Havre de Grace Stories

Catherine Williams Burks is a most beautiful woman. As she talks, she has a smile that makes you wonder if she’s remembering something funny or just a secret she might not share. Catherine is warm, gentle, and still active at 89 years young (2019). I was thrilled to have spent nearly three hours with her. Of course, I can’t include everything here. But I do want to share the Les Charmantes story and how reconnecting with high school friends after starting her career blossomed into a small organization of 15 women that has presented annual scholarships to young college/trade school women for over 50 years. This organization has been operating for 66 years (as of 2019). In 1951, Catherine was accepted as a mathematician at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD - her dream come true. Now that’s a story in itself. Join me in learning about growing up Black in Havre de Grace, getting an education that started in a school paid for by the parents and a generous donor, and the generous spirit of Catherine Williams Burks.  We encourage you to visit our website!

Recognized internationally in the horror genre for his 2003 movie, Scream, 2007 movie and series, Chainsaw Sally, and 2009 movie, The Good Sisters. Enjoy this interview with a multi-talented artist: painter to cartoonist, actor to film production, writer to director, musician, and other 'artsy-fartsy' stuff.  Visit HdG Stories and also Havre de Grace Magazine websites for more info.

His name was George Elder, Sr. Okay. He moved to Havre de Grace to run the State Theater. It was part of a series of theaters owned by Durkee Enterprises, I don't think they exist anymore. He came to run the state theater and did everything there. He managed it. from Cathy Deibel, 2020 interview Listen to Cathy share the story of her father tackling a Ronald Lee Dubs, who shot his wife on January 28, 1965 in the State Theater of Havre de Grace. The State Theater closed in the early 70s. Visit HavredeGraceMagazine.com and read online the article about the State Theater in the 2020 Spring/Summer issue.

Robert Carson, "Bob", is a well respected lawyer in our community. He's also a hunting and fishing enthusiast.  In our interview, he shares a few stories of being a kid in Havre de Grace including 17 cent movies and summers spent on and in the water in Charlestown, MD. He remembers some of the effects of WWII on a young student, the joy of fishing, and memories of downtown, including 17 cent movies! Bob well remembers segregation and the Brown vs Topeka Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954. He also shares his thoughts on the need for citizens to be involved in their communities. Since I've known Bob mostly as a professional, it was delightful to enjoy a laugh or two during the interview while enjoying his stories of years gone by and learning of some of his interests 'outside the law.'   (c) 2017 Thriving Owl Publ., Ellie Mencer, 343 Green St., Havre de Grace, MD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Camay Calloway Brooks Murphy is a beautiful lady inside and out. In her full length interview she shares part of her life story from her auspicious beginnings as the love-child of famed jazzman Cab Calloway and Zelma Proctor, to an esteemed educator, and an avid citizen of the communities lucky enough to have her living within their boundaries. In this podcast excerpt, I will share snippets of her life, rich with experiences from the days of the Harlem Renaissance in NYC to her early years in Baltimore. She shares stories of living in Baltimore under the guidance of her grandmother, spending wonderful times being pampered by the lady customers at Poindexter's Beauty Salon. She shares the attitudes of her mother's and father's families towards their relationship. We hear a funny story about the 'alien' praying mantis! And she shares her love and not-so-loving relationship with technology.  She gives us a few simple words to live by in closing, while easily admitting that it's difficult to tell anyone how to live their life.  In Havre de Grace, those who have met her enjoy the easy laugh, twinkling eyes, and always enthusiastic energy of this amazing 90 year old woman. She may have slowed a tiny bit, but you would never notice as she enjoys jazz, talks about her play created for Havre de Grace of the fictional tale of a black jockey during our race track days, or shares her desire to see a statue built to celebrate the life of a local legend, Ernest Burke - speaker, humanitarian, and superb athlete of the Negro League. She is a remarkable addition to our community. (c)2017 Thriving Owl Publ., Ellie Mencer, 343 Green St, Havre de Grace, MD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Born in Salisbury, MD in 1934, Phil Barker never expected to go to college. Although poor, his childhood was rich in experiences. He and his friends were creative and ambitious.  He shares the story of learning to drive - literally - while taking his driver's test! Do you know what 'doffing' is... keep listening. Entering the Army toward the end of the Korean War, he discovered that he had the ability to learn a language - and chose Russian. He worked for the Army Security Agency*. *Human resources (1945–65) The ASA, during the majority of the years of its existence, was largely a "Cold War" operation. ASA enlisted troops were usually recruited from those scoring in the top 2% of scores in aptitude tests given during initial induction. американский шпион  Hear the story ... A bit of history on the ASA and it's role in Korean War He returned to DuPont in Seaford, Delaware and realized he wanted more than factory work. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he entered college at Salisbury. Oh... there's much more.  Played baseball, married and had two children, and enjoyed a 31 year career with J.M. Huber Corp. in Havre de Grace. When his children were in their late teens, he married "Charlie" (May) whom he lost to cancer after a long fight.  Phil Barker has been active in many community organizations since moving here in 1961 as well as having spent a total of 8 years on city council, was Mayor, and also sat on the Harford County Council.  This is only an excerpt. For more stories, consider a paid membership and receive full length audios (2/month).  Visit the website! (c)2016 Thriving Owl Publ. Ellie Mencer, 343 Green St., Havre de Grace, MD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Susan Page Carroll Asher was born in Baltimore, moved to Bel Air in high school. But once she married her late husband, Art Asher, they settled in their home in Havre de Grace, raised two children, and became an active part of our community. In this excerpt from her full-length audio, Sue talks about joining VISTA, the domestic Peace Corps. She mentions interesting items like her dad being the first to ‘ride in the nose cone of a missile’, a bit of history regarding the warehouse (beer distribution) on St. John St. and their building on the corner of N. Washington and Congress (where Asher’s Paint Store was),plus an interesting insight about the relationship between Art and the Dutch Boy (paints). And did you know that she and Art once owned a skipjack, the FIESTA! Listen to the podcast and follow along with the transcript if you like. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (c)2016 Thriving Owl Publ. Ellie Mencer, 343 Green St., Havre de Grace, MD

