hard to picture Abe in that bygone era. city’s rich past. placed on Blackboard, the most commonly October 25 and November 1, starting at called it the Second Battle of Baltimore, refer- just retreated about half a mile northwest The second week of September 1814 would Both Alchemy and Baltimore Heritage used virtual platform of universities. 9:30AM at the main gate, Greenmount Av- ring to the first battle in September 1814. In to his books store, which became known as have found him somewhere in the fray with are staging conferences on how best to en- The city has sunk millions of dollars enue and E. Oliver Street. Reservations are 1963, when city officials decided to beautify Sherman’s, at the corner of Park Avenue and the British, perhaps digging a trench on courage the keepers and interpreters of Bal- into its Cityview mapping service, but there required for the acclaimed $15 walks among Monument Square, Abe’s newsstand became Mulberry Street. Upon entering the front Hampstead Hill. In speaking about his father, timore’s memory to share what they know are no “layers” easily searchable that map the famous: at 410.256.2180 or wayne.schau- a casualty. door, customers were quickly reassured it was Philip said, “My father was a soldier. That was and have, but no one is taking the lead in the local research institutions holding the [email protected]. Citing crass commercialization and the same old cantankerous Abe. “If you pick it his occupation.” 2 3 Urbanism Lecture Nov. 8 Abe Sherman - Continued from page 1 desecration of the up, you buy it,” and “This ain’t no library. Go up University of Massachusetts emeritus was successful. Half an hour later, when the war dead, members the Pratt,” were the common refrains hurled Chair of Board of Directors . . . John C. Murphy professor of Geography Rutherford Platt German rifles were silenced, men wondered of the Society of the at terrified browsers as he patrolled the aisles President ...... Ed Papenfuse will return to Baltimore for a free lecture on when the attack would resume--most likely War of 1812 and with hands folded across his chest. “Reclaiming American Cities: The Struggle with reinforcements and tanks. the Star-Spangled To teens and young adults, it was a rite Newsletter Editor ...... Lewis H. Diuguid for Humane Urbanism Since Olmsted” at the Air support was requested but that Banner Flag House of passage to be thrown out of the store, an Newsletter Layout ...... Tina Fleming Warren Maryland Historical Society’s France Hall on presented another problem. Someone had Association had ordeal of fire that proved you were a real Staff ...... Don Torres Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1PM. In 2009, he organized to mark the perimeter for the pilots. Under no plans for the ki- Baltimorean. An invite to the basement for a [email protected] • baltimorecityhistoricalsociety.org the well-attended conference, “Humane Me- sporadic enemy rifle fire, Abe walked the line osk. Abe was to be belt of Abe’s favorite cognac meant you had tropolis Baltimore” here. and placed the markers. Minutes later, Allied landscaped from his Abe Sherman passed muster and were now unofficially a This lecture is part of the Exploring Envi- planes pummeled the perimeter. The battle patch of sidewalk. member of Abe’s army. Taped to the cash Virtual Archives - Continued from page 1 ronmental History series and is co-sponsored was over. Abe and his men crawled from their The issue quickly became a political hand register was one of Abe’s favorite quotes from and no place for coordinating and access- The Lynx, a privateer built in Fell’s Point, was by Friends of Maryland’s Olmsted Parks & foxholes to treat the wounded and pick up grenade. Families and friends were pitted Harry Truman: “I never give anybody hell. I ing the sources, primary and secondary, of captured by the British in 1812. This Maine Landscapes, Baltimore City Historical Society, the pieces of their headquarters. against one another. While the issue was be- just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” the city’s history. There is no communal, remake arrived in the tall ship fleet, docking and the Maryland Historical Society. In books Abe was never much on letter writing. ing resolved behind closed doors at City Hall, Abe flourished at his store in the shadow virtual forum where scholar, teacher, and on Broadway Pier alongside the Pride of Balti- and conferences, Platt has advanced the His family only heard about his decora- Abe was relocated across the street to the of the Enoch Pratt Free Library for reasons interested citizen alike can explore the city’s more II, also a Chesapeake pilot schooner. goal of making cities more environmentally tions from the families of other soldiers. front of the Court House, where he battled he would never had imagined. In the early history and reflect upon it. livable, sustainable, and just. That changed on August 3, 1944, when the dive-bombing pigeons. Business plum- ‘70s, Abe finally heeded the advice of his Among the cultural and research insti- providing an integrated place of knowledge front page of the Baltimore News-Post pro- meted. The newsstand would not survive if son Philip, who constantly reminded him tutions holding the documents, artifacts, of what exists, where, and how to access it documentary treasures of the city’s history, claimed, “How Baltimore Men Helped Break not located on the square. To Abe’s surprise that hippies were pumping millions of dol- and stories of Baltimore’s past, there needs in a virtual world where teachers can mine let alone all the historic places that teach- Nazi Attack.” Just below the bold headline and delight, local politicians, notably the lars into the economy. Abe’s disgust with to be a renewed coming together of those what is there and make real contributions ers and tourists might like to know about was a picture of Sgt. Sherman. Despite the president of the City Council and the comp- the hippie movement softened to a high resources in a sustainable virtual world to the value of what they find. Nor is anyone and visit. For example Cityview does not fame, Abe remained a reluctant hero, shun- troller, came to his rescue. When the political level of