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Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label History Westminster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History Westminster. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Historical Society of Carroll County calendar of events March through December 2014

Historical Society of Carroll County calendar of events March through December 2014


MARCH 2014

TUESDAY, MARCH 11
Box Lunch Talk: Indentured Servitude 1646-1946

Indentured servitude, an English common law tradition, became prevalent throughout the American colonies and continued for centuries. In Carroll County, the last indentures were recorded in 1946. George Murphy examines the Carroll County Book of Indentures and explores what it tells us about the system’s lasting consequences. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
Past Times for Children: Businesses throughout Carroll County in the 1800s

There were many businesses that sprang up throughout the county during this time period. Children will learn about some of these businesses through creative play, stories, pictures, and activities that resemble the businesses. They will also create a business of their own. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29
Maryland and the Civil War: A Regional Perspective

Join HSCC and Carroll Community College for this annual one-day event examining Maryland's role in the Civil War and the war's impact on the state. Held at Carroll Community College. Registration includes general and concurrent sessions, continental breakfast and lunch. Details at www.carrollcc.edu/civilwar.

APRIL
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Box Lunch Talk: Carroll County Voices: At the Front and on the Home Front

The Fleagle family of Carroll County contributed four sons to the Union cause during the Civil War. Using wartime letters, photographs and artifacts, living historian Hilda Koontz provides a vivid account of the lives of those gallant soldiers and of the family that kept the home fires burning. The program is based on a collection of family letters lovingly preserved for 150 years. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Past Time for Children-No Class Scheduled-CCPS Spring Break

MONDAY, APRIL 28
Carroll County and the Civil War 1864 Exhibit-More details to come
MAY
SUNDAY, MAY 4
Historical SocieTea Tea & Tidbits

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we'll be celebrating linens and tableware of the 1930's. Sunday, May 4, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center
at Cockey's. 210 East Main Street, Westminster, Maryland. Cost: $35 members; $40 non-members. Food & Tea by Lora Andrews & Jo Fleck of Cup Tea Bar & Cafe & Gypsy's Tearoom. Call Marty at 410-848-6494 to make a reservation. Limited seating.

FRIDAY, MAY 9
Bus Trip - Spring

We will visit Nemours, the home of Alfred I. DuPont and his wife, Alicia, and the DuPont estate – Longwood Gardens. Visit our Bus Trips page for more details.

TUESDAY, MAY 13
Box Lunch Talk: How Much Do You Know About McDaniel College?

McDaniel College will soon celebrate its sesquicentennial. College Historian James Lightner will share a fast-paced look at the 147 years of the College’s development, from its founding as Western Maryland College in 1867 to the present day, focusing on personalities and changes in the campus, curriculum, and student life. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
Past Times for Children: Mary Shellman-The many faces of...

Mary Shellman was a Westminster native who organized, started, and ran various activities in the city. Children will come and explore her life through dramatic play, stories, activities and a craft. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

JUNE
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Box Lunch Talk: Manufacturing "Segars" in Manchester

As the nation's economy evolved during the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, Manchester found itself at a competitive disadvantage when it failed to attract a railroad line to serve the community. Manchester found a niche market, however, in manufacturing cigars at a time when smoking tobacco by "segars" became increasing popular throughout the nation. Joe Getty will explore this fascinating cottage industry in Manchester that thrived from the 1880s to the 1930s.
Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
Bus Trip - Summer

We will spend a day at two of Delaware’s most historic sites. First, we’ll visit New Castle, Delaware’s colonial capital and later we’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Pea Patch Island, site of Fort Delaware. See our Bus Trips page for more details.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Past Times for Children: County Fairs

Country Fairs sprang up all around the county in the 1800s. Competitions such as, “who has the biggest vegetable, who made the nicest dessert, or catch the greased pig and get to take it home!” were standard events. Join us and have your child enjoy the fun of a country fair! Your child will experience this through dramatic play, games, crafts, and races. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26
PM Connections



Mingle with local business leaders during our Chamber of Commerce event at the Historical Society! We thank Barnes Bollinger Insurance Services for sponsoring the Historical Society’s participation for June! PM Connections is a monthly program of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street, Westminster. Complementary food & beverages. RSVP by June 24 at 410-848-6494 ext. 200 or Marty@HSCCmd.org.

