Newsand Notes i = a E EE z PrinceGeorge's CountY J g E HistoricalSocietY ! E Ed\flE 3 rr;. I lJ'

January/February2000 Our 48e Year XXVItr Number I

FAMILY OF FREDERICKS. DEMARRDEEDS LIBRARY TO SOCIETY

Following probate,Louise Tatspaugh, longtimeHistorical Societymember and Fred's sister, officially deededthe FrederickS. DeMan Library to the Historical Society. Dated November 1999,and coincidingwith the approvalby the Board of the library's collectionmanagement policy, this generousgift was gratefully acceptedby the Board.

The Library Committee, composedof Historian Susan Pearl, Board Secretaryand life-long County residentSarah Bourne and Librarian Sharon Howe Sweeting, hasworked steadilysince Fred's untimely death. Diane Stultz, a genealogicalresearch specialist, has been added to the Committee. Dusty Rhoads and Alan Virta haveprovided adviceon specificcollecting interests of Fred's. The Committee has, however, deviatedfrom Fred's plansby beginningto catalogue the collectioninto an online databasecalled InMagrc. Eventually,the vertical and biographical files, photographs,special and ephemeralmaterials will be incorporatedinto this databasewhich will be searchableon all fields. The library also hasan email address,a fa,r machine,a new answeringmachine and photocopier. Spacecontinues to be a premium but the Committee is slowly sifting through the collectionsto refine and focus them. Collection guidelinesare outlinedlater in this issue. We welcomeyour visit to assessour progress.

A twentieth-century Gentleman's library 'z)a completedbefore considerationfor Call for Nominations an award. 6. The recipientshould be living at the time St. George'sDay Awards 2000 of the nomination. PrinceGeorge's County Historical Society 7. Projectsthat are solelythe productof a establishedthe St. George'sDay Arvardsin person'semployment or profession 1974to honor thosepersons or may be consideredunder certain organrzationsthat have made a differencein circumstancesif the projectreflects PrinceGeorge's County. Contributions additionalpersonal involvement. rangefrom c.elebrationsof our rich history, salvation and restorationof historic sitesand 8 The numberof awardseach year should buildings,production of written works that be limitedto enhancethe prestige. report our historyand educateourselves and An averageof seven/eighthave been our children,and volunteerefforts that presentedover the years. enhancecommunities and the senseof history the Societysupports and enc.ourages. 9. The awardswill be determinedby u selectioncommittee composed of the We invite our membersto suggest Board of Directorsplus three other nominationswhich reflect a broad spectrum Societymembers selected by the of individualand orsanizationalactivitv. president. Nominations,hourO1e forwarO"O to tt * l0 The awardswill be presentedat the Societyat 301-464-0590by February 18th annualSt. George'sDay dinnerin April The following criteria shouldapply:

l. The recipientneed not be a c.ounty To remind, lastyears winners were: resident,nor a county-based Catherine W.AIIen; TomAmlie and Pewry organization. Hayas; EugeneMeyer; Sam and Pal Parker; Anthony Pitch; Ruth Prendsble; JamesM. 2. The activityhonored must pertainto Wo{fe; GethsemaneUnited lv{ethodist PrinceGeorge's County. Church and The Quander Family Society, Inc. 3. A previouslyhonored individual or may be consideredfor organization SinceApril 23, 2000,is EasterSunday, the at the discretionof anotheractivity, HistoricalSociety Board hastentatively committee. the selection scheduledour celebrationfor April 30.

4. The activity honoredshould reflect involvementover a periodof time.

5. Specificprojects should be substantially FAREWELL TO HISTORTAN SHIRLEY BALTZ by HistorianSusanPearl

One of the HistoricalSociety's most faithful home in Bowie looked out on the terraced and longstandingmembers has left Prince groundsof the Belair Mansion). I was lucky George'sCounty. Shirley Baltz, who lived enoughto follow along behindher as she in Bowie from 1963till the end of 1999, delvedinto the complexdocumentary history movedjust beforeChristmas to New Jersey, of the Ogle and Taskerfamilies, and the whereshe will be closerto her three establishmentof the Belair plantation. daughtersand their families. Although During the Bicentennialof the Declarationof Shirleylived in Bowie for thirty-sixyears, Independence>we worked togetheron a shehad been a residentof PrinceGeorge's seriesof archaeologicalinvestigations at County sincebefore the birth of the County Belair, and in 1978(partly as a result of that HistoricalSocietv in 1952 project) we were both hired by the Maryland-National Capital Park and "When I first movedto PrinceGeorge's PlanningCommission to researchand report Countyin the early 1970swith my husband on the various historic propertiesowned by and smallchildren, not quite readyto go the M-NCPPC.'" back to full-time work, I was searchingfor a way to usemy educationand experiencein "I have stayedwith the M-NCPPC, but history and archaeologyon a volunteer,part- Shirley left to complete her Chronicle of time basis. Shirleywas one of the first Belair, an exhaustivehistory of the Belair peoplethat I met, and shesoon put me to plantation,published in 1984. At aboutthe work. I very quickly found out that shewas sametime, Shirleywas appointedby a an historiqn's historian, i.e., sherigorously grateful city as the official Bowie City checkedevery availablesource before she Historian. Shecontinued working tirelessly put anythinginto writing - lucky for me! with a newly establishedFriends of the becauseshe introduced me to a wealthof Belair Estate,helping to raisemoney for documentarysources. She showed me the what amountedto a nearly ten-year-long way aroundthe Maryland Hall of Records, major (and highly successful)restoration of thenlocated on the campusof St. John's the Belair Mansion. In her sparetime she Collegein Annapolis,and the archival pouredthrough every nineteenth-century treasuresthen storedat the Maryland PrinceGeorge's County (and other) Historical Societyin Baltimore. I remember newspaperthat shecould find, collecting many a trip togetherto Annapolisand marriageand death notices of Prince Baltimore,as well asto the Library of Georgians. Her Prince George's Countlt, Congress,and more than one near-hilarious Maryland, Marriages and Deaths in ride home after the excitingdiscovery of Nineteenth Century Newspaperswas someobscure historical fact!" publishedin 1995;it is an essentialresource for any County research.During all of these "Shirley wasjust then completingher history years, Shirley has generouslyshared her of Annapolis (Quays of the City, Annapolis, knowledge,presenting lectures and slide- 1975) and was beginningto put togetherthe tectureson a wide rangeof historical history of Belair (her family subjectsto any orgamzationthat asked, helpingstudents, and ad.,'isingother historicalor preservation-orientedqroups. WINTER READING Sheserved for yearsas Chair of the Bowie HeritageCommittee which advisesthe City Continuingwith our themesof libraries, Councilon matters concerninghistoric booksand research, we recommendthe properties, and alsoas chairof Prince followingbook: George'sHeritage, the non-profithistoric preservationorganization grew that out of THE B0OK 0N THE I\0OKSHELF by the County Committeefor the Maryland HenryPetroski, New York. Alfred A. HistoricalTrust. Shirley'swork over the Knopf, 1999. yearshas been recognized and appreciated by our Society,and shehas been the My favoritecourse in graduateschool, recipient of two St. George'sDay awards." taughtby FrancisWitty at the Catholic Universityof Arnerica,was Hi.storyof rhe "So now Shirleyhas left PrinceGeorge's Rook. Needlessto sayI agreewith the New County,after carefullysorting and donating York TimesBook Review(September 26, her voluminous files to the appropriate 1999)which states." Henry Petroski,who (including repository our Societylibrary) for hasan eyefor the commonthings that eachof the subjectsthat shesc carefully surroundus andthat we hardlynotice (he is researched.Much of her legacy,therefore, is the authorof an exhaustivehistory of the easilyaccessible to us at the Hall of Records pencil),has decided to trackthe birth, or at Belair or Marietta,but her patient evolution,triumphs and failures not of the willingnessand readysmile will be greatly book but of the spacethat keepsit - of its missed.I've alreadycalled her with a few habitat,so to speak. For anyoueinterested questions. . . . quickly answered! . . and in the craft of reading,Petroski's most recent whenI talkedto her last week, shewas hard explorationis a compulsivenecessity." at work on the upcomingexpanded-and improved secondedition of the Chronicle of If you arenot alreadyhooked, the book " Belair. . jacketcontinues: "Petroski takes us into the pre-Gutenbergworld, wherebooks were so "Thanks so much, Shirley,for your many scarcethey were chainedto lecternsfor your contributions.! We look forward to security.He explainshow the printingpress visits!" not only changedthe way bookswere made and shelved,but alsoinc,reased their Signed: Susan Pearl availabilityand transformed book readers into book ownersand collectors. He shows us that for a time bookswere shelvedwith Editor's Note'. "Lester and I also owe their spinesin, andit r,vasnot until afterthe ShirleyBaltz a debt of gratitude. Shewas arrivalof the modernbookcase that the the chairof PrinceGeorge's Heritage when spinesfaced zril." we first joined and shetaught us to love and respectthe historyof PrinceGeorge's Recommendedby: Librarian Sweeting. Countyby her scholarshipand professionalism.Our currentactivities reflect her tutelase." Prince George'sCounty Historical Society Post Office Box 14 Riverdale, Maryland 2073E

HERITAGE CALEITDAR

February

3- Celebrationof African-American History Month MarylandHistorical Society 5-8 PM 410-685-3750

4- Hollywood Flyers "The Big Lift" Berlin airlift drama CollegePark Aviation Museum I IAM 301-864-6029 $$

5- Lecture/Discussion "A Good Living" by subjectsof Portraits of Lost Livelihoods exhibit Darnall'sChance l0 AM 301-952-8010$$

9- Lechrre "EighteenthCentury lcehouses" by Michael Olmert Belair Mansion 7 PM 301-809-3089 $$.

I l- Hollywood Flyers "TuskegeeAirmen" CollegePark Aviation Museum I IAM 301-864-6029 S$

I l- Symposium "lcons of the 20th Century Style" MarylandHistorical Society 9-4 410-685-3750 $$

t2- Valentine'sDay Tea RiversdaleMansion 2 PM 301-864-0420 $$

l2- Valentine'sTea Marietta HouseMuseum 4 PM 301-464-5291 $$

t2- Prince George'sPhilharmonic- Love's Joy - Love'sSon'ow PGCCHallam Theatre 8PM 301-454-1462 $$

l3- ValentineTea BelairMansion 4PM 301-809-3089$$

l3- Lecfirre "Speakingof Flight Lecture Series-Mory Feik,Aviation Mechanic" CollegePark Aviation Museum 2 PM 301-864-6029 $$

t7- Exhibit Opening "Yesterday'sChild" l gth CenturyChildhood SurrattHouse Museum 301-868-I l2l $$

l8- Hollywood Flyers "LI/inningYour ll/ings / Wings Up andMemphis Belle" CollegePark Aviation Museum I IAM 301-864-6029 $$

20- "George llrashingtonMusicale " music by Dean Shostak Montpelier Mansion 3 PM 301-498-8486 free (reservationsrequired) ' 24- Y 2K Legislative Brealdast" MarylandHeritage Alliance 8-10 AM Annapolis 410-514-7625 $S 25- Hollywood Flyers "ThoseAmazing Men in Their Flying Machines" CollegePark AviationMuseum I I AM 301-864-6029$$

March

l5- Concert "A Celtic Music Sampler" Harp Concertby Mury Fitzgerald Belair Mansion 7 PM 301-809-3089 $$

l8- Mad Hatter'sTea Party Marietta House Museum I & 3 PM 301-464-5291 $$

l8- Lecture "Rosemary,Herb of the Year" His Lordship'sKindness I I AM 301-856-0358 $$

l8- Prince George'sPhilharmonic "A Prince George's Original" PGCC Hallam Theatre 8PM 301-454-1462 $$

l9- Lecture"Growing Uo with the Ercoupe" BetseyWeik & Robert Swanson CollegePark Aviation Museum 2 PM 301-864-6029 $$

l9- l8th CenhuyProgressive Tea- refreshmentsat 3 historichomes Billingsley 301-627-0730 S$

25- Star SpangledSaturday at the MarylandHistorical Society:Maryland Day 2000 MarylandHistorical Society l -4 PM 410-685-3750 New CountyPublication

A ner.vbook of historicPrince George's Countvphotographs is now available, producedby ArcadiaPublishing Company as part of its "lmages of America" series. Kathy Bryant and Donna Schneiderhave publishedA Piaorial History of Prince George'sCounty for the PrinceGeorge's County Historical and Cultural Trust. This handsomevolume includes over 200 vintage photographs(at least50 yearsold) of many differentaspects of County life; it is for sale for $18.99at variousHistoric Sitegift shops, as well as at the RiverdaleBook Shopin RiverdalePark, the MarylandBook Exchangein CollegePark. B. Dalton in Laurel, Walden'sin Waldorf and Annapolis, and Barnes& Noble in Bethesda,Annapolis, NEW TO THE BOOKSHELVES OF Rockville and Gaithersburg.(From: Frtenrk THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of Presenation, Volume XVII, no. 4, LIBRARY Winter 1999-2000). Contact Kathy Bryant at 301-927-2931for additionalinformation. One of our most faithful researchersMurk Opsasnickof Greenbelthas donated the following volumeswhich areeither set in PrinceGeorge's County, aboutPrince George'sCounty or written by a Prince Georgian.

TheStonemans by lvan Tribe Lrfefor Death by Michael Mewshaw Painted Smilesby Dracia Ward-Rainey Pursuils by Carla Stephenson-Henry Double L'isionby Kathleen Dougherty King of a Small World by Rick Bennet

Mark makesextensive use of our telephone book collectionswhile he looks for the addressof a 1988Fort Washingtonpizza parlor. Thank you, Mark, for your fascinatingquestions and continued support. CollectingGuidelines

While we were writing the Library's CollectionManagement Policy, we reviewedseveral documentswhich Fred had developedto determinethe scopeof the historicalsociety library collections.The following is an abbreviatedversion of oneof the documentswhich we hopewill outlineour holdings for our members. FACT AND FANCY: legendsand traditions;special itemswhich make PrinceGeorge's County interestingand different;and, past and presentways of life. SETTLEMENT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY: Pre-l696 history: Geography andtopography and how thesefactors influenced colonization; the "lay of the land"pre-1696; Indiansand settlements: where and why andhow they lived; relationshipswith earliestsettlers alongrivers; Antiquities, artifacts, archeological data; Settlement of Marylandby the Englishto includeThe Charter,The Calvertsand other settlers e.g. Puritans and Quakers; St. Mary's City: LeonardCalvert's visit to Piscataways:manor systemand land grants;Original settlersin Prince George'sCounty before 1696;early days. Erection of Prince George'sCounty in I 696: Status of countyat this time: why it was created,boundaries, markers, and documents. PRE- REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1696-1776).Development of the County in following areas: Economic:Transportation and maritime activities:river traffic including ferriesand silting effectsfrom 1700;stage coaches and routes;roads: rolling, notched,post and toll. Tradeand commerce:exports, imports including shippingwith Englandand otherports; ship building, commercialfishing, hunting;currency, and monetary systems. Agriculture: Tobaccoindustry: its development,progress, and problems;other crops, early methodsof farming,early tools,etc. Manufacturing:Mills (grist,powder); Iron (raw), brick. Lumber,pewter. Apprenticesand journeymen.Immigration and Emigratlon:Removal of Indiansby 1700s,Wesorts; Arrival of Scotch,Irish, English in certainperiods. Slaveryand Indenturedseryants. COLONIAL LIFE (socialdevelopment): Early lfe in the Counfy;social life andHousehold customs, crafts and cooking. Theearly people: f,rrstsettlers and why they came; Prominentsettlers, such as Ninian Beall;Old hontesand their specialfeatures of the periods;Inns and Taverns;Development of towns:Plantation system vs. Town system;Early towns,where located and why: establishment of UpperMarlboro (1706), Bladensburg (1742). "Lost"towns e.g. Charles Town, Nottingham andMuirkirk. Education: earlyschools, academies, tutors. Medicine,diseases, doctors. Clubs and amusements'.Horse racing, early tracks;Fox hunting,breeds of dogs;Cock fighting; bowling, billiards, cards,dice; Tournaments;Theatres and operahouses . Religiousdevelopment'. Parishesand boundaries: laws regulatingreligion; Early churchesand prominentclergyman (JohnathanBoucher, John Carroll, ThomasJohn Clagget); Influences of clergy and relationships with people,e.g. Jesuits and Quakers. Later denominationsand churches.Political: Judicial development:Colonial laws and regulations:Navigation Acts, TradeActs, Manufacturing regulations,Stamp Acts. Judicialstructure and influences:jails, punishments,crime and courts. Legislativeand executivedevelopment: Taxation, tithes, patents, grants; Governing bodies: affangementsand influences;County representativesin politics: JohnHanson, Samuel Ogle, ThomasSim Lee; and Early courthouses:Charles Town and Marlboro. Boundaries:hundreds andtheir changes;separation of FrederickCounty Q7a\. Military: Influencesof French& IndianWar (quarteringof troopsin towns);Militia structure;Forts on Potomacfrom 1698; Rangersand Development of Countyflag. Communications:Newspapers (after 1727) and Post riders. TO BE CONTINUED pauc$nrg's{t.rt1 firtrrintfr,trtt

Board of Directors

Annual Membership Application President- LesterSweeting Date: Vice president _ EugeneB. Roberts.Jr. Name: Secretary - SarahBourne Address: Treasurer - JoyceUber _ phyllis City,State,Ztp'. Membership Herndon Historian - Susanpearl Telephone- Home. Editor - SharonHowe Sweetins Business:

Pleaseindicate: -New -Renewal Directors Check below the category you select:

categories: Dues John petros John Mitchell Member/ Family...... $25.00 William ljber Wallis Cain SustainingMember...... $50.00 Kathryn Clagett Mildred RidgeleyGray InstitutionalMember ...... $50.00 Iris McConnell JamesWolfe Life Membership .....'...... $300.00 RobertCrawlev Additional Contribution Past -l am alsointerested in helpingthe Societyas a Presidents volunteer.Please contact me regardingvolunteer opportunities. John Giannetti W.C. (Bud)Dutton For membershipin the Maryland Historical PaulT. Lanham WarrenRhoads Society, include an additional $30.00 for JoyceMcDonald JaneEagen individual,or $40.00for familY.

