E is for East New Market, Maryland

E is for East New Market, Maryland. 

I only had to drive 1 ½ hours to reach another delightful town which holds some more of Maryland’s fascinating history.  East New Market (click here for a map) is located in Dorchester County.  It was incorporated in 1832, has a population of 400, and covers an area of 0.4 square miles.  The town was originally settled in 1660 and is home to architecture depicting design from three different centuries.   One of the interesting things about this town is at each of the four entrances to the town stands a church.  

East New Market was the first town to receive the designation as a Historic District in Dorchester County by the State of Maryland.  Not only is it registered as a National Historic District, the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Additionally, in 1803, the word "East" was added to the town’s title with the establishment of a post office.  The change was made by the U.S. Postal Service to distinguish it from the town of New Market in Frederick County, Maryland.   

Now about my memorable experience.  As I was researching the town, I came across an article which read about a VERY historical event which occurred in this town in October 2014.  What was the event you ask?  I am afraid you will have to remain in suspense a little while longer.  However, I will tell you it was an event which was a long time in the making and should have come to fruition a lot sooner than in 2014.  On to my story…..

I arrived to East New Market wanting to at least drive by a few of the historical homes in the town.  Unfortunately, if they were not currently occupied by residents, they were abandoned and locked up, or they were used in another capacity (storage facility).  So, I drove by “Buckland”, the “Edmondson House”, the “Brick Hotel”, and “Friendship Hall”. 

Buckland (circa 1740).  This house has significance for several reasons:

“"Buckland" is a rare structure for the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  First, the two-story, center hall house is a rare survival of eighteenth-century construction with intact layers of flush beaded weatherboards and superb interiors of raised panel carpentry.  Second, the overall shape of the house follows a "salt-box" form, a type of structure uncommon to Dorchester County and the Eastern Shore in general.  The long sloping rear shed covered small rooms probably used as chambers or service spaces.  Perhaps the most noted interior feature not found in many eighteenth-century Eastern Shore frame dwellings is the sophisticated ceiling plaster decoration.  Also, "Buckland" is clearly the oldest frame building to remain standing in East New Market. Its preservation was undoubtedly due to many reasons, but its superior construction on a well ventilated high foundation has prevented major failure of the substructure.  "Buckland" is thought to have been erected to face the old road, now Railroad Avenue, which was originally developed during the seventeenth century from an Indian trading path."

Edmondson House (circa 1799).  So, there is a pretty interesting story with regards to this house.  In short: 

 “[Back] in 2002, the current owner of the “Edmonson House” was in the process of renovating an upstairs bedroom and after remaining panels from the walls, he began scraping the paint and underneath he found approximately 30 signatures written on the wall, circa 1835-1837.  Some of names were local to the area while others were from out of state.  In addition to names, counties, states, and dates were included for several names.

The “Edmonson House” is approximately 600 feet from “Friendship Hall”, the home of Thomas Holliday Hicks Maryland's Governor from 1858 to 1862.  Local historians had heard of a tunnel behind the “Edmonson House” which, reportedly, connected the house to Friendship Hall.  Local legend stated the tunnel had been used on the Underground Railroad and the “Edmonson House” was once owned by Quakers.  The Quaker connection, along with the proximity to the Delaware border made the connection to the Underground Railroad very possible.  Many of the names were difficult to read due to their age and the poor lighting conditions in the room.  After moving a large bookcase from the short wall immediately to the right of the doorway, several more names were discovered.”

There is so much more regarding the historical background of these signatures in the “Edmondson House” article – I would encourage each of you to open the link and discover the rest for yourself. 

The Brick Hotel (circa 1787).  The “Brick Hotel” was once known as the “House of the Hinges”.  Colonel Joseph Daffin, a merchant, built the house between 1796 and 1798. He and his wife both died in 1798. It also belonged to Major Anthony Manning, an Officer of the War of 1812.  There are many fine period architectural details still existing in the “Brick Hotel”.  The structure got its interesting name "House of the Hinges" because of an unusual set of hinges found on a meat house at the rear of the building.  Unfortunately, since the set of hinges were not available for public viewing, I will never know what was so unusual about them.  Additionally, the house boasts a 1 ½ story "kitchen wing” (my dream kitchen).