JULY
TUESDAY, JULY 8
Box Lunch Talk: 250 Years of Westminster History

In 1764 William Winchester developed a plan to sell 45 lots along “King Street” on a 16-acre portion of the northern end of “White’s level” on the main road to Baltimore Town. The “piece of ground” was to be called “Westminster.” Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of Westminster with local Baltimore Sun history writer Kevin Dayhoff as he traces the storied history of Westminster, the Carroll County seat of government. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Past Times for Children: Dyeing Clothes Using Nature

Have your child explore what nature has to offer in the way of dying various materials. Please have them wear clothes they aren't afraid to get messed up.
For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

AUGUST
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Hops in History

Did you know brewing is older than America?  Or that taverns were central to early Carroll County society?  Find out why during our first annual Hops in History festival!  Artisans from Carroll’s own Midnight Home Brewing Club will demonstrate early brewing techniques.  Guests may sample non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages brewed with ingredients used by our ancestors.  Many will surprise you!  For information, contact the Historical Society at 410-848-6494 ext. 202 or Fred@HSCCmd.org.  Proceeds benefit the Historical Society. Location will be the Historical Society Campus, 210 East Main Street, Westminster. Saturday, August 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (tentative.) Cost $25 per person.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
Box Lunch Talk: Wormseed Oil: Distilled in Carroll County

Carroll County farmers began growing wormseed—valuable for its curative oil– around 1840. Larry Haines discusses the intensive work, done by hand, to grow the crop. And Edwin Magin explains the distilling process that produced the oil.
Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Past Times for Children: Quilts

Many women made quilts with pieces of materials they had left over from other projects. These quilts became memory quilts to many people. The children will learn about various types of quilts and make their own. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Box Lunch Talk: Researching your War of 1812 Ancestor

Ever tried researching somebody from the generation of the War of 1812? It can be quite a challenge. Rebecca Koford will discuss records both outside and inside of the National Archives. The presentation also includes information about the digitization project to put the War of 1812 Soldiers' pensions online. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Antiques Appraisal Day

Want to sell Aunt Maude’s candelabra?  How about her book collection?  Find out what they might be worth at our 14th annual Antiques Appraisal Day where volunteer appraisers will evaluate up to three items.  For information, contact Linda at 410-848-6494 ext. 201 or Linda@HSCCmd.org.  Proceeds benefit the Historical Society. Location/Time TBD.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 & 17
Bus Tour-Overnight Trip

Overnight trip to Western, PA & Frank Lloyd Wright houses. More details coming soon!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Past Times for Children: Why did some towns grow and others fade away?

The children will learn why a town is created and what it needs to become successful. Creating communities will be discussed through pictures, books, and various activities. The craft will be creating a successful town. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Midnight Madness at Cockey's!

Details coming!

OCTOBER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9
Annual Meeting

To be held at the Best Western in Westminster. Details coming soon!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Box Lunch Talk: Carroll County's Historic Almshouse

The earliest almshouses in Maryland were established in colonial times. As each new Maryland county came into existence, it was required to open an almshouse. Joanna Peregoy, a volunteer at the Carroll County Farm Museum, explores the history of Carroll County’s facility—from its construction in 1852 to its conversion to a museum over 100 years later. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Bus Tour-Fall

Seminary Ridge Museum & "Miracle Amid the Fire Storm" at Seton Shrine. See our Bus Trips page for more details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Past Times for Children: Roads and what they were mad of-

Throughout the years, roads have been made from various materials leaving animals, people, and vehicles, having to adapt. Children will experience the difference through dramatic play, activities and crafts. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

NOVEMBER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Box Lunch Talk: The Transformation of Union Bridge

Tidewater Portland Cement Co., the predecessor of Lehigh Cement, began construction of a cement plant in Union Bridge in 1909. The huge social and environmental changes the town experienced between 1909 and 1920 were similar to those of other towns and cities entering the industrial age across America. Mimi Ashcraft traces those first tumultuous years of the company’s existence based on information from the town’s newspaper and census records.  Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
75th Diamond Jubilee at Antrim

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the mansion
Elegant dining in the Ballroom
Lively Auction
Music by “Gentlemen of Swing”
Black Tie Preferred
Limited Seating
For more information call 410-848-6494 x200 or Info@HSCCmd.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Past Times for Children: Weekly Cleaning Habits

In the 1800’s keeping clean was difficult. Did people brush their teeth? How about bathing in a bathtub? Come to this class and experience it for yourself! Yes, we will be brushing our teeth with homemade toothpaste and sticks! For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.