Our operating support comes from your dues and contributions.All contributronsqualify for tax deductron.We apprectateyour support.

Pleasemake checks payableto PGCHS Mail checksand form to:

PrinceGeorge's CountY HistoricalSocietY PostOffice Box l4 Riverdale,Maryland 20738-00 I 4 301-464-0590

lu99 PrinceCeorge's County Historic al Sociery Non-Profit Org Post Office Box 14 U S Postage Paid Riverdale, Maryland 2o738-oot 4 Riverdale.MD PermitNo. 1948

IIOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCTETY Library Saturdaysl2 - 4 PM and dunng specialevents The Societyis locatedat Marietta, 5626 Call301-464-0591 Bell StationRoad, in GlennDale, MD, off Route 193,near Route 450 This is a MariettaTours -Friday,I I - 3, Sunday, facility of the Maryland NationalPark and 12 - 4 - andby appointment- PlanningCommission Information 301-464-0590

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Featuresa wide selectionof books,gifts, toys and smallantiques. Open Friday, Saturdayand Sunday,12 '4 PM and during specialevents Call 301-464- 0590 Newsand Notes AE E z gE PrinceGeorge's County J E HistoricalSociety SE :t Ar'*vifo

March 2000 Our 48h Year XXVItr Number 2

The Prince George's County Historical Society

Celebr&tes"St. George'sDay"

Built in 1899with additionsin 1935and 1950,Laurel High Schoolwas the first PublicHigh School in the County. It is a ZVz-storyT-shaped building with a handsomeoctagonal cupola. Decorative details include a central Palladianstyle window, molded string courseand modillion cornice. Edward Phelps,seven-terrn mayor of Laurel, was responsiblefor its construction Prcsentetionof The Prince C'corge'sCounty Historicel Society's St Gcorge'sDry Awrrds

Establishedin 1974,these awards are given annually to honor living individualsand organizations that havemade a significantcontribution to the preservationof the County'sheritage.

The Hell of Feme Prince Geotge'sCounty, Inc.lnduction

Establishedin 1975, The Hall of Famerecognizes superior achievem€nt, extraordinarycreativity and natural talent of distinguishedPrince Georgians ofthe past.

The Inducteesfor this yearwill be PrinceGeoryians who havebeen awarded The CongressionalMedd of Honor for Military Valor.

Thc PrinceGeorge's County Historical Society invites you to celebrete thc 304th enniversery of the founding of our county

Sundry,April 30, 2000 l:30 pm

at the Old Leurel High School 701Montgomery Street LeUrel

Therewill be a tour ofthe Sundaydinner buffet 1899building at I :30 at 2:00 $30.00 RSI/P by April 20, 2000 From the President'sKeyboard - February 2000

Laurel High School will be the venue for the Sr George'sDay Dinner on April 30, 2000. We are happy that we could hold our annualawards dinner in that location becauseit is truly an important part of the history of this 3O4-year-oldcounty. To set the stagefor the event, I have taken the liberty of reprinting a paper found in the Frederick S. DeMarr Library of County History by a young lady by the name of JenniferBernhard. Unfortunately, this piece is undated,although I believe that it was submittedas a project for the Skardaawards someyears ago.

The Editor has advisedme that her policy is to develop issuesof this publication around themes. With that in mind, I have also included an article on Highland Park High School, which is another of the County's educationalestablishments that is historic and is deservingof note. Specifically,I discussthe Julius RosenwaldFund and its critical importanceto the developmentof the schoolsfor black children earlier in the z0rrhcentury. Our final article is a presentationgiven by Historian SusanPearl at a State and Local Ffistory Conferencein October 1999.

Other than that, your Presidenthas little to offer this month - except to say that those of you who are wired to the Internet should now establishas one of your bookmarks or favorite sites, the followingaddress: www.p rincegeorgeshisto ry. org

With the editorial assistanceof the Library Committee, I am pleasedto saythat the Society has a website and we promise that it will continue to grow and that it will be updated as often and completely as possible. It is hoped that somedaythis can becomean interactive researchtool for visitors to the site - where they can actually do on-line research. We are slowly developingthe on-line catalogueof items in the collection,and are pleasedto note that BarbaraRadcliff has startedto input significant amountsof materialson Saturdaysas shejoins ourhappyband of volunteers. Diane Stultz has completedthe listing of maps and that will be edited as soon as one of us gets the time. So we plod steadilyforward and I thank the Library Committee profusely for their very dedicatedwork - hats off to Sharon, Susan and Sarah! I would also ask that any of you who (f ) wish to help with the website or (2) have suggestionsfor additions, deletions, or corrections to the site pleaselet me know by email to [email protected] the alternative,you may just click on the web addressshown on the site and sendme an email message.Also note that you canjoin the Society through the website or order publicationsas well.

Les Sweeting THE OLD LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL by JenniferBernhard

The Old LaurelFfighschool (slc) in Laurel,Maryland is the first andoldest public high schoolin PrinceGeorge's County. It wasbuilt in 1899.

This high schoolis now known as the Edward PhelpsCommunity Center, and the Laurel Boys and Grls Club Headquarters.It also hasbeen known as the Laurel EducationCenter and the Northern RegionalCenter of Prince George'sCommunity College.

On the twelfth day of Februaryin the year of 1899,the plasteron the walls had not gtrA I t'41*L. yet dried and evenwith the heat of the coke-bu*ing SalamanderStoves a blizzard froze the plasteron the walls into crumbles. Despitethese setbacks, trees had beenplanted, the ground had beengraded, and the drivewaycompleted by May l. The schoolopened September l, 1899,for classes.

On June18, 1900the first commencementwas held at ("old") Laurel High School. Amazingly, all the graduateswere women includingLaura Bentley, Annie Carroll, Emma Flester,Anna Hill and Eve Phelps.

Asidefrom beingthe first high school,in 1908it had the first water systemin countyschools installed. In 1916,it had the first insidetoilets installedin a county high school. It also was one of two schoolsto receivesewing machines for their home economicsclass.

The old school standingon the northeastcorner of Montgomery and Eighth Streetshas had two additionsadded on to the original middle structure. One of thosetwo additionsis the west wing which containsthe auditorium. It was built in 1935. Also the eastwing is an additionto the building. The eastwing was addedin 1950. This includesthe gym and cafeteria. The cupola locatedon top of the original center structurewas usedas a watch tower for enemyplanes during World War II.

The high school studentsaccommodated at Old Laurel High Schoolwere transferredto the "new" Laurel Highschoolon Cherry Lane in the schoolyear of 1965-1966. The old high schoolwas usedto "house"the "extra" middle (funior high) and elementaryschool studentsthat the other schoolscouldn't accommodate.Prince George'sCommunity Collegeused the old high school spacefor classesduring a period of one year. The Laurel Boys and Grls Club signedthe leaseto rent the building for one dollar a year in 1976 and still rents it from the county for their various activities.

Nthough it may not be as brightly colored as it was when it openedon SeptemberI in the year of 1899,the Old Laurel Highschoolstill standsproudly on the northeastcorner of Montgomery and Eighth Streetsrepresenting a Laurel historical site and the first high school of Prince George's County. The Old Laurel Highschoolhas surelyearned its name,over 90 yearshave passed and it's still being usedfor its original educationalpurpose! Except its namehas changedto Edward PhelpsCommunity Center in honor of Mayor Edward Phelpswho was greatly responsiblefor the building of the high school. Mayor Phelpseven provided a considerableamount of his own moneyfor the completionof the project.

The 1914-1915Graduating Class Of LaurelHigh School

HIGHLAND PARI( SCHOOL

HighlandPark Schoolin Landoveris anothervery important educationalestablishment in Prince George'sCounty. It representsthe oldest surviving building dedicatedto the educationof African-American children of high school age in Prince George'sCounty.

Twenty two years after the erection of the Laurel Ffigh School, the county Board of Education establishedthe first high schoolfor black childrenin Upper Marlboro, rebuildingthe frame building which had been the secondaryschool for white students. Prior to that time, black childrendesiring a high schooleducation had beenrequired to go to the District of Columbia. Even after the founding of the Upper Marlboro school, children in the western and northern parts of the county continuedto take the streetcarsto the city to school.

In 1927,supported by the JuliusRosenwald Fund, the Board of Educationmapped out plansfor two new high schoolsfor black students- one in Lakelandto servethe northwesternpart of the County and one in Highland Park, a streetcarsuburb near Landover, to servethe northcentralpart of the County. The RosenwaldFund was created by JuliusRosenwald, president of Sears,Roebuck and Co. From 1917to 1932,,the Fund was used to establishnearly 5,000 new schoolsfor the educationof black childrenin the South.

72.2r Hightendhrr schoot Twenty-three Rosenwald schools, including bOth 65Ol Lowland Drivc r.aodowr the Community High School at Lakeland and Buihio rezs-- HichlsndPark sclnol is e coloniel Highland Park School, were supported in part by Rcvivd-*yla brick building with an rrched entranoe sur- rnornrcdby I kcysroncand a shryc

", The Highland Park High School is the only one of the RosenwaldFund schoolsin the county that is included '.'*w"a on the Prince George'scounty Historic sites and Districts Plan. The original 1928building is now a designated Historic Site, and that is due inno smallmeasure to the efforts of the loial citizens. This is especiallytrue of Clementand BarbaraFletcher Martin, who live a block awayfrom the school. Mrs. Martin grew up in Fletchertown, a small Black community near Bowie, which had one of the earliestRosenwald schools - a 1922single-room school house. After her seventhgrade year, Barbara attendedHighland Park High School, and she later taught both there and at Fletchertown as part of her 3l-year careerwith the Prince George'sCounty Schools. Her husbandClem was valedictorianof his Highland Park class,and also went into education. He was a teacherat CommunityHigh Schoolin Lakelandand, after leavingteaching, he worked as a purchasingagent for the Board of Educationbased at Highland Park. The couple'schildren were also educatedat HighlandPark, althoughit was usedas an elementaryand middle schoolafter FairmontHeights High Schoolwas openedin 1950. Over the past 25 years,most of the County's Rosenwaldschools havebeen sold offby the Board of Education. Only sevenof those sold by the Board are still standing,and they have non-school usessuch as churches,shops or private residences.

Before thesebuildings totally disappear,it would be helpful if those of you readingthis could begin to collect information and reminiscencesof former students. Thesewere unique instifutions that produced generationsof Prince Georgeans. We, as citizens and as membersof anHistorical Society, need to preservethose memoriesfor our children and grandchildren. If you would like to help in this effort, pleasecall the Societyat 301-464-0590.

The author acknowledgesthe help of a number of personsfor this article - most especially Eugene Meyer of the Washington Post. Historian SusanPearl, and Mildred Gray.

PRESENTATION TO AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE AND LOCAL HISTORY ANNUAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 1999

From 1865to 1872,the Freedmen'sBureau established schools for African- American children previously denied the tights of education. The effort was supportedby contributions in labor and suppliesfrom the communities around the schools,as well as by assistancefrom private charities. TheseFreedmen's Bureau schoolbuildings often served also as aplace of worship forthe local black community - in Prince George'sCounty, Maryland, most frequently Methodist. The schooVchurchbuilding would becomea focal point, and the community would tend to grow around it - leading often to the building of a separatebut nearby church building as soon as the community could afford it, and therU sometimes,to the building of a benevolentsociety lodge, and other essentialsof a functioning community. By 1872, after the Freedmen'sBureau ceasedactivity, operationof schoolsfor black children was taken over by other agencies,in Prince George'sCounty, Maryland, by the County's Board of SchoolCommissioners (now the Board of Education).

Early in the 20th century, the RosenwaldFund was established;it had a profound effect on black educationin the County, &Sit did throughout the southernstates. A self- mademillionaire, Julius Rosenwaldhad becomepresident of Sears,Roebuck and Company in 1909,and broughtthe companyto unprecedentedfinancial success.As a philanthropist, Rosenwaldtook an interestin a wide rangeof causes,including colleges,museums and Jewishcharities, but one of his favorite causeswas the educationof the Negro. Inspiredby earlier philanthropic efforts in this cause,as well as by direct contact with Booker T. Washington, Rosenwaldbegan by providing matching funds for severalelementary schools for black studentsin 1912. In 1917he establishedthe RosenwaldFund, specificallyaimed at the visible, physical productionof schoolbuildings - a project which was doableon a large scale,and which he believed would make a major contribution toward the improvementof educationfor Aftican-American youth. The contribution of the Rosenwald Fund was only a fraction of the total cost of the schools,ild the money was accompaniedby certain specific conditions:Each schoolwas to be a coflrmon effort between state and county authorities, which were thereafterto continue its maintenance. Contributions were required from the local white community, and from the black communities,as we'll see.

By 1920, the program had grown to the extent that Rosenwald could no longer run it from his Sears,Roebuck offices in Chicago,and set up a field office in Nashville, TN . An architectural departmentwas set up, patternedon the Searsdepartment which producedthe wildly popular mail-order houses. This deparhnentproduced and distributedpamphlets of schoolplans, from which the plans were "available on requestto black and white schools alike." Theseplans standardizedwindowsize and placementto maximize availablelight. set a standardfor the positions of blackboards;and often allowed for a meeting spaceor auditorium, in order that the buildiog could operatethroughout the year as a cornmunity center. Most plans provided for two classrooms,and use was made of movablepartitions for dividing into small classspaces.

As was the experiencewith the Freedmen'sBureau schools(which the Rosenwald schoolsoften replaced),the adventof a new school building tendedto stabilizethe community, and more and more dwellings as well as other typical community features would be built around it.

From its inception in 1917until Rosenwald'sdeath n 1932,the RosenwaldFund contributedto the building of 4977new schoolsfor black children in 15 southernstates. But we shouldbe clear about its goals - not altruistic in ways we would think today. The programfollowed Booker T. Washington'sTuskegee model of self-help;it supported improved black vocational educationfor the purpose of training more productive workers in agriculture and indusfiy in an essentially segregatedsociety. The fund itself provided only seedmoney for school construction;the majority of the money camefrom public taxation, and eachlocal black community was required to match the contribution of the firnd in either cash or in-kind contributions such as lumber or labor. But in spite of theselimitations, the Rosenwaldprogram did much to improve black schools,providing incentivesto local African-American communities which invariably led to further improvements. In Prince George'sCounty, 23 schoolswere built under the Rosenwaldprogram, and nine survive today.