Friendship Hall (circa 1783).  This house left me captivated.  I had to drive down a little driveway and when I reached the end of the drive, I was humbly greeted by an impressive, no…REGAL! dwelling.  I anxiously wanted to view the interior, but it is currently in a restoration phase by its current owner and not eligible for touring.  A description of this home, taken from “Souvenir Program of the North Dorchester Heritage Festival, June 5-11, 1955” reads:

“Major James Sullivane came to America [from England] with his two brothers about 1695 and settled here on the Eastern Shore.  Major James purchased land for the sum of $600.00 and built a brick mansion named "Friendship Hall".  Friendship Hall was the scene

of much of the splendid hospitality so characteristic of the colonial period.  The owner had a private racetrack and kept a number of fast horses for riding and driving.  The house itself was elaborately decorated, with crown moldings in each room and one with Greek key letter molding.  Paneled fireplaces extend to the ceiling, and paneled inside doors with brass box locks, are still the marvel of visitors today who go through the ancient rooms.  Friendship Hall remains one of the most beautiful remaining examples of colonial Dorchester.  The early owners and their descendants occupied high positions, and intermarried with some of the most noted families in the state.”

By now, you are probably wondering when I am going to talk about this 2014 historical event I mentioned earlier, right?  I apologize, but now it is time for lunch.  I ask that you accompany me to the “Hometown Pride Market and Deli” for a sandwich.  And what a delicious sandwich it was!  When I arrived, I found the store to be charming.  It was a combination grocery store/liquor store/scaled down Office Depot/copying room/deli all rolled into one.  The people who worked there, along with the customers, could not have been friendlier.  I was greeted with smiles, welcomes, and a little bit of conversation.  The sincerity of everyone and the “feel good” surroundings made my veggie sandwich taste even better.  I actually wrote down what I had on the sandwich so I could replicate it.  It was not a regular sandwich.  It started out with bread, lettuce, and tomato and it was built from there. 

So, here we are in the point of my adventure where I now talk about the 2014 event.  The event actually is a result of Harriet Tubman’s sacrifices she made for her family and friends.  For 200 years until 1864, Maryland sanctioned slavery.  Harriet Tubman was born a slave in Dorchester County in 1822 and successfully escaped to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1849.  Wanted by law enforcement and slave catchers, she returned to Maryland 13 times repeatedly to rescue 70 of her enslaved family and friends.    Harriet used the network of people, places, and routes assisting escaping slaves reach freedom, which was known as the Underground Railroad (named after the new steam railroads and using terms such as “passengers” and “conductors). 

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is a “National Road,” which means it has been designated one of the country’s best byways for its historic and cultural value. The Byway also includes the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument, lands designated by President Obama in 2013.  The 125-mile Byway includes more than 30 sites.   One of those sites is the Faith Community United Methodist Church in East New Market – the second oldest church in Dorchester County.  In October 2014, there was a ceremonial ribbon cutting and an historical marker placed in front of the church to confirm the church’s inclusion in the Harriet Tubman Byway.

As history tells, Samuel Green, born around 1802, was an African-American slave, freedman, and minister.  According to historical data, he helped Harriet Tubman and other runaway slaves reach freedom.  In 1843 a free black woman, Sarah Young, deeded land to seven free black trustees, including the Rev. Samuel Green.  Rev. Green and the original church trustees established the Colored People’s Methodist Episcopal Church in August 1844, in East New Market.  That church, now the Faith Community United Methodist Church, is he second structure to house this continuously active congregation. The original church site has recently been reacquired by the congregation.

Rev. Green was arrested in 1857, not for aiding the Underground Railroad but for having a copy of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” considered an “inflammatory” abolition document. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.  Abolitionists called for his release and slaveholders called for his incarceration.  He was released in 1862 and, after a stint in Canada, returned to Dorchester County where he was an active member of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church until his death in 1877.

Per Lay speaker Michelle Nichols said [on the day of the 2014 ceremony]:
     "On behalf of our pastor, the Rev.Beverly Holland, we are excited about what God has done.  We're honored to partake of this occasion 
       and be here to witness the fruits of the labor of this committee.  It's remarkable to have such a prominent piece of history here and a
       marker that will be here for generations to come so that our children and our children's children will learn and understand our history. 
       We are part of a rich legacy and history.  It's so important to pass that along."