Most of us know Kathryn Hill (and her husband Cecil) through their community activities and their real estate business. Kathryn has also been an active member and supporter of the Soroptimists. Although Kathryn Louise Schott Hill was not born and raised in Havre de Grace, her childhood stories of growing up in Cornwall, PA are quite fun to listen to. She shares a tough farm life of survival, remembers the depression era and bums/hobos that followed the railroad, chuckles over childhood games, and even shares a story of sibling rivarly!!! In the full length interview, she shares how her parents chose Bob Jones University for her, teaching at Norwich, NY and Havre de Grace and Aberdeen, MD. Really fun is how she met Cecil and the fact that she has moved 10 - yes 10 - times all within Havre de Grace! Check out our website and subscribe. Enjoy the podcast! Thriving Owl Publ., Ellie Mencer, 343 Green St., Havre de Grace, MD

Meet Virginia Forwood Pate Wetter, 97 years young, and a delightful personality. Her life has had its share of twists and turns, including taking over her husband's radio station in Havre de Grace when he died unexpectedly at a young age. At the same time raising 3 teenagers on her own. She was a 2014 Honoree of the prestigious The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards. She has also been an active member of her community including being a member of the Harford County Board of Education. Enjoy her wit, humor and wisdom in this excerpt from her interview.

Born on January 4, 1931, Bob introduces himself with, "You've never met anybody who has a life like I have..." A Korean War Combat Vet, married three times, and careers that included mechanic, bricklayer, management, and owning a commercial contracting company. He's owned three planes, built his own steel hulled, 64' sailboat, designed and built his home, and can tell amazing stories that include a couple Bermuda Triangle incidents, placing an ad for a first mate/wife, and so much more. Raised in the long-gone small 'village' of Lapidum located on the Susquehanna River just north of Havre de Grace, he shares stories of growing up poor but still having a good life. This excerpt is 15 minutes or so of nearly 1-1/2 hours. Enjoy! Be sure to visit our website at http://hdgstories.com for more details about the boat he built, and the transcript to the podcast.

Charlie and Mary McLhinney operated the McLhinney newsstand for many years in Havre de Grace. Many a local boy (and a few girls) in town today will remember their first job delivering newspapers for the McLhinney's! In this excerpt, Mary shares a bit of her childhood, her early married years, and a few other observations. If you remember their shop, you can probably still smell the roasting peanuts! Enjoy. I encourage you to sign up for our weekly free podcast excerpts and updates, and to consider joining my paid monthly subscription to receive two (2) full-length interviews and transcripts each month. Check out the website for details.

Gary Pensell was born and raised in Havre de Grace. Loves boats and cars. He's partnered in a restaurant, helped his dad build a marina and later bought it from him. With his wife Barbara they raised a family here and operated businesses. He shares childhood stories in this excerpt, reminding us of a gentler time in our city's history!

The North Park - or Joe K - Trail is at the north end of the historic town of Havre de Grace, MD. It's located a short distance from the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. A 1.5 mile trail identified by white blazes and is part of three different trail systems: Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, Mason Dixon Trail System and the Loop Trail System in HdG's North Park. It's a great place to let kids run. They can also enjoy the playground and picnic area of McLhinney Park. Dogs are also welcome on this trail. Learn about flora, fauna, the environment and history while walking the trail. Brochures available on line at the Lock House website or you can pick up a brochure at the City Tourism Center.

The locals know him as "Joe K" - Joe Kochenderfer. He's works with Boy Scouts, sports, museums and is well recognized as the force behind the Joe K or North Park Trail in Havre de Grace. He moved here as a young adult, raised his family here, became active in city government, and shows us how to become an important thread in the fabric of our community!

Charlie Mike shares his family stories, including a great moment with Jackie Kennedy, childhood fun fishing, ice skating, and going to the State Theatre, and watching them take weeks to move the first nuclear reactors from Havre de Grace to Peach Bottom in the late 60s.

Jeanne Hawtin shares childhood stories of waiting in line for bubble gum, find her first dollar bill, Betty Grable's pink hair, formal balls, chasing the milkman, playing WAR, ice skating to Perryville, and joining her mom in the Spot Tower! Listen in..

Leon Grimes was born in Havre de Grace, MD on March 30, 1942. Interviewed on May 26, 2016. Leon shares stories of growing up as a black  man in Havre de Grace. He has extraordinary perceptions of life around him and shares a great deal with with and humor. Enjoy these excerpts from his interview.

Cecil Hill Sr shares stories of his childhood, first jobs, a surprise career and more. Listen in to enjoy our interview. Sign up on our site for our monthly program.

John Noble Mentzer, born in 1927, shares his childhood, enjoying the water – hunting, fishing and swimming. He also mentions the two town dumps. Yes, it’ll make sense when you hear it. Then he shares the work and joy of the family making home-made ice

Saving Concord Point Lighthouse was personal to Jane Jacksteit. She realized, "I should care what happens..." Listen to a recording of an article written a few years ago for the "Lockhouse to Lighthouse" tourism publication in Havre de Grace, MD.