discomfort as he began stocking an in which the resources are shared, well taking the lead in providing a permanent even recognize that there is a city archives ning the awards of battle. Promotions only posturing and bickering was finished, Abe eclectic mix of peace buttons and medal- explained, and inexpensive to access. The place for linking and accessing the virtual holding the largest single collection of Bal- meant more stripes and more worries. Abe emerged victorious. lions, incense, New Age books, underground future of informing the world about Bal- knowledge of the city’s history, as expressed timore’s records. prided himself on the title of the “Stripeless The shack was replaced by a six-sided, newspapers, and posters with images of Jimi timore and its history lies in how well it is on web sites and online sources, as well as The logical place to manage such an in- Sergeant.” He never sewed them on. bronze-colored aluminum-and-glass kiosk Hendrix, Frank Zappa, James Dean, and Spiro told on the web. A sustainable and dynamic providing the stimulus for improving what tegrated effort at access and explanation of In November 1944, Abe, then 47, was with sliding glass doors, a flat roof, light fix- Agnew. Abe not only had their money, but environment is needed, where students of is available virtually on Baltimore’s past. resources would be the Pratt Library or the forced to leave the war front due to arthritis. tures, and heat. The price tag of $11,000 was unknown to him, he had their respect. He any age and interest can easily find what has A number of institutions have made Maryland Historical Society, with substan- After treatment at an Army hospital in Texas, picked up by the Schaefer Brewing Company, had become their working-class folk hero, been written, access what sources exist and a stab at easing the way to their own tive monetary contributions from all cultural he was “invalided” out of the Army and back which donated the structure to the city for who represented the common man. explore--both in terms of actual site visits holdings, and in pointing to resources and resource institutions in and around the in Baltimore. “My legs sort of gave out on Abe’s exclusive use on a lifetime lease. On Hippies jokingly referred to the store as to exhibits and surviving historic places and elsewhere. Admirable examples are the city. With adequate funding, it could also me,” was how Abe described it. Ironically, a Veterans Day 1964, hundreds of customers Abe’s Head Shop. However, be advised, if you virtually through online documentation. It web sites of the Baltimore City Archives be managed by the City Archives--currently few days after his return, he received notice and friends along with the 44-piece Southern sought words of wisdom from the white-haired is an all-inclusive proposition, from Ruth to at http://baltimorecityarchives.net, the supported by the limited resources of the to register for the draft--he had never done High School band turned out for the dedica- mystic, may he get a haircut and a bath. Poe to Mencken to a rainbow of immigrants Maryland Historical Society, and Baltimore Maryland State Archives. so in WWI, too young, or WWII, too early. tion. Mayor Theodore McKeldin called the Abe died on April 15, 1987, at 89. His two and the absorbing exhibits of the Maryland Heritage. But these are largely volunteer The model makes best use of a “cloud” When asked about his enlisting in 1942, kiosk the “Taj Mahal” of newsstands. Abe was surviving sons, embracing his patriotic legacy, Historical Society, Walters, BMA, and the or single-staffer operations that are only in which the hardware would be shared by he proudly proclaimed, “I hated Hitler. I’m more than gracious: “Hell, it’s better than the proved there was more than ink running B&O Museum, to mention but a few. able to address a miniscule portion of the the universities and the city in its computers, Jewish and I never run away from being a old one,” he growled to reporters. through their veins. Lee, cited for bravery in To meet that future of virtual access wealth of resources available. Where should with the overall management/captaincy of Jew.” By spring, Abe was back on his feet at In July 1970, though, Abe’s newsstand Korea, retired from the Army as a colonel be- tied to actual visits, institutions need to look such a dynamic and extensive portal to the the portal vested in an institution such as the the newsstand, selling newspapers, telling passed into Baltimore’s history with its clos- fore teaching at University of North Carolina, beyond their walls and provide inexpensive city’s past be based? Who, will, as with the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Archives, or the war stories, and barking at browsers from ing. Health issues were the culprit, but Abe and Philip, an attorney and brigadier general access to the treasures they hold in a search- Baltimore-built Chasseur and Lynx, 200 MHS. In building such an integrated guide 6:30 in the morning to 5:30 at night. Life on would never admit defeat, especially to old in the Maryland National Guard, served as the able context that guides the interested years ago captain and crew the ship? Most to virtual sources, places to visit and learn, the streets of Baltimore picked up where it age. The bard of Monument Square found state director for the Selective Service. Abe, not only to what they have online and off, of all, who will pay for it? and resources not yet online, there needs had left off. The newsstand again was Abe’s another reason, the environment. Appearing in addition to his many military awards and but to resources elsewhere related to the My suggestion is that it should be a to be an inexpensive component, a perma- guard shack, where he watched over the at a meeting of the Board of Estimates, Abe decorations that included the Croix de Guerre, topic. Teachers must be able to find easily high priority of the city government to nent depository of the research and writing city, vacating his post once a year to attend read a statement from the back of a cash bal- one of France’s highest honors for bravery, teachable resources on line through virtual fund such an endeavor, with support from of those who