Sometimes experiences and discoveries in towns like these will leave you awestruck.  I enjoy knowing a lot more about a town’s “days-gone-by” and knowing I had been standing on the same spot where significant, historical events occurred.  It leaves me with a deeper appreciation and admiration for the people in our past who shaped the history of this country. 

D is for Deal Island, Maryland

D is for Deal Island, Maryland.   Making the 2 ½ hour drive to the town I personally nicknamed “Mayberry by the Bay” was not difficult at all (click here for a map).  My interest in visiting this town was prompted by wanting to see one of the few remaining working Skipjacks left in the world.  You are probably wondering what a Skipjack is, right?  Ah, you are just going to have to wait!

Deal Island is a Census Designated Place (CDP), which is a populated area lacking a separate municipal government, but which otherwise physically resembles incorporated places.  It is located in Somerset County and is included in the Salisbury, Maryland statistics.  Deal Island has a population of 471 and covers an area of 5.4 square miles - 3.2 square miles of it is land and 2.1 square miles of it is water.  Historically, it was known as Deal’s, Deil’s and Devil’s Island.  At least one source also attributes these nicknames to the area’s use by pirates.  

I found to be this to be an accurate description of Deal Island:  Deal Island is one of the last Bay type water and land mosaics on the East Coast left unblemished and untouched by the sprawl of modernism.

As I got a bit of a late start on my journey, lunch was the first order of business when I got to Deal Island.  I read earlier there were two restaurants to choose from, so I decided on a place called “Arby’s General Store”. 

Arby’s is a three part store – beer/bait/tackle; restaurant; bar located across from the newly-refurbished public marina.  As I found out, it is not only the “comings-and-goings” of the Maryland eastern shore fishermen and the trappings of a real fishing village that makes this place special, it is the food.  Arby’s has a varied menu with excellent food at modest prices.  It is a great place to eat if you are going on a fishing charter or you have a boat you are launching from the marina/boat ramp across the street.  As it was lunchtime when I got there, I was hoping to see some of the fisherman unloading their catch as I got to the restaurant.  I did, but not until I finished eating.

Initially, I was the only person in the restaurant-bar area (“areas 2 and 3” of the establishment).  About 10 minutes later, I saw some fisherman walking over from their recently docked boats.  The woman acting as cook/waitress/busboy/barkeep motioned me to sit down where a menu was already on the table.  As always on my visits to these small towns, I wanted to order something local.  As I am a fish/no red meat/no chicken eater, I settled on a Crab Burger (with no bun), which was described as crab meat, spices, and cheese.  In my mind, I’m thinking I would be getting something similar to a crab cake.  Wouldn’t you?  What I actually got was a hamburger patty, topped with crab meat, spices, and cheese!  BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!  I simply ate everything but the hamburger - it was still delicious and filling.  Lesson learned – ensure you know what you are really getting before you order!

As I was getting ready to leave, an older gentleman walked by, smiled, said “hi”, and continued on back to the beer/bait/tackle area of the store.  Since water was sold back there, I decided to check out “area 1” and make a purchase.  I complimented him on his hat (Bacon Lover) and he proceeded to have a conversation with me – beginning with the history of the hat.  I found out his name was Arby – the owner of the store(s).  He was extremely proud to tell me he has been working in the store for 31 years.  He was born in the house that once stood in the backyard of the store and lived in there until 2003 when Hurricane Isabel struck and generously deposited 20 inches of water in the house, condemning the structure.  It was then demolished and he moved about a block down the road.  He joked the move increased his commute time, but he has a better view of the Bay.  As I was talking to him, locals kept coming in, friendly “hello’s” were thrown about (by name), and if someone wanted to exchange something (i.e., lures) or return something, he would always add on an imaginary “Restocking Fee” to the refund.  Arby was extremely entertaining with his stories – I could have easily listened to what he had to talk about for many more hours. 

