Brunswick MD History - User contributions [en]

File:B&O Brunswick Yard operations pre-1956.JPG

2026-04-20T03:05:31Z

Pwenner: Frank Riedel shot this detailed photo of the Brunswick rail yard. Behind the diesel engines, you can see the water tanks and tower, a still intact, but no longer needed coal tipple, and roundhouse. Given the vintage of the cars on the lower left and the fact the diesels still had 3-digit numbers, the photo was taken prior to 1956. Owen Brown Here’s what Grok has to offer which matches your estimate and some other comments: The locomotives are Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) EMD E-units (likely E7s...

== Summary ==
Frank Riedel shot this detailed photo of the Brunswick rail yard. Behind the diesel engines, you can see the water tanks and tower, a still intact, but no longer needed coal tipple, and roundhouse.

Given the vintage of the cars on the lower left and the fact the diesels still had 3-digit numbers, the photo was taken prior to 1956.

Owen Brown
Here’s what Grok has to offer which matches your estimate and some other comments:

The locomotives are Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) EMD E-units (likely E7s or early E8As) in the railroad’s classic blue (Bando Blue / Royal Blue) and gray passenger paint scheme with yellow/gold striping and lettering. B&O was an early adopter of passenger diesels and used variations of this attractive blue-and-gray livery on its E-units and matching passenger cars from the late 1930s through the 1950s (with some simplifications and modifications over time, such as changes to pilots, stripes, and nose details). Solid or near-solid blue schemes with fewer gray elements became more common later, but the multi-tone blue/gray appearance in the photo fits the classic passenger livery well into the mid-1950s.

Brunswick, Maryland, was a major B&O yard and division point on the Metropolitan Subdivision (Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD, and beyond), so seeing B&O passenger consists (or equipment in the yard) there is entirely expected—unlike PRR units, which would have been rare or out of place.

Refined Dating from Combined Clues

The photo dates to the early-to-mid 1950s, most likely 1952–1956 (with a strong possibility around 1953–1955).

Railroad clues supporting this:
• B&O E-unit passenger diesels in the blue/gray scheme were common in this era. The B&O traded in older EA/EB units in 1953 for new E8s, so a mix of E7s and new E8s would be plausible around then.
• Passenger cars appear to match the blue-and-gray scheme (introduced or expanded post-WWII for many B&O trains, replacing earlier Pullman green or solid blue on secondary equipment).
• The yard infrastructure (water tower, coal facilities, brick buildings, multiple tracks) matches known 1950s views of the active B&O Brunswick yard, before some later changes and before the yard’s gradual decline in the 1960s.
Automotive clues:
• The foreground black 4-door sedan has the rounded, bulbous “ponton” styling, chrome details, and lack of prominent tailfins or wraparound windshields typical of 1949–1953/early 1954 American cars (Ford, Chevrolet, Plymouth, etc.).
• The white two-tone station wagon and other background vehicles show similar early-1950s family-car designs without the exaggerated chrome, fins, or quad headlights that became widespread with the 1955 “Forward Look” models from Chrysler and others.

(Photo and information from Industrialmodels Facebook page)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Litten's Chevrolet-Old.jpg

2026-04-20T03:01:18Z

Pwenner: The OK Used Car lot at Litten’s Chevrolet-Olds dealership on W. Potomac Street. Photo probably dates to around 1964 given some of the cars parked in the back of the lot. How many bought their first used car from this lot? The main showroom for new cars was in the main building on the left, which, along with the repair garage behind it, is still there today. Those buildings were commissioned in the early 1900s by Harry Y. George for an in-law, who ran the Albaugh Chevrolet dealership at 600...

== Summary ==
The OK Used Car lot at Litten’s Chevrolet-Olds dealership on W. Potomac Street. Photo probably dates to around 1964 given some of the cars parked in the back of the lot.

How many bought their first used car from this lot?

The main showroom for new cars was in the main building on the left, which, along with the repair garage behind it, is still there today.

Those buildings were commissioned in the early 1900s by Harry Y. George for an in-law, who ran the Albaugh Chevrolet dealership at 600 W. Potomac Street in the years before Litten's.

Jim Phillips
Loved going there when the new models came out-i think they came out in October?

Mike Campbell
I bought a 1971 Nova there. Still in the family as my son Matthew has it now.

Patricia Orye
Paul Orye had an antique car he had rebuilt and it was in the paint shop. The shop caught on fire and burned it up.

James Martz Jr.
My Dad was a mechanic working there. I remember he took me along one night when he was on call driving the tow truck. I slept in the show room. We had 1 called that night.

Sherry Bowers Stull
My first car was a used white Corvair purchased from Littens in 1967.
The body shop is to the right of showroom building and the mechanics shop sat behind the showroom building.

Kerry Myers
A Corvair was my parents first car. They had everything in Brunswick and never needed one. We just use my grandparents big old Chrysler. I worked there in 68 and 69 early 70s to. They sold the place and I hung out there almost the whole life. I love that place.

Joseph E. Shomaker
I bought my first used car there. 1949 Oldsmobile that was owned by Moonie Forrest who worked there.

Terry Himes Robinson
My Pap Himes didn't buy a Corvair from them, but he did win one from the dealership in a raffle at the American Legion in Brunswick.

Kevin Barker
Every year Chevrolet would put out nice poster type photos or paintings of all their new models. As a west end kid, I would walk over and get one of each model to collect.

(Courtesy of the City of Brunswick, Maryland History Commission)

[[Category:Smoketown Businesses]]

File:B&O Yard Steam locomotives-roundhouse-E. Potomac St.JPG

2026-04-20T02:46:31Z

Pwenner: This is a beautiful photo of one of the last steam locomotives in the Brunswick yard in 1952. With the introduction of diesel locomotives, which were significantly more efficient and required less maintenance, steam locomotives were phased out during the 1950s. The last steam engine departed from Brunswick in December 1953. As a result, there was no further need for the coal tipple and roundhouse, which were dismantled in 1981 and 1995, respectively. Chris Weitzel A quick search says that...

== Summary ==
This is a beautiful photo of one of the last steam locomotives in the Brunswick yard in 1952.

With the introduction of diesel locomotives, which were significantly more efficient and required less maintenance, steam locomotives were phased out during the 1950s. The last steam engine departed from Brunswick in December 1953.

As a result, there was no further need for the coal tipple and roundhouse, which were dismantled in 1981 and 1995, respectively.

Chris Weitzel
A quick search says that this engine was probably from the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia.

James S. Bennett Sr.
I remember these engines well they would wake me up when they would go buy at night, I’m saying in the early 50s.

(Photo by Al Chione courtesy of Industrialmodels Facebook page; information from the City of Brunswick Maryland History Commission)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Harpers Ferry Salty Dog.jpg

2026-04-20T02:40:58Z

Pwenner: This is an old Kodachrome of what was left of the Salty Dog saloon on the Maryland side of the river in Harpers Ferry National Park before burned in the early 1950s. It’s a notable historic site located on Sandy Hook Road, on the Maryland side opposite Harpers Ferry, near Lock 33. Who can tell us more about the history? Glenn Hanes My father is 96 and when he was kid late teens, his parents would not allow him to go there because it was such a rough spot. Dad said he snuck there anyway. J...

== Summary ==
This is an old Kodachrome of what was left of the Salty Dog saloon on the Maryland side of the river in Harpers Ferry National Park before burned in the early 1950s.

It’s a notable historic site located on Sandy Hook Road, on the Maryland side opposite Harpers Ferry, near Lock 33.

Who can tell us more about the history?

Glenn Hanes
My father is 96 and when he was kid late teens, his parents would not allow him to go there because it was such a rough spot. Dad said he snuck there anyway.

Judy Ware
Used to hear my family talk about people going there to dance & I guess drink a little, that it was a rough place.