DECEMBER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
Winter Wine Warmer

Join the HSCC for our second annual Winter Wine Warmer!  Enjoy delicious wines and tasty hors d'oeuvres in the warm and cozy atmosphere of Cockey’s.  More details to come!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Box Lunch Talk: Carroll County Crimes

From bank robbers to bootleggers, Carroll County has been the scene of some memorable crimes. HSCC curator of collections Cathy Baty takes a light-hearted look at some of the more unusual criminal activities in the County. Noon-1 p.m., Grace Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster. Free parking is available in the lot on Carroll Street. Enter the building through Entrance #2, on Kemper Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Historical Society provides beverages and dessert. Admission is $5.00 for Historical Society of Carroll County members and $10.00 for non-members.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Bus Tour-Holiday

TBD

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
Past Times for Children: Life on a Farm


Life on a farm for a child was very busy. We will explore the routines of a day through the eyes of a child. Children will participate in dramatic play, activities, stories, and create a craft. For children ages 4 to 7. 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Koontz-Yingling Learning Center at Cockey’s, 216 East Main Street in Westminster, MD. $6 per child, includes materials. Pre-registration required.
*****

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Streets and history of Westminster intersect at odd angles [Eagle Archives]

Streets and history of Westminster intersect at odd angles [Eagle Archives] By Kevin Dayhoff March 4, 2014 http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-eagle-archives-0302-20140304,0,1024009.story

Many residents today may not recall the crazy-quilt "dog leg" intersection of John, Bond and Main streets, or the equally mismatched collision of Main and Liberty streets, Railroad Avenue, and the train tracks in Westminster.

Years ago, these intersections did not look anything like they do now. Today, they form a perfect "cross."

But years ago, a motorist traveling south on John Street or Railroad Avenue had to make a 90-degree right turn onto Main Street, then hang a quick left to get on either Liberty or Bond Street and get through the intersection.

It may have worked well enough in the horse and buggy days. But by the 1970s, it was nuts.

Finally, sanity ruled and the two intersections and the bridge over the railroad tracks on East Green Street were rebuilt in the mid-1970s.

Many years ago, the area that we now know as John and Carroll streets in Westminster was known as the "space between."


Related







When a gift of oranges was a Christmas treat in Westminster [Eagle Archives]

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Eagle Archive: History of government in Carroll County is one of change and debate

Eagle Archive By Kevin E. Dayhoff January 28, 2013 http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/community/ph-ce-eagle-archive-0120-20130116,0,2118722.story




Throughout Carroll County's history, many issues have caused deep divisions among voters. Recently we recalled the stark differences of opinion between the German and English speakers in the October 1833 referendum over whether or not to form Carroll County.

As a matter of fact, it was after that election that Manchester fired the town cannon at Westminster to emphasize how they felt about the disagreement.

But divisions of opinion certainly aren't accentuated only in history. The decision last Nov. 6 by Frederick County voters, to go to a charter form of government, has kept local political junkies preoccupied ever since the election results were announced.

The ballot issue last fall was contentious in Frederick County. In Carroll County, even the preliminary discussions over such a change here have already had a polarizing affect.


There's no word yet as to whether or not any cannon fire will figure into the upcoming discussions, but I suppose we can't rule out the possibility of a few character assassinations.

According to numerous media accounts, including that of Ryan Marshall in the Frederick County Gazette on Nov. 7 … http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/community/ph-ce-eagle-archive-0120-20130116,0,2118722.story

Related









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*****

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Westminster Patch: Fantastic YouTube Find: A Historical View of Main Street Westminster and more from Westminster Patch

Visit Westminster Patch
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September 13, 2011

Your News

September 13, 2011

Fantastic YouTube Find: A Historical View of Main Street Westminster

Kym Byrnes | Sep 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

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Gerry Wiseman created and posted this great video montage on YouTube.