However, I needed to start my adventure and at this point I asked Arby about the Skipjack.  Before I continue with what Arby had to tell me, here is a brief description of a Skipjack (per Wikipedia):

"The Skipjack is a traditional fishing boat used on Chesapeake Bay for oyster dredging.  It is a sailboat which succeeded the Bugeye as the chief oystering boat on the bay, and it remains in service due to laws restricting the use of powerboats in the Maryland state oyster fishery.  Due to state laws, the boat has no motor (other than for the windlass).  Most skipjacks were eventually modified with stern davits to hold a dinghy or pushboat to allow motorized travel as permitted by law. The Skipjack arose near the end of the 19th century.  Dredging for oysters, prohibited in 1820, was again made legal in 1865. Boats of the time were unsuitable, and the Bugeye was developed out of the log canoe in order to provide a boat with more power adapted to the shallow waters of the oyster beds.  The Bugeye was originally constructed with a log hull, and as the supply of appropriate timber was exhausted and construction costs rose, builders looked to other designs. They adapted the Sharpies of Long Island Sound by increasing the beam and simplifying the sail plan. The result was cheaper and simpler to construct than the Bugeye, and it quickly became the predominant oystering boat in the bay.

Maryland's oyster harvest reached an all-time peak in 1884, at approximately 15 million bushels of oysters.  The oyster harvest has since declined steadily, especially at the end of the 20th century.  The size of the fleet has likewise declined. New Skipjacks were built as late as 1993, but a change in the law in 1965 allowed the use of motor power two days of the week.  As a result, few of the boats are operated under sail in commercial use; instead, a pushboat is used to move the Skipjack, and little dredging is done except on the days power is allowed.  At one time, the number of Skipjacks produced is estimated at approximately 2,000; today, they number about 40 with less than half of them in active fishing.  The future of the fleet remains in doubt as efforts continue to restore the productivity of the oyster beds.  The Skipjack was designated the state boat of Maryland in 1985".
 

Arby told me there was a Skipjack located across the street in the marina.  Her name is Fannie L. Daugherty which was built in 1904.  She is one of the 35 surviving traditional Chesapeake Bay Skipjacks and a member of the last commercial sailing fleet in the United States.  He continued to tell me Skipjacks are not permitted to harvest oysters until 1 November whereas the smaller boats are permitted to harvest on 1 October.  Arby also told me there was another Skipjack nearby.  He took me outside, pointed across the harbor, to the tall mast in the distance.  Arby told me the Skipjack named City of Crisfield (built in 1949) is captained by Captain”Daddy Art” Daniels, a 93 year old Skipjack captain who is the oldest captain still working the Chesapeake.  I asked Arby if he thought Captain Daniels may be over at the Skipjack so I could talk with him, but Arby said probably not because it was getting quite warm out.  We finished the conversation with Arby telling me about the Annual Skipjack Race occurring on Labor Day Weekend where usually 7 or 8 Skipjacks would be racing.  This year would be the 56^th year for this spectacular annual event and it is hosted by the Deal Island Chance Lions Club.  I told him it would be a strong possibility I would be back for the event, thanked him for his hospitality, and walked across the street to see the Fannie L. Daugherty.  I also wanted to see if any boats were coming back with crabs.

The Fannie L. Daugherty was beautiful!  Remembering she was built in 1904, she looked practically new and it was evident she was well taken care of.  The mast was beyond impressive and I can only imagine the sight of her when she is in full sail.  As I was snapping pictures of her, a commercial fishing/crabbing boat pulled into the docks.  I made my way over to the boat and saw it had quickly docked and the fishermen were unloading countless crates and bushels of crabs onto the back end of a pick-up truck.  Lots and lots of Chesapeake crabs!!!!  The driver then got in the truck and drove away.  The entire operation (likely, routine) was over in what seemed like a few short minutes.

I had one more stop to make – The Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA).  On the way, I passed “The Deals’s Island 1908 Bank Building”, which is For Sale by Owner.  I also passed a church with a sign out front reading, “The John Wesley Restoration Project”.  After careful research, I found a short article in addition to a Facebook post, which read:

An article written in February 2013 about this church and cemetery:  “John Wesley United Methodist exhibits some greater past that’s been forgotten, neglected.  The church was once a cornerstone of the African American community on the island, but declining membership caused it to be shuttered, and a decade of neglect shows in the glass-less windows, and the cracked and waterlogged cemetery vaults.  A restoration effort appears not to have picked up much steam.”

Facebook post:  "Efforts are under way to help preserve the only remaining African American Church, on Deal Island, Maryland.  This Church is in desperate need of repair and if we don't act now the building will fade away."

I was able to roam around the small church yard and found some graves in the adjoining cemetery to be those of fallen Soldiers.  Sadly, there were also some small torn flags lying about the grave sites.  It would be wonderful if the grounds could be cleaned up in the near future.