pursue the City’s history, at American Legion conventions. ance sheet. “The smog, foul air, fumes around received the Maryland Distinguished Service workbooks or binders, as those proposed private and non-profit sources. The hosts whatever level, easy and inexpensive. Coming home a hero from Europe in the stand felled me twice. This is enough Cross in 1978, the state’s highest award. by the Alchemy project, and a dynamically should be a collaborative among the major 1944, Abe had fought his last war--but not his warning. So, thanking God again for another Abe’s critics claimed that he was man out developed subject portal maintained in universities and cultural institutions of all 2 More Greenmount Tours last battle. There would be one more at his chance to carry on in new pastures, the spirit of step with the times. But he seems more a one stop on the “cloud” of the internet, yet flavors, from historic houses to major de- Two-hour walks through historic Green- stand under the guiding hand of Lady Balti- yields to the flesh. So, let’s grow Baltimore. I man for all times. As the nation celebrates the shared and contributed to by all institutions positories. It needs to be permanent and mount Cemetery with educator Wayne R. more on Monument Square. Only this time, it salute you. Shalom.” bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner, it’s having artifacts and records relating to the not disappear, as does all the work currently Schaumburg will take place on Saturdays, was not his life but his livelihood. Many locals Retirement was never an option. He not hard to picture Abe in that bygone era. city’s rich past. placed on Blackboard, the most commonly October 25 and November 1, starting at called it the Second Battle of Baltimore, refer- just retreated about half a mile northwest The second week of September 1814 would Both Alchemy and Baltimore Heritage used virtual platform of universities. 9:30AM at the main gate, Greenmount Av- ring to the first battle in September 1814. In to his books store, which became known as have found him somewhere in the fray with are staging conferences on how best to en- The city has sunk millions of dollars enue and E. Oliver Street. Reservations are 1963, when city officials decided to beautify Sherman’s, at the corner of Park Avenue and the British, perhaps digging a trench on courage the keepers and interpreters of Bal- into its Cityview mapping service, but there required for the acclaimed $15 walks among Monument Square, Abe’s newsstand became Mulberry Street. Upon entering the front Hampstead Hill. In speaking about his father, timore’s memory to share what they know are no “layers” easily searchable that map the famous: at 410.256.2180 or wayne.schau- a casualty. door, customers were quickly reassured it was Philip said, “My father was a soldier. That was and have, but no one is taking the lead in the local research institutions holding the [email protected]. Citing crass commercialization and the same old cantankerous Abe. “If you pick it his occupation.” 2 3 To Secure Druid Lake, City to Shrink It New Book on War of 1812 Eastern Girls Became Young Ladies The one teacher who stood out among By Don Torres Just in time for the summer’s climactic cel- By Phyllis A. Bailey all the fine ones for me was Mrs. Bettlestone, In the Fall 2013 issue of The Baltimore ebrations of the 200th anniversary of Baltimore’s Class of 1958 who taught Latin and was a legend in the Gaslight, then-BCHS President Joe Stewart War, Fell’s Point maritime historian Geoffrey Baltimore City once was home to the school. She required us to stand and recite expressed serious concerns about the City’s Footner delivered “A Bungled Affair: Britain’s two oldest female public high schools in the our interpretations of the passages in our plan to replace the Druid Lake treated drink- War in the United States--The Final Years country, the first of their kind: Eastern and textbook. Since we were organized accord- ing water reservoir with two huge under- 1814-1815,” providing as much about this city’s Western. Established in 1844, they enjoyed ing to our last names, several friends and I ground storage tanks on the site. The plan role in the conflict as new-age readers are apt a close relationship with their male counter- Photo by Palindrome Design Associates decided telephonically that we would only by the Department of Public Works (DPW) is to absorb. It also offers a devastating account parts, Eastern with City College and Western Eastern’s current state, after building was prepare according to the passages we could to comply with an order of the U.S. Environ- Department of Public Works of how His Majesty’s commanding admiral on with the Polytechnic Institute. While Eastern resurrected by Hopkins for offices. anticipate. Alas, this very experienced teacher mental Protection Agency (EPA), mandating Buried Tanks are to be grassed over. the Chesapeake not only failed to subdue this was located in a variety of buildings over the changed the order of our recitations, leaving that all such open reservoirs, to protect public city but brought shame to the Royal Navy--by years, it is the stately red brick building which dreaded gym, which included mandatory us standing in total ignorance. We never tried health, be either covered or equipped with at the top--wide enough to form an avenue dealing freed American slaves in Caribbean flesh opened in 1938 on 33rd Street, across from showers that we tried hard to avoid. While the to outsmart her again. As a student and later further treatment systems as the water leaves for carriages. The earth needed for the dam, markets instead of devastating New Orleans as Memorial Stadium, that I remember. schedule did not include study halls, several as a teacher, I gained an appreciation for what the reservoirs for distribution. In addition 165,000 cubic yards, would be excavated ordered. I was a member of the graduating class of classmates and I tried to adjust our senior an outstanding teacher can mean. Without to the cost of the project and the possible from the knolls in the ravine, which would Footner, 91, covers the Canadian theater 1958, over 500 students. My connection with year schedule to include