On This Date in Essex-Middle River History

When it comes to history, in my mind one of the coolest things to do is to look at old newspapers and find out what happened on this date in history.

In looking through my historical archives, (which basically consists of two cardboard boxes filled with old newspapers, books, clippings, stories, and pictures) I came across many old clippings from newspapers that served eastern Baltimore County many years ago. I hope that you find these stories as interesting as I do.

The Southeast Baltimore County Observer was published in the mid- to late-1940’s. It served the communities of Essex, Middle River, Chase, White Marsh, Rosedale, Fullerton, and Colgate. I have collected many articles and ads from issues of The Observer during the years 1945 and 1946 and I think the advertisements caught my eye the most.

Check out some of these prices from an ad by in November 1945. Fresh Ground Beef: 25 cents per pound, Beechnut Coffee: 33 cents per pound, Crisco: 24 cents per pound, Beef Chuck Roast: 29 cents per pound, 10 pounds of Maine Potatoes only 29 cents, and 10 pounds of General Mills flour for only 58 cents.

Try going to the grocery store and making those purchases today.

Another ad that jumped out at me was one for a place called Beyer’s Grove. Mostly because the “Grove” was located in the community where I grew up, namely Holly Neck. Beyer’s Grove was situated on Sue Creek. Unlike other parks in the area like Breezy Point or Porters, the Grove was not known as a place for swimming.

Rather it was more known for picnics or private parties complete with picnic tables and a hall for rent. The ad from July 1945 was for a Saturday Night Party in the Dance Hall at the Grove. The party was from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. and included all your food, drinks and dancing. Just imagine all of that for the low admission price of $1.50. You cannot even buy one soft drink for that price today.

In local news, 1945 saw the formation of two important organizations in the Essex-Middle River area. On July 24, the Aero Acres Civic Improvement Association was organized with Mr. Jack Cary as the first chairman. On Oct. 25,  the Essex-Middle River Chamber of Commerce was formed with 123 local business men and women signaling their intent to become permanent members. Mr. Daniel Bailey, Manager of the Essex branch of the Baltimore National Bank was named permanent chairman.

The single biggest local news item for 1946 would appear to have been the announcement that the U. S. Army Signal Corps would take over Plant 2 at the Glenn L. Martin Plant and bring 1,700 jobs to the area. During WW II, Plant 2 had been used for the production of B-26 Bombers.

The Eastern Enterprise was a newspaper that served eastern Baltimore County from the early- to mid-1950’s. It is considered to be the forbearer of the Eastern Beacon, and put a more personal touch to local news items. Some of the more noteworthy items published in The Enterprise in 1950  were as follows.

In January, the new Essex Public Library opened on Maryland Ave. next to the Post Office.

• On Jan. 20, saw the Wilson Point Improvement Association was formed.
• Also in January, a contract was awarded to the John K. Ruff Company for the construction of the new 18 classroom . The school was expected to be completed by November.
• In March, Easterm Airlines and TWA awarded the Glenn L. Martin Company was awarded a $35 million contract for the construction of 65 new Martin 404 commercial airliners. This economic boost meant the immediate rehiring of more than 100 former employees as well as an undisclosed number of new jobs.
• November brought about the long awaited formal dedication of the “new” brick Back River Elementary school complete with a description of what it was like in the old two room Back River School by Mrs. Amanda Brehm, who attended in 1888.

So here we are over 65 years later. Mars Supermarkets, Aero Acres Improvement Association, Wilson Point Improvement Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and Mars Estates Elementary are still with us. Gone are Beyer’s Grove, Breezy Point, Porter’s Park, and Back River Elementary. Martin’s is just a shell of its former self at its Middle River campus. It is amazing how things can change in a lifetime.

Next week we will look at the Bauernschmidt family, including the Brewery, and Manor House. Keep Reading Patch!!