On to the WMA.  What is the WMA, you ask?  Here is a little information about it:

"Expanses of tidal marsh, frequently broken by open water, characterize most of the habitat of this WMA. The 13,000 acre property also contains forested wetlands and a 2,800-acre man-made pond or "impoundment."  The water insects and crustaceans, as well as the abundance of Wigeongrass, Horned Pondweed and other favorite waterfowl foods makes Deal Island one of the best places in Maryland to watch, photograph and hunt ducks and geese.  [Basically] ducks, geese, swans! Waterfowl are the featured performers on Deal Island.  Many, many species of waterfowl, in all their colorful splendor, nest, feed, and migrate through this area.  Deal Island also supports one of the largest concentrations in the state of Herons, Egrets and Ibis.  One of Maryland's only breeding population of Black-Necked Stilts thrive here. The rare Eurasian Wigeon, a type of duck, is frequently seen in the large flocks of American Wigeon that spend the winter in Maryland".

I read you could park and walk the gravel/dirt road into the area.  However, the area began immediately as you turned off of the main road and there was not a parking lot I could find, so I decided to drive the one lane road.  I found the reeds and Cattails came right up to the sides of the road I was traveling, so if another car was coming from the opposite direction it would be a VERY tight squeeze and a very strong possibility one of us would probably go into the watershed!  Luckily, I was alone on the small road the entire time and what an experience.  I had the entire WMA to myself!  Cranes, Loons, and even a couple of Bald Eagles held my gaze along with plenty of Red Wing Blackbirds.  I never saw a Baltimore Oriole, though.  I have always hoped to see one since moving to Maryland, but never had the luck.  I read Orioles were pretty prevalent in the WMA, but they must have been playing an Away Game today!!!  I quietly drove the road for roughly ½ hour, was able to find a place to successfully turn around, and got back on the main road to head home.  I wish I could have stayed longer, but then I always do when I visit these types of places.  I “will” be back, though!

Earlier, I mentioned I personally nicknamed Deal Island “Mayberry by the Bay”.   The people were down-to-earth, charming, and friendly - I was made to feel welcome by everyone I came in contact with.  The slower/relaxed pace of life on the Bay is something not many people will ever get to experience, and I feel fortunate I had the rare chance to be afforded this opportunity.  Deal Island is definitely a hidden gem worth exploring!    

In memory of my friend Tom – a model Soldier and family man I had the honor and privilege to serve with.

 

 

 

 

C is for Clear Spring, Maryland

16 May 2015
C is for Clear Spring, Maryland.  It took a little more than 1 ½ hours for me to drive to this little gem and I was very anxious to see this town, which I eventually found to have a very old-time, and somewhat Mayberry feel to it.  I was even more anxious to see this town as I discovered the National Pike Festival was going to be celebrated today.  Each May, this celebration occurs because Clear Spring was a gateway on a 300 mile wagon train route back in the 1800s. The festival includes a wagon train reenactment covering 40 miles of this route.  Before I continue with this and the rest of my experiences in Clear Spring, I’ll provide a brief description of the town.

Clear Spring was founded in 1823 (you blink and you’re through it) and is located in Washington County roughly 12 miles from the Pennsylvania State line (click here for a map).  This town (incorporated in 1836) has a population of 358 people and covers an area of 0.11 square miles.  One of the interesting things about this town is it houses Washington County Public Schools' Academy of Agricultural and Environmental Science - a program available to any student enrolled in Washington County Public Schools regardless of their home district.

So, how did Clear Spring get its name?  I only bring this up because I ran across a little sign pointing to the spring the town was named for.  Well, this spring just got added to my list of things to see in this town.  When I reached the spring, I was surprised to see it was just a concrete path guiding the flow of water.  However, today it was “standing”, not flowing.  I really wanted to see where it originated, but I was bordering private property, so I didn’t continue my search.  It must have been significant, though, as this town was named after this spring.  Per the Washington County Historical Trust:

 “The clear spring still flows at the foot of Fairview Mountain on the south side of what first was called the Bank Road.  Now Route 40, it once was dirt and gravel highway to the west that completed the connection between Baltimore and Cumberland by 1823.  At Cumberland, it joined the National Pike, which went west from there.  Having the spring close to the road made this an appealing place for coaches and wagons to stop and refresh both travelers and teams.  A sign directs the passerby to a double walkway between 109 and 111 Cumberland Street.  Back behind the houses, the spring emerges from beneath a stone bulwark and flows into a concrete basin.  It then proceeds across backyards in an irregular path of man-made channels.  Still as cool and appealing as it must have been 150 years ago, the spring is now accompanied by a sign warning that it should not be tasted.”