To go along with the historical video montage, here are some highlights of Westminster's founding.
According to a History of Westminster written by former Westminser Mayor Kevin Dayhoff, William Winchester of England founded Westminster in 1764.
Winchester originally named the community "Winchester's Town" but in 1768 the town name was changed to Westminster because the mail was often accidentally delivered to the town of Winchester in Virginia, according to Dayhoff's article...

Free Movies at Carroll Community College

Kym Byrnes | Sep 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

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Catch a free flick at Carroll Community College.

Ten Years Since 9/11: Reflecting on Where We've Been

Kym Byrnes | Sep 13, 2011 | 0 Comments

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McDaniel College professor Pam Zappardino recounts flying over New York the morning of 9/11 and contemplates the U.S. response following the attacks.

Citizens Form Organization, Weigh in on Commissioner Decisions

Kym Byrnes | Sep 12, 2011 | 0 Comments

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Citizens are creating a group called Citizens United for Carroll to fight for what they believe is the right direction for the county.

Get Your Tastebuds Ready, It's Maryland Wine Festival Time in Westminster

Cindy Parr | Sep 12, 2011 | 0 Comments

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Tens of thousands will travel to Westminster this weekend to enjoy wine from around the state.
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Opinion

September 13, 2011

Dear Mom, Thanks for Sharing Your Advice on Patch

Patch Staff | Sep 12, 2011 | 0 Comments

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Patch delves into parenting with its own family of columnists, writers and editors. Here’s the week in daily living and raising the next generation of Maryland Patchers.
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Community Bulletin

September 13, 2011

Thank You

Portable Projector

caseypatnaudgu | Sep 13, 2011

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Portable Projector SANYO has the industry’s broadest assortment of critically acclaimed video projectors. Our website includes …

Accomplishments

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billiewhitelawppv | Sep 12, 2011

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Wheelchair Vans For Sale Offers adaptive equipment including handicap accessible vans, scooter lifts, swivel car seat, wheelchair …

Things to Do

September 13, 2011

4:00pm

Winters Mill High School Girls Field Hockey

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The Winters Mill High School Girls Field Hockey teams host Manchester Valley High School. 4 p.m. Girls Varsity Field Hockey Game. 5:…

5:00pm

Westminster High School Girls Soccer

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The Westminster High School Girls JV Soccer team hosts Urbana High School.
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*****

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Former Westminster mayor and county commissioner, Ben Brown, dead at 66



Brown was an agent of change in city and county politics in the 1980s and 90s.


Former Westminster mayor and county commissioner W. Benjamin “Ben” Brown, 66, died on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore following a heart attack.

Brown began his political career in Carroll County when he served as a member the Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals from 1983 to 1985 and then chaired the board from 1985 to1989. 

On May 11, 1987, Brown made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Westminster Common Council in a crowded field that included Edward S. Calwell, Samuel V. Greenholtz, Kenneth John Hornberger, Michael B. Serio, and Mark S. Snyder.  In that contest, Greenholtz, Snyder, and Hornberger prevailed.

Two-years later, in the May 8, 1989 Westminster municipal elections, Brown upset former Mayor LeRoy L. Conaway by 12 votes.  Conaway, who had served as the mayor of Westminster for 16 years, since May 21, 1973, was assumed, at the time, to be able to easily win re-election; however Conaway only received 230 votes to Brown’s 242.

It was considered to be further irony, at the time, that it was Conaway who had appointed Brown to the zoning appeals board and had given Brown his start in local politics.

Brown entered City Hall “loudly,” according to various newspaper articles in 1989.  “Part of the problems were born” during the 1989 mayoral election campaign.  It was widely reported “Brown campaigned hard for the job, criticizing then-mayor (and very the popular) LeRoy Conaway for his performance and lack of leadership.”

During the 1989 election campaign, Brown pledged to run the city “using the same management style he’s used in hospitals and candy stores…”

Shortly after taking office, Brown exhibited bold leadership and showed the public that he meant business when he said that he would do things differently and break from the past. 