I would like to glve you a few details about some of the most interesting of the nine survivors in Prince George's County, but first let me give you an illustration of a community which developedaround its Freedmen'sBureau and later Rosenwaldschool buildings. ChapelHill is perhapsmy "favorite" post-Civil-War Aftican-American community,because of its strong oral history and the local continuity of its original families, but, unfortunately, its historic schoolhousesno longer stand. Indeedit is one of the cornmunitiesthat, because of theselosses, has provided an incentive for our County's new determinationto recognize and preservesome of the surviving schoolhouses.

The cornmunity of Chapel Hill beganto form in a rural areawhere black families were farming land that thty had previously worked as slaves. A Freedmen'sBureau School was establishedthere in 1868; followiog u familiarpattern, it servedalso as aplace of worship before the construction of a Methodist meetinghouse. The first meetinghousewas constructedon adjoining land circa 1880; by this time, the two buildings, churchand school, had becomethe focal point of what was to becomethe Chapel Hitl community.

The Freedmen'sBureau school consistedof only one room, but it housed,rp to 57 pupils during its first few years of operation. After 1872when the Freedmen'sBureau ceased operations,this schoolhousewas operatedby the Board of SchoolCommissioners as part of the public school system. The ChapelHill Communitycontinued to g.ow. A benevolentsociety lodge was built in 1922.offering emergencysupport for membersas well as a gatheringplace for community events. Most of the familils rotttiooed to farm the land and transport their produce to the marketsin Washington, D. C. Many worked in District and federalgovernment offices.

By 1922,the Freedmen'sBureau schoolwas showing signsof age,and in that year a new school building was constructedimmediately west of anOud.lur.nt to ttt. fifty-year-old schoolhouse;supported by Rosenwaldfunds, the new schoolho,ri" was constructedon the sameplan as two other County schoolhousesbuilt in the sirmeyear. Classesfor gradesI through 3 continued to be held in the older building, while gruim 4 through z usJd the new building. The 1924survey of "Colored Public Schools" reportedon the fine new Rosenwald buildit g, but statedthat "the other t . . in which35 primary children are penned. . I is an ancient left-ol'er that ought to have been torn down."

The next year (1925) a new classroombuilding was indeedprovide4 also supported by the Rosenwaldfund; the old Freedmen'sBureau structurewas moved on logs to the adjoining church property, where primary classescontinued to be held while th, ,r.* structurewas built in its place. When the new building was complete,it becamethe classroomfor gradesI through 3; it was connectedto the 1922Rosenwald school building by a small hyphenwhich housedthe school's water tank.

The two 1920sschoolhouses were closedin the early 1950s,actually beforeBrown versusBoard of Education. They continuedin use as a community centerfor ChapelHill citizens, and were destroyedin the 1970s. Their location is now u grurry arcadominatedby two large old frees,the site of the historic nucleus of the community. Chapel Hill is a typical story of the developmentof the community around the Freedmen'sBureau and Rosenwaldschoolhouses. We know the location and the early facts about many of the 12 Freedmen'sBureau schoolsin Prince George's County, but none of them has survived. We are more fortunate in the caseof Rosenwaldschools. Let us look at a few examplesof those9 that survive - they have survivedin a variety of forms: a dwelling, a usedcar salesoffice, a small apartmenthouse, a kitchen-crafts shop, two American Legion Posts,a church, a public schoolbus dispatclidepot; two of the more substantialexamples are still in use as schools.

Ridgely School was built n 1927. Before this schoolwas built, classesfor elementarystudents had beenheld in the Lodge which stoodon the lot immediately adjoining; acrossthe streetwas the Methodist church. The first church on this site had been erectedin the 1870s,and known as Ridgely Chuch after the family of its principal trustee. By the 1890sa small community had developedin this area; its focal points were Ridgely Church and the Lodge.

In the surveyof Colored Public Schoolsof 1924it was recordedthat a new Rosenwaldschool was programmedfor construction at Ridgely. The architecturalfirm of Linthicum and Linthicum of Raleigh, North Carolina, was conftactedto design a two-room schoolhouse,similar to two other schoolsbuilt in that year. The Ridgely Schoolopened in 1927,a prototype of the black elementaryschools constructed in the late 1920s:two large classrooms,each lighted by banksof windows, eachserving at leastthree gradelevels, a centralpassage, and an entrancewayflanked by two cloakrooms.

Ridgely School sincethe late 1960shas servedas the bus managementoffice for the Prince George'sCounty Public Schools. Although the building has beenaltered to meetthe needsof its currentuse, it still exhibits many of the prototypical featuresof the Rosenwald schoolhouses,and is probably in the closestto original condition of the primary schools built in Prince George'sCounty during the Rosenwaldprogram.

The Lakelandand HigruandPark Schoolswere built only a few yearsafter the ChapelHill and Ridgely Schools,but they differ greatly from the earlier primary schoolsin size,material, purpose and locale. The Lakelandand Highland Park Schoolsare large and substantialbrick structures;each was built in a developingsuburb where therehad beenno Freedmen'sBureau school,and eachwas intendedto provide educationthrough the High Schoolgrades.

The first High Schoolfor black studentsin Prince George'sCounty had been establishedin the County Seat(Upper Marlboro) in I92l; beforethat, African-American studentswho aspiredto higher educationhad to travel into the District of Columbia. The Upper Marlboro High School servedthe studentsof the southernpart of the County. Within its first year or so, pressureswere brought to bear on the Board of Educationto provide secondaryeducation to more of the county's African-Americanpopulation. By 1927,the Linthicum and Linthicum firm was conffactedto design two more high schoolsfor black students:in Lakeland, to serve studentsfrom the northwesternpart of the County, and Highland Park to servethose from the central area.

Thesewere substantialbrick buildings, built on the sameplan and nearly identical to one another. Each schoolhad six large classrooms (eachwith a cloak room), a library, an office, girls' and boys' bathrooms,and a utility room. Each was a large hip-roof building with archedentrance enframed by a projecting frontispiece surmountedby a shapedparapet. The two schoolsopened in the fall of 1928, serving all gradesfrom first through twelfttr.

Over the 70 yearsof their existence,these two schoolshave undergone changes, servingas junior high schoolsafter larger high schoolswere built, and after school desegregation- later as elementary schools. LakelandSchool is now a Korean Catholic Mission Church and School. The Highland Park School has had a seriesof major additions,so that the original building now constitutesthe northernmostwing of a Rosenwald schoot Buildings still standing.------e largerbuilding complex. As the original old building beganto ageand \99/ I t-aurrl o' deteriorate,there was thought of f,! demolishingit, but the County's ttati@1atAgrbultural nesearch @nter PreservationOrdinance, aided @ GreenHt o immeasurablyby ao arousedlocal scnagfi LturcatnSchool rr+r e Parlt$(^-) LtI' constifuency,managed to stressthe L) :o Sewcarroltto,, ffi o historic and architecturalsignificance 8ilb Hightand Park Schoot @ of the building, and today it hasbeen d./ throughly rehabilitated, and has opened fifi Rldgety *hoot once again, this time as a neighborhood off:lf'lil PB^$E GEORGE'S elementaryschool. And a devoted /;\\:-/ w coutffY 3*: neighbor, who attendedHighland Park d School as a student,then taught there, Camp Springs School frctinton and then sent his children and School grandchildrenthere, will proudly show

fr?r z B' school you all around. BrardyrirE()

SusanG. Pearl, Research/ArchitecturalHi storian

October 1999 i?i.i?t. 1ln R'rJdq P4' 4 eMQoatal\tql4f

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$45.OOP"'z P"net, A&naun, 4ep A &na& rrek/uetloat ar#lnad 4ot, rtotp flrado enll (eol 2/8-9651.

Wmlataatlor' i&rclt qttl*,l;tolilitaetob a&itr&- Pla*q&*Jatbno-Atn-t*- 4bffi; ^?*.i?t. Prince George's County Historical Society Post Oflice Box 14 Riverdale, Maryland 20738

}IERITAGE CALEITDAR

March 4-5 DepressionGlass Show & Sale DuVal High School l0 AM 202-342-9021 $$

I l- Model Airplane Workshop CollegePark Aviation Museum l0-4 301-864-6029 $$

n- Storyteller- Awele Makeba FlarmonyHall8PM 301-203-6070$$

l5- Concert "A Celtic Music Sampler" Harp Concertby Mu.y Fitzgerald Belair Mansion 7 PM 301-809-3089 $$

l5- Lecture The Burning of l4tashington Anthony Pitch MontpelierMansion 7:30PM 301-953-1376 free

l8- Mad Hatter'sTea Party MariettaHouse Museum I & 3 PM 301-464-5291 $S

l8- Lecture "Rosemary,Herb of the Yeer" His Lordship'sKindness I I AM 301-856-0358 $$

l8- Tavern Night with the Living History Foundation MontpelrerMansion 7PM 301-953-1376 $$

l8- Prince George'sPhilharmonic "A Prince George'sOriginal" PGCC Hallam Theatre 8PM 301-454-1462 S$

l8- Celtic Fire- Jigs,reels, songs & Irish Dance HarmonyHall 8PM 301-203-6070 $S

l9- Lecture "Growing Uo with the Ercoupe" BetseyWeik & Robert Swanson ClollegeI'ark Aviation Museum 2 PM 301-864-6029 $S

19- 18th CenturyProgressive Tea- refreshmentsat 3 historic homes Billingsley 301-627-0730 $$

24 &25- Knights of Harmony Barber Shop Arurual Show Bowie StateUniv. 8 PM 301-249-6491 $$

25 & 26 OpenHouse Free Tours SurrattHouse l2-4 PM 301-868- I l2l free

25- Star SpangledSaturday at the Maryland Historical Society:Maryland Day 2000 MarylandHistorical Society l -4 PM 410-685-3750

Colonial GamingNight OxonHillManor 7:30- l0:30 301-218-9651$ Aprll

2- Trio Latre- pianq Oboe& Bassoon MontpelierCultural Arts Center3Pm 301-953-1993$$

6- A TechnicolorTour of Baltimore,c.1940 Md HistoricalSociety 5:30 PM 410-685-3750free

8- ThingsHerbal-Modern & Colonial SueLatini BelairMansionll AN{ 301-809-3088$$

7-9 Lecture TheControversial Mr. Lincoln SurrattHouse 301-868-l12l $$

I 5 & l6 Living HistoryEncampmerfi Marching Through Time MariettaMansion I I - 5 301-464-5291$$

l6- GalleryTalk FilmingMaryland MdHistoricalSociety 2 PM 301-410-685-3750free

l6- Speakingof Flight Lecture Tom Allison Flying the SR-7i,Blackbird CollegePark Aviation Museum 2 PM 301-864-6029 $$

l6- l8th CenhrryArchitectural Tour- 3 sitesby van Billingsley 301-627-0730 $$

29- Herb, Bread and Tea Festival MontpelierMansion l0 - 4 301-953-1376 free

29- "You Ought to be in Pictures! A Celebration of Maryland and the Movies" MarylandHistorical Society l-4 PM 410-685-3750 $$

30- St. George'sDay Dinner & Hall of FamePresentation PGCHS l:30 301-277-5468 $$ May

5-7 26th Annual Antiques Show Marlboro TobaccoMarket l0 AM 301-888-9123 $$

6- Prince George'sPhilharmonic "Ganz and Chopln" PGCC Hallam Theatre 8PM 301-454-1462 $$

6- Walking Tour Baltimore HarborsideHard Hat Tour Md. Historical Society l0 AM 410-327-0155 $$

l3- Walking Torn Baltimore's Mt. Vernon Historic District Md. Historical Society l0 AM 410-327-0155 $$

20- Prince George'sPhilharmonic A Rachmaninoff Evening PGCC Hallam Theatre 8 PM 301-454-1462 $$

2t- 20th Antique Car Show ChesapeakeBeach Railway Museum l0-3 410-257-3892 F i- lnry't {n*1 furriatfr.,rtt

Board of Directors

Annual Membership Application President_ LesterSweeting Date: Vice president _ EugeneB. Roberts,Jr. Name: Secretary - SaratrBourne Address: Treasurer - JoyceUber City,State, Zip Membership _ phyllis Herndon Historian - pearl Telephone- Home: Susan Editor _ Sharon Business: Howe Sweeting Pleaseindicate: New Renewal

Directors Check below the category you select:

Dues categories: John petro John Mitchell Member/ Family...... $25.00 William Uber Wallis Cain SustainingMember. ..$50.00 Kathryn Clagert Mildred RidgeleyGray InstitutionalMember ...... $50.00 Iris McConnell JamesWolfe Life Membership ...... $300.00 RobertCrawlev Additionrl Contribution

_l am alsointerested in helpingthe Societyas a Past Presidents volunteer.Please contact me regardingvolunteer opportunities. John Giannetti W.C. (Bud)Durton For membershipin the Maryland Historical PaulT. Lanham WarrenRhoads Society, include an additional $30.00 for JoyceMcDonald JaneEagen individual,or $40.00for family.

Our opcratrng supporl comes from your dues and contnbuuons. All contributtons qualify for tax deductron.We apprectatcyour support

Pleasemake checks payable to PGCHS Mail checksand form to:

PrinceCeorge's County HistoricalSocietY PostOffice Box l4 Riverdale.Maryland 20738-001 4 l0l -464-0590

tu99 PrinceCeorge's Counry Hisrorical Sociery Non-Prolit Org PostOffice Box 14 U S Postagc Paid Riverdale,Maryland ro738-oor4 Rivcrdalc.MD Pcrmit No. l94t

HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SO(]II-TY Library Saturdaysl2 - 4 PM anddunng specialevents The Societyis locatedat Marietta.5626 cdl 301-464-0sel Bell StationRoad, in GlennDale, MD. off Routel9J. nearRoute 450 Thrsis a MariettaTours -Friday, I I - l, Sunday, facilityof the MarylandNatronal Park and 12 - 4 - andby appointment- PlanningCommission Information 301-464-0590

THE SOCTETYGIFT SHOP

Featuresa wide selectionof books,gifts, toys and smallantiques OpenFriday, Saturdayand Sunday,lZ -4 PM and during specialevents. Call l0l-464- 0590 Newsand Notes AE Eg PrinceGeorge's County gE EE :E te HistoricalSocie$

ApriUMay/June2000 Our 48thYear XXIX Number3

Prince George'sCoanty Historical SocietyWelcomes Maryland's

.E, rl, First Lady r}l* "Itlf * f ffi

First Lady FrancesHughes Glendening to speakat Belair Mansion, Bowie

The Historical Society,in collaborationwith the City of Bowie Museums, will hold a very specialevent on Wednesday,June 28,2000, in connectionwith the recentexhibit "Lady of the House" at GovernmentHouse in Annapolis. First Lady FrancesHughes Glendening will be the guest speakerat a program honoring the families, particularly the wives, of the Prince Georgians who have servedas governorsof Maryland. Shewill speakabout her activities as first lady and the legacyof thosewho precededher. Shewill also talk abouther exhibit on the first ladiesand official hostessesof Maryland from 1777to 2000. This eventwill be held, 7:00 to 9:00 p.ffi., at Belair Mansion,the country estateof Governor and Mrs. Benjamin Ogle at the end of the eighteenthcentury. Belair is locatedat 12207Tulip Grove Drive in Bowie. The Historical Society will presenta progritm and exhibit on the sevenhistoric governors'families from Prince George'sCounty, including reproductions of portraits (where available)and photographsof their homes. They will include:

Thomas Sim Lee (Governor 1779-82and 1792-94)and Mary DiggesLee, married in 1771. Mary grew up at Melwood Park near Upper Marlboro, and her activities in supportof the Revolutionarywere gratefully acknowledgedby GeneralWashington. We hope to have a reproductionof the Wollaston portrait of Mary that was part of the "Lady of the House" exhibit, but there is no known likenessof Governor Lee.

Benjamin Ogle (Governor 1798-1801)and Henrietta Margaret Hill Ogle, married in1775. "Henry" came from Anne Arundel County, but her husbandspent much of his time at the Ogle country estate,Belair (where, appropriately,this program will be held). At Belair we will seefine photoreproductionsof the CharlesWillson Pealeportrait of Henriettaand of the Falconerportrait of Benjamin Ogle.

Robert Bowie (Governor 1803-06and 1811-12)and Priscilla Mackall Bowie, married in 1770. Priscilla camefrom CharlesCounty, while RobertBowie's home was Mattaponi nearCroom, and the Cedars at Nottingham. Thereis a very romantictradition about the elopementof this young couple(she was about l5). It is interestingthat their granddaughter (also Priscilla) married the grandsonof Benjamin and HenriettaOgle (above) and is buried in the Ogle family graveyardat Belair.