Now, off to discover the festival where I was actually a little more interested in finding the wagon train.  I read it would momentarily stop at the Wilson Store at a specific time (on this day) and I was very close to meeting the timeline.  As part of the festivities, the one room school house (Wilson School) would be open for a self-guided tour, as well. 

Here come the wagons!!! 

VERY impressive!  Everything from horses and approximately 15 covered wagons, to a stage coach were there – even a few Confederate soldiers.  Held every year since 1989, this fun-filled community event provides visitors with an authentic wagon train experience (highly reminiscent to the 1800s era) during the time when Western Maryland was a frontier and everyone relied on wagons and horses.  As mentioned earlier, the route was 300 miles.  It was created by the Federal Government eventually to become known as the National Pike.  Per Wikipedia:

” The National Road (also known as the Cumberland Road) was the first major improved highway in the United States to be built by the Federal Government.  About 620 miles (1,000 km) long, the National Road connected the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and was a gateway to the West for thousands of settlers.  When rebuilt in the 1830s, the Cumberland Road became the first U.S. road surfaced with the Macadam process pioneered by Scotsman John Loudon McAdam.

In 2000, the James Shaull Wagon Train Foundation was formed.  According to the foundation’s website, the name was given in honor of James “Jimmy” Shaull, who was a farmer of Belgian horses and was Wagon Master for the National Pike Festival in 2000.  Unfortunately, Shaull died shortly afterward in a tractor accident. 

The wagon train does not cover all 300 miles – only 40 of the miles.  I should also tell you that unless you are part of the reenactment team with your own wagon and horses, you don’t actually get to ride on the wagon train - you only get to be a spectator.  To get an idea of what one of the modern day participants went through, this is an excerpt from a 2010 Herald Mail Media interview with Ms. Jeanne Ward of McConnellsburg, PA:

“Wagons roll in all night that first Friday, as the group stays together in Clear Spring, before preparing to head out early Saturday morning. The nearly 40-mile trip takes the wagons through Clear Spring and right through the center of Hagerstown before heading to Funkstown to the encampment, where they stay the night, before wrapping up the journey in Boonsboro the next morning.  However, everything in the process is required to be authentic, Ward said.  “We can’t have coolers showing and no cell phones.  It has to be all steel tires, no rubber tires on the wagons.  You can’t wear T-shirts with logos,” she said, adding that many people enjoy coming up to the wagons and looking inside.

Ward and her husband finally have a pair of matching Belgian horses to pull their wagon.  It is the campfires that Ward said she is looking forward to the most.  “I love the campfires in Funkstown.  We have harmonicas and banjos, and we sit around a big campfire and have music and food,” she said.  “It’s a really educational moment to come out and bring your children to see this. It’s history in the making,” Ward said. “It’s a real feel for how things were a long time ago.”

After spending a considerable amount of time looking at the wagon train and visualizing what it must have been like “back in the day,” I decided I wanted to explore the Wilson Store.  In working my way over to the store, I heard music playing and found a small group of people had formed who were playing mountain music.  One of the Confederate soldiers was playing the harmonica, as a couple of “civilians” were playing the guitar and banjo. 

It was extremely enjoyable – the mountainous background of the town, the music, and the sight of the wagon train threw me right back into yester-year.  I listened for a bit and when they took a break, I went into the store.  Wow!!!!  Check out this Pot Belly Stove!  And I never saw so much “penny candy” in my life!  There were abundant old time candy jars on the counter filled with to the brim with licorice, gumballs, caramels, and many other yummy treats.  Alexis was the store’s very happy salesperson and extremely helpful with answering everyone’s questions.  I stayed just long enough to look around to admire/appreciate all of the antiques and left to tour the one room schoolhouse located next door.