them, but thanks a word, she let us know she expected better disruption to the community and park dur- also create a relatively smooth lake bottom. and walks us through the Treaty of Ghent diplo- Eastern was strong since I had spent grades to the vigilance of guidance counselors and from us and was one step ahead of us. ing a two-year construction project, Joe The project used steam shovels, the first ever macy. But he is saltiest at sea, starting in 1812 5 and 6 in its basement as a Montebello El- our parents, we were not allowed to do so. During the time I attended Eastern, the worried about the impact on the ”aesthetic in Baltimore. The capacity of the lake would when Joshua Barney “accepted command of ementary School student in a demonstration During my 1954 year, the Brown vs. school system ignored or turned a blind eye and architectural integrity of the park” and be 600 million gallons. the privateer Rossie,” built by Thomas Kemp in program for teachers. So half of my public Board of Education Supreme Court decision to the sororities. The sorority girls were eas- on “maintenance, stewardship and a reliable There were spectacular views of the City Fell’s Point, and took the war to Britain’s shipping school years were spent in that massive brick required integration of public schools. It ily recognized, usually sitting together in the water source for a decommissioned lake.” and harbor from atop the dam. Construction lanes with Canada. “The Baltimore schooner building. When I arrived for grade 9, I entered began early at Eastern, and from my perspec- cafeteria and wearing Greek letters on their The planning process, though, has al- began in 1864 and the first water was piped seized 15 ships of great value . . . plus 166 Brit- a school that in 1954 enjoyed an outstanding tive peacefully. However, in talks with an blazers. The usual dress for all students con- lowed the surrounding community and the in, from the Hampden reservoir, no longer ex- ish prisoners.” And so it went, until by 1814 “the reputation, although unlike Western High African-American classmate, she indicated sisted of blazers, saddle shoes and full skirts. history/preservation community--BCHS, tant, in 1871. Originally called Lake Chapman Surprise, with double or more burden,” and other School it did not have an “A” college-credits it was a challenging and lonely experience. Socially, while EHS was all girl, the “men” from Friends of Druid Hill Park, Baltimore Heri- after the Water Board president, it quickly bigger versions of the speedy Chesapeake Bay course. Our class included girls from several Obviously she and the girls in the commercial City College were literally next door and tage and others--to stress the aesthetic and became Druid Lake. Although not part of pilot schooners carried the war to Britain’s home junior high schools, primarily Roland Park program had different experiences from my many dates were arranged. We also dated historic importance of the park and lake. The the plans or visions for Druid Hill Park, Druid waters. and Hamilton. This distinction has continued own. Also that year, the new Baltimore Orioles men from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 745-acre Druid Hill Park is on the National Lake became “the grand feature of the park,” Footner’s “Tidewater Triumph” in 1998 is the to some degree even in our reunions, when started playing at Memorial Stadium across which made the much anticipated Poly-City Register of Historic Places, and Druid Lake has noted in The Sun in 1864. definitive study of these gaudy boats, but the our photographs are taken based on the the street. We did our best to peer into it from Thanksgiving football game an event. been designated a National Historic Civil En- Ron Parks, DPW Waterworks historian chapters devoted to them in his new book offer junior high we attended. the second floor but sadly were not allowed The ascending EHS young ladies donned gineering Landmark and Water Landmark. and archivist, found a 1910 call for covering a lively reprise. His account, much of it sustained Once we entered EHS the administration to participate in the festivities. The stadium’s white full-length gowns for graduation at the When the City, under Mayor Thomas the reservoir, but no funds came forth. Now by research in Britain, makes clear that the pri- made it clear we were now Eastern “young parking problems cast an ominous cloud. Lyric. Some girls even went to New York to Swann, purchased the 144-year-old Buchan- a 2006 federal order to the City specifies tar- vateers’ havoc played on British merchantmen ladies.” The school was presided over by Ms. In retrospect, as I think about the educa- buy their dresses, although most of us bought an-Rogers estate from Lloyd Nicholas Rogers get dates to conform. Lake Ashburton and and obsolescent warships was what caused the Margaret Zouck, principal, and Mr. Frank Fair- tion I received, what made the single-gender ours from Etta’s Gown Shop or competitors. in 1860, there was no thought of a huge lake Guilford Reservoir must also comply. DPW surly mother country to stand down at Ghent. back, vice principal. To the girls, Mr. Fairback school distinctive was the opportunity to In many ways my experience as a student was in the southeast corner of the property. The has been discussing options with interested The other aspect of these 268 pages, was of great interest, since he was the only learn from the many outstanding female an age of innocence. For the school, perhaps park was blessed with plentiful springs and parties. The Druid Hill community opposed though, concerns their villain, Vice Admiral Sir male and noted for the red vest he frequently teachers, many of them Goucher graduates, its history is epitomized by Elizabeth Turn- streams, and early plans envisioned ponds, the post-treatment option, so DPW pre- Alexander F. I. Cochrane, “driven by his hate of wore. Ms. Zouck ran a “tight ship,” and in a who became role models when the “glass bull’s statue of Lizette Woodward Reese, Class small lakes, such as the Boat Lake and deco- sented a covered-tank proposal a year ago. Americans” yet driven off by them during his way was the principal of two schools in one ceiling” was