Page 9 - September 2021 Issue.indd

replacing one that infamously collapsed as busses and
carpooling teachers crossed in 1976, nearly giving us
our own version of the Mothman saga, foot traffi c is
directed down to the Wharves of Choptank Visitor and
Heritage Center. While the town of Denton certainly
meant well when the facility opened, it remains rather
sparse in terms of actual heritage-based content. It is
only a few years old, so in the future I hope there is far
more when it comes to local history brochures, artifacts
of archaeological significance from centuries of

documented Caroline settlements, other interpretative
materials or panels that promote our unique way of
life, and the merchandising of branded souvenirs or
locally-made products on display. One suggestion I Classic Cars • Vintage Cars • Barn Finds
have proffered is to house a replica of a Mason-Dixon (Especially Mustangs, Shelbys, and Convertibles)

Line marker as is done at a parallel visitor center on the
Maryland-Pennsylvania border outside of Gettysburg.
Our entire eastern boundary with Delaware is the Restored & Unrestored Finders
result of the survey work of the two men immortalized Running or Not Fee
by the line bearing their name; an authentic but craggy ANY CONDITION
crownstone is still standing and visible in Marydel. We Paid
so obviously should use this asset to our advantage and
the wharf building is an ideal place to do so.
¡“Žš—­ Ž¡©“ŒŽ $$$ CASH PAID
• Traveling up Market Street, visitors will encounter a

town center full of history. The current courthouse
building, specifically the front facade, dates back 410-320-7522

only to 1966 but the rear, if one circles the green, is

significantly older. That part was constructed in 1895, Any pictures can be emailed

replacing the 1797 original. When completing that to lightbd@comcast.net
same lap, hikers will also capture in their sightlines the
Museum of Rural Life, a display noting the location
of a speech President Roosevelt gave to a curious but myriad other would-be volunteers? I am not going to
skeptical crowd in 1938, a subtle tribute to Caroline sully the pages of the Caroline Review with speculation
County Hall of Fame first ballot inductee Max or gossip, but I will say the American Discovery Trail

Chambers [if such a shrine existed], an information passes directly in front of the tourism offi ce as the
kiosk, and the current Denton Town Hall. National route follows Legion Road, yet the ADT has never once

Park Service passport enthusiasts often visit the been mentioned in any official county literature, maps,

municipal office to obtain Underground Railroad or other similar opportunities despite polite repeated
rubber stamp impressions, another untapped tourism requests from multiple trail enthusiasts. Go fi gure. If
market yet to be acknowledged and exploited for readers care about our history and heritage whatsoever,
revenue. While tossing out suggestions, I would like I urge all relevant stakeholders in the county
to add that the kiosk itself is decades and decades old; government and various historical organizations be
it should have its own descriptive signage as well as petitioned so that more projects can be initiated and
much more content that promotes all Caroline County sustained. We should not be among the poorest and

has to offer instead of mostly outdated, misspelled, most isolated counties in the state: there is ample room
and weathered handbills made using a home printer. for growth or at the very least a tangible return on the
First impressions are everything, especially in the about $90,000 in local tax money the tourism offi ce
competitive world of tourist dollars. is annually allocated by our commissioners. I’ve done
more for years -- for free -- as have plenty others.
• It saddens me as a historian and as a county native with
verified Mid-Shore ancestry dating back to 1634 (we • Stepping down from my soapbox once again, I

landed at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1609, by the way) that thoroughly enjoyed walking through Andersontown
more is not done to showcase what the entire nation and Hobbs en route to the Delaware line. For whatever
should instantly recall about us any time our place reason, when we went to the beach as children, my
names and notables are mentioned. Why isn’t more father drove this way in our 1973 Chevrolet Caprice
accomplished or at least attempted despite a surplus convertible. We always looked forward to harassing

of source material and ideas offered by myself and each other over mini golf, go carts, and boardwalk
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