*Dorothy M. Van Steinburg*
I'll tell this story again here. My grandparents lived in downtown Harpers Ferry until the 1936 flood took their home. My grandmother was once told that her sons, my uncles, were raising a ruckus over at the Salty Dog. She took her broom and traveled across the river by ferry to the Salty Dog. She took her less than 5-foot self into the tavern and threatened to beat them severely with her broom if they didn't leave with her and go home. They left immediately because Grandma didn't play.

Brenda Barger Swiger
My great uncle Pat O'Brien owned it at one point I was told.

Kelly Moore Sheds & Marketplace
I know Captain Raleigh Bender, who started Captain Benders Tavern in Sharpsburg was a regular customer of the Salty Dog.

(Photo courtesy of David Merchant via Experience Harper's Ferry)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:B&O Yard September 1974.JPG

2026-04-20T02:33:32Z

Pwenner: In the background of this September 1974 photo by Pete Darmody of the Brunswick rail yard, you can see the roundhouse behind the trains. The old coal tipple was being demolished. (Photo from Industrialmodels Facebook page) Category:Smoketown Railroad

== Summary ==
In the background of this September 1974 photo by Pete Darmody of the Brunswick rail yard, you can see the roundhouse behind the trains. The old coal tipple was being demolished.

(Photo from Industrialmodels Facebook page)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:1976-77 BHS State Basketball Championship Pins.jpeg

2026-04-19T23:59:06Z

Pwenner: 1977 Railroaders buttons, the year they won our first State Boys Varsity Basketball Championship. (Photo courtesy of Clayton Dalton) Category:Smoketown Sports

== Summary ==
1977 Railroaders buttons, the year they won our first State Boys Varsity Basketball Championship.

(Photo courtesy of Clayton Dalton)

[[Category:Smoketown Sports]]

File:Point of Rocks Station-KG tower.jpeg

2026-04-19T23:57:00Z

Pwenner: B&O "KG" tower at Point of Rocks, across from the Francis Baldwin-architected train station, looking east. Photo date is unknown. The tower, otherwise known as a block-station tower, formed a block with the WB tower in Brunswick and the VO tower in Weverton, to control all train traffic moving between Washington, DC and Cumberland. KG was demolished sometime around 1953. (Photo courtesy of Darren Reynolds via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad History) Category:Smoketown Railroad

== Summary ==
B&O "KG" tower at Point of Rocks, across from the Francis Baldwin-architected train station, looking east. Photo date is unknown.
The tower, otherwise known as a block-station tower, formed a block with the WB tower in Brunswick and the VO tower in Weverton, to control all train traffic moving between Washington, DC and Cumberland. KG was demolished sometime around 1953.

(Photo courtesy of Darren Reynolds via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad History)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Oiling the Slippers.JPG

2026-04-18T23:54:56Z

Pwenner: This was an engineer oiling the crosshead slippers on the locomotive in the Brunswick rail yard. It was a common thing to do at every water stop. The photo may date to the 1900s. It was part of an exhibit for the Smithsonian Journey Series on Brunswick in 2017. (Photo courtesy of the Brunswick Heritage Museum) Category:Smoketown Railroad

== Summary ==
This was an engineer oiling the crosshead slippers on the locomotive in the Brunswick rail yard. It was a common thing to do at every water stop.

The photo may date to the 1900s. It was part of an exhibit for the Smithsonian Journey Series on Brunswick in 2017.

(Photo courtesy of the Brunswick Heritage Museum)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Cooper Family.JPG

2026-04-18T23:48:43Z

Pwenner: Brothers Sammy, Pete and John Cooper pose with their mother Florence on a Summer day. Aaron Lennox Florence Odella (Palmer) Cooper was the last known burial at the Knoxville African American Cemetery after she passed November 23, 1986 at the age of 79. V Ann Cooper I think that this picture was taken in our yard in Petersville. Obviously before 1986. (Photo courtesy of Velva Cooper) Category:Smoketown African American Heritage

== Summary ==
Brothers Sammy, Pete and John Cooper pose with their mother Florence on a Summer day.

Aaron Lennox
Florence Odella (Palmer) Cooper was the last known burial at the Knoxville African American Cemetery after she passed November 23, 1986 at the age of 79.

V Ann Cooper
I think that this picture was taken in our yard in Petersville. Obviously before 1986.

(Photo courtesy of Velva Cooper)

[[Category:Smoketown African American Heritage]]

File:Musser Harpers Ferry Tunnel.jpeg

2026-04-18T23:42:34Z

Pwenner: In this watercolor of the Harpers Ferry railroad bridge and tunnel, Buck Musser has depicted what is easily one of the most beautiful views in the tri-state area. (Artwork by Kellen “Buck” Musser) Category:Smoketown In and Around

== Summary ==
In this watercolor of the Harpers Ferry railroad bridge and tunnel, Buck Musser has depicted what is easily one of the most beautiful views in the tri-state area.

(Artwork by Kellen “Buck” Musser)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:Lioness officers.jpeg

2026-04-18T23:37:41Z

Pwenner: From a Brunswick Citizen clipping, these were Lioness officers in the 1970s. Unfortunately, some ladies aren't facing the camera or are hidden by others. They were a "who's who" of woman community leaders of the time. From left are Cathy Shaffer, Lori Price-Whipp, Josephine Schamel, Margaret Spurrier, Phyllis Moore, Gladys Morris, Marlene Gordon, Marie Huffer, Judy Smith, Millie Burch, Eva Magalis, and District Governor Cairl. (Courtesy of the City of Brunswick MD History Commission) [[Cat...

== Summary ==
From a Brunswick Citizen clipping, these were Lioness officers in the 1970s. Unfortunately, some ladies aren't facing the camera or are hidden by others. They were a "who's who" of woman community leaders of the time.

From left are Cathy Shaffer, Lori Price-Whipp, Josephine Schamel, Margaret Spurrier, Phyllis Moore, Gladys Morris, Marlene Gordon, Marie Huffer, Judy Smith, Millie Burch, Eva Magalis, and District Governor Cairl.

(Courtesy of the City of Brunswick MD History Commission)

[[Category:Smoketown Organizations]]

File:Smoke from train.jpg

2026-04-18T23:34:15Z

Pwenner: More evidence of why we call Brunswick "Smoketown". Looks like the callers' office on the far left. Cristy Carey When the YMCA moved to Souder Rd, employees that worked the register became the callers office and the same for Green Country Inn... I worked both places and called the RR rooms or their designated phones giving each RR their train numbers..... (From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries) [[Category:Smoketown Rail...

== Summary ==
More evidence of why we call Brunswick "Smoketown".

Looks like the callers' office on the far left.

Cristy Carey
When the YMCA moved to Souder Rd, employees that worked the register became the callers office and the same for Green Country Inn... I worked both places and called the RR rooms or their designated phones giving each RR their train numbers.....

(From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Lockhouse 31 during Flood of 1936, Weverton.jpg

2026-04-18T23:30:11Z

Pwenner: This photograph shows a car, railroad tracks, and the lockhouse at Lock 31 on the C&O Canal at Weverton, partially covered in water during the highest stage of the 1936 St. Patrick’s Day flood. According to the historical society caption, “John and Mary McKerns were operators of the lockhouse; Charles Moss was the last operator.” Anna Marie Miller Brookins Lived there from about age 5 to 18 ~ I’m Anni from Lock 31! John Frye Canal has not operated since 1924. Lockhouse empty but intact. Lo...

== Summary ==
This photograph shows a car, railroad tracks, and the lockhouse at Lock 31 on the C&O Canal at Weverton, partially covered in water during the highest stage of the 1936 St. Patrick’s Day flood.