SamuelSprigg (Governor 1819-22)and Violetta LansdaleSprigg, married in 1811. Violetta grew up at the housenow known as Hazelwood on the Patuxentat QueenAnne Town. After their marriage,the Spriggs lived at Northampton, in the Largo area. We will have photocopiesof the RaphaellePeale portraits of Violetta and Samueland their son,Osborne Sprigg.

JosephKent (Governor 1826-29),his first wife, Eleanor Wallace Kent, and second wife, Alice Lee Contee. The Kents'home in the Largo areawas RoseMount, which Joseph Kent had purchasedin 1806. EleanorKent died at RoseMountin the first year of Kent's gubernatorialterm, leaving ten children. Governor Kent married Alice Lee Conteeof Charles County in July 1828.We will havea copy of the CharlesBird King portrait of GovernorKent, but have been unableto find likenessesof his two wives.

Thomas G. Pratt (Governor 1845-48)and Adeline Kent Pratt, married in 1835. The Pratts'homewas the venerableMarlborough House, long a landmarkin the County Seat,but destroyedin I 957. We hope to have a reproductionof the portrait of Adeline Pratt,now belongingto the Maryland Historical Society,as well as a portrait of GovernorPratt. Oden Bowie (Governor 1869-72)and Alice Carter Bowie, married in 1851. Alice Carter,granddaughter of Georgeand Rosalie Stier Calvert of Riversdale,grew up at Goodwood, near QueenAnne Town. The Bowies lived near Collington at Fairview, still the home of their descendants.We will have a copy portrait of GovernorBowie, and hope to have as well the photographof Mrs. Bowie that was part of the "Lady of the House" exhibit. Oden and Alice Bowie were the first family to resideat the presentGovernment House in Annapolis.

Attendanceat this very specialevent will be strictly limited, so it is essentialfor those who wish to attendto sendin their reservationsimmediately. A chargeof $ l5 per personmust be receivedin advance- checksshould be madeout to PGCHS,and mailed to Lester Sweeting, 4ll2 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, 20781before June 16, 2000 on the flier within this newsletter. Be sureto include your check and fold into an envelopeas indicated. For more information,call the HistoricalSociety Library at 301-464-0590or Lesterat 301-927-4514.

Congratulationsto Winners of St. George'sDay Awards2000

This yearsfestivities were held at the Old Park. The schoolwas de-activatedas a Laurel High Schoolon Sunday,April 30, neighborhoodschool for a numberof years 2000. And the winner's were: Clement and and was devotedto staff developmentand Barbara Martin & Prince George's County pre-schooluse, but thanksto Clem's Public Schools; Cheltenham United determination,it never cameclose to the Methodist Church; Franklin A. Robinson, wreckingball." Jr.; Louise Tatspaugh; County Administratio n B uilding E mployees/ "'When it becameapparent that a new Tricentennial Disploy Committee; Prince elementaryschool was neededin this area, George's County Public Schools,Donna Clem and Barbarawere the principalsin the Schneider and Katharine Bryont; City of struggleto preserve, improve and enlarge Bowie and Jane Eagen. Betweenthis the existing structurerather than to destroy issueand the next, we will describethe and rebuild. The result is that a completely contributionsmade to the County by this renovatedand greatly enlargedstructure is very diversegroup of givers. now open in the community."

Clem and Barbara Martin were honored A representativeof Kathryn HamesLetto for their efforts in preservingthe historic acceptedan award on behalf of the HighlandPark High School,the oldest CheltenhamUnited Methodist Church's surviving building dedicatedto the l25thAnniversary Committeeand their educationof African-American children of preparationand publication of ,ServingGod high schoolage in PrinceGeorge's County. Since 1873: An illustrated History of "Clem attendedHighland Park, stayedin Cheltenham United Methodist Church. the neighborhood,maried Barbaraand "This wonderful little book includesthe raiseda family, who also attendedHighland background and history of the church, from the formation of the congregationin 1873, Prince George'sHeritage grant toward the its meetingsat Westwood,the home of publicationof what will be his major effort: foundersJulius and Harriet Pyles, their deedingof land and the building of the a history of the St. Thomas' congregation church in I 879, the addition of the bell from its beginningsin the late l Tthcentury." tower in 1913,the church'spreservation after near destructionby the great tornado of "All this time, however, and before,Frank 1924,and the constructionof the adjoining has beenvery busy working on his family educationalwing in 1945- ffid, of course, papers,something I learnedabout only the erectionof the historicalmarker in 1978 gradually. Although he now lives and farms and the designationof the church as a in CharlesCounty, Frank grew up on his CountyHistoric Site in 1986- right up to the grandparents'farm in southernPrince presentday. The book is filled with George'sCounty (nearTB), and Prince information about the families who have George'sCounty hastruly beenthe beenthe consistentbackbone of the beneficiary of his great interestin his congregation,and the 5l pastorswho had family's history here. Frank has carefully servedover 125 years. Not only is the book collectedand organizedthe family farm generouslyfilled with photographs,carefully papers,artifacts and memorabilia into a indexedand internally cross-referenced,but collection that covers approximately 130 it closeswith a Time Line which placesthe yearsof agricultural and social history in chronologicalhistory of the church clearly Prince George'sCounty. Thanks to Frank's in the context of contemporaryworld events. work and his donationof this collection to This book representsa tremendouseffort by the Smithsonian,the resultingRobinson-Via the Anniversary Committee, and was clearly family collectionis now availableat the a labor of love." SmithsonianMuseum of AmericanHistory as a primary researchsource on the HistorianSusan Pearl presented the next Americanfamily farm. The Historical awardwith the following remarks:"I am Societyis delightedto recognizethis very delightedto presenta St. George'sDay importanteffort ..." awardto Franklin A. Robinson, Jr. It would be hard to describeand categorizeall LOUISE DeMARR TATSPAUGH was of Frank's efforts in the history of Prince alsohonored. "Some of our awardsfit George'sCounty. I first met him in 1995at neatly into categories:worker in the the time of the printing of his book marking vineyard, restorerof an important house, the 250thanniversary of the completion of author or publisher of an historical St. Thomas' Church in Croom. Sincethen document. We honor Louisetoday as an I've had the pleasureof working with Frank enabler. Shehas influencedour Societyin in the designationof the Chapel of the severalimportant ways: Shehas attended, Incarnation,Brandywine, as an Historic Site. on a regularbasis, monthly meetingsand And we are now working togetheragain on specialevents over a periodof many years. completingthe National Registerlisting for Shehas typed hundredsand hundredsof both St. Thomas' and the Chapelof the obituary cardswith cross-referencesfor the Incarnation. In the meantime,Frank has Library files. Sheprovided housing for our publishedthe Registerof St Thomas' belovedFred and spacefor the overflow Church, 1849-1906,and has been awarded a library collections. And lastly, she sa- m. s&fltaitr{' E,.F' .||. f ffi

1tlA '1i. {. ta ld. First Lady FrancesHughes Glendeningto speakat Belair Mansion, Bowie 12207Tulip GroveDrive

PRINCEGEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WELCOMESMARYLAND'S FIRST LADY

The Historical Society,in collaborationwith the City of Bowie Museums, will hold a very specialevent on Wednesday,June 28,2000, in connectionwith the recentexhibit "Ladyof the House" at GovernmentHouse in Annapolis. First Lady FrancesHughes Glendening will be the guestspeaker at a programhonoring the families,particularly the wives, of the Prince Georgianswho have servedas governorsof Maryland. Shewill speakabout her activitiesas first lady and the legacyof thosewho precededher. Shewill alsotalk abouther exhibit on the first ladiesand official hostessesof Maryland from 1777to 2000.

This eventwill be held,7:00 to 9:00p.m., at BelairMansion, the countryestate of Governorand Mrs. BenjaminOgle at the end of the eighteenthcentury. Belair is locatedat 12207Tulip Grove Drive in Bowie. The Historical Societywill presenta programand exhibit on the sevenhistoric governors'families from Prince George'sCounty, including reproductions of portraits (where available)and photographsof their homes.

Attendanceat this very specialevent will be strictly limited, so it is essentialfor those who wish to attendto sendin their reservationsimmediately. A chargeof $ 15 per personmust be receivedin advance- checksshould be madeout to PGCHS,and mailed to Lester Sweeting, 4112Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, 20781before June 16,2000 using this flier. Be sureto includeyour checkand fold into an envelopeas indicated. For more information, call the HistoricalSociety Library at 301-464-0590or Lesterat 301-927-4514. G)saut

0) trtnoa aro{ l- r.>-lb I T I stamp I I I sl t' \ LesterH. Sweeting rS t\ Sl 4ll2 GallatinStreet ;! s \ \l Hyattsville,MD 20781 ;o,? I I I I I I I L------_ _ ----- (Dan oror -l facilitatedthe orderly transferof the later finished andjoined to make a small Frederick S, DeMaru Library to the quilt which was raffled off. Employees HistoricalSociety. Louise,we honor and were encouragedto shareideas for quilt thank you." squaresubjects and color schemesto be used. Each committeemember then chosea Joyce T. Sweetr€y,Co-Chair, Prince quilt squaresubject from a list createdfrom George'sCounty Tricentennial Committee, theseideas. An effort was madeto ensure andAnne F. Carter, Chair, County that all areasof the County would be Administration Building Tricentennial representedin the quilt. Somequilt squares Display Committee, received an award for were sewn by more than one employeeand a their contributionsto the Tricentennialquilt. few employeessewed more than one quilt square..." "To help celebratethe 300thbirthday of PrinceGeorge's County, the Tricentennial "The panelsfor the quilt were all completed Committeeendorsed a program to allow by the end of June 1996. Committee County employeesto becomeinvolved in membersmet to decideon the final projectsto be displayedin various County iurangementsof the panelsin the quilt and a buildings. A schedulewas setup for membersewed them togetherby machine. creationof TricentennialBuilding Display The quilt was then layeredand securely Committees. A start-upgroup of pinned and tied; a fabric binding and hanger approximatelya dozenemployees met in pocket were added. Sincethe quilt was February 1996to decideon an idea for a intendedto have somehistorical display in the County Administration significance,an appropriate'signature' on Building (CAB) in Upper Marlboro. The the back of the quilt seemedappropriate. A CAB displaycommittee decided to design group photographwas taken of the and sew a quilt depictinghistoric sites, committeemembers, the photo then copied typical County scenesand symbolsof the onto fabric, the fabric photo appliquedto the County,both pastand present. It seemed back of the quilt, and a joint messageand that sucha projectwould not only provide date embroiderednext to the photo." an opportunity for County employeesto work togetherand learn about their County, "The quilt was unveiled in the first floor but expresstheir individual creativity." lobby of the County Administration Building on July 25,l996by the County "As word was passedand employeeswere Executiveand County Council Chair. The invited to join the quilt project,the CAB quilt has remainedon display in the CAB displaycommittee grew to 32 members. lobby." Some fabrics were purchasedwith the committee'sallocated supply fund and other "r{o attemptis currently being madeto fabrics and supplieswere contributedby the obtain funding for restorationof the quilt employeesthemselves. Weekly meetingsof and an acid-free environment in which to the committeewere held at lunchtime and displaythe quilt." Congratulationsto severalteaching demonstrations were held everyoneinvolved. after work hours so that novicescould learn the art of fabric applique.'Practice' quilt Next issue: More aword winners!! squaresstarted at thesedemonstrations were BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - LesterSweeting Vice President - EugeneB. Roberts.Jr. Secretary - SarahBourne Treasurer - Joyce[Jber Membership - phyllis Herndon Historian - SusanPearl Editor - sharon Howe sweeting Directors John Mitchell William Uber Wallis Cain John Petroi. Kathryn Clagett Mildred Ridgeley Gray Iris McConnell Robert Crawley JamesWolfe Past Presidents JohnGiannetti w.c. (Bud) Dutton paul T. Lanham Warren Rhoads JoyceMcDonald JaneEagen

HERITAGE CALENDAR

June

l- Curator Talks Maryland's Role in the Revolutionary lVar MHS 5:30 PM 410-685-3750 free

3- Maryland Goesto the Movies Nauy Blue and Gold" Old GreenbeltTheatre 2 PM 410-685-3750 $$

3- Walking Tour Roland Park with Donald Kann MHS l0 AM 410-68s-3750 S$

l0- RestorationFacility Tour CollegeParkAviationMuseum l00AM 301-864-6029 $$

l0- Historic Old FashionedBarn Raising Historic St. Mary's City 301-862-0990

I l- Gallery Talk Reel Maryland History Maryland Historical Society 2 PM free

I l- Walking Tour The West Side with Bill Pencek MHS l0 AM 410-68s-37s0 s$

24- Horse and Carriage Show His Lordship'sKindness l0-3 301-856-0358 $$

27 -30- Colonial Kids Mini-Carnp Historic St. Mary's City 301-0980 S$

28- Lody of the House- Maryland First Ladiesfrom Prince George'sCounty PGCHS at Belair Mansion 7PM 301-277-5468 PGCHS 7PM 301-277-5468

3O-713 ErcoupeNationalConvention CollegePark Aviation Museum 301-864-6029 S$ flri.rr $nry't (r.t WELCOME TONEW firtr.lnt fr,trtt MEMBERS

Annual Membership Application Dale Anderson Audrey Forrester Date: Ken Hyatt Name: Prince George'sCounty Bar Association Address: Barbara Radcliff City, State,Zip: Betsy Riddle Ruderfer Telephone- Home: Bob Schnabel Business: NEW LIFE MEMBERS Pleaseindicate: _New Renewal

Katharine Bryant Checkbelow the categoryyou select: Paul & Mary Frazer Duescaregories: Member/ Family...... $25.00 St' George's Day Award Memberships SusrainingMember...... $50.00 InstitutionalMember ...... $50.00 Clem and Barbara Martin Kathryn Hames Letto, Life Membership ...... '...$300'00 Cheltenham United Methodist Church AdditionalContribution Franklin A. Robinson,Jr. and Louiseratspaugh as an Honorary Member. opportunities."*"t,:;."*j:j":"*:Ll"*'t:#":f":"ff,?J:;

WE WELCOME NBW MEMBERS Af[D For membershipin the Maryland Historical SOCiCIY,iNCIUdC AN AdditiONAI$30'OO fOT INVITE EACH CURRENT MEMBER individual,or $40.00for family. TO INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN

USING THE APPLICATION FORM IN Our operating support comes from your dues and contributions. All contributions qualify for tax THE ADJOINING COLUMN. deduction.We appreciateyour support.

Pleasemake checks payableto PGCHS Mail checks and form to:

Mea CUlpa PrinceGeorge's county Historical Society PostOffice Box l4 For memberswho careabout such things Riverdale,Maryland 20738-0014 andto all librarianswho receivethis 301-464-0se0 publicationon a regularbasis, I apologize tzlss for "unique" volume numberingsystem. I believethat it has now been amendedand regretthe inconvenience.--Editor PrinceCeorge's Counry HistoricalSociery Non-Profit Org Post Office Box 14 U S Postage Paid Riverdale,Maryland 2o738-oor4 Riverdale.Mt) PermitNo. 1948

HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATIOT\ OF THE SOCIETY Library Saturdaysl2 - 4 PM and dunng specialevents The Societyis locatedat Marietta,5626 Call301-464-059 0 Bell StationRoad, in GlennDale, MD, off Route193, near Route 450 Thisis a MariettaTours -Friday, I I - 3, Sunday, facilityof theMaryland National Park and 12 - 4 - andby appointment- PlanningCommission Information 301-464-0590

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Featuresa wide selectionof books,gifts, toys and smallantiques Open Friday, Saturdayand Sunday,12 -4 PM and during specialevents Call 301-46r'-- 0590 Newsand Notes AE E gE PrinceGeorge's CountY .a- IE HistoricalSocietY tr Itr'

JulylAugust 2000 Our 48thYear X>ilX Number 4

PRINCE OF A COUNTYRECEPTION suNDAY, SEPTEMBER17, 2000 MOUNT LUBENTIA

Mount Lubentia- A ShortHistory by Andy Wallace

Mount Lubentia, erstwhile "CastleMagruder", is one of the grandold housesof Prince George'sCounty. For well over two hundredyears this ancestralhome of the Magruder,Beall and Bowie families hasbeen a landmark,sitting on a terracedhill abovethe old road from Upper Marlboro to Bladensburg(Rte 202). Until the woods took over the fields in front of the property, it must have been visible from a greatdistance, as you approachedfrom either direction. -The Familv

Ninian Beall, one of colonial Maryland's more remarkableimmigrants, obtainedthe original patenton the property,l03l acres,called Largo, in 1686. Inl7l7 EnochCoombs bought a part of this parcel. His daughter,Barbara, married JamesMagnrder, and they had a son, Enoch,born in1723. By 1739,Enochwas listed in the rent rolls asholding 125 acresof apiece called Norway, a part of Largo, ild seemsto have steadily acquiredmore land in the area,as well as Harmony Hall and Wantwater at Broad Creek on the Potomac,ild additional land in Ann Arundel County. In short, he was a prosperousmerchant and landowner,with extensive holdings.