firmly in place. They were dedi- of 1873, our foremost poet, whose statue was rative fountains. The area now occupied by To minimize impact on park and lake, two “essay” to put down what the admiral called building. The commercial program operated cated to our education and served much as returned to the campus thanks to the efforts Druid Lake was described as a ravine formed huge below-ground-level, grass-covered “the nest of pirates” here. Cochrane had head- on the first floor and the academic on the those teachers in segregated schools, who of the Class of 1965 that graduated 965 girls by a stream flowing from the Boat Lake to a tanks, 400 and 550 feet in diameter, would quartered at Tangier Island off Virginia’s Eastern second. There was little interaction since no provided an outstanding education despite and perhaps represents the high point of the waterfall and then into the Jones Falls. hold the current lake capacity of 364 million Shore and tinkered with the slave trade there- classes were shared. To my later surprise as a shortage of resources. Eastern became co- school. The City’s population growth through the gallons--the tanks occupying one-quarter -having decreed that U.S. slaves deserting to young teacher in Baltimore County, I learned educational in 1979 and was integrated into Eastern’s demise in 1986 probably began 1800s increased demand for drinking water. of the western part of the lake. DPW further the British would thereby gain freedom. But that one of my teaching peers had been at Lake Clifton High School in 1986, forming with the efforts of then Mayor William Don- With the spread of the population “uphill” to proposes to retain good water quality in the not many tried and fewer succeeded. When EHS at the same time but in the commercial Lake Clifton Eastern High School there. ald Schaeffer, a City College graduate, who the north and west of the harbor, reservoirs at remaining lake as a scenic and recreational he left for the Caribbean after defeat here, his course. Given the school’s size and divided Recent research has shown that gradu- proposed turning the building into a parking higher elevations became necessary. In 1863, resource. Amenities would include an amphi- fleet-wide machinations with corrupt captains programs, we never knew each other. ates of women’s colleges have a higher rate lot for Memorial Stadium--which was later the Board of Water Commissioners found the theater at the new grassy area, and boat piers, took on lucrative dimension, shielded under the As a student in the academic program of success as professionals than those of coed destroyed. While the school did not survive, ravine to be ideal for a reservoir. Six acres of fountains, a wider path along Druid Park Lake Royal Navy’s code of silence. I soon learned, too, that our teachers, all schools. It seems probable that research on the building did. Eastern was renovated in the the park would be used and an additional 54 Drive, and a restored Moorish Tower. The self-published book is on sale at the women, had high expectations and demand- younger students will find similar results. 1990s for offices by the Johns Hopkins Medi- acres were acquired – the entire property of DPW plans to use its considerable re- Visitor Center, Frame House and Brassworks, ing standards. Many of the teachers were What was lost by the school’s demise was cal Institutions. It was listed on the National the Mount Vernon Cemetery and portions of sources to develop this proposal, said Director along Thames St. in Fell’s Point, for $35.50, and graduates of Goucher College and ultimately a legacy, a record of achievement, and a Register of Historic Places in 2000. the properties belonging to Chauncey Brooks Rudy Chow, stating that it is 30% into the design at www.tidewaterbooksllc.com. Footner also earned administrative positions in the city commitment to education for girls. From an - - - and the estate of the Rev. Thomas E. Bond. phase. Discussions continue, with construction has published a paperback edition of “Sailor public school system. I was expected to educational perspective, as girls became an Phyllis Bailey graduated from Wilson College in An earthen dam at the mouth of the to begin in winter 2016, with completion in of Fortune: The Life and Adventures of Com- complete four years of English, social stud- integral part of coed high schools they had Chambersburg, PA in 1962, PBK. She had a long ca- ravine would be an unprecedented engineer- 2018. DPW assures minimal disruption of the modore Barney, U.S.N.,” by Hulbert Footner, his ies, mathematics, science, and a language, the opportunity to interact with boys in a va- reer in Baltimore County Public Schools, in teaching ing feat for its time, with a height of 100 feet park and traffic. Public meetings continue, with father, reviewed in the Fall 2012 Gaslight. $20. in my case Latin. In addition we took home riety of contexts, academic and social, which and administration, and is immediate past presi- and a base 600 feet wide, tapering to 30 feet citizen groups pressing for wide participation. --Lewis H. Diuguid economics (cooking and sewing), and the were reflective of our current society. dent of the Historical Society of Baltimore County. 4 5 To Secure Druid Lake, City to Shrink It New Book on War of 1812 Eastern Girls Became Young Ladies The one teacher who stood out among By Don Torres Just in time for the summer’s climactic cel- By Phyllis A. Bailey all the fine ones for me was Mrs. Bettlestone, In the Fall 2013 issue of The Baltimore ebrations of the 200th anniversary of Baltimore’s Class of 1958 who taught Latin and was a legend in the Gaslight, then-BCHS President Joe Stewart War, Fell’s Point maritime historian Geoffrey Baltimore City once was home to the school. She required us to stand and recite expressed serious concerns about the City’s Footner delivered “A Bungled Affair: Britain’s two oldest female public high schools in the our interpretations of the passages in our plan to replace the Druid Lake treated drink- War in the United States--The Final Years country, the first of their kind: Eastern and textbook. Since we were organized accord- ing water reservoir with two huge under- 1814-1815,” providing