According to the historical society caption, “John and Mary McKerns were operators of the lockhouse; Charles Moss was the last operator.”

Anna Marie Miller Brookins
Lived there from about age 5 to 18 ~ I’m Anni from Lock 31!

John Frye
Canal has not operated since 1924. Lockhouse empty but intact. Lock walls still standing. Now part of the 184.5 mile C & O canal NHP.

(Photo courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society of Hagerstown, MD)

[[Category:Smoketown Great Floods]]

File:Weverton Aerial Map.jpg

2026-04-18T23:21:12Z

Pwenner: What's now the sleepy unincorporated village of Weverton was once envisoned as an industrial boomtown in the first half of the the 19th Century Just upriver from what was then Berlin, an enterprising B&O Railroad civil engineer named Caspar Wever foresaw a thriving company town on the Potomac similar to Lowell, MA. This otherwise interesting aerial map of Weverton businesses from 1832-1963 shows inaccuracies, as it incorrectly notes the Weverton Manufacturing Company's cotton mill complex, w...

== Summary ==
What's now the sleepy unincorporated village of Weverton was once envisoned as an industrial boomtown in the first half of the the 19th Century Just upriver from what was then Berlin, an enterprising B&O Railroad civil engineer named Caspar Wever foresaw a thriving company town on the Potomac similar to Lowell, MA.

This otherwise interesting aerial map of Weverton businesses from 1832-1963 shows inaccuracies, as it incorrectly notes the Weverton Manufacturing Company's cotton mill complex, which isn't visible, and mislabels the site of the Loughbridge mill as the Henderson Steel & File Manufacturing Co.

Teresa Forsyth
The stone houses remaining are absolutely beautiful.

Gale Crist
I grew up on old Rt 67. Before new Route 67 went through, you could turn directly onto old 67 and come up Weverton hill. It was a dangerous intersection as I recall. I remember tractor/trailers coming past our house. I have no idea how cars passed them as the road was narrow. That had to be in the mid-60s.

Terry Heffner
Who knew that a small fortune was buried there.. and was found in 1947 by 3 railroad workers?

Brenton Barger
Terry, the Stone House at the bottom of South Mountain Road had been a "bar". (That house is still there) It had been robbed... the culprits found the "money chest" too heavy to make a successful getaway and decided to bury it just on the other side of then 340 which later became Md 180 down on the B&O Railroad property. Track forces were working that area in 1947 when it was supposedly dug up by accident!!

Terry Heffner
Brenton Barger, it’s my understanding that every coin in that box was dated pre civil war.

(Washington County Historical Society of Hagerstown MD)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:B&O Commemorative Stamp.jpg

2026-04-18T23:08:29Z

Pwenner: February 28 is the anniversary of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the first common carrier railroad and the oldest railroad in the United States. It was chartered February 28, 1827 by the Maryland Legislature and the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 8, 1827. (Photo and information courtesy of Jerry A. McCoy via Baltimore and Ohio Railroad) Category:Smoketown Railroad

== Summary ==
February 28 is the anniversary of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the first common carrier railroad and the oldest railroad in the United States. It was chartered February 28, 1827 by the Maryland Legislature and the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 8, 1827.

(Photo and information courtesy of Jerry A. McCoy via Baltimore and Ohio Railroad)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:More details African American contribution to the railroad by Carl Butler Belt-Butler-Milligan.jpeg

2026-04-18T22:53:37Z

Pwenner: Estelle Belt, former docent at the Brunswick Heritage Museum, Carl Butler, artist, and Eleanor Milligan, former curator at the museum. This photo was likely taken during the unveiling of Carl's stunning mural depicting African-American "gandy dancers" who helped build the Brunswick railyard. The mural has been featured at the museum since 1997 and currently serves as the cover photo for Smoketown History. With this mural, Carl honored the memory of his grandfather, George Butler, who was the...

== Summary ==
Estelle Belt, former docent at the Brunswick Heritage Museum, Carl Butler, artist, and Eleanor Milligan, former curator at the museum. This photo was likely taken during the unveiling of Carl's stunning mural depicting African-American "gandy dancers" who helped build the Brunswick railyard. The mural has been featured at the museum since 1997 and currently serves as the cover photo for Smoketown History.

With this mural, Carl honored the memory of his grandfather, George Butler, who was the first Black stationary fireman to work on the railroad in Brunswick. Abbie Ricketts wrote an excellent article about the mural's creation in the February edition of the Brunswick News-Journal, which includes this photo.

Carroll Harrison Kehne
I first met Carl while he was a student at BHS. We met again when we hired him to help with the painting of the “Mural of Hope” in Frederick, Md. He was very talented and I enjoyed working with him on the wall.

Michael Farmer
Carl was our camp counselor at Camp Greentop when all the elementary school students would go there. I remember him fondly, and came to know the rest of his immediate family later on. All great folks.

(Photo courtesy of Madeleine Butler and the Brunswick News-Journal)

[[Category:Smoketown African American Heritage]]

File:From a locomotive cab facing west in 1975..jpg

2026-04-18T22:39:16Z

Pwenner: This photo of the WB Tower was taken from a locomotive cab facing west in 1975. WB Tower was a railroad interlocking and control tower, sometimes called a “signaling tower,” built to control train movements through the complex network of tracks, switches, and crossovers at the Brunswick yard and junction area. WB Tower served as the nerve center of the yard, managing mainline traffic on the B&O’s busy Metropolitan Subdivision between yard operations in Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Md. Th...

== Summary ==
This photo of the WB Tower was taken from a locomotive cab facing west in 1975.

WB Tower was a railroad interlocking and control tower, sometimes called a “signaling tower,” built to control train movements through the complex network of tracks, switches, and crossovers at the Brunswick yard and junction area. WB Tower served as the nerve center of the yard, managing mainline traffic on the B&O’s busy Metropolitan Subdivision between yard operations in Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Md. This included the entrance and exit of freight and commuter trains, along with switches and signals operated through a US&S Model 14 pneumatic interlocking machine, which remains in the building.

WB tower stands as the last remaining structure from what was once the largest single-company-owned rail yard in the United States. Having closed in 2011, the tower was also the last of its kind within the CSX, formerly B&O, system. Thanks to efforts by the Mayor and Council, along with a group of citizens who fought for its preservation over several administrations, the WB Tower was successfully moved to E. Potomac Street on April 2, 2022.

Some tower employees from the 1950s to the 1970s were Eugene Harrison, Bill Utterback, Jim White, Charlie Selby, Norm Cornelius, Damon Barnhart, Gary "Boogie" Snoots, and Blair Harrington.

(Photo by Ray Soderberg)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Blizzard of 2026 Frozen River at Weverton.jpeg

2026-04-04T22:03:01Z

Pwenner: The frozen Potomac River at Weverton in February, 2026. This hadn’t happened in at least 8 years. According to Ellis Burruss in his front page article about the Winter storm that affected Brunswick from January 25 through the first weeks of February, “What made the recent storm most memorable was the thick layer of sleet that froze on top of the snow. 6 to 8 inches of snow was immediately coated by two to three inches of sleet, forming a thick, hard surface that meteorologists call ‘snowcret...

== Summary ==
The frozen Potomac River at Weverton in February, 2026. This hadn’t happened in at least 8 years.

According to Ellis Burruss in his front page article about the Winter storm that affected Brunswick from January 25 through the first weeks of February, “What made the recent storm most memorable was the thick layer of sleet that froze on top of the snow. 6 to 8 inches of snow was immediately coated by two to three inches of sleet, forming a thick, hard surface that meteorologists call ‘snowcrete’-- like hardened concrete.”

We’re hopeful that the worst of Winter weather is now in the rear-view mirror.

Brock Bingham
In the 1930's and early 1940's my father and his friends played Ice Hockey near Weverton every winter. The shallows there stayed frozen nearly all winter!

