History does not stand still for Chestertown. Washington College Academy of Lifelong Learning will feature a specialist in Maryland history and American Architecture, Bayly Janson-LaPalme, Ph.D., at its Learn-at-Lunch on Wednesday January 15.
Janson-LaPalme will recount how a number of fires which occurred between the late 1800s and the late 1900s transformed the center of Chestertown, changing its texture and land use as the economy rapidly shifted from the horse to the automobile. Dr. Janson-LaPalme, a Chestertown resident, is Professor Emerita of Catonsville Community College and has advanced degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland.
Chestertown was a thriving town of 3,000 people at the turn of the century. The 100 and 200 blocks of South Cross Street were mainly industrial—two large carriage manufacturing firms dominated the intersection of Cross and Cannon in 1898. Livery stables and blacksmith shops were located on the 100 block of North Cross, at the depot, and adjacent to the 300 block of High Street. The retail district was along the west side of the 200 and 300 blocks of High Street. The “best” retail area was the 300 block with its mixture of clothing shops, drug stores, meat markets, and general stores. Fires forced change.
Learn more at the luncheon. Reservations required. The program will be at noon at Hynson Lounge, Hodson Hall. Members – $15, Non members – $20. For more information call (410) 778-7221.
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