Page:Some History about the Village of Berlin.pdf/3

== Introduction ==

When I came home in 1993, one of the first things I wanted to do was find a book about the history of Brunswick. I found several articles that had been written in the paper. Then, I was directed me to the book 100 Years of Memories by the Brunswick History Commission. A fine book that, as was its purpose, brought back many memories of my childhood. The book also caused me to ask many questions.

The article by Mary Margrabe, page 123, about the mill convinced me that I should be the one to do the research that she was asking for in the book. "To learn the exact dates and persons involved in the establishment of the mill - or mills - will require more research than is possible for this printing. Original building dates for the mill(s) remain obscure in the extant articles."

I visited the Frederick County Courthouse often, perusing deeds and surveys. I am still gathering material ten years later. Since I enjoy research and sorting through history puzzles, this activity has provided me with a most enjoyable hobby. Well, it is not quite as expensive as golf or fishing, so my wife lets me play.

Now I have a quandary. What to do with all this research? I had hoped to just publish the research and let people draw their own conclusions; but, alas, who could afford to publish 800+ pages of research, not to mention that not many people would read them. So, armed with Brunswick historical data covering the years 1728 to 1890 (only 20% of my research material), I made a trip to Brunswick to see the only person who can look you straight in the eye and tell you exactly what you do not want to hear while making you smile. With fear and trepidation, I knocked on the back door of Mrs. Elizabeth Frye's house. We sat at the kitchen table and I showed her my treasures and told her the Brunswick story. When I finished, she said that people wanted to hear the story and really did not have time to read all that research. She said that I should stop using the excuse that there is still more to the story and just tell it as it is. Not being a writer or ever thinking I would write a story about my hometown, this was not. what I wanted to hear. I will go on finding more of the story and leave the writing to those who can. So I hope you find the information informative and an enjoyable.

One more important piece of information: This book is not about memories. It is a report on the research of court documents, wills, land records, letters, diaries, and original maps.