The Wilson School proved to be an interesting experience.  Built in 1855, the school was finally closed in the 1950s after being open 103 years.  At one time the school actually had as many as 50 students!  There was a “teacher” at the front of the room already discussing the history of the school as I walked in (I guess I was tardy), so I was not there for the entire lesson.  So, I’ve taken a little history about this school from the Wilson Village site:
 

“[The Wilson School] was a labor of love and produced by Rufus Wilson.  His wife and two of his children had died and he was reluctant to let his only remaining child, John, travel far to attend school.  He offered land next to his home and store to the county for a school.  Used by the Washington County Board of Education until 1955, it has been restored to such a magnificent extent, the visitors remark it looks as if the children had just gone out to recess and were expected back any minute.  Rows of old-fashioned wood and wrought-iron school desks are lined up inside the school room facing the school master’s or marm’s desk at front and center.  An old piano sits against one side wall.  A recitation bench – where students would wait to stand and recite their lessons – is in front of the blackboards.  Little hats and coats are hung in the area just inside the door.  A sleigh used to pull wood is propped against a wall.  Textbooks, a washbasin, and mirrors are at hand.  Even the dunce’s cap and stool sit waiting in a corner.”

 

After the teacher “dismissed” me, I decided I would drive over to the Windy Hill Restaurant to experience some local cuisine.  I was greeted by Ching,  

the manager, and was seated at one of the 10 tables in the restaurant.  As busy as he was, Ching couldn’t have been friendlier to everyone in the room.  He told me the Homemade Salmon Cake sandwich was very good, so that was good

enough for me.  As I was waiting for my sandwich, I began talking to the two ladies sitting at the table next to me until my food arrived.  They were Canadian tourists simply passing through on their way to Washington, DC.  When my sandwich arrived, it definitely did not disappoint!  Ching was “spot-on” with his recommendation.  I paid Ching, thanked him for his hospitality and recommendation, and left.

From there, I ventured over to the Knob Hall Winery – a very popular winery in Maryland.  It took just 15 minutes to drive there.  When I got there, I walked over to where some employees were setting up tables and chairs.  One individual saw me and asked if I was there for a wine tasting.  I told him, “no” and asked if I could just look around.  He happily said I could, but suggested I experience a wine tasting.  I nodded, “alright,” and he kindly motioned me towards the barn (where a few people were standing/working), instructed me to go over to the bar, and would be in momentarily.  Baxter, the establishment’s dog, showed me the way.  

When I got to the entrance of the barn, I wasn’t sure where the bar was located, so I asked a girl who was arranging papers and flowers on a table if she worked there.  She smiled and said, “no” – she was the BRIDE.  Ummmm……..wow!  Awkward!  I apologized and explained what had happened (and promised I wasn’t there to crash her wedding.)  She laughed, said, “no worries”, and politely pointed me in the direction of the bar.  When I got there, Amy (who I later found out was a tattoo model, as well as an employee of the vineyard) met with me and asked me to have a seat.  Every seat at the bar was open as I was the only one at this tasting.  Gee…..I wonder why!

Amy provided me with a brief history of the winery.  The 43 acres of land was in the family for over 200 years and they planted their first grapes in 2007.  They’ve won numerous awards for their wines as well – it’s THAT good.  The barn is used for events (see paragraph above), parties, bands, and wine tastings.  Amy told me one of her co-workers sometimes caters for the wine tastings.  Additionally, the house adjacent to the barn is partially used as a B&B.  So, on to the wine tasting.  For $5.00, I was able to taste 6 of their 15 available wines.  Amy described each one of them with great detail and was extremely helpful in answering my questions.  In the end, I bought a bottle of one of wines I tasted named Le Reve Rouge (French translation – “The Dream Red”), which Knob Hall nicknamed, “A Wine for Everyone.”  Amy explained this wine is for lovers of both red and white wine, and very few people do not care for the taste.   I thanked Amy for the education and excused myself before the wedding began.  As I was leaving, she suggested I go out back to see the Guinea Hens and Peacock roaming around.  Happily, I took her advice and remained back there looking at the beautiful birds for a few minutes before I drove home.

I found Clear Spring to be another pleasant, small town to visit.  I was excited to visit this town before I made my journey and the excitement never faltered.  Today, “I was a fly on the wall” in a town with tradition and a celebration of history both the local and neighboring population take pride in recognizing.  Simply put……Clear Spring is a little slice of life!