Enoch was a member of the vestry of St. Anne's church during the 1750s,and took out a mortgageon a "new dwelling in the Collington Hundred" in 176l which, by family tradition, referredto Mount Lubentia. In 1765 Enoch was deededthe property by his parents. In 177l, Enoch,who must have been living elsewhere,probably at Harmony Hall, rentedthe property to the ReverendJonathan Boucher, newly installedrector at St. Anne's, by appointmentof the royal GovernorEden. This probably came about through the offices of Thomas Addison of Oxon Hill, Magruder's close neighbor,whose daughter,Eleanor, Boucher was courting at the time.

Boucher moved in, along with his pupils JackieCustis of Mount Vernon, CharlesCalvert of Mount Airy and Overton Carr of Caroline County, Virginia, in Decemberof 177l. They were immediately snowed in with a tremendousblizzard, and could not get off the property for three weeks. It was Boucher's studentswho dubbedthe dwelling "CastleMagruder," describedby Boucheronly as a "Very tolerablehouse." In JuneJonathan married EleanorAddison and brought her to CastleMagnrder. At this time Boucher was one of the foremost spokesmenfor the Loyalist faction in America. In Septemberof 1772 GeorgeWashington and his wife Martha cameto visit her son, Jackie,and sat down to dinner with Boucher,Governor Eden and Benedict Calvert,son of Lord Baltimore. Given most the company'sRoyal connections,its must have beena lively discussion.Boucher left the propertyinl774, sincethe patriotsmade his life miserable,and moved over to the Broad Creek area,where the political climate was evidently more comfortablefor him. Not for long however, ffid the good Reverendreturned, for good, to Englandin 1775,though he maintaineda corespondencewith Washingtonfor anothertwo decades.

In1779, Enoch Magnrder, and his wife, Meek, deededthe property to their eldestson, Dennis (born 1759) alongwith 929 acres,part ofNorway, uponhis marriageto Anne Contee. For the next half-century,Dennis Magruder lived, for the most part, at Mount Lubentia,making substantialimprovements and alterations to the property, marrying three more wives, Eliza Gossaway(1805), Frances Fitzgerald (1817), and Mary Ann Beard(1820) and siringz4 children. When war with Britain broke out in 1812,state records were moved from Annapolis to Upper Marlboro for safekeeping.A coupleof yearslater, in Juneof 1814,these papers, as well asthe county records,were moved to Mount Lubentia when the British threatenedUpper Marlboro on their way to Washington,via Bladensburg. While repairing a secondfloor ceiling, I recently found fragments of what may well have been thesepapers that must have fallen through the cracks in the attic floor! Dennis Magruder married his last wife, Mary Ann Beard, at the age of 65, and three years later they had a daughter,also named Mary Ann. A decadelater, Dennis left the property to his son, Dennis,Jr., while investing his wife and daughterwith life tenancy. Dennis Jr., marriedand movedto Missouri in 1834,and in 1836,upon DennisSr.'s demise,the elderMary Ann soldher life's interestin Mount Lubentia to Otho Berry Beall and moved to First Streetin Coxe's Row in Georgetown,D.C., to give her only child "the advantagesof the FemaleInstitution of Mrs. Lydia C. English." Threeyears later, in 1840,Mary Ann, then 17,married Otho Beall's son, WashingtonJ. Beall, with grandnuptials lasting a week. Thesefestivities were recountedby Mary Ann's daughter,Rosalie Bowie in the early 20thcentury, based on her parents' recollections. Thus the property remainedin the family.

The newly wed couple settledinto Woodlawn, an adjacentplantation given them by Otho Beall, and in 1853,commenced building a new housethere, in the Greekrevival style. Otho left Mount Lubentiato his son Washingtonwho, in 1883,sold the propertyto William J. Bowie, who had married his daughterRosalie. William died shortly thereafter,in 1888,and his widow remainedat the farm, which passedto her son, WashingtonBeall Bowie and his wife Frances Dodge upon her deathin 192I. The W.B. Bowie family lived at Mount Lubentia for 55 years, raising five children in the house. WashingtonBowie, who died in 1960,left the houseto his wife and son, Forrest, an architect, who took a great interest in the family and architectural history of Mount Lubentia, and hopedto eventuallyrestore the houseto its lSthcentury form. FrancesDodge Bowie lived until 1975,and four yearslater, with the housevacant since his mother's death,Forrest passed away,leaving the property to his widow FrancesStevenson Bowie. Mrs. Bowie carefully maintainedthe property until 1997,when she sold the houseand 5.5 acresto Andy and SondraWallace who are curently restoringthe houseand grounds.

The House

The earliestreference to the presenthouse is containedin the 1798Tax assessment.It describesa two story brick dwelling,48' x37', with a brick passageand32'square kitchen adjoining the house,along with numerousbrick and frame outbuildings. It notesthat the house wasbeing worked on inside. The valuationwas $1500. one of only fourhouses,in the Collington and WesternHundreds valued at over $1000. (The otherswere Concord,Partnership andPleasant Prospect.)

Was this the housethat Enoch Magruderbuilt ca. 17 61, undergoingalterations by his son Dennis,or a later structurethat Dennis built? As with most early dwellings, absenta written record,the answeris uncertain. The brick structure,laid in Flemish bond, with rubbedbrick jack archesover the windows, and a molded high water table, could havebeen built anytimeduring the secondhalf of the l8thcentury. The floorplan is classicGeorgian, with a centerhall,flanked by rooms on either side,with the unusualfeature of a curved staircase,occupying the entireright sideof the entranceway,where a small room would ordinarily be located. This staircaseis light and gracefuland has Federalfeatures which would dateit to the 1790s. All of the first floor rooms have wainscotingand Federalstyle mantels,with no two rooms detailedthe same. The walls areplastered and there are no cornicemoldings. Taken as a whole, the houseappears to be Federalin style. The kitchen describeddisappeared during the 19'hcentury, and the passage seemsto have been expandedinto a more formal room early in the l9e century, possibly the plantation oflice. This becameevident during restoration when the remains of the old passage wall were found under the floor. It also becameevident that the common wall between the main house and the passagewas originally an exterior wall and that the passagewas addedto join the kitchen to the main house, after the two buildings had stood separately. This would seemto indicate, as w:ls often the case,that the house developed in stages,over time, rather than being built as a unit. Further evidence surfacedof early alterations when I was restoring the dining room, located off the right rear of the stair hall, leading to the pzlssage.This room underwent a majorrebuilding in the late l8h or early l9s century, when therewas a major structuralfailure of the brickwork over one of the windows.

The secondstory containsthree bedrooms, all with Federalmantels, chair rails and simple trim. There is a small room at the back of the hall, which may have been addedearly on. This was convertedto a bathroom in the 20thcentury. A door in the right rear bedroom leadsto the back seryicestairs, descending to the old passage.The third floor was convertedto living spacein the 1920s,and a decadeearlier, the passageaddition was raisedto a full two storiesfrom its earlier loft configuration.

Mount Lubentia retainsa remarkableamount of its 18thcentury materialsand detailing. It has,of course,undergone many changesover two centuriesof day-to-dayliving. Besidesearly alterations,the house underwent at least two major periods of work. When the Bowies reoccupiedthe property, aftera shadowyperiod of almost 50 years,from 1840 to 1883,the house was reputedly in ruinous condition. The earliestphotos of the place show that the entire northeastcorner had collapsedand beenrebuilt. Large Victorian style porcheswere addedto the front and back at this time, and new floors were laid in large parts of the house. As mentioned, major work was also done in the teensand twentiesof this century. With all of this work, however, great respectwas shown for the original building, and it remains an extraordinary exampleof a Georgian-Federalplantation house.

While little remainsof the l8th century landscapingat Mount Lubentia, the grounds contain a wonderful variety of old plantings, somedating back over 100 years. Foundationsof long vanished outbuildings are scatteredthroughout the property, ffid an early l gthcentury corn dryer survives. In lgTl,Forrest Bowie moved a unique 18thcentury octagonaldairy housefrom Graden,a Berry family plantation demolishedwhen USAir Arena was built, and it remainson the grounds,awaiting restoration. In 193I , ForrestBowie, then 16, executeda detaileddrawing of the groundsof Mount Lubentia, noting all of the plantings in what was then a showcase Colonial Revival garden. Shortly before he passedaway, Fred DeMarr told me that this drawing still existedin the Historical Society archives,and, severalmonths later, SharonSweeting locatedit for us, adding to Fred's legacy of preservingcounty history. The plan has proved invaluablein restoring elementsof the garden.

While the restorationof Mount Lubentia is well along, much remainsto be done in documentingthe history of the property. The ownerswould love to hear from anyonewho has any information about the houseor family, or knows where suchinformation might be lurking. CONTACT: Andrew& SondraWallace 603 LargeRoad UpperMarlboro, MD 20774 = Phone:301-324-7 3ll ; fax 301-324-7612 emaiI : [email protected]

greatgrand children and great-great FROM THE PRESIDENT'S KEYBOARD grandchildren of our most recent past Governor from Prince George'sCounty - Hello and aren't we having wonderful Oden Bowie of Fairview. It was an honor weather. I have had an opportunity to enjoy for me to introduce the speakerand to the sun and the rain, while being out of the welcome the attendees. country for the worst of each. Watch out for early August becauseI am off to Jakartaon Our next eventpromises to be as July 25 andwill be gone four weeks- expect memorable. Our friends Andy and Sondra a scorcher- but then it will be August after Wallacewill graciouslyopen Mount all. Lubentia for the Prince of a County Reception and Fund Raiser on Sunday, The Society is having a good year - lots September17. This annualevent was happeningand things coming together startedabout 20 years ago and invariably nicely. On June28, we had a wonderful featuresa venue of great historical interest eventattended by about 60 peoplewhere that is not as readily accessibleto the FrancesHughes Glendening out own First generalpublic. Thoseof you who know Lady, spokeat the openingof an exhibit Andy will rememberhis excellent mountedby the Society at Belair Mansion. restorationof Black Walnut Thicket in The exhibit includesportraits of most of the Badenover severalyears. Oncethat project eight first ladiesof Maryland who are had been completed,Andy was readyto associatedwith Prince George'sCounty. It tackle anotherdeserving historic property is small, but packedwith information and and was able to secureMt. Lubentia as the we recommendthat you travel to Belair to Wallacehome. This promisesto be a great seeit sometimein July or August. Belair is event and we hope to seeall of you there. owned by the City of Bowie Museums,and is open for visitors most days. Mrs. Bill Uber and Dusty Rhoadsare developing Glendeninggave a wonderful speechabout the Octoberevent - a bus tour to York, PA. her predecessorsand about her own efforts Featuring lunch at the Yorktowne Hotel and to both expandthe collection of First Lady a visit to severalproperties of the York memorabiliaat GovernmentHouse, in County Heritage Foundation,this all-day addition to the preservationof her own trip will againput the Societyin the tour record as first lady beginning with the business- if it is supportedby you, the Inauguralin I 995. members. Pleaselet us know that you would like to go by sendingin the The audienceincluded the grandchildren, reservationform as soon aspossible. As long time membersknow, we usedto Committee- the 3 Ss (SharonSweeting, sponsortwo successfulbus tours eachyoff, SarahBourne and SusanPearl) - are but stoppedseveral years ago due to lack of continuing to do a wonderful job clearingup interest- so let's get interested. For those old files and arrangingthings in a useable memberswho need to have transportation to fashion. We have receivedadditional filing and from Marietta - where the bus will begin cabinetsand are shifting somethings into and terminate the tour, pleasecall the storageso we can better organizethe core Society at 301-464-0590, or Les and Sharon collections. We are also pleasedto havethe Sweetingat 301-927-4514 and we will continuing assistanceof Diane Stultz who is ensurethat you have transport to and from bringing order to our map collection. A new the bus. volunteerhas joined us and we will provide additional information about her in the next November is annualmeeting time. We have issue. been having these affairs at restaurantsover the past few years and found those to be We appreciatethe feedbackwe receivefrom welcome venues. This year we will be at Societymembers and visitors alike. If you RIPS in Bowie, and, in order to have any suggestions,recommendations, accommodatethem, we will have the complaints,information, etc. that you would meetingon Monday evening,November 6. like to shareplease write to me c/o PGCHS, Again, we understandthat some members PostOffice Box 14, Riverdale,MD 20738- may need transportation and are more than 0014. willing to ensurethat this is provided if you will check the box marked uTransport Les Sweeting Needed"on the reservationform. I realize that it is a bit early to reserve for dinner, so Thefollowing excerptsare from the this is a preliminary form in this newsletter, American Clan Gregor Society Yearbookof and the menu selectionreservation will be 1937and I think, nicely complementAndy's addedto a later edition. But we needto history. begin planning so we want to have an indication of your interestin the event as MOANT LABENTIA soon as possible. You can call and leave a hy Forrest D. Bowie, Maryland messageat 301-464-0590 or 301-927-4514, to signiff your interest and your "I regret to say that Mr. C.C. Magruder, transportationneeds as well. who was to have read his addressgiven here in 1932upon the dedicationof the Our final event is the traditional Holiday Bicentennial Marker, is unable to attend Party at Marietta on Saturday,December 13. today, and it has fallen my lot to give you a More on that later; watch for the unusual little history of "Mount Lubentia." theme. [The history of the family and the house I am pleasedwith all that we have follows and has already been recounted accomplishedso far and with our planned above. I will however,include quotes eventsfor the rest of this year. Some things concerningthe 1840nuptials betweenMary are a bit stalled- like the web site- but they Ann Magnrder and Washington J. Beall will move forward over time. The Library which lasteda week.l attendance,being schoolmatesof both " WashingtonJeremiah Beall married Mary during their terms at GeorgetownCollege, Ann Magruder in 1840,and the occasion D.C., Ben Hallewell's of Alexandria,Va., called for a large wedding. This is best also the famousMrs. Lydia English of describedby a descriptionwritten by my Georgetown,besides relatives. The first was grandmother,Rosalie Magruder Beall Bowie a niece of my GrandmotherMagruder, in theyear 1913: Nancy ChapmanBeard, an only daughterof Capt. W. ChapmanBeard of the Rifle This duy, July 7, L913,sets me to reflection Regimentduring the War of 1812, and in calling to my mind it is the Anniversary Matilda Johns,his wife. She servedwith of the Wedding of my dear departedparents, Washington Berry, a nephew of my Washington JeremiahBeall and Mary Ann GrandmotherBeall. The next were: Anne Magruderat'Largo', PrinceGeorge's Forrest, Mary Virginia Washington,of the County,Md., July 7, 1840,by the Rev. few relativesof our country's Father,of 'Mt. GeorgeL. Mackenheimer,the rector of this Vernon', V&., Mary Ellen Kent, a sister QueenAnne Parishat this time. My father of Mrs. Gov. ThomasG. Pratt, Mary was the secondson of Otho Berry Beall and KatherineMacubbin, RosalieOgle, a Mary Berry, they being third cousins,were daughterof Gov. SamuelOgle (sic), descendedfrom among the earliestsettlers Zelima Forrest,and Miss SusanRapine. of this state,who emigratedfrom Scotland Their attendantsbeing Capt. Daniel and England. My mother was the youngest, Genriffer, Armstead Rust of Va., Robert as well as the twenty-fourth child of Dennis CarterBrent of La., JamesDickens of and Mary Ann Beard Magnrder, his fourth Washington,D.C., Truxton D. Bealeof wife. Shewas very young, beingjust D.C., John Smith, and Llewellen Boyle of seventeenthe nineteenthof the preceeding Annapolis." Muy, and my father being twenty-one the nineteenthof April. They were both much "They were married at six o'clock in the belovednot only by a large family of evening. The bride's dresswas of white relatives,but by the neighborsaround. They satin,with an overdressof white were greatly admired and esteemed,so a embroideredlace, also a veil of the same large social wedding seemedonly natural materialbeing in one piece,with a wreathof and was truly enjoyed and often referred to orangeblossoms fastened with an exquisite in conversationwith eachother and in the brooch of pearlsand diamonds,being part of presenceof their three devotedchildren. a set that was possessedby the bride's Mary ElizabethEllen, RosalieMagruder, mother; also worn at that time, a lovely and Otho Richard, who loved dearly to hear handkerchief of the finest linen cambric and of the then style of entertaining and thread lace, which was hand made and rejoicing, which I shall endeavorto repeatas presentedby Mrs. Capt. Wm. C. Beard,the was often told to us, not only by our dear bride's aunt, and was tnrly a mawel of grandmother,but by the old and faithful needlework,a part being in my possessionat family servants,who had grown grey in their this time, it seemslike a mere cobweb;there duty to the family and its antecedents." were slippersof thinnestsoles of white satin and stockingsof exquisiteraw silk, marked "Therewere eight bridesmaidsand the with the bride's namein full in one threadin correspondingnumber of groomsmenin needleworkby her mother." uTheevening following the whole party were beautifully entertainedat uMount Lubentia', the home of the Groom's family, having the grand music of the U.S. Marine Band from the Navy Yard at Washington that had been engagedfor the week by the family in the programme of entertaining the couple, which was beautifully and elegantly done by the members of the families in the neighborhood,the last being a dinner by a neighbor nearby, who was full able for a lavish spread,concluded with Whittleberrys and milk, this causinga greatjest among the maids and their attendants,nothwithstanding their enjoyment."