(Photo by Julie Maynard from the March Brunswick News-Journal)

[[Category:Smoketown Big Snows]]

File:Musser 1936 Flood.jpeg

2026-04-04T21:58:58Z

Pwenner: A view of the old mill and bridge entrance during the great flood of 1936. Doris Kelley Barker Peter, I was 6(7)? and I remember well standing with my parents at the square corner and the water was almost up to Potomac Street. In my PapPap’s basement when you opened the door from the kitchen, I saw the water almost up to his kitchen; it frightened me to see that. My dad had to hold Pap Kelley from trying to go down there. Dad managed to keep him upstairs because he would have drowned. Thanks...

== Summary ==
A view of the old mill and bridge entrance during the great flood of 1936.

Doris Kelley Barker
Peter, I was 6(7)? and I remember well standing with my parents at the square corner and the water was almost up to Potomac Street. In my PapPap’s basement when you opened the door from the kitchen, I saw the water almost up to his kitchen; it frightened me to see that. My dad had to hold Pap Kelley from trying to go down there. Dad managed to keep him upstairs because he would have drowned. Thanks for sharing because I saw all the tracks covered and how the East bound station had water really high just like the Mill.

(Artwork by Kellen "Buck" Musser 8/7/07)

[[Category:Smoketown Great Floods]]

File:Musser Locomotive B-W sketch.jpeg

2026-04-04T21:51:10Z

Pwenner: B&O steam locomotive 5039 in black & white. Jodi Boaze Murphy Absolutely stunning Doris Kelley Barker A real beauty and thanks for sharing. I loved them even though the cinders were bad, but it gave me my bread and butter as a small child. I still love movies, American and English that have beautiful steam engines pulling the passenger cars and supplies across our nation. Thanks Buck for drawing this magnificent engine. You are a great artist. (Artwork by Kellen "Buck" Musser) [[Category:...

== Summary ==
B&O steam locomotive 5039 in black & white.

Jodi Boaze Murphy
Absolutely stunning

Doris Kelley Barker
A real beauty and thanks for sharing. I loved them even though the cinders were bad, but it gave me my bread and butter as a small child. I still love movies, American and English that have beautiful steam engines pulling the passenger cars and supplies across our nation. Thanks Buck for drawing this magnificent engine. You are a great artist.

(Artwork by Kellen "Buck" Musser)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Musser B&O YMCA sketch.jpeg

2026-04-04T21:48:25Z

Pwenner: The southern railroad side view of the B&O YMCA. Debra Sterling Hewett My dad was Eddie Kagey, he did a wonderful big piece art work of a big train that was in the Y! It burnt down with the building. Larry Mackereth When our scout troop bicycled the canal in 71, we camped in Brunswick on the third night. My dad was a railroader quietly made arrangements for us to have breakfast at the Y the next morning…about 20 scouts and four leaders. We rode into town in full uniform and had a delicious...

== Summary ==
The southern railroad side view of the B&O YMCA.

Debra Sterling Hewett
My dad was Eddie Kagey, he did a wonderful big piece art work of a big train that was in the Y! It burnt down with the building.

Larry Mackereth
When our scout troop bicycled the canal in 71, we camped in Brunswick on the third night. My dad was a railroader quietly made arrangements for us to have breakfast at the Y the next morning…about 20 scouts and four leaders. We rode into town in full uniform and had a delicious breakfast with no cleanup. The leaders made sure the waitresses were well-tipped. It was the best part of the trip.

Anna Rentzel
Saturday nights after the dance at fire hall or at the Hawaiian nite club or a movie at the theater, stop by the "Y" for a grilled cheeseburger & fries with brown gravy, what a way to end an evening!!!

Dori Hammond
Buck, that is an absolutely a beautiful drawing and likeness. You are truly a talented man.

(Artwork by Kellen "Buck" Musser 8/31/08)

[[Category:Smoketown B&O YMCA]]

File:Point of Rocks aerial.JPG

2026-04-04T21:43:25Z

Pwenner: Drone shot by Zhanna Snyder of Point of Rocks on January 26, 2026. It appears to be up Rt. 15 away from the river. See the old schoolhouse, the current Edward F. Fry Library and community center on the right. In the distance is the river, canal and railroad. (Credit to Point of Rocks Community Facebook Page) Category:Smoketown Big Snows

== Summary ==
Drone shot by Zhanna Snyder of Point of Rocks on January 26, 2026. It appears to be up Rt. 15 away from the river.

See the old schoolhouse, the current Edward F. Fry Library and community center on the right.

In the distance is the river, canal and railroad.

(Credit to Point of Rocks Community Facebook Page)

[[Category:Smoketown Big Snows]]

File:Charlotte Nalley Jean Marie Halley.JPG

2026-04-04T21:40:52Z

Pwenner: Charlotte Nalley poses with her young friend, believed to have been Jean Marie Halley, on horseback in 1939. The photo was taken with the Coca-Cola sign in front of her father Pink Nalley's grocery store on Wenner's Hill. The store and family home were at 707 N. Maple Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Jo Jamison) Category:Smoketown Kids

== Summary ==
Charlotte Nalley poses with her young friend, believed to have been Jean Marie Halley, on horseback in 1939. The photo was taken with the Coca-Cola sign in front of her father Pink Nalley's grocery store on Wenner's Hill. The store and family home were at 707 N. Maple Avenue.

(Photo courtesy of Jo Jamison)

[[Category:Smoketown Kids]]

File:Point of Rocks Tunnel.JPG

2026-04-04T00:14:17Z

Pwenner: /* Summary */

== Summary ==
On July 17, 1953, Arthur Angstadt shot this interesting photo of the eastern portal of the Point of Rocks tunnel looking westbound. Great color saturation for an old photo, which may have been a Kodachrome.

(Photo courtesy of industrialmodels Facebook Page)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:Point of Rocks Tunnel.JPG

2026-04-04T00:12:52Z

Pwenner: On July 17, 1953, Arthur Angstadt shot this interesting photo of the eastern portal looking westbound of the Point of Rocks tunnel. Great color saturation for an old photo, which may have been a Kodachrome. (Photo courtesy of industrialmodels Facebook Page) Category:Smoketown In and Around

== Summary ==
On July 17, 1953, Arthur Angstadt shot this interesting photo of the eastern portal looking westbound of the Point of Rocks tunnel. Great color saturation for an old photo, which may have been a Kodachrome.

(Photo courtesy of industrialmodels Facebook Page)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:Basketball Lester Deneen.jpg

2026-04-04T00:05:16Z

Pwenner: Some hard-fought action under the net as Railroader Lester Deneen goes up for a score at the old Brunswick High School on 4th Avenue in the late 1950s. #7 with his back turned Dick Goodrich may have been #7 with his back turned, as he was identified in another photo, possibly from the same game. Edwin Higdon was #6. (From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries) Category:Smoketown Sports

== Summary ==
Some hard-fought action under the net as Railroader Lester Deneen goes up for a score at the old Brunswick High School on 4th Avenue in the late 1950s. #7 with his back turned Dick Goodrich may have been #7 with his back turned, as he was identified in another photo, possibly from the same game. Edwin Higdon was #6.

(From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries)

[[Category:Smoketown Sports]]

File:Fashion show Brenda Barger Swiger broken arm.jpg

2026-04-03T23:54:19Z

Pwenner: This was Brenda Barger with her broken arm in a sling at the 1962 Easter Sunday fashion show at the old fire hall. Brenda was in the first grade at the time. Mary Himes Dorsey My grandmother got me in it when I was in the first grade. I walked down the aisle with an adult in two different outfits and got to keep one of them. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Barger Swiger) Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations

== Summary ==
This was Brenda Barger with her broken arm in a sling at the 1962 Easter Sunday fashion show at the old fire hall. Brenda was in the first grade at the time.

