Ah, the good ol' days. Maryland in the 1950s was a simpler time. Candy was a mere 5 cents and people took less for granted. These vintage photos will take you back in time, and remind you of how far we've come.
1. Two officers of the Montgomery County Police Department hanging out in Silver Spring in 1952.
2. A 4-H Club in Beltsville tends to their sheep in 1953.
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3. A summer day at Glen Echo's Crystal Pool in 1959.
4. A team photo of the 1951 Terrapins in front of Byrd Stadium.
5. Maryland mail carrier vehicles making an appearance at a holiday parade in 1954.
6. Main Street, Darlington in the 1950s.
7. A nuclear nursing class at Bethesda's National Naval Medical Center in 1958.
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8. A Baltimore trolley in the 1950s.
9. And another in Riverdale Park.
10. Scientists studying rockfish charts at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons. Photo taken in 1957.
11. An image of North Frederick Avenue and Brookes Avenue in Gaithersburg. Photo taken in 1956.
12. A Terrapins drum major. Photo taken between 1951-1955.
13. A tuna canning plant in Cambridge circa 1955.
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14. An education team at the Maryland Science Center testing experiments in the 1950s.
15. Construction of the McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland in 1957.
What do you remember about Maryland in the 1950s? Have you heard interesting stories from relatives about what life was like? Please share in the comments.
Maryland is the home to a good number of early Colonial-era settlements, as should be expected, given our state’s history as one of the original 13 colonies in the United States! Two of the most famous are St. Michaels, which happens to be one of Maryland’s most walkable towns, and St. Mary’s, which makes a perfect day trip. But these aren’t the only two Colonial townships with historic maritime traditions. To the north, you’ll find Joppa, Maryland, one of the United Kingdom’s first successful ports established in the state, and all the historic sites around it that helped to put it on the map. Coincidentally, this also happens to make for a great adventure if you’re looking to learn more about Maryland while spending some time outside. Come along as we tell you more about it.
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Joppa (and its close neighbor Joppatowne, a distinction that can be puzzlingly unclear at times) takes its name from the Biblical township of Jaffa, Israel. There were three attempted settlements by the English colonials, and Joppa was the only one to survive.
Joppa was at one point the county seat of Baltimore County, and was a thriving commercial seaport in the 18th century. With the development of Baltimore City, however, the town shifted and became more of a suburban area, but there are still plenty of immaculate waterfront views!
The Jericho Covered Bridge is a gorgeous landmark that crosses over Little Gunpowder Falls. It was built in 1865 and still stands on an active road today, but biking through it is an incredible experience. Careful, though, as there are rumors that it’s haunted by the spirits of fallen Civil War soldiers.
The Jerusalem Mills historic site is located just north of the Jericho Covered Bridge. Established in 1772 by Pennsylvania Quakers, the town became an important gun manufactory during the American Revolution in 1776.
Mariner Point Park juts out into the Gunpowder River and is a long-standing reminder of the origins of Joppa and Joppatowne. In the 18th century, before Baltimore had fully developed into the county seat, Joppa was a thriving and important seaport for international trade and travel.
Nowadays the park is full of wildlife and gentle walking paths, shade trees and jungle gyms. It makes for a relaxing morning jaunt and is home to some of the friendliest squirrels you’ll find in Maryland, as long as you bring a bag of peanuts along!
If you’re planning on visiting Joppa, be sure to check out this incredible rental option just a short walk from Mariner Point Park!
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There are so many wonderful historic sites in Maryland that you will be amazed! What are some of your favorite historic towns in Maryland? Why? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
If you’d like to explore some really great hikes in and around the area, you can find information and photos about trails to embark upon by going to the AllTrails website.
Thinking about taking a Maryland vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you’re still in the mood for more Maryland adventures, take a look at this video:
There's something fascinating about vintage photos. They give us a glimpse into the past and help us try to wrap our heads around what living in that time would have been like. Below are 20 of the oldest photos of Maryland. We chose a sampling of images from around the state, showcasing a variety of landmarks, occupations, and more.
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1. The Baltimore Harbor as viewed from Federal Hill in 1849.
2. Cabin John Bridge (now also known as Union Arch Bridge in Bethesda) was photographed between 1862 and 1865.
3. The Naval Academy in Annapolis photographed between 1860-1865.
4. Posing for a portrait in Pleasant Valley. Photo captured between 1861-1865.
5. Main Street, Sharpsburg - complete with dirt roads, photographed in 1862.
6. Burnside Bridge (which doesn't look much different today), circa 1862.
7. President Abraham Lincoln visiting the battlefield at Antietam, circa 1862.
8. A Steamboat on the C & O Canal near Williamsport. Circa 1875-1880.
9. Students taking a break at St. Mary's College Female Seminary. Photo taken in the late 1800s.
10. Men setting crab floats in Oxford. Photo taken in 1899.
11. A train photographed in Western Maryland, circa 1901.
12. A unique perspective of Baltimore's now-iconic Lexington Market. Photo taken in 1903.
13. A mobile library photographed in Washington County, circa 1905.
14. A little girl picking in the fields near Baltimore in 1909.
15. A vintage shot of Glen Echo Park, photographed between 1909 and 1932.
16. A sea of hats at Baltimore-Washington Speedway in 1925.
These old photos of Baltimore are an interesting look at fashion and recreational activities popular at the time.
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17. The city of Frederick, circa 1936.
18. A way-back look at Catoctin Furnace between 1936-1937.
19. A woman scrubbing Baltimore's once-pristine white marble steps. Photo captured in 1938.
20. The Cumberland Fire Department, circa 1939.
What are the oldest photos of Maryland that you have? Do you have any historic pictures of Maryland? Feel free to share on our OnlyInMaryland Facebook page!