"The party at the end of the week dispersed leaving happy wishes and tears behind, the bride and groom with his family gone to Bedford Springs,Penn., for the next fortnight, to recuperatefrom the effects of dissipationand begin life togetherby returning to a fine farm ('Woodlawn') and comfortablehome presentedby the groom's Octagonal Dairy House moved father, partly stocked with eleven competent fromGraden locatedon theproperty servantsfrom her devotedmother, besidesa ca:riageand horses;the horseshaving been the leadsof the four that had drawn the coachto the Va. Springsin the infancy of the bride during her father's life"'.

Wallis Cain (July2000) Friends andMembers of PGcHs Bus Trip

\Mren: Saturday,October 21 , 8:30am to O:00pm \Mrere: HistoricYork, Pennsylvania

\Mrat: A Chanceto visit severalof the manyhistoric sites, as well as the YorkCounty Historical Society Museum and Library Lunchat the YorktowneHotel (Nationaf Historic Landmark)

Cost: All inclusivefee of $36.00per person Questions? CallBill Uber at (301)34$9797

Early Registntion is reguestedso arrangernenfscan he confintrcd. (Our last bus trip two yearsago was canceleddue to lackof timelyreservations).

Name(s):

Address:

Phone:

Numberof reservations:@ $36.00 Totalenclosed: Pleasemake check payable to P.G.G.H.S.and mail to:

BillUber 2A Southway Greenbeft,MD 20770-1732 PrinceGeorge's county Historicalsociety Heritage Calendar

August

5- MarylandGoes to theMovies MarylandHistoricalSociety 2pM 410-6g5-3750free

5&6- Civil War Garrison Fort Washingtonpark 301-763-4600$$

6- Make& Play- l gth CenturyGames MariettaMansion 2 pM 30l-464-529l S$

13- MakePaper MariettaMansion 2 pM 30l-464-529l $$

19- Battleof BladensburgEncampment Riversdalel2-4 301_964-0420free

20- MakeSand Cast Candles MariettaMansion 2 pM 301-464_5291$$

September

Annual Meeting 16- Candlelight Walkrng Tour of Chestertown Kent county Historical pM Rips society 5-9 4r0-77g-34gg $$ 16-17- Roman Legion XX Encampment Mariena Routes301 and 197.Bowie Mansion l0-4 301_464-5291$$ prince 17- of a CountyReception PGCHS Monday,November 6, 2000 Mt. Lubentia 2-5 30t_927-4514$$

23- Autumn Tea WLL ATTEND: His Lordship's Kindness rpM 301-g56-035s $$ WILL NOT ATTEND: 23- Air Fair collegepark AviationMuseum l0-5 301-g64_6029$$ NEED TRANSPORTATION: 24- Autumn Festival Call 301-464-0590and leavea message Mount Airy House and Grounds $$

30- Open House at all Consortiumsites Anne's eueen county Historical Society 410-604-2r 00 $$ |rirn l.r.ri {ttA fi*uintt-trtl Board of Directors

Annual MembershiP APPlication President - Lester Sweeting Datc: Vice President - EugeneB. Roberts,Jr. Secretary - Name: SaratrBourne Treasurer - JoyceUber Address: Membership - Phyllis Herndon City.State,Zip. Historian - SusanPearl - Telephonc Home: Editor - SharonHowe Sweeting Business: Pleaseindicate: -Ncw -Renewal Directors Check below the category you select:

Duescategories: John Petro JohnMitchell William Uber Membcr/ FamilY...'.....-...... $25.00 Wallis Cain Kathryn Clagett Mildred RidgeleyGray SustainingMember...... $50.00 Iris McConnell JamesWolfe Member.... -.$50.00 lnstitutional Robert Crawley Life MembershiP ....$300.00 AdditiontlContribution

as I Past Presidents _-t am also interestedin helpingthe Society volunteer.Please contact me regardingvoluntcer opportunities. John Giannetti W.C.(Bud) Dutton PaulT. Lanham WarrenRhoads Historicrl - For membershipin the Meryland for JoyceMcDonald JaneEagen So.-iety, include an additional $30'00 rndividual,or $40.00for familY'

Pleasemake checks payableto PGCHS Marl checksand form to:

PrinceGeorge's CountY HistoricalSocietY PostOffice Box l4 Riverdale'MarYland 20738-001 4 l0l -464-0590

I uca PrinccGcorgc's Cormry Historical Socicry Non-Ptofi[ (]3 U S Post4c Post Officc, Box 14 Prid ro738-oor Rivcrdelc.MD Rivcrdalg Maryland 4 PcrmitNo. l9{t

HOURS OF OPERATION LOCATION OF THE SOCIETY Library Saturdays12 - 4 PM and during specialevents The Societyis locatedat Marietta.5626 cdl 301-464-05eo Bell StationRoad, in Glenn Dale,MD. off Route 193,near Route 450 This is a MariettaTours -Friday, I I - l, Sunday, facility of the Maryland NatronalPark and 12 - 4 - and by appointment- PlannrngCommissron Information 301-464-0590

THE SOCIETY GIFT SHOP

Featuresa wide selectionof books, gifts, toys and smallantiques Open Friday, Saturdayand Sunday, 12 -4 PM and during spccialevents. Call 301-464- 0590 Newsand Notes AE Eg PrinceGeorge's County HE EE :E HistoricalSociety = e""-!d9

September/October2000 Our 48thYear XXIX Number 5

Whatnryho'sin a Name?

'Armstead 'Rip' Wayson picked up his nicknameabout 40 yearsago when he separatedthe seatof his pantssliding into secondbase." So reportedTim Kelly in the oldWashington Star on July 5,,1976. Mr. Kelly's articlebegins: "Some people collect stamps, some bird watch,and othersassemble model airplanes.Then thereis Dave Wayson,the 3S-year-old[according to FredDeMarr's notesin the margin of this article,he was only 27 at the time] proprietorof Rip's Restaurant,motel, liquor storeand sportinggoods store on Crain Highway in Bowie. He built softball fields." Dave and his brother Kenneth inheritedthe complex namedfor their fatherupon his deathfrom lung cancerinl974. "Eventually,the Waysonbrotherslost Rip's throughbad businessdeals."

On Aprilz2, l982,The Bowie Blade-Newsreported that Rip's [was] on the block. "The entire Rip's operationat Routes301-197 has been advertised for auctionon Thursday,April 29, atthe sitebecause of a foreclosureaction against the Bowie business."

The samenewspaper on April 27,2000, setsthe scenefor the Annual Business Meeting of the Prince George's County Historical Society (Monday,November 6, 2000;see the enclosedflier for additional details)by describingthis landmark: '?tlearlya half centuryago, Rip'swas nestledin the countrysideandwas one of theveryfew restaurantsand motelsaround. Peopletraveling along Route 3/301 would plan to eat homecookedfood and stay at Rip's becauseit was a convenientstopping pointfor thosetravelingfro* New York to Florida."

Bowie Blade-NewsStaff Writer and frequentLibrary patronLinda Blachly providesa fascinatinghistory of the property originally owned by "a memberof the Wayson family that has ownedbusinesses and lived in Prince George'sand Anne Arundel countiesfor more than 300 years."

According to Rip's daughter,Ann Wayson Kwiatkowski, managerof WaysonMobile Court, "her fatherwas recruitedby the WashingtonSenators baseball team in the early 1930s"but insteadmarried her mother Margaretand togetherthey managedthe restaurantand motel. Their ideawas to provide home cookedfood, especiallyhomemade pies and rolls. The property was initially designedto look like a Howard Johnson's.The Nick Bassfordspurchased the propertyat the 1983auction. Their daughterscurrently own Rip's. According to Blachly, "The family also owns Annapolis SeafoodMarket, Annapolis Produceand anotherRip's Country Inn in Waldorf, which was purchasedin the early 1990s."

More"What/Who's in a Name?"

Prince George's County, Maryland: on St. George'sDuy, April 23,1696, a new county was established,named for Prince George ofDenmark, husbandof PrincessAnne, heir to the throneof England. First county seat:Charles Town.

Charles Town: Quoting from GeorgeD. Denny, Jr.'s book calledProud Past; Promising Future, "...CharlesTown, establishedover a threeyear period beginning in 1683,near Croome, on the confluenceof the WesternBranch and the PatuxentRiver. The land at that time was in Calvert County. Reportedlynamed after the third Lord Baltimore, CharlesTown was governed by commissionersand a Lord Mayor, saidto havebeen Ninian Beall, an immigrantwho earned his passageto the Colonies as an indenturedservant, gained his freedomin L677, and was given aparcel of land in what was calledTerrapin Thicket(New Caruollton) atthat time."

Bladensburg: The town was called Bladensburg,after ThomasBladen, who servedas provincialgovernor in 1742when the town was erected;previously called Garrison-Landing.

"In 1882,the town commissionershad the articlesof incorporationamended to changethe name of the town's governingbody from the Commissionersof Huntingtonto the Commissionersof Bowie, in honor of Gov. Oden Bowie, who had been a prime mover in the efforts to establish the Baltimore and PotomacRailroad through the area." (County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro is locatedon the Gov, Oden Bowie Drive.)

"Meanwhile, a railroad station at Landover and the nearnessof Bladensburgand LandoverRoads made accesseasy to the city of Washington,and residentialsubdivisions began to spring up all along transportationroutes north and eastof the city. One of thesesubdivisions was Cheverly Gardens,developed by Franklin P Mendenhall adjacentto the Landover stationin 1904. The derivationof the name'Cheverly' is not clear,although there is someevidence that it may stem 'Cheveley' 'r')." from the English town of (minusthe

The areaaround Rip's is referredto as "Collington" - andMaryland Route 197,which dead- endsat the entranceto Rip's, is Collington Road. The name"Collington", like so many other placenames, came with the settlersfrom England,recalling favorite British places;it was given to one or the original six "hundreds"designated when Prince George'sCounty was establishedin 1696. (The "hundreds"were the political divisionsof the county,and servedthe purposesof taxationas well asjudicial, legaland military administration.).The Collington Hundred comprisedthe areabetweentwo tributariesof the PatuxentRiver: the WesternBranch and the Collington Branch. Collington Station,one of the stopson the Pope'sCreek Line of the Baltimoreand PotomacRailroad of the 1870s,took its namefrom the Collington Hundred. Both Holy Trinity Church,Collington, and its motherchurch, St. Barnabas'at Leeland,were locatedin the Collington Hundred,and by extension,the EpiscopalLife CareCommunity establishedon Lottsford Roadin the late 1980sis named"Collington" (althoughits locationis outsidethe boundariesof the ancientCollington Hundred).

PrinceGeorge's County's six original hundreds,incidentally, were divided over the yearsas populationincreased to creategeographically smaller administrative units. A centuryafter its establishment,Prince George's County was madeup of 21 hundreds,and they were superseded in the nineteenthcentury by ElectionDistricts. (Contributedby Historian SasanPearQ

"In the mid-1930's,... the govemmentpurchased about 12,000 acres of rural landin the areaeast 'Greenbelt' of Berwyn Heights,and a Federalhousing project called wascreated under the supervisionof the FederalResettlement Administration headed by Rexford Guy Tugwell." (The original GreenBelt encircledGreater London.)

"Christopher Clarke Hyatt,the founderof Hyattsvillz, was born inl799,the great grandsonof an immigrant from England,and a descendantof SethHyatt, who reportedly founded Hyattstown,whrchis locatedbetween Washington, D.C., andFrederick, Maryland."

"By 1891the 100 acresof ClemsonPlace had beensubdivided by GeorgeA. and J. Estcourt Sawyer,reported to be Army officers from Seattle,Washington, and the subdivisionhad been namedML Rainier, after the famousmountain peak in their home state."

'Carrolltonr'was "The city's name,[New] that of CharlesCarroll [of Canollton], grandsonof the first attorneygeneral of Maryland (CharlesCarroll), and cousin of the first Catholic archbishopin the U.S. (JohnCarroll)."

"In the 1850's,Joseph Gregory began to buy land in the area,including'Scott's Blunder,' containing76.Sacres; 'part of William and Mary Increased'and 'Seat Pleasant,' whichwere locatednext to property owned by Benjamin Berry; and 91.5 acresof land which ran from 'Baltimore Addison Chapel(Addison) Road to Cabin Branch, and from Manor' back to the chapel."

"At the suggestionof a friend, Ida Cummy, Gilbert selectedthe name 'Takoma' (high up, near 'k' heaven)for his new acquisition,substitution the letter for the 'c' in the Indianword to distinguishit from Tacoma,Washington. The word'Park'was addedyears laterto emphasize the woods-likeatmosphere of the town." "MarlboroughTown, as it was calledthen, was namedfor JohnChurchill, the first Duke of Marlborough,an English miliary hero of the Battle of Blenheimand a friend of QueenAnne. ... [I]n l73l [residents]petitioned the GeneralAssembly to havethe town replatted.It wasn't until 1744,however, that a new survey was approved,and the town was then called Upper 'Upper'had Marlboroughin PrinceGeorge's County. The word beenadded to distinguishthe PrinceGeorge's town from an older CalvertCounty communityof Marlboro,which laterhad 'Lower' addedto its name."

Editor's note: We are exceedinglygrateful that Mr. George D. Denny, Jr. permittedus to quote so liberally from his book. This volume is availableat the Marietta Gift Shop and we recommendits inclusionin librariesof local history.

DORSEY CHAPEL TURNS lOO

Dorsey Chapelcelebrated its 100h birthdayon September1 6,2000 and honoredthe z}h anniversaryof its Friendsgroup at the sametime.

Historian SusanPearl delivered the following remarksto cele- bratethe occasion. fi DORSEYCHAPEL. (Flistorian on statfof theHistoric Preservation Cornnrission, that implements theHistoric Preservation Ordinance fbr PrinceGeorse's County).

Dorsel,Chapel u,asfirst docunrentedduring the first survey of the County's historic propertiesin 1973,and rv:tsincluclcd in the inventoryof over 500 properties recognizecland protectedb1,the Preserr':ltion Ordinance that was enactedin 1981;of the 9 early 20'r'-centuryAfrican-Americitn I\lethoctist churches included in this inventory,f)orse)' Chapel lracltlre highestdegree of ornamentation.

lVloreresearch rvas unclertalien irr 1982,arrd DorseyChapel was one of the first 60 African-Antericanhistoric prollerties included in the new Black History Program. By tlrat tinrethe chapel\\'as irr seriouslv- deteriorating condition, and negotiations regardingits fr"rture\\,ere dragging slon'|1'orr, But its importancein our County's African-Anreric:tnhistor\'\1/as never doullterl, and lvhen I llresentedit to the Historic PreservationContntission in Novcnrbu' 1989,the Conrnrission'sdecision to designate -l-his it as an FlistoricSite wfls unilninrous. designationwould technicallyprotect it fronr denrolition,but I h:lveto adnrit that at that tinre I had little hopethat it would ever be cornpletell'restored. I have never bee'nhappier to have beenwrong!

