The 29th Division Association, representing over 2,000 members, has expressed its unwavering support for the Chestertown community’s efforts to prevent the demolition of the historic Chestertown Armory. The association believes the armory is a cherished piece of history that deserves to be preserved for its significance and legacy.
The 29th Infantry Division, also known as the “Blue and Gray Division” with their motto “Twenty-nine, Lets Go!”, is an infantry division of the United States Army based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This division is currently a formation of the Army National Guard. Exploits of the 29th Infantry Division has been featured numerous times in popular media, particularly for its role on D-Day. The division’s actions on Omaha Beach are featured prominently in the 1962 film The Longest Day, as well as in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan.
The Chestertown Armory played a pivotal role during World War II as it trained and deployed US Army MEDICOS to treat and evacuate the wounded during fierce frontline actions. These medics from the 29th Infantry Division, 115th Infantry Regiment, Company G, later participated in the great D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, Normandy. Unarmed and under heavy fire, they risked their lives to provide first aid to the wounded, earning numerous Silver, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart citations for their bravery.
The armory is named after Sgt. John H. Newnam, a native son of Chestertown and WWII hero affectionately known as “Blimp.” His dedication to serving his nation, community, and family is commemorated through the posthumous dedication of the Armory in his name in 1993.
Another decorated local WWII hero from the armory was 1st Sgt. Edward Ringgold Elburn for whom the drill hall was named in his honor during 1993. Sgt. Elburn was pivotal in maintaining the armory and supporting its role as a community social hub during his 30 plus years as company clerk and caretaker.
Despite its historical and cultural importance, the Chestertown Armory has faced challenges, including the proposed demolition by Washington College in 2022. This proposal aims to build a new boutique hotel on the site, potentially providing economic benefits to the community at the expense of a piece of history.
However, the 29th Division Association aligns with a group of community advocates, including local preservation architect Thomas Kocubinski, who believe that progress and preservation can coexist harmoniously. The association urges decision-makers to find a balanced approach that embraces progress without erasing the armory’s rich history by demolition.
The association commends Preservation Magazine for featuring an article that highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Chestertown Armory. This support from Preservation Magazine underscores the importance of safeguarding this historic site for future generations.
For more information about the 29th Division Association’s efforts or to learn more about the Chestertown Armory, please contact:
Thomas Kocubinski, AIA
Beryl Smith says
It never ceases to amaze me that this “cultural” white elephant continues to draw the efforts of a few luddites that do not seem to want progress. Let’s face it–this is an ugly building that is in poor reoair and hazardous to life due to its mold. A past president of the college accepted this “gift” and now the community is stuck with it due to the intransigence of a few people who just will not let go. Let’s face it, Washington College is an educational institution without the funds to do what is suggested to help the building to limp along for a few years until the mold retakes the building. If funds must be used to help a building to exist then perhaps this same cadre of citizens ought to think about what happens to the community if the college dies. If they are so intent on extending the so-called life of the building then let them come up with the dollars that are needed or else work with the college to find a way to acknowledge the history that was made on those “hallowed” grounds. There is true history there but hard to see in just a building without education.
George Jamar says
We saved the one in Denton Md.
Marguerite Long says
I agree 100% with Beryl Smith!
This issue should be resolved asap.
Stop wasting time on it. Let’s go forward, not backward.
Kurt Douglass says
anyone else wanna beat this dead horse!?!? get it out now – then let’s move forward! step back and allow for progress or put money where your mouth is and buy the building and let it continue to wallow in it’s lackluster glory (and mold). enough of this! allow the college to move forward and help build a solid community infrastructure. history is just that – history… move on!
Veronica Aseltine says
Save the,Armory. Keep and respect our history. American flock to Europe to see historical sight and advocate the demolition of what is here.