Mary Himes Dorsey
My grandmother got me in it when I was in the first grade. I walked down the aisle with an adult in two different outfits and got to keep one of them.

(Photo courtesy of Brenda Barger Swiger)

[[Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations]]

File:Weverton VO Tower.jpg

2026-04-03T23:42:08Z

Pwenner: This was the Weverton or "VO" signaling tower, which was decommissioned in the 1950s and demolished sometime around 1960. It was also known as a "Block Station Tower," which along with towers in Brunswick (WB) and Point of Rocks (KG), formed a "block" that managed all railroad traffic between those locations. The WB Tower was the center of the operations for this area from Point of Rocks in the east and Weverton in the west. Old Rt. 340 would be at the upper right of the photo. The Weverton...

== Summary ==
This was the Weverton or "VO" signaling tower, which was decommissioned in the 1950s and demolished sometime around 1960. It was also known as a "Block Station Tower," which along with towers in Brunswick (WB) and Point of Rocks (KG), formed a "block" that managed all railroad traffic between those locations. The WB Tower was the center of the operations for this area from Point of Rocks in the east and Weverton in the west.

Old Rt. 340 would be at the upper right of the photo. The Weverton station can be seen in the background along with the water tower. To the left of it is the mainline to Cumberland. To the right is the Washington County Branch to Hagerstown.

The tower was actually located in Knoxville, but was designated "Weverton" by the railroad.

Bill Shewbridge
My dad worked at this tower occasionally. He said that in the mid-fifties, a bulldozer working nearby struck a buried box of gold coins. It broke open and scattered the treasure. Dad said that the tower operators were frequently bothered by locals digging in the area after that.

Aaron Lennox
I've always found it interesting that Weverton was actually much larger than many think. Or it was at least planned that way. Most seem to think it was only right at the county line and/or mostly in Washington County and that what remained of it was just built over by 340. From what I've been able to garner, Weverton seems to have been at one point basically everything north-west of the intersection in Knoxville, including a good section of S. Mountain Rd (and of course down to the river.)

The tower was definitely in Knoxville though, and on the opposite side of Knoxville to boot (in relation to Weverton.)

Al Moran
340 would be at upper right of photo. The Weverton station can be seen in the background. To the left of it is the mainline to Cumberland. To the right is the Washington County Branch to Hagerstown...

James Eells
Rails from Weverton went to Keedysville as close to Boonsboro as it ever got. Then on to Hagerstown. Rails came out in the late 70s. The rails through Boonesboro were the Hagerstown and Frederick Trolley line. Herb Harwood‘s book, Impossible Challenge has a whole chapter on the Weverton Branch.

(Photo from Baltimore & Ohio Railroad History courtesy of Norm Cornelius)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Union Bethel A.M.E. Petersville.jpg

2026-04-03T23:23:03Z

Pwenner: This was the old Union Bethel A.M.E. in Petersville, which was built around 1870, the same time as its sister church, Ceres Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Gapland Road. The church has been gone for decades now. All that remains of Union Bethel A.M.E today is the cemetery. It was located at the end of 1st St. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Lennox) Category:Smoketown African American Heritage

== Summary ==
This was the old Union Bethel A.M.E. in Petersville, which was built around 1870, the same time as its sister church, Ceres Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Gapland Road. The church has been gone for decades now. All that remains of Union Bethel A.M.E today is the cemetery. It was located at the end of 1st St.

(Photo courtesy of Aaron Lennox)

[[Category:Smoketown African American Heritage]]

File:FMC Frock Wedding Reception.jpg

2026-04-03T23:19:37Z

Pwenner: These ladies were in charge of table settings and refreshments at the 1958 wedding of Arlyne Albert and Richard Frock at the First Methodist Church on 7 S. Maryland Avenue. From left to right are Evie McLane, Leona Mohler, Grace Connor, Louise Porter, Marge Youtz, Dorothy Haller, and Ruth Mohler. Some comments: Doris Kelley Barker Thanks so much for this picture. I knew all of them well. We took Grace Connor on the train with us to Folly Beach off of Charleston, SC, one year and she loved i...

== Summary ==
These ladies were in charge of table settings and refreshments at the 1958 wedding of Arlyne Albert and Richard Frock at the First Methodist Church on 7 S. Maryland Avenue. From left to right are Evie McLane, Leona Mohler, Grace Connor, Louise Porter, Marge Youtz, Dorothy Haller, and Ruth Mohler.

Some comments:

Doris Kelley Barker
Thanks so much for this picture. I knew all of them well. We took Grace Connor on the train with us to Folly Beach off of Charleston, SC, one year and she loved it. We usually went every summer for vacation in July. I was in Eastern Star with some of them too. Remembering beautiful Leona sitting selling tickets to our movie theater, always lovely. They all were doers.

Norval Kennedy
Hats!

(Photo courtesy of Tamera Frock Herrell)

[[Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations]]

File:1976-77 BHS State Basketball Championship Team Coaches-Cheerleaders.jpg

2026-04-03T23:13:16Z

Pwenner: The BHS varsity basketball team celebrated at Cole Field House after the Railroaders won their only Maryland State Basketball Championship during the 1976-77 school year. In the back row, Head Coach Bill Kubat and Assistant coach Bill Turney are 5th and 6th from the left. The players who have been identified are Robert James (7th), Steve Dustin (8th from left), Patrick "Butch" Campbell (9th), Dan "Duck" McLane (10th), David Morris (11th), Timmy Jackson (12th), Bernie Lipscomb (13th). Kneelin...

== Summary ==
The BHS varsity basketball team celebrated at Cole Field House after the Railroaders won their only Maryland State Basketball Championship during the 1976-77 school year. In the back row, Head Coach Bill Kubat and Assistant coach Bill Turney are 5th and 6th from the left. The players who have been identified are Robert James (7th), Steve Dustin (8th from left), Patrick "Butch" Campbell (9th), Dan "Duck" McLane (10th), David Morris (11th), Timmy Jackson (12th), Bernie Lipscomb (13th).

Kneeling is Judith Rowe (3rd), Mike Price (4th, Ball boy), Patrick O’ Hara (5th from left), Eddie Weddle (6th), Darryl Huffer (7th), Mike Ryland (8th). Mitchell Butler, who may have been a scorekeeper, is 9th from the left).

The cheerleaders:
(Left side/back row): Joann Foltz, Debra Huffer Moler, Lisa Bollinger (Captain 2nd yr), Karen Smallwood

(Kneeling/Left side): Rhonda Remsburg, Judith Rowe & Paula Wetzel.

(Right side back row): Lisa Koogle, Sandy Deener, Cindy Cusack

(Kneeling/Right side): Cleta Pontillo, Kathy Pontillo, Cheryl Beachley, Julie Herber

Here are some recollections of that team:

Troy Kemp
My first year at Brunswick. I started the 7th and 8th grade basketball program that year, and often traveled with the team or at least attended the games and some practices. Mr. Kubat was a great coach, calm in all circumstances. After losing a late season game at Catoctin, Bill Turney said we could go in a 5-game win streak, and we did! Exciting first year. Really gifted team. The following year, we were undefeated until losing to Poolesville, and finishing, I think,26-1.

Andy Williams
Troy Kemp had a 20-point lead at halftime to Poolesville, who had that 6’7” guy Neville.

Nancy Harsh Baker
That's my year and our winning team. Everyone was so proud. We all rode bus to game. And Brunswick watched at local car dealership. What a wonderful memory.

Cheryl Var Kayless
Cheerleaders & Players rode the same bus to games. I believe our bus driver was Harold Zecher. Harold let us carry on alot!
I remember sitting next to Lisa Bollinger while she did shorthand homework on the way to games. She was so good and received a big award for speed & accuracy.
Cheerleader uniforms were 100% wool. Handwash or dry clean. Varsity=gold tops, JVs=maroon.