Some;teople, lilie tlre Fricnds of'l)orsevChlpel (rvhoacquired the Chapel in that sameyenr) never grve ul), unclafter the Friendsconveyed the chapelto the 'flre I\{-NCPPC in 1992,things begrtnto n"roveat last. PreservationCommission was delightedto revie\r,arrd al)l)rove the lllansfor restorationowatched the painstaking u,orl

To the Friendsof Dorsel'Chapeland the ParksDepartnrent staff, congratulations! You havewor'l

As Fall begins,and during my very short time ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE at home, I think it is time to review the last yearof my Millennium, andto look forward to Thisis the officialnotice ofthe AnnualMeeting 2001. of the Prince George's County Historical Society. The meeting will be held on As manyof you are aware, I do a great deal of November 6, 2000, at Rip's Country lnn, a travelingaround the world. In 2000, I have long-time favorite local landmark(see cover spent time in Egypt (twice), Indonesia,and story). Festivitiesbegin at 6:30 PM with a cash Macedonia. These are all countries with bar,7.00PM for dinner(see flyer enclosed for significant histories and each has its own menu choicesand pricing) and the meetingto specialcachet. While it is interestingto see take place during dinner Becauseof the these places,it is even more interestingto unavoidableabsence of PresidentSweeting, enjoythe historyhere at home. Vice PresidentRoberts will chairthe meetine.

The year 2000 hasbeen one of milestonesfor Thereare two specificitems on the agenda: the Society. We successfullyconcluded the negotiationsfor the Deed of Gift of the l. Proposedamendment to the By-Laws Frederick DeMarr Memorial Library of County History to the Societyat the beginning The By-Laws of the Societycurrently provide of the year, and, as we concludethe year, w€ that therewill be 9 Directorson the Board of havesuccessfully negotiated a multi-yearJoint Directors. For a numberof reasons,and as a Use Agreementfor Marietta with M-NCPPC resultof a spiriteddiscussion at the last Board meeting,it is the consensusof the Board that We also conducted some very interesting the By-Laws shouldbe amendedto allow for programs- including the St. George's Day the electionof additionalDirectors. Therefore. Awards dinnerat Laurel High School,the joint it is proposedthat Article IV, section3, of the program with the Societyof MareenDuvall By-Laws be amendedto readas follows: Descendants,and First Ladies exhibit with Mrs. Glendenning,and the recentPrince of a Section 3. There shall be a minimum af nine County Fundraiser. Still to come are the Bus (9) and a mmimum of .f4fteen(15) members. Trip to Historic York, Pennsylvania in One-third of the Directors sholl be elected at October, the Annual Meeting and Dinner at each anmral meeting. RIPS in Bowie on Monday, November6, as well as the end-of-year Holiday Party at 2. Electionof Officersand fillins vacancieson Marietta on December13 I wish that I could the Board of Directors. be there, but duty calls and I am off again - this time to Riga, Latvia and then to Skopje, All officer positionsare electedeach year. In Macedonia. addition,a certainnumber ofpositions areopen due to ( I ) expirationof the threeyear term, or I hope you all enjoy health and prosperityfor (2) because of resignation or selection for the rest of 2000. Thank you, and especially another position on the Board. At the thanks to the Board of Directors and most November 6 meeting,therefore, we will have especially to Sharon, withotlt whom I could an electionhandled in two stases: a. The Nominating Committee reported the published by Westholme Publishers. Mr. following candidatesfor officer positions: Meyer, recipientof a 1999 SaintGeorge's Day Award from the Society for his numerous President Lester Sweeting writings aboutPrince George's County, will be Vice President JohnPetro availableto signcopies of his new book aswell. Secretaly JamesWolfe Treasurer JoyceUber I hope each and every member will plan to Historian SusanPearl attendthis critical meeting. Reservationsmay Editor SharonSweeting be madeby completingthe flyer and sendingit Membership PhyllisHerndon to the addressspecified together with the fee Gift Shop StellaUber for the dinner. lf thesecandidates are elected (remember that Les Sweeting nominationsfrom the floor are allowed), two current Directorshipswould becomevacant THE MILLENNTUM PARTY (Mr Petro and Mr. Wolfe). Three Directorship terms expire in 2000 as well. This year'sHoliday partywill be a little different Thiswould meanthat a minimumof 5 director from thoseof the past. positions would have to be filled. The NominatingCommittee has recommended the It will be a Millennium Party, and whether following candidates: your personal millennium began in January 2000 or will begin in January2001, you will Term expiringin 2003: enjoy the uniqueexperience of samplingfoods Mildred RidgeleyGray from the last 2000 years. The Society's Iris T. McConnell historian has been working her way through Andy Wallace archival records of foods and choosingone from eachofthe last20 centuries.Just to pique Term Expiring in 2002 your interest,think about the following: Anna Holmes In which century wasfruit cakefirst Term Expiringin 2001 recorded? Lynn Roberts and what about cashews.or ice cream? Again, if the By-Laws amendment passes, there would be additionalslots that could be and what yummy soft French cheese filled by nominationsfrom the floor - or by mqde its appearqnce in the eighth century appointmentby the Board after it takesoffice A.D.? in January. We encourage any and all membersto considerjoining the Board - if you Mark your calendarsfor December9, 2000, have time and are willine to work - there is when you can taste and learn about all of work to do! thesespecial treats at the Holiday party at Marietta. In addition to the formal meeting,we have a guest speaker, Eugene Meyer, author of (More hints in the next News and Notes. ..) Maryland Lost and Found, Again recently Prince George'sCounty Historical Society Hertiage Calendar

October

3-5 "SmallQuilt" Show His Lordship'sKindness l0-4 301-856-0358 $$

7 &8- An IkebanaExhibition His Lordship'sKindness l2-4 30l-856-0358 $S

l0- Lechre A Marker of Honor for a Revolutionary Soldier Belair Mansion 7:30 301-809-3088$$

15- Candlelight Concert - Modern Brass Quartet St. BarnabasChurch 4PM 301-249-2000

l4- 15- HastingsMedieval Faire Marietta Mansion I l-5 301 -464-5291 $$

t4- ProgressiveTea & Tour - Three l8th C. Mansions Billingsley 30l-627 -0730 $$

18- Lecture-Boundfor Lord Baltimore's Colony MontpeleirMansion 301-953-1376 $$

2t- Bus Trip to York, PA. PGCHS 301-345-9797 $$

2t- TreasuredHeirloom Event-Antique Appraisals Frederick County HS 301 -663-0526 $$

Speakingof Flight Lecture WASPs CollegeParkAviationMuseum 2PM 301-864-6029 $$

Riverdale Park House Tow RiverdaleTowr Center 2-6 PM 301-277-6615 $$

In Searchof Ghosts MontgomeryCounty HS 30l-762-1492 $$

28-29- LaElelle Compagnie/IO0Years War Encampment Marietta Mansion I l-4 301-464-5291

Flight Night- Halloween Party CollegePark Aviation Museum 7-9 PM 301-864-6029 $$

C ampfire and Storytelling Marietta Mansion 7-8:30 PM 301-464-5291 S$ November

a J- Hollywood Flyers "WINGS" CollegePark Aviation Museum I IAM 301-864-6029 S$

3-5- "SmallQuilt Show" His Lordship'sKindness l0-4 PM 301-856-0358$$

3-5- 27th Annual Conferenceon Washingon, DC Historical Studies Historical Societyof Washingon DC 202-785-2068 free

6- Annual Dinner Meeting Rip's RestaurantBowie PGCHS 6PM 30r-277-5468 $$

8- Lecture& Luncheon The TaskerSisters & their Husbands BelairMansion 301-809-3089$$

8- Forum on the UndergroundRailway MontgomeryCounty HS 7PM 301-762-1492 free

I l- Hollywood Flyers FLY GIRLS CollegePark Aviation Museum I I AM 301-864-6029$$

t2- Lecture Colonial Shipbuildingin Amenca BelairMansion 7:30 301-809-3088SS

l9- Speakingof Flight Lecture ScottCrossfield & MACH 2 & 3 CollegePark Aviation Museun 2 PM 301-864-6029$$

IHON

to: Drscovering Prince George'sHistory: an Authors Forum 12:30to 5:30p.ffi., Saturday,1 1 November 2000

RennieForum in the Largo StudentCenter, P.G. CommunityCollege Call 301-332-0432for fuither information

Jointly sponsoredby Prince George's CommunityCollege and Prince George's CountyHistorical and Cultural Trust

Free; Public is welcome Friendsand Membersof pOcHs Bus Trip

\Mren: Saturday,October 21, 8:30am to 6:00pm \Mrere: HistoricYork, Pennsylvania

\Mrat: A Chanceto visitseveral of the manyhis{oric sites, as wellas the Yorkcounty Historicalsociety Museum and Library Lunchat the YorktowneHotel (National Historic Lahdmark)

Cost: All inclusivefee of $30.00per person Questions? CallBill Uber at (301)34$9797

Egrty Registntion is requestedso anangements can be confirmed. (Ourlast bus trip two yearsago was cancelbddue to lackof timelyreservations).

Name(s):

Address:

Phone:

Numberof reservations:@ $36.00 Totalenclosed: Pleasemake check payable to P.G.c.H.s.and mail to:

BillUber 2A Southway Greenbelt,MD 20770-1732 Prince George'sCounty Historicol Society AnnuofMeeting

f,Aondoy,November 6,?OOO

RIP'S CountryInn Croin Highwoy Bowie coshbor 6:30 dinne?TzOO Progromdetoils in this Newsond Notes menuchoice E Fiffet lulignon Shrirnp vegetorionentree offmeafs $z5.oo pleosechoose on entr??, mokecheck to PGCHS ond moilto PhyllisHerndon 6807 Pinewoy Hyottsvifle 2078? ReservotionDeodf ine - -October 30 Norne Telephone PrinceCeorge's Counry H istoricalSociery Non-Prolit Org U S Postrgc PostOffice Box r4 Paid RiverdaletMaryland ro738-oor4 Rivcrdalc.MD Pcrmit No l94t

Bourne Mr" & Mrs' Richard 6808 Dartmouth Ave College Park, MD 2A740

HOURS OF OPERATION I.,OCATIONOF THE SO( IE'rY Library Saturdaysl2 - 4 PM anddunng specialevents The Societyis locaredar Marierra.5626 Call301-464-05eO Bell StatronRoad, rn GlennDale. MI). ofl' Route l9J, nearRoute 450 Thrsis a MariettaTours -Friday, I I - l, Sunday, facrlityof the MarylandNatronal Park arrd 12 - 4 - andby appointment- PlannrngCommrssron Information 301-464-0590 /

THE SOCIETY GIF-TSHOP

Featuresa wide selectionof books,gifts, toys and smallantiques OpenFriday, Saturdayand Sunday,12 '4 PM and during specialevents Call l0l-4tr- 0 590 aroi Newsand Notes 3E EE gE PrinceGeorge's County

!t HistoricalSociety a:ilE Gtr9 rr;r t|J'

November/December 2000 Our 48thYear XXIX Number 6

MILLEIVNI(]M HOLIDAY PARTY

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Saturduy,December 9, 2:00pm until ... HOLIDAY PARTY 2OOO

Thingsare shapingup for thisyear's Millennium party! rvitha list Holiday we haveconle up of interestingfoods - at leastone for eachof thetwenty centuries just-passed nrillenniu'r'come of trre to Mariettafor thecelebration, 2:00p.m., saturday, December 9, and of treats'and also leam in which ..ntury ili:ffiiTiJlirilo.ts rrreirnu.., anddescriprions firsr

Hereare some samples: 'r-J \ 1stcentury A.D. Rhubarb 2ndcentury A.D. lemons 3rdcentury A.D. asparagus 4thcentury A.D. spinach ) 5thcentury A.D. aubergine 6thcentury A.D. n-rpcizrteg(Greek cheese pastry) 7thcenrury A.D. chocolate 8thcentury A.D. brie 9thcentury A.D. mushrooms lOthcentury A.D. coffee I l th centuryA.D. pizzaor focaccia 12thcenrury A.D. sherbet l3th centuryA.D. fruit cake 14thcentury A.D. bulghur,ravioli 15thcenrury A.D. peanuts 16thcentury A.D. tomatoes,cashews, scones lTth century A.D. croissants,corned beef, meringues l8th cenruryA.D. broccoli,hollandaisc sauce, cookies 19thcentury A.D. brorvnies,cottage ch,_ ese 20thcenrury A.D. Spam

with eachfood we will havea brief expranationof the first appearancein writing of its name description,and (wherepossible) a quoiation or from thesource.We will alllearn mostof all, it will be fun! a few things,and Many Historical Societymembers have already signed up to bring certain foods on the list above, but we still needa few items:

rhubarb (in any form, perhapsin a fruit bar, crisp or tart); chocolate(in any form - one cannothave too much chocolate!); brie (maybeseveral people could bring a wedgeor two); mushrooms (eitherfresh to usein dips, or pickled); pizza or focaccia (eventhose cute little miniature party przzas); bulghur (someonecould maketabouli); peanuts(a bowl of cocktailpeanuts would be great!).

PLEASE CALL SUSAN PEARL AT 301-262-3367(home) or 301-952-3521(office) to let us know what you can bring.

And of courseCOOKIBS! We always needcookies (the word "cookie" first appearedin 1703 . . .) and we count on many of you to bring a variety of these seasonal favorites! andplease feel freeto bring any of your traditionalfavorites that have beensuch a specialpart of the annualHistorical Society holiday parties! "If you think aboutthe food the Native Americans,the earliestinhabitants of Prince George'sCounty, might haveeaten you probablythink of the wild animalsand marze.Of courseyou would includecrabs, clams,and many kinds of fish. You would be right, but they did not limit theirdiet to theseobvious items. Deerwere a major item in their lives,not only for food,but for clothingand tools fashionedfrom bone. 0 They grew maize,beans, and squash a 1696 1996 € together. The marzewas plantedfirst. When it grew a foot or so tall, beanswere to,_- et-flotrtg-:,, plantedin the samehill of soil. The maize r, Hktory J stalk servedas the supportfor the beanvine. %t*u,* 1{ri Squashwas planted to shadethe rootsof the 's marzeand beans. Maize was groundwith coult{a'r-^ri\$\' very simplestone tools, mixed with rvater andcooked over or nearthe fire. Hugepiles of oystershells have been found that were amassedlong beforethe colonistsarrived. And while on the subjectof food, we Early drawingsof Native Americanswho recommendthe "Tricentennial Cook Book" lived similarlyto the peopleof the as a stocking stuffer. This "Book of Favorite Chesapeakearea show them seining, Recipes"was compiledand editedby trapping,and spearing fish." DorothyT. Rainrvater. "The informationof the earlysettlers is The introductoryessay entitled Prince takenfrom researchdone in manysites, not George'sCounty Food Throughthe Years only thosein PrinceGeorge's County. In waswritten by Jane Eagen. We feel this 1696when the countywas establishedit was articleprovides the properhistorical context the frontierof the colony,yet it also for our Millennium Holiday Party. It includedland that had been inhabited and follows: "If you could look at the different includedin Charlesand Calvert counties. It foodseaten in PrinceGeorge's County over containedestablished plantations with great the last300 yearsit would probablybe as acreage,the smallfarms of freeholders,and diversea collectionas there is on the planet. muchwilderness. The dietsof eachof these The informationavailable to us throughout would be different,depending on their these300 yearsis not complete,however economicstatus, the lengthof time the thereare someinteresting bits to be shared. freeholdshad been established, and if they Thereare few recordsof daily life of the were trappersand hunters who traveled seventeenthcentury Marylanders, only court throughthe wildernessand only returnedto recordsand inventories.Archaeology towns to trade." combinedwith technologyhave enabled us to interpretthe remainsof the trashpiles of thattime." "The early English settlerslearned to raise readily available.By countingthe bones, maize,beans, pumpkins, and squashfrom estimatingthe amount of meat consumed, the Native Americans. Corn was the term and the number of peopleknown to be in the usedfor all grain in England. We havenow household,the basicassumptions'of the adoptedthis word for maize. It was a early diet were revised. Beef was eaten mainstayof their diet. They also ate more than pork. Sheepbones were not cabbage,onions, carrots,turnips, and other found very often at the sites. This is a vegetablesthey had grown in England. changefrom the diet in Englandwhere Apple cider is the fruit product found in the sheepwere usedfor food more frequently." inventories.Some accounts written by visitorsmention the poorly tendedgardens. "By 1700there were fewerbones of wild This might be partially explainedby animalsfound in the trashpits meaningthat understandingthe time it took to grind the they dependedless upon the wild resources. corn for a household.The kernelswould be While seafoodwas usedmostly in the poundedusing a mortar and pestleafter summermonths, the differencein the being soakedfor severalhours. A seasonsbecame less. Meat was saltedand conservativeestimate is l0 minutesof preserved.The milk pans and equipment poundingper cup. Eachman would usedin dairying were found in more consumeabout 4 lz cupsof cornmealper inventoriesindicating that somemilk day. A planter'swife would likely spend processingtook place. The risk of spoilage severalhours eachday pounding corn. The and the time consumedto processmilk very earliestMarylanders traded with the probably accountsfor the scarcityof dairy Virginians for swine, cattle and sheep. Later products." somewere imported from England and the supplyof stockmultiplied." "The eighteenthcentury provides us with many more recordsof dinners,feasts, and "Historianshave used inventories of specialoccasions, and thereis lesstold to us householdsto determinethe cattle,swine, aboutwhat the common man ate for his and sheepowned by the families. everydaymeals. Someof the plantations Archaeologistshave used trash piles more were quite grand and the owning family accuratelyto determinethe diet of these lived very well. The outbuildingsof these early colonists. They ate a variety of estatesincluded smoke houses, spring animals:cattle, swine, chickens, white-tailed houses,and evenstorage pits for ice. The deer,raccoons, squirrels, opossums, quails, use of creamand butter in someof the old turkeys, Canadageese, canvasback, mallard, recipesis ratherhard for us to comprehend redheadducks, teals, loons, coots and today. Ingredientswere weighedrather than double--crestedcormorants. The bountiful measuredby volume. Molasseswas used watersprovided many types of seafood, more frequentlythan it is today for it someof which we don't find theretoday. suppliedsweetening without the additional Black drum, red drum, sheepshead,striped refining process." bass(rockfish), white perch.Catfish, sturgeonand longnosegar, oysters,blue "The slavesof the plantationsystem had a crabs,and aquaticturtles. The proximity to much simplerdiet. Corn rationswere given; the ChesapeakeBay and the salinity of the someof the mastersincluded pork, fish, and waterdetermined which fish were most beef in this ration. Cornbreadwas the