as much about this city’s Western. Established in 1844, they enjoyed ing to our last names, several friends and I ground storage tanks on the site. The plan role in the conflict as new-age readers are apt a close relationship with their male counter- Photo by Palindrome Design Associates decided telephonically that we would only by the Department of Public Works (DPW) is to absorb. It also offers a devastating account parts, Eastern with City College and Western Eastern’s current state, after building was prepare according to the passages we could to comply with an order of the U.S. Environ- Department of Public Works of how His Majesty’s commanding admiral on with the Polytechnic Institute. While Eastern resurrected by Hopkins for offices. anticipate. Alas, this very experienced teacher mental Protection Agency (EPA), mandating Buried Tanks are to be grassed over. the Chesapeake not only failed to subdue this was located in a variety of buildings over the changed the order of our recitations, leaving that all such open reservoirs, to protect public city but brought shame to the Royal Navy--by years, it is the stately red brick building which dreaded gym, which included mandatory us standing in total ignorance. We never tried health, be either covered or equipped with at the top--wide enough to form an avenue dealing freed American slaves in Caribbean flesh opened in 1938 on 33rd Street, across from showers that we tried hard to avoid. While the to outsmart her again. As a student and later further treatment systems as the water leaves for carriages. The earth needed for the dam, markets instead of devastating New Orleans as Memorial Stadium, that I remember. schedule did not include study halls, several as a teacher, I gained an appreciation for what the reservoirs for distribution. In addition 165,000 cubic yards, would be excavated ordered. I was a member of the graduating class of classmates and I tried to adjust our senior an outstanding teacher can mean. Without to the cost of the project and the possible from the knolls in the ravine, which would Footner, 91, covers the Canadian theater 1958, over 500 students. My connection with year schedule to include them, but thanks a word, she let us know she expected better disruption to the community and park dur- also create a relatively smooth lake bottom. and walks us through the Treaty of Ghent diplo- Eastern was strong since I had spent grades to the vigilance of guidance counselors and from us and was one step ahead of us. ing a two-year construction project, Joe The project used steam shovels, the first ever macy. But he is saltiest at sea, starting in 1812 5 and 6 in its basement as a Montebello El- our parents, we were not allowed to do so. During the time I attended Eastern, the worried about the impact on the ”aesthetic in Baltimore. The capacity of the lake would when Joshua Barney “accepted command of ementary School student in a demonstration During my 1954 year, the Brown vs. school system ignored or turned a blind eye and architectural integrity of the park” and be 600 million gallons. the privateer Rossie,” built by Thomas Kemp in program for teachers. So half of my public Board of Education Supreme Court decision to the sororities. The sorority girls were eas- on “maintenance, stewardship and a reliable There were spectacular views of the City Fell’s Point, and took the war to Britain’s shipping school years were spent in that massive brick required integration of public schools. It ily recognized, usually sitting together in the water source for a decommissioned lake.” and harbor from atop the dam. Construction lanes with Canada. “The Baltimore schooner building. When I arrived for grade 9, I entered began early at Eastern, and from my perspec- cafeteria and wearing Greek letters on their The planning process, though, has al- began in 1864 and the first water was piped seized 15 ships of great value . . . plus 166 Brit- a school that in 1954 enjoyed an outstanding tive peacefully. However, in talks with an blazers. The usual dress for all students con- lowed the surrounding community and the in, from the Hampden reservoir, no longer ex- ish prisoners.” And so it went, until by 1814 “the reputation, although unlike Western High African-American classmate, she indicated sisted of blazers, saddle shoes and full skirts. history/preservation community--BCHS, tant, in 1871. Originally called Lake Chapman Surprise, with double or more burden,” and other School it did not have an “A” college-credits it was a challenging and lonely experience. Socially, while EHS was all girl, the “men” from Friends of Druid Hill Park, Baltimore Heri- after the Water Board president, it quickly bigger versions of the speedy Chesapeake Bay course. Our class included girls from several Obviously she and the girls in the commercial City College were literally next door and tage and others--to stress the aesthetic and became Druid Lake. Although not part of pilot schooners carried the war to Britain’s home junior high schools, primarily Roland Park program had different experiences from my many dates were arranged. We also dated historic importance of the park and lake. The the plans or visions for Druid Hill Park, Druid waters. and Hamilton. This distinction has continued own. Also that year, the new Baltimore Orioles men from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 745-acre Druid Hill Park is on the National Lake became “the grand feature of the park,” Footner’s “Tidewater Triumph” in 1998 is the to some degree even in our reunions, when started playing at Memorial Stadium across which made the much anticipated Poly-City Register of Historic Places, and Druid Lake has noted in The Sun in 1864. definitive study of these gaudy boats, but the our photographs are taken based on the the street. We did our best to peer into it from Thanksgiving football game an event. been designated a National Historic Civil En- Ron Parks, DPW Waterworks historian chapters devoted to them in his new book offer junior high we attended. the second floor but sadly were not allowed The ascending EHS young ladies donned gineering Landmark and Water Landmark. and archivist, found a 1910 call for covering a lively