Dolores Sylvain
Yes, that team made our class of 1977 very proud!

(Photo courtesy of Debra Huffer Moler)

[[Category:Smoketown Sports]]

File:Potomac River Iron Bridge Underneath.jpg

2026-04-03T22:48:40Z

Pwenner: About this rare view of the old 1893 Iron Potomac River Bridge, the copy on the photo caption from MDOT reads as follows: "On the Brunswick side of the river, this view depicts the underside of the bridge's timber deck. The bridge deck is ported by riveted iron columns set in concrete. A local graffiti artist had drawn their initials along the bases. A Baltimore and Ohio railroad car is visible in the background. December 15, 1932. Jacquelyn M Ebersole Great picture. Walked that bridge ever...

== Summary ==
About this rare view of the old 1893 Iron Potomac River Bridge, the copy on the photo caption from MDOT reads as follows:

"On the Brunswick side of the river, this view depicts the underside of the bridge's timber deck. The bridge deck is ported by riveted iron columns set in concrete. A local graffiti artist had drawn their initials along the bases. A Baltimore and Ohio railroad car is visible in the background. December 15, 1932.

Jacquelyn M Ebersole
Great picture. Walked that bridge every Sunday for years.

(Photo credit and information: Maryland Department of Transportation via Life in Maryland)

[[Category:Smoketown Potomac River and C&O Canal]]

File:Point of Rocks Station-KG Tower (1).jpg

2026-04-03T22:41:19Z

Pwenner: Here is a vintage photo (or postcard?) showing the Point of Rocks Station with a passenger train on the old B&O Mainline. This image was taken sometime after 1902, as the KG Tower, visible on the right, was constructed that year. You can also see Hickman’s Lunch Market next to the tower. It's interesting to see people (presumably) having exited the train to go on their way, along with the folks on the rear of the train. The KG Tower was part of a block of local signal towers, along with WB...

== Summary ==
Here is a vintage photo (or postcard?) showing the Point of Rocks Station with a passenger train on the old B&O Mainline. This image was taken sometime after 1902, as the KG Tower, visible on the right, was constructed that year. You can also see Hickman’s Lunch Market next to the tower.

It's interesting to see people (presumably) having exited the train to go on their way, along with the folks on the rear of the train.

The KG Tower was part of a block of local signal towers, along with WB Tower in Brunswick serving as the nerve center, and VO Tower (Weverton), which controlled all train traffic in the area. As was VO, KG was decommissioned sometime in the 1950s, which the WB Tower remained in operation until 2011.

Richard Bowers
I think my grandfather, Elmer Bowers, was a telegrapher at the station. Later he was the agent in Brunswick. My grandmother's family operated the restaurant. A story my dad told was that when a passenger train stopped the Hickman's would board the train wearing aprons with extra pockets filled with sandwiches and desserts to sell to hungry passengers.

Ed Hartman
I remember the tower. Was allowed to go up and see inside once 😀

(Photo courtesy of Point of Rocks Train Station)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad

File:Myers Christmas w-Santa.jpg

2025-12-30T04:00:06Z

Pwenner: The Myers siblings of N. Maple Avenue visit Santa sometime in the 1950s. From left were twins Kris and Kathy, and older brother Kim. (Photo courtesy of Kim Myers) Category:Smoketown Christmas

== Summary ==
The Myers siblings of N. Maple Avenue visit Santa sometime in the 1950s. From left were twins Kris and Kathy, and older brother Kim.

(Photo courtesy of Kim Myers)

[[Category:Smoketown Christmas]]

File:Rhonda Rooney & Cathy Gaither.jpeg

2025-12-30T02:01:38Z

Pwenner: Rhonda Rooney and Cathy Gaither (w/doll) pose behind "Stuffy's" on N. Maple Avenue, circa 1961. For reference, see 2nd Avenue behind the girls, which at the time was relatively undeveloped. For at least a generation, Rhonda's father James "Stuffy" Rooney operated the O.K. Market on Wenner's Hill for Skeets Kline. Cathy Gaither Barnes was recently honored as a Brunswick Distinguished Citizen for her longtime good work at the Brunswick Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Rooney) [[Cate...

== Summary ==
Rhonda Rooney and Cathy Gaither (w/doll) pose behind "Stuffy's" on N. Maple Avenue, circa 1961. For reference, see 2nd Avenue behind the girls, which at the time was relatively undeveloped.

For at least a generation, Rhonda's father James "Stuffy" Rooney operated the O.K. Market on Wenner's Hill for Skeets Kline.

Cathy Gaither Barnes was recently honored as a Brunswick Distinguished Citizen for her longtime good work at the Brunswick Senior Center.

(Photo courtesy of Rhonda Rooney)

[[Category:Smoketown Kids]]

File:Christian and Missionary Alliance church Vacation Bible School.jpg

2025-12-30T01:56:12Z

Pwenner: This is a photo of the Vacation Bible School student body at the old Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on E. A Street, circa 1945. Identifying the teacher and some of the students, Jackie Ebersole wrote: "I will start with Mrs Eshbaugh - going right to left in the back row, she is number 2. I am standing in front of her (4th row). Dale Painter is to my right. Not sure of next one. Then it is Tommy Hammond and Jobe Breeden and the one Buck (Musser) says is him. Bernice Minnick is dire...

== Summary ==
This is a photo of the Vacation Bible School student body at the old Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on E. A Street, circa 1945. Identifying the teacher and some of the students, Jackie Ebersole wrote:

"I will start with Mrs Eshbaugh - going right to left in the back row, she is number 2. I am standing in front of her (4th row). Dale Painter is to my right. Not sure of next one. Then it is Tommy Hammond and Jobe Breeden and the one Buck (Musser) says is him.

Bernice Minnick is directly behind Jobe (5th row) and Nonie Chaney (Sigler) is on her left and Marcella Gall on her left. Frances Chaney is the other really blonde girl. Bonnie Kearfoot is in front of Jobe with the ribbon in her hair (3rd row).

The tallest women in the middle of the back row is Winnie Forrest's mother who was the teacher that taught bible stories with the use of a flannel board.

Sitting on the ground from the left to right, David (McIntosh) is the fourth one looking at the camera. Near him is someone with their arm in the air and next to him is my sister Beckie (McIntosh). Would know those bangs anywhere.

The Bryan children are on the right side of the picture--Loberta (Staley) is the dark girl with a white blouse and suspenders on her skirt. Next to her is her brother Delano and their sister Yvonne is the tiniest little girl second from the end sitting down in front row."

(Photo and information courtesy of Jackie Ebersole)

[[Category:Smoketown Houses of Worship]]

File:Eagle Farm on 464.jpg

2025-12-30T01:54:32Z

Pwenner: This photo was taken of the Eagle Farm sale in 1976. A farm that was passed down several generations, George Maynard Eagle (1892-1975) was the final family owner. The property goes back to M.H. Fout, who owned the land in the 1873 map of Petersville District No. 13. The farm extended and abuts to the present-day Othello Park at Petersville. In 2020, Brylawski paid $3M for the parcel. Charlie Smith As of Nov, 2025, the house is still standing, but the barns burned in appx. 1980 - 1982. The b...

== Summary ==
This photo was taken of the Eagle Farm sale in 1976. A farm that was passed down several generations, George Maynard Eagle (1892-1975) was the final family owner.

The property goes back to M.H. Fout, who owned the land in the 1873 map of Petersville District No. 13. The farm extended and abuts to the present-day Othello Park at Petersville. In 2020, Brylawski paid $3M for the parcel.