rl mainstay,though they were usually allowed The renderingof lard was importantto the to supplementtheir ration with food from housewife,because it was usedin the baking their own gardens.Some had chickensalso. and frying of many of the dishesshe Although the diet was substandardit was prepared.The fat from the hog was heated adequateto allow the women to have in a largekettle until it becameliquid. This children." was oftendone outside. Later it would be pouredinto largeshallow pans, allowed to "Until the useof freezersmost of the harden,and cut into blocks. Thereare many butcheringof hogswas done in the fall. It cookstoday who uselard for theirbiscuits was a major eventand involved everyoneon and frying traditionalfoods. Certainfish the family farm. Often neighborstook turns were plentiful at differenttimes of the year. andhelped each other. The temperaturewas Someof themwould be caughtin large importantso it had to be on a cold day. The amountsand put in brine for useat a later actualslaughter took placeearly in the day. time. Saltedherring was a specialwinter The next stepwas the scrapingoff of the dish andsometimes a specialtyfor Sunday hair afterthe hog was sloshedin a barrelof breakfast.It would haveto be soaked very hot water. Real skills were requiredto overnightto removesome of the saltbefore cleanout and actuallybutcher the meat. using." Scrapswere usedfor sausage.Everyone hao her own specialrecipe with the right amount "Winter vegetableswere an importantpart of sageto be used. The grinding,seasoning, of the diet. They couldbe harvestedafter and often stuffing of the sausagekept the frost andcooked with a bit of saltedham or women very busy. Someformed it into fatbackfor a tastymeal. Today we often cakes,cooked it and put it in a crock call them 'greens'and some consider them 'soul coveredwith the greaseor lard. Then it food', but theywere an importantpart would be storedin a cold placefor the of the diet of manypeople of limitedmeans. winter. A specialtyof somefarm women Many times cabbagewas madeinto wasthe makingof souse,hogshead cheese. sauerkrautin a largecrock. It was a very It actuallywas more like a jelled meat, simpleprocess in which the cabbagewas similarto somefound in delicatessenstoday, shreddedand put into the crock with salt and but it was a very laborintensive process. otherseasonings if desired.A plateis put on The hams,shoulders, chops, roasts, etc. were top and weighteddown to keepthe cabbage usedfresh or put into barrelswith different coveredwith juice andthe processbegins." mixturesof salt,corn, and sugar. Old catalogsadvertise various meat curing "The useof food was very dependentupon 'streak products. Bacon and fatbackor of the seasonuntil the preservationby canning Fat and streakof lean' were curedthe same cameinto practice.About the middleof the way. They were importantfor seasoning nineteenthcentury it becamepossible and vegetablesand breakfast meat." reasonableto can food. The wide varietyof fruits and vegetablesgrown herewas a "As the Germanscame into the communities definiteasset. At the sametime many fruits scrappleappeared. It is the meat scraps and vegetableswere grown hereand mixed with corrunealand spices. It was marketedhere and in Washington,D.C. The oftenpreserved as the sausagewas and then largemarkets in the nation'scapital were slicedand fried on a cold winter's morning. suppliedlargely by PrinceGeorge's farms and were very important to the commuters. most canning,even though some is still done As the suburbsgrew with the streetcarsand in many kitchens. We eat in restaurants trains,the local storeand marketsgained in more than ever before. There are remnants importance.Several of them still remain of our pastin what we eat today. Maryland and havebecome centers of the community is well known for its fried chicken and on Saturdaysand Sundays.The hucksters seafood.You canbuy greensat roadside who sold food from their wagonswent to the standsuntil late in the year. You can buy marketsvery early and then cameto their empanadas,chutney, 'chittlins', duck, fish, weeklyor daily routesto sell to the mangoes,fatback, and rockfish in our stores housewives.Refrigeration was not well today. Tobaccois decliningas the major developeduntil the 1930'sand then it crop and nurserystock and fruit standscan requiredelectricity or gas. The huckster be found all over the county. We havea soldfresh produce and sometimessold ice. very rich heritage,not only in architecture, The ice housesfound in several and history,but in the foodswe grow and communitieswere thriving businesses." eat."

"The canningof food in glassjars was a The Tricentennial Cook Book is divided summeractivity in mostPrince George's into sectionsrelated to typesof food, kitchens.Tomatoes were the most beginningwith Appetizers,Pickles and successfulbecause of their high acid Relish,and headedwith illustrationsof content.Beans, peas, peaches, pears, and Countyproperties. Helpful hints includea many otheritems were preservedthis way. buying guide for fresh vegetablesand fruits The county fair urgedthe ladiesto pack the and"6 Easy Stepsto the PerfectPie." jars in an attractiveway. Jams,jeliies, Includedare numerous charts for times relishes,and pickles were the prideof the requiredfor cookingmeat by various housewife." methods,suggestions for freezingprepared foods,an herb guide,quantities needed to "Commercialpreservation of food becamea serve100 people, first aid tips and"How to major industryin Maryland. Baltimorewas Convertto Metric System." Even if you the center,but therewere alsohuge canning alreadyhave this cookbook,buy anotherto plantson the EasternShore. The Baltimore give to a ftiend but mostly makea recipe harborwould be crowdedwith boats that reflectsour local heritage! bringing loadsof producefrom all around the ChesapeakeBay. The tin cansand label printing industriesgrew from this activity. Oysterswere cannedand shippedto the Midwest. Baltimorehad the rail androad systemto ship goodsquickly to the Chicago Additional holiday shopping and Midwest area. Sturgeonwas plentiful suggestionsare found later in andcaviar was a commercialitem also." this publication.

"As the countybecame more populatedand technologybecame more commonplacethe availabilityand preparationof food changed drastically.Frozen foods have replaced Minutes of Annual Meeting Prince George'sCounty Historical Society November 6,2000

The AnnualMembership meeting was heldon November6,2000 at RIP'sCountry Inn in Bowie. Forty threemembers and guestswere in attendance.

The following by-law amendmentwas approved: Section3. There shallbe a minimumof nine(9) and a maximumof fifteen(15) Directors. One third of the Directorsshall be electedat eachannual meeting.

The following officerswefe elected: President Lester Sweeting VicePresident JohnPetro Secretary JamesWolfe Treasurer JoyceUber Historian SusanPearl Editor SharonSweeting Mernbership PhyllisHerndon

The following directorswere elected: Term expiring 2003 Mildred Ridgley Gray Iris McConnell Andy Wallace Term expiring 2002 Anna Holmes EugeneRoberts Term expiring2001 Lynn Roberts SarahBourne

EugeneMeyer, author of Maryland Lost and Found--Again, andwriter for the WashingtonPost was the speakerfor the evening.He remindedus all of the significanceof tobaccoin the early developmentof our countyand urgedthe Societyto take a leadershiprole in preservingthe history and artifactsfrom this importantagricultural industry.

Respectfullysubmitted

SarahBourne secretary , /l,,lJ.y ,9L,py;,,7

'fhe followingPGCIIS publicationsmay be purchasedat the Marietta Gift Shopor by rnail:

,4 Picftrial Histon, tt'Princc George'sL'ount.1, $42.95 4.00 s&h Imagcs ofAmericu: Prince (ieorgc's Crrunty 19.00 2.50 L'ulvert of'Mury,lund 6.95 2.00 I86I Murtenet Atlus ofPrince George'sL'ounty 10.00 2.50 1878Hopkins Atlus of Prince Georgc'sL'oun9, 7.00 2.50 Index tf'L'hurch Registcrs-volumes I & II 18.00ea 2.50 Out ufthe Pust-Prince (iertrl;euns& their Pust 20.00 2.50

Pleasemake check (including shipping and handling) payable to PGCHS andmail to PGCHS POBox 14 RiverdalePark, Maryland 20738-00 I 4

Mrryland HistoricalSociety Assumes Leadership of the BaltimoreCivil War Museum

The MarylandHistorical Society has assumed the Civil War Museum'slease from the City ol'Baltirnore Locatedin the historicPresident Street Station in the InnerHarbor East, the rnuseumwill continueits regularoperation under the administrationof theMHS.

The 1849train stationhouses a permanentexhibition addressing Baltimore during the Civil War, includingthe role cf the railroadin the transportationof the slavesescaping to the North The BCWM tellsstories that arecritically important to an understandingof Maryland's pastand oflbrs a lascinatingperspective on the state'sunique geographical and philosophical position.balanced between the North andthe South. The MHS hashad an importantrelationship with the BCWM sinceits opening,with manyof the itemsdisplayed on loantiom MHS. The relationshipwill be beneficialto both institutions

The BCWM is openTuesday to Sunday lOAM to 5PM. Admissionis $2.00per person;tours maybe arranged. MHS website-www.mdhs. ors Prince George'sCounty Historical Society Holiday Heritage Calendar

I)ecember

l-31 l4th ArurualFestival of Lights WatkinsRegional Park 5-9:30PM 3Ol-699-2456 Free

t-2-3 CandlelightTours MariettaMansion 6-8:30PM 301-464-5291 $S

2-3 CandlelightTours BelaireMansion 301-809-3088 $$

I-10 Gingerbreadl{ouse Show Darnall'sChance F{ouse Museum l2-4 PM 301-952-8010 $$

3- CandlelightConcert SeasonalFavorites St.Barnabas Church 4 PM 301-249-5000

J Holiday HospitalityDay Bowie Train Station& HuntinglonMuseum l2-4PM 301-809-3088 Free

6-9 CandlelightTours MontpelierMansion 6-9 PM 301-953- I 376 $S

7&28 Holiday Tea BelairMansion 4PM 301-809-3088$$

8- The Tailor of Gloucester PublickPlayhouse l0 & I 2N 301-277-17 l0 $$

9- SantaClaus Fly-In CollegePark Aviation Museum l2-4 301-864-6029$

l0 TammerlinConcert HarmonyHall RegionalCenter 2PM 301-203-6070 $$

10&17 CandlelightTours BillingsleyHouse Museum 3-7 30l-627 -0730 $S

l3 BaroqueArtists - Harpsicordand Flute HarmonyHall RegionalCenter 2PM 301-203-6070

14-17 A ChristmasCorol PublickPlayhouse 8 PM 301-277-1110 $$

l6- l8 CandlelightTours SurrattHouse Museum 509PM 301-868-I l2l SS

27 -29 Holidaysat Riversdale RiversdaleHouse Museum l2-4 301-864-0420 $$ DorllQnpontnn E^plonn, thn Mong Fo.nl,of MonglonJ

'Ame'ico LJpJotnJ,lllurtnot.J EJition Frnthnn, \TonJnnlurt fon in Miniotune'

"Not for nothing has Maryland been called 'America in Miniature,"'writes Eugene L. Ivleyer in the introduction to Marylnnd Lost and Faund...Again. Tor to write about lvlaryland is to write about America." WashingtonPost reporter Meyer directs a tour across'The Free State'that's part love letter, part oral history, part obiruary as he explores what makes N{arvland special, the people who make it unique, and the places and iivelihoods that have lanished over the years. The whole of the American experience is found wiftin the state's borders and benveen tfre covers of this updated book megalopolis, Appalachia, the Chesape:rkeBa,v, the Deep South, the industrial North, rich farmland, a major port., the nation's capital, and the primary car and rail routes carrying L,astCoast interstate traffic. "If you want to discover a little bit of America," wrote a Richmond Timzs- D*patch reviewer upon the original publication of Maryl^a.ndLost andFound (Johns Hopkins, 1986), "...Meyer can help...he writes with an experienced insight into both the history and the layered surroundings of Maryland." The state emerges entire: 'lltaryland colorful and passionate caprures my heart the way Arnerica does: Its rich diversity of and fi.rll of character, people, lifesryles,and landscapes are such that it is impossible ever to be a collection of gntty, blas6 or bored by it," the author said. "It is an endlessly fascinating, and indomitable individuals. " endearing, place." Anne Tvler NIeyernoted that while there existed books about certain sections of the srale,rhe lack of a state-wideperspective created a void in the literature that 'The book's strength lies his experience and wriring could help fi"ll. - qI in its interesting rrznted to give read,ersa strong senseof place about Maryland, whether characters." they live here or are merely visiting," he said. Southqn Liuing Ileyer's work has narice been nominated for the Puliuer Prize. The Washington-Bahimore Newspaper Guild awarded him ia top prize for local reporting in 1999 and 1995, and for commentary and criticism in 1996. He was a Washington PostDuke Fellow in 1985 and the 1991 James Thurber Journalist-in-Residence at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. iv{eyerlives in Silver Sprirg, Maryland, with his wife and son. VOCDI-IOLME Maryland Lost and Frund..Again HO PUBLI Eugene L. Meyer ISBN1€91521-0&X /$15.95 / 288pp. / Illustrated/ Paper

131Village Square1 Nl boohsaaailabl.e through Koen Booh Distributors, Ia00-2573481, Village of CrossKeys Baltimore,MD 21210 WashingtonBook Distibutorc, HOM 99-91 I 3, 410.532 .5018 or Woodholm,eHouse, 1a004884051 410.532.9741rex PrinceCeorge's Counry H isrorical Sociery Non-Profit Org Post Office Box 14 U S Postegc Paid Riverdale1 Maryland ro738-oor4 Rivcrdalc.Ml) PcrmitNo l94t

.I'H 't HOURS OF OPERA'TION l.oc Ar't o N o F t_S(X t. I-\ Lrbrary Saturday,sl2 - 4 P|-1 anddunng special events T-heSocrety rs locatedat Marretta.5(rl6 Call 3U-464-0590 tlell StattonRoad, rn ( ilerrnt)alc. \{l). oll Route I 9J. near Routc 4 50 I hrsrs a ManettaTours -Fnday, I I - I, Sundav. facrlrty of rhe l'v'tarylarrd\atronal [)ark arrtJ 12- 4 - andby appointment- Plannrng('

Featuresa wide selectionof books,gtfts, toysand smallantiques OpenFriday, Saturdayand Sunday, 12 -4 PM and - MARIETTA. Ar duringspecial events Call l0l -4fi- ).1 0590 ;'n ll/ashington, D.C