One of his first acts was to paint over an historic mural that had covered the walls of the mayor’s office in the historic city hall, built by Colonel John K. Longwell in 1842.

Immediately upon taking office he sent out a letter asking for the resignation of every appointed member of every city board or commission, and it was widely said at the time that he asked all of the city department heads to resign.

A newspaper account at the time reported, “… when it comes to city business, Ben Brown carries a big stick.”

On June 8 1989, Brown garnered national attention for Westminster when he held a press conference and proclaimed “official support for demonstrating Chinese students” at Tiananmen Square.  The press conference was widely covered by television.  It was a first for the city to have TV crews blanketing the grounds of City Hall. 

Brown drew “criticism from the public, particularly war veterans, according to a newspaper account at the time, for the proclamation of support “and lowering the flag (at City Hall) to half staff.”

According to yet another newspaper article that appeared shortly after he took office; “When campaigning door-to-door, Brown said, residents indicated they didn’t think a new person would make a difference.

“‘Now is when I need to be showing I am different,’ he said.”

Two-years later, in the subsequent Westminster council election on May 13, 1991, all three incumbent council members up for re-election were defeated in a particularly rancorous and contentious election which witnessed and unprecedented 1, 224 votes cast in the election.  Incumbents Greenholtz and Snyder, frequent critics of Brown, were denied another term.  Hornberger choose not to run for re-election.

The election campaign, in 1991, which saw Stephen R. Chapin, Jr., Rebecca A. Orenstein, and Kenneth A. Yowan, swept into office, centered upon the Common Council’s relationship with the mayor and the Common Council’s decision to hire a city manager.

In yet another unprecedented political move, Brown had endorsed and actively campaigned for the voters to replace the incumbent councilmembers.  Brown mailed a letter to every city voter recommending the incumbents be replaced by Yowan, Orenstein, - and Frazier, who only lost gaining the third seat by a relatively small number of votes.

Other hot topics in 1991 were lowering property taxes, a 21 percent increase in sewer rates, and a new housing development between Uniontown Road and Furnace Hills, in which it was proposed to build 280 houses on 74 acres.

Also, whether or not the city ought to renovate City Hall or build a new municipal headquarters with the $1.6 million the city had saved for the project was foremost on the minds of the voters.

At the May 13, 1991 meeting of the Common Council and the mayor, Brown threatened to veto the budget, lower the tax rate, not build or refurbish City Hall and fire the existing city manager, Philip Hertz.

Brown easily won re-election to the mayor’s office on May 10, 1993 in an election in which he ran unopposed.

After taking office for a second term as mayor, Brown immediately embarked on a campaign to run for a seat in the Carroll County commissioners’ office.

In his 1994 election campaign literature, when Brown was running for county commissioner, his literature noted, “But in the cumulative sense, Brown has earned a … term in office.  Few politicians have provoked such dramatic changes in such a short period of time.”

In 1994 Brown was elected to the then three-member Carroll County board of commissioners. 

In Brown’s campaign literature for the commissioners’ office, in August 1994, Brown boasted that in 1989, he had beaten “16-year incumbent LeRoy Conaway by the slimmest of margins, (and) encountered a city government indifferent to the public it served, (and) uninterested in strong leadership from the mayor’s office.

“Brown insisted on providing that leadership and promoting more citizen involvement in city government, sparking two years of bitter disputes between his office and the city (Common) council.

“In fact,” the campaign literature continued, “it was just three years ago that the council demanded Brown’s resignation.  His cardinal sin: he had dared to release the proposed city budget to the public before the evening of the only public hearing scheduled to discuss the budget…”

In his campaign, as a Republican, for county commissioner in 1994, titled, “Carroll County… better, not just bigger!,” his campaign literature outlined a “commitment to real growth management, including: full impact fees; zoning that means what it says; and agricultural preservation.

“A commitment to ending the crowding in Carroll’s schools.

“A commitment to providing quick-response policing throughout Carroll County.

“A commitment to offering low cost trash collection and disposal, including yard wastes and recyclables, to every Carroll household.

“A firm commitment to protecting Carroll’s environment.”