Charlie Smith
As of Nov, 2025, the house is still standing, but the barns burned in appx. 1980 - 1982. The balance of the building were torn down and lots were sold off including across Rt. 464. Tommy Sigler purchased a large lot and built a house. Mr. Bralawski did a beautiful job restoring Mr. Eagle's home.

Dave Smith
I believe that house was restored and is still standing. It's off of 464. I helped with demolition when I was 14 or 15. I was working for bralawski. That was around 1987 88. I never got to see it completed but it was in really bad shape. Found alot of cool things in the walls. A lot of old coins. Most of the things found were in rat nests in the walls. We also found a ouija board in the attic of the log cabin section. Every layer of floor had newspaper between the boards and the lower the layer the older the advertising. We saw buggys for sale at Sears and Robuck.

Mark Stewart
Shucked a lot of sacks of corn and snapped tubs of beans sitting on the side porch of that house. That view is not shown in this picture. My patents and Bobby and Francis Eagle were close friends. There was always a huge garden and shared produce!

William Roelke
Maynard Eagle was my grandmother Katherine Blanche (Eagle) Roelke’s brother. I used to go to the old house with her sometimes when she cut Uncle Mayne’s hair. Aunt Mandy was there as well.

(Photo courtesy of Carol Wheatley; information on the property from Jackie Ebersole)

[[Category:Smoketown Farm Community]]

File:WB Tower The Plant.jpg

2025-12-30T01:44:30Z

Pwenner: The Model Board, known as "The Plant" in the WB Tower, displayed activity within the Brunswick Rail Yard. As trains moved through the yard, a red light would flash on the board showing its position. Lights would also come on if anything caused the track circuit to go down. Wes Ball I looked at that many times while I was up in the tower. Todd Crone Lights did not flash, would just illuminate. Would also come on if anything caused the track circuit to go down. (Photo courtesy of The Positi...

== Summary ==
The Model Board, known as "The Plant" in the WB Tower, displayed activity within the Brunswick Rail Yard. As trains moved through the yard, a red light would flash on the board showing its position. Lights would also come on if anything caused the track circuit to go down.

Wes Ball
I looked at that many times while I was up in the tower.

Todd Crone
Lights did not flash, would just illuminate. Would also come on if anything caused the track circuit to go down.

(Photo courtesy of The Position Light Blog)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroad]]

File:Boteler & Buckles.jpg

2025-12-30T01:41:11Z

Pwenner: This is a nice formal photo of Gertrude Boteler & Leila Buckles in the early 1900s. Both were friends of Margaret Eagle Dixon. Boteler was a prominent early Brunswick name. A Boteler-Gross merchandising firm in Berlin pre-dated the railroad town of Brunswick, going back to the 1870s. William Lynch Gross's son Bill, better known as Judge Gross, was named William Boteler Gross. Valerie Moyer Virginia Boteler was my great great-great-grandmother. She was married to J.Jesse Moore. Both are buri...

== Summary ==
This is a nice formal photo of Gertrude Boteler & Leila Buckles in the early 1900s. Both were friends of Margaret Eagle Dixon.

Boteler was a prominent early Brunswick name. A Boteler-Gross merchandising firm in Berlin pre-dated the railroad town of Brunswick, going back to the 1870s. William Lynch Gross's son Bill, better known as Judge Gross, was named William Boteler Gross.

Valerie Moyer
Virginia Boteler was my great great-great-grandmother. She was married to J.Jesse Moore. Both are buried on an old plantation in Knoxville.

(Photo from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley)]

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:Garland Alder.jpg

2025-12-30T01:37:36Z

Pwenner: This is an early Brunswick family photo of Garland Alder. An inscription wrote that "his father ran a jewelry store in Brunswick." That was Frank Alder's store on Middle Street in the old town between the tracks and river in the 1890s. Alder's General Store sold "jewelry, especially railroad watches, and confections." F.E. Alder's successor was J.E. Moore, who operated in more than one location on W. Potomac Street. Here is a link to Alder's Store, c. 1895: https://www.facebook.com/photo...

== Summary ==
This is an early Brunswick family photo of Garland Alder. An inscription wrote that "his father ran a jewelry store in Brunswick."

That was Frank Alder's store on Middle Street in the old town between the tracks and river in the 1890s. Alder's General Store sold "jewelry, especially railroad watches, and confections." F.E. Alder's successor was J.E. Moore, who operated in more than one location on W. Potomac Street.

Here is a link to Alder's Store, c. 1895: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10155049436640208&set=a.330478560207

(Photo from the Eagle Family Collection, courtesy of Carol Wheatley)

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:Olive Schoolteacher Julia Yingling.jpg

2025-12-30T01:35:29Z

Pwenner: This is an early-20th century photo of Julia Yingling, who was a teacher at the Olive School near Rt. 464. Since the Eagle farm was in Petersville, it makes sense that their children and relatives would've attended school there. (Photo from the Eagle Family Collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley) Category:Smoketown Beginnings

== Summary ==
This is an early-20th century photo of Julia Yingling, who was a teacher at the Olive School near Rt. 464. Since the Eagle farm was in Petersville, it makes sense that their children and relatives would've attended school there.

(Photo from the Eagle Family Collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley)

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:Kate Trundle.jpg

2025-12-30T01:33:49Z

Pwenner: An early 20th-century portrait from the Eagle-Dixon family, this is Kate Trundle. Following the death of her mother, Barbara Catherine Boyer Trundle, in 1901 at age 38, oldest daughter Kate raised her younger brothers and sisters. Kate later married Archie Alpheus Thomas. The inscriptions on the back of the photos were made by Margaret Eagle and Dot Dixon Wheatley. (Photo and information from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley) Category:Smoketown Beginnings

== Summary ==
An early 20th-century portrait from the Eagle-Dixon family, this is Kate Trundle.

Following the death of her mother, Barbara Catherine Boyer Trundle, in 1901 at age 38, oldest daughter Kate raised her younger brothers and sisters. Kate later married Archie Alpheus Thomas.

The inscriptions on the back of the photos were made by Margaret Eagle and Dot Dixon Wheatley.

(Photo and information from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley)

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:B&O Railroad Baltimore Division Seniority List.jpg

2025-12-30T01:31:19Z

Pwenner: Here is a rare find. It's a seniority list of all the names of railroad employees in the Baltimore Division of the B&O Railroad. This 1926 booklet was personalized for Brunswick railroader R.T. (Bob) Foster. He was the husband of Lula (Sis) Foster and father of Mary Foster Cage, longtime BHS teacher. Noting the home address, the Fosters ran a boarding house for railroaders from 109 W. Potomac Street for years. See the endorsement of S. & N. Katz "Official Railroad Watch Inspectors". The co...

== Summary ==
Here is a rare find. It's a seniority list of all the names of railroad employees in the Baltimore Division of the B&O Railroad. This 1926 booklet was personalized for Brunswick railroader R.T. (Bob) Foster. He was the husband of Lula (Sis) Foster and father of Mary Foster Cage, longtime BHS teacher.
Noting the home address, the Fosters ran a boarding house for railroaders from 109 W. Potomac Street for years.

See the endorsement of S. & N. Katz "Official Railroad Watch Inspectors". The company later established a franchise business on the Square Corner in Brunswick, operating from 1946-1980. Although the Katz chain was sold to Reliable Stores Corporation in the late 1950s, the Brunswick store was the last to keep the Katz name until store manager Frank Miglio retired, the year S. & N. Katz closed its doors.

Troy Lloyd
Now that’s cool! Seems to be a roster for the official B&O Railroad Watch Inspector’s. Around this time, having a working watch with precise timing was very important for train movement schedules and preventing train collisions. Would love to see the names inside the roster book.