reprise. His account, much of it sustained Once we entered EHS the administration to participate in the festivities. The stadium’s white full-length gowns for graduation at the When the City, under Mayor Thomas the reservoir, but no funds came forth. Now by research in Britain, makes clear that the pri- made it clear we were now Eastern “young parking problems cast an ominous cloud. Lyric. Some girls even went to New York to Swann, purchased the 144-year-old Buchan- a 2006 federal order to the City specifies tar- vateers’ havoc played on British merchantmen ladies.” The school was presided over by Ms. In retrospect, as I think about the educa- buy their dresses, although most of us bought an-Rogers estate from Lloyd Nicholas Rogers get dates to conform. Lake Ashburton and and obsolescent warships was what caused the Margaret Zouck, principal, and Mr. Frank Fair- tion I received, what made the single-gender ours from Etta’s Gown Shop or competitors. in 1860, there was no thought of a huge lake Guilford Reservoir must also comply. DPW surly mother country to stand down at Ghent. back, vice principal. To the girls, Mr. Fairback school distinctive was the opportunity to In many ways my experience as a student was in the southeast corner of the property. The has been discussing options with interested The other aspect of these 268 pages, was of great interest, since he was the only learn from the many outstanding female an age of innocence. For the school, perhaps park was blessed with plentiful springs and parties. The Druid Hill community opposed though, concerns their villain, Vice Admiral Sir male and noted for the red vest he frequently teachers, many of them Goucher graduates, its history is epitomized by Elizabeth Turn- streams, and early plans envisioned ponds, the post-treatment option, so DPW pre- Alexander F. I. Cochrane, “driven by his hate of wore. Ms. Zouck ran a “tight ship,” and in a who became role models when the “glass bull’s statue of Lizette Woodward Reese, Class small lakes, such as the Boat Lake and deco- sented a covered-tank proposal a year ago. Americans” yet driven off by them during his way was the principal of two schools in one ceiling” was firmly in place. They were dedi- of 1873, our foremost poet, whose statue was rative fountains. The area now occupied by To minimize impact on park and lake, two “essay” to put down what the admiral called building. The commercial program operated cated to our education and served much as returned to the campus thanks to the efforts Druid Lake was described as a ravine formed huge below-ground-level, grass-covered “the nest of pirates” here. Cochrane had head- on the first floor and the academic on the those teachers in segregated schools, who of the Class of 1965 that graduated 965 girls by a stream flowing from the Boat Lake to a tanks, 400 and 550 feet in diameter, would quartered at Tangier Island off Virginia’s Eastern second. There was little interaction since no provided an outstanding education despite and perhaps represents the high point of the waterfall and then into the Jones Falls. hold the current lake capacity of 364 million Shore and tinkered with the slave trade there- classes were shared. To my later surprise as a shortage of resources. Eastern became co- school. The City’s population growth through the gallons--the tanks occupying one-quarter -having decreed that U.S. slaves deserting to young teacher in Baltimore County, I learned educational in 1979 and was integrated into Eastern’s demise in 1986 probably began 1800s increased demand for drinking water. of the western part of the lake. DPW further the British would thereby gain freedom. But that one of my teaching peers had been at Lake Clifton High School in 1986, forming with the efforts of then Mayor William Don- With the spread of the population “uphill” to proposes to retain good water quality in the not many tried and fewer succeeded. When EHS at the same time but in the commercial Lake Clifton Eastern High School there. ald Schaeffer, a City College graduate, who the north and west of the harbor, reservoirs at remaining lake as a scenic and recreational he left for the Caribbean after defeat here, his course. Given the school’s size and divided Recent research has shown that gradu- proposed turning the building into a parking higher elevations became necessary. In 1863, resource. Amenities would include an amphi- fleet-wide machinations with corrupt captains programs, we never knew each other. ates of women’s colleges have a higher rate lot for Memorial Stadium--which was later the Board of Water Commissioners found the theater at the new grassy area, and boat piers, took on lucrative dimension, shielded under the As a student in the academic program of success as professionals than those of coed destroyed. While the school did not survive, ravine to be ideal for a reservoir. Six acres of fountains, a wider path along Druid Park Lake Royal Navy’s code of silence. I soon learned, too, that our teachers, all schools. It seems probable that research on the building did. Eastern was renovated in the the park would be used and an additional 54 Drive, and a restored Moorish Tower. The self-published book is on sale at the women, had high expectations and demand- younger students will find similar results. 