He also noted a Hanover Evening Sun editorial, “Ben Brown is a mayor who won’t knuckle under,” from May 14, 1993, which said, in part: “Much has changed (since he took office as mayor.)  Voters placed three new members on the council two years ago, assuring that the mayor’s proposals would be evaluated on their merit rather than their origin.

“The changes are most evident at the bi-weekly council meetings.  Citizens can now voice concerns at the beginning of those meetings rather at the end.  The council explains each action before it votes.  Public hearings are far more frequent.

“A resident visiting a council meeting today would feel that he or she is an integral part of city government.  A resident visiting the same meeting four years ago would feel more like an unwelcome intruder at a private gathering.

And Brown has proven a highly capable leader, whether he is promoting curbside recycling, lobbying the State Highway Administration for road improvements in Westminster or advocating a stronger city police department in the wake of a drug-related slaying last winter.”

After one term in office as a county commissioner, Brown chose to run instead for Maryland State Delegate – and lost.

In September 1998, when he was running for the Maryland House of Delegates, a campaign letter highlighted his commitment to “slowing the Carroll’s rate of growth, and preserving our quality of life.”

The letter included charts about “New Residential Building Permits,” and “Carroll County Agricultural Preservation Easements.  Easements Purchased – Acreage Preserved.”

“The charts show two things,” wrote Brown.  “First, that the building permits issued for new house construction last year were little more than one-half the number issued the year before I took office in 1995…

The second chart is closely related to the first.  It shows the commitment of the current Board of Commissioners has made to preserve Carroll’s farmlands for agricultural use alone.  It shows that development rights to nearly 7,000 acres have been purchased during my term (1995-1998); as opposed to only 1,435 acres preserved by the previous Board of Commissioners.”

Brown, who had “an extensive background in child welfare,” was born July 9, 1944 in Graham, Tennessee.  He was the son of the late Jesse D. and Sina L. England Thornton.

He was a member of the Westminster Optimists and the Westminster Moose.  In addition to serving as the Westminster mayor and county commissioner, Brown was a member of the Carroll County Economic Development Commission beginning in 1989; vice president of the Carroll County chapter of the Maryland Municipal League from 1993 to 1994 and secretary of the chapter from 1991 to 1993.

He was the husband of Margaret Gray Vicinus Brown whom he married November 24, 1973.  He was adopted at the age of 3 by Rosemary Brown (now of Sykesville, MD) and raised in Lakeland, FL, according to information obtained from his obituary.

He earned his B.S in Social Services at Towson State University in 1970 and his Master’s degree in social administration and a certificate in gerontology, at the University of Maryland in 1977.

He spent a number of years as a social worker for the State of Maryland in various positions, including at Springfield State Hospital.  He then pursued other occupations, including owning and operating a candy store in Westminster, according to his obituary.

According to a newspaper account at the time, “After working in social work administration at Spring Grove Hospital, a state psychiatric facility, (Brown) moved to Carroll County in 1980.”  Shortly after arriving in Westminster he is reported to have remarked that he moved to Westminster to change things and “move it out of the dark ages.”

After working at Spring Grove, Brown operated “Elderberry,” a residence for the elderly until 1984 when he then got into the retail chocolate business.  In 1986, Brown changed the candy store business model and went into the wholesale candy business.

According to his obituary, “In 1998, he left public service and retired to pursue his personal interests, including authoring a novel and spending time with his family.”

Surviving in addition to his wife and adopted mother are son Jesse Brown of Albany, NY; daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Brian Abts of Pikesville, MD; brothers Kenneth and David Thornton of Lakeland, FL; sisters Myrtle Thornton of Oxford, FL, Anne Wyman of Fayetteville, NC and Mary Stuart of Palmetto, FL. He was predeceased recently by sister Ruth Anderson of Lakeland, FL.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in Westminster Cemetery to be followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm at the Grace United Methodist Church, 55 Albright Dr., Hanover, PA 17331.

If desired, memorial contributions may be to Foresight Vision, 1380 Spahn Ave., York, PA 17403.  Arrangements by Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster.

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2011/05/former-westminster-mayor-and-county.html
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