Tom Greco
I believe it was 1973 when I met Mr. Foster. I was 25 years old at the time and wild about the B&O, as I still am. We sat together on the porch for a couple of hours while Mr. Foster regaled me with B&O stories and answered my questions. He gifted me with one of his timebooks from the early 20th Century, which I still treasure.

Fred George III
I remember Bob Foster. Good friend of my grandfather. We used to sit on his steps and view the parades. The adults sat on the porch.

Jeanne Green Brandenburg-Smith
My dad was Local Chairman of the Carmen's Union for over 20 years. He had file drawers full of information, Seniority Rosters dating back to 1928, all kinds of things. I kept EVERYTHING. He even had Babe Ruth baseball All-Star Rosters, newspaper clippings.. Definitely a treasure to me.

(Photo courtesy of David McIntosh; information from "Brunswick: 100 Years of Memories")

[[Category:Smoketown Railroaders]]

File:Kate Trundle Thomas's husband Archie Thomas.jpg

2025-12-30T01:26:25Z

Pwenner: Archie Alpheus Thomas, husband to Kate. According to the 1910 census, Archie Thomas was a locomotive fireman for the B&O Railroad. (Photos from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley) Category:Smoketown Beginnings

== Summary ==
Archie Alpheus Thomas, husband to Kate. According to the 1910 census, Archie Thomas was a locomotive fireman for the B&O Railroad.

(Photos from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley)

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:Kate Trundle Thomas.jpg

2025-12-30T01:24:35Z

Pwenner: A grown-up Kate Trundle Thomas from the early 20th century. Kate was a child who became an adult very quickly when her mother died, and she had to raise her siblings. She married Archie Thomas in a double wedding with Kate's sister Lillie to Carroll L. Null in December, 1905. (Photos from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley) Category:Smoketown Beginnings

== Summary ==
A grown-up Kate Trundle Thomas from the early 20th century. Kate was a child who became an adult very quickly when her mother died, and she had to raise her siblings. She married Archie Thomas in a double wedding with Kate's sister Lillie to Carroll L. Null in December, 1905.

(Photos from the Eagle family collection courtesy of Carol Wheatley)

[[Category:Smoketown Beginnings]]

File:A Street and Petersville Road.jpg

2025-12-30T01:20:36Z

Pwenner: A view down A Street and Petersville Road. The large building on the left was listed on the history commission website as having been at different times, Longbrake, Stull, Schnauffer and Wright's Garage in the 20th Century. The apartments above the garage housed Schnauffer's Hospital from 1932-1937 before a new facility was opened at the corner of N. Virginia Avenue and W. B Street. Herb Daugherty later owned the building for several years before his untimely passing in 1995. Lee and Anne Z...

== Summary ==
A view down A Street and Petersville Road. The large building on the left was listed on the history commission website as having been at different times, Longbrake, Stull, Schnauffer and Wright's Garage in the 20th Century.

The apartments above the garage housed Schnauffer's Hospital from 1932-1937 before a new facility was opened at the corner of N. Virginia Avenue and W. B Street. Herb Daugherty later owned the building for several years before his untimely passing in 1995.

Lee and Anne Zumbach are the current building owners.

(Courtesy of the City of Brunswick Maryland History Commission)

[[Category:Smoketown In and Around]]

File:Wenner's Hill Christmas Tree (2).jpg

2025-12-30T01:17:45Z

Pwenner: "The Wenner's Hill Christmas Tree" on the Charles Harrington property at 605 N. Maple Avenue in the 1950s. For several years in the 1950s, the Harrington family decorated a huge pine tree in their yard at 605 N. Maple Avenue. On one night in December, neighborhood children would perform “The Christmas Story,” recited the “Night Before Christmas,” and sang carols there. Afterwards, Santa greeted the kids with “Christmas Boxes” containing hard candy and an orange. Jo Jamison recalled one year...

== Summary ==
"The Wenner's Hill Christmas Tree" on the Charles Harrington property at 605 N. Maple Avenue in the 1950s.

For several years in the 1950s, the Harrington family decorated a huge pine tree in their yard at 605 N. Maple Avenue. On one night in December, neighborhood children would perform “The Christmas Story,” recited the “Night Before Christmas,” and sang carols there.

Afterwards, Santa greeted the kids with “Christmas Boxes” containing hard candy and an orange. Jo Jamison recalled one year when the Harringtons' son Dave watched the festivities from his window while he was confined to bed due to polio.

As always, please share your memories of this community tree.

(Photo courtesy of Kim Myers)

[[Category:Smoketown Christmas]]

File:Paul Moore.png

2025-12-30T01:13:49Z

Pwenner: Paul Moore poses out the window of his engine. Steve Moore Uncle Paul, as a engineer, had a run where he drove to Cumberland, brought a train back to Brunswick, then took a train back to Cumberland and drove home to Brunswick. As a kid, Aunt Phyllis took me on the train that Uncle Paul was taking to Cumberland. I remember being so excited going through the tunnels and over the train bridges. When we got to Cumberland, we had dinner where I ate fried shrimp for the first time. Then, Uncle Pa...

== Summary ==
Paul Moore poses out the window of his engine.

Steve Moore
Uncle Paul, as a engineer, had a run where he drove to Cumberland, brought a train back to Brunswick, then took a train back to Cumberland and drove home to Brunswick. As a kid, Aunt Phyllis took me on the train that Uncle Paul was taking to Cumberland. I remember being so excited going through the tunnels and over the train bridges. When we got to Cumberland, we had dinner where I ate fried shrimp for the first time. Then, Uncle Paul drove us home in one of his big Pontiacs he was so fond of.

Brenton Barger
Great Guy! Cumberland Div East End Engineer. He was 191 Brunswick Mason... also a member of the Brunswick Lions Club. Had many good times with Paul and his wife.

Debbie Brawner
He was one of the jeweler's children in Brunswick and my grandfather. My mother Eleanora Russell was his youngest child of 12.

(From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries)

[[Category:Smoketown Railroaders]]

File:Anne & Lee Zumbach wedding.jpeg

2025-12-30T01:09:50Z

Pwenner: Longtime BHS teachers and running coaches Anne and Lee Zumbach on their wedding day at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Myersville in 1973. With 587 likes, this is the most popular post in Smoketown History's 16 years of existence. Hailey Kraft My dad was 3 when they got married and she’s my teacher next semester. Deborah Rowh This is a very dedicated couple that inspired many young people to excel. Sarah Miller Local celebrities for sure! Eileen Mercer Markum I had Mr. Zumbach f...

== Summary ==
Longtime BHS teachers and running coaches Anne and Lee Zumbach on their wedding day at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Myersville in 1973.

With 587 likes, this is the most popular post in Smoketown History's 16 years of existence.

Hailey Kraft
My dad was 3 when they got married and she’s my teacher next semester.

Deborah Rowh
This is a very dedicated couple that inspired many young people to excel.

Sarah Miller
Local celebrities for sure!

Eileen Mercer Markum
I had Mr. Zumbach for Karate in Point of Rocks. He was a lot of fun! Then he was our Tennis Coach at BHS.

Jay Schill
A really special couple who has devoted their lives to the Brunswick community!

(Photo courtesy of the Brunswick News-Journal)

[[Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations]]

File:Veterans Day Parade Train Float.png

2025-12-29T00:47:29Z

Pwenner: Here's a bygone photo that appears to date to the mid-Sixties. The float is a detailed facsimile of an old steam engine. Kudos to whoever built it! (From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries) Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations

== Summary ==
Here's a bygone photo that appears to date to the mid-Sixties. The float is a detailed facsimile of an old steam engine. Kudos to whoever built it!

(From the Myer Kaplon Photo Collection at the Brunswick Community Library; Frederick County Public Libraries)

[[Category:Smoketown Parades and Celebrations]]