1990s for offices by the Johns Hopkins Medi- acres were acquired – the entire property of DPW plans to use its considerable re- Visitor Center, Frame House and Brassworks, ing standards. Many of the teachers were What was lost by the school’s demise was cal Institutions. It was listed on the National the Mount Vernon Cemetery and portions of sources to develop this proposal, said Director along Thames St. in Fell’s Point, for $35.50, and graduates of Goucher College and ultimately a legacy, a record of achievement, and a Register of Historic Places in 2000. the properties belonging to Chauncey Brooks Rudy Chow, stating that it is 30% into the design at www.tidewaterbooksllc.com. Footner also earned administrative positions in the city commitment to education for girls. From an - - - and the estate of the Rev. Thomas E. Bond. phase. Discussions continue, with construction has published a paperback edition of “Sailor public school system. I was expected to educational perspective, as girls became an Phyllis Bailey graduated from Wilson College in An earthen dam at the mouth of the to begin in winter 2016, with completion in of Fortune: The Life and Adventures of Com- complete four years of English, social stud- integral part of coed high schools they had Chambersburg, PA in 1962, PBK. She had a long ca- ravine would be an unprecedented engineer- 2018. DPW assures minimal disruption of the modore Barney, U.S.N.,” by Hulbert Footner, his ies, mathematics, science, and a language, the opportunity to interact with boys in a va- reer in Baltimore County Public Schools, in teaching ing feat for its time, with a height of 100 feet park and traffic. Public meetings continue, with father, reviewed in the Fall 2012 Gaslight. $20. in my case Latin. In addition we took home riety of contexts, academic and social, which and administration, and is immediate past presi- and a base 600 feet wide, tapering to 30 feet citizen groups pressing for wide participation. --Lewis H. Diuguid economics (cooking and sewing), and the were reflective of our current society. dent of the Historical Society of Baltimore County. 4 5 Baltimore City Historical Society Fall 2014

When Mencken Opted for Pinups known as “Hatrack.” testimony was not so much concerned with By Nate Sullivan He was arrested for Varga Girl imagery, but rather with etymol- Although “the Sage of Baltimore” H.L. selling a copy on ogy and word connotation. An exchange Mencken mostly lay low during World War II, Boston Common, between Mencken and the chairman of the after having famously favored the Germans and quickly exoner- hearing board, Walter Myers: at the outset of the First World War, he did ated. But he pulled Q. What can you say about the use of the make one flamboyant cultural contribution back the issue, at word “behind?” to the home front defense effort—testifying considerable ex- A. “Behind” was taught to me as a boy in in court in support of the racy Varga Girl pin- pense, to avoid a the nursery as a children’s euphemism. ups that accompanied GIs into battle. subsequent loss of I knew no other word for the rear part Mencken (1880-1956), of German ex- the privileged U.S. until I was probably four years of age and traction, exerted a profound influence upon Mail rate. became more sophisticated. At the age of modern American intellectualism. Educated As an expert Esquire, October 1945 three all children in Baltimore in the kind at Poly high school and the Enoch Pratt Free social commenta- of society I was brought up with called it Library, he was a newspaper editor at 20, tor, and a master of the English language, “backside,” and it wasn’t considered un- soon a distinguished writer for the Sunpa- his testimony in favor of the Varga Girl was pleasant or indecent. They knew no other pers, a prolific author, including his authorita- highly regarded. Esquire’s attorney, Bruce word, and there was nothing obscene in it tive “The American Language,” and a founder Bromley, began by asking the star witness at that age. That is before Freud. Children of The American Mercury magazine. His to comment on some of the textual material didn’t know anything about sex. anti-clerical, libertarian approach made him the Post Office cited as obscene. Among the Mencken suffered a stroke in 1948 that highly entertaining, and ever controversial. words on the naughty list were “street-walk- left him barely able to read and he died in While Mencken is remembered for his satiri- er,” “syphilis,” and “behind.” When asked his 1956. By then, the Varga Girl had become cal reporting of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” in opinion on these words, Mencken indicated obsolete—far too tame compared to the 1925, he took a direct role in another, less they were “perfectly harmless,” and added, “I material that the mail men, and women, were known court case. have seen them in the New York Times.” In carrying. Like the Scopes trial that put evolution discourse with Bromley over euphemisms for Sullivan, a middle school teacher in Lynch- on the stand, the Varga Girl trials were quirky the buttocks, Mencken was asked about the burg, Va., holds a M.A. in History from the Univer- and drew the attention of the nation. These meaning of “sunny south,” He responded, “It sity of Nebraska and a M.Ed. from Liberty Univer- legal battles between Esquire magazine and is not alleged that ‘sunny south’ is obscene, is sity. He is also a historical reenactor. Sources for the U.S. Post Office from 1943 to ’46 were it?” “I believe it is,” answered Bromley. “I can’t this article can be found at the National Archives only resolved by the Supreme Court. At the answer such a question. It is too absurd.” and Records Administration, Records of the U.S. center--or rather the center fold--of this dis- Unlike most other witnesses, Mencken’s Post Office, Record Group 28. pute was the Varga Girl, who appeared with panache, and not much more, monthly in The Baltimore City Historical Society Inc. the magazine. She was the fanciful creation of Peruvian artist Alberto Vargas, a painting c/o The Maryland Historical Society not a photo, and from the outset in 1941 an 201 West Monument Street immediate hit. Widely heralded as a “morale Baltimore, Maryland 21201 booster,” the Varga Girl and countless imita- tions were everywhere, from playing cards to the noses of bomber aircraft. Not everyone approved, however. Postmaster General Frank Comerford Walker was among the most ardent opponents. In October 1943, he convened a hearing at postal headquarters to determine whether the magazine contained obscenity, and con- sequently, whether its second-class (reduced rate) mailing privileges should be revoked. A host of high-profile “experts” were called to opine, which added to the circus-like spectacle. Mencken was among them, and his irreverent testimony was the highlight. Called by Esquire, Mencken was no stranger to such controversy, having reported on the Scopes Trial years before, and having had his own run-in with the Post Office in the 1920s over an issue of the Mercury that was banned in Boston--by its Watch and Ward Society because of an article on a prostitute