Volume 13, No. 1
ABERDEEN MUSEUM
REVIEW
January / February 2014
Our Volunteer Newsletter --- A Link to the Past and Present
FIRE
!
FIRE
!
FIRE
!
The Great Fire of 1918
Frigid Weather and High
Winds Hamper Efforts
Inside
this Issue
Great Fire of 1918 ............................ 1
“Christmas Dreams”
Aberdeen Room’s Open House ....... 3
Community Events from Years Ago;
People in the News from Past .......... 6
Recent Donations to the Museum ... 7
Photos at Time of Great Fire ............ 8
D
uring the early morning
hours of February 5, 1918,
the most devastating fire in
Aberdeen’s history broke out when
an oil stove exploded in the Adams
and Rigdon Grocery Store and
Butcher Shop. (See map on page
2 for store’s location.) It was an
exceptionally frigid day, and the
stove had been left burning to
prevent the water pipes from
freezing.
Fanned by high winds, the fire
quickly spread to the adjoining
frame buildings on Bel Air Avenue.
-1-
The wood structures were rapidly
consumed like kindling, and the fire
grew to major proportions.
Normally, the public water
system and hydrants that were
installed in 1897 would have eased
the work of bringing water to the
fire scene (rather than having to rely
on the old-fashioned “bucket
brigade” method from the nearest
stream). However, because of the
intense cold, water in the fire plugs
and hoses froze.
“Great Fire of 1918”
Continued on pg 2
“Great Fire of 1918”
Continued from page 1
Harry Ivin’s
Pharmacy
dynamite. When sparks reached it,
the resulting explosion was terrific,
spreadding the flames to other
buildings. The fire was so intense
that the safe in the Strasbaugh &
Silver Brokerage Office became so
hot it also exploded. Other businesses that were destroyed (but not
identified on the map) included
Slade’s Harness Shop, Henry
Amos Osborn’s office, and Fyle’s
Store.
The fire was finally brought
under control. By the time the
smoke cleared, all buildings were
destroyed from today’s Railroad
Park & Ride on the corner of
today’s Route 40 to one building
shy of the modern post office. The
fire stopped short of the O. C.
Michael Coal Yard and the Pennsylvania Railroad Station.
In all, some ten business
establishments were destroyed at a
loss of $100,000 but without
personal injury.
Grocery Store
Henry Tarring’s
Hardware & Stoves
Adams and Rigdon
Grocery Store & Butcher
Strasbaugh & Silver
Canned Goods Brokerage
Office
Ivins General Store,
Post Office, Masons,
Odd Fellows
Front Street (Rte. 40)
Hanway’s Store
from the available fire plug by
stretching a hose across the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks to
Hanway’s where the fire was still
small.
Unfortunately, before the fire
company even turned the water on,
a passing train ran over the hose,
shearing it in two. The firemen
spliced the hose back together and
were able to get a little water on the
still controllable fire at Hanway’s
when a second train cut the hose
again.
Station agent Morgan E.
Pritchard had advised the railroad
of the situation beforehand, but for
some unknown reason, the trains
never stopped. Hanway’s burned
to the ground along with so many
other businesses on that day.
Tarring’s Hardware stocked
A law suit was brought by
Hanway’s against the Pennsylvania
Railroad for not stopping the trains
from running over and cutting the
water hoses from the only working
fire hydrant. However, the railroad
claimed that it was not responsible
for anything because, among other
reasons they gave, in their opinion
the station agent had no authority to
stop the trains. Hanway’s lost the
law suit. Hanway’s Store and the
grocery store on the other side of
Front Street were never rebuilt.
The rebuilding efforts of the
business section soon began. In
1919, the Odd Fellows Hall was
the first building to be completed.
The new brick and concrete block
structure housed the Odd Fellows
and Masons along with some
offices on the two upper floors. A
store and the Post Office returned
to the first floor. (In January of
1976, the Odd Fellows Hall was
once again destroyed by fire.)
Several other buildings in the
burned-out section of town soon
followed, but it was not until almost
a decade later -- in 1927 -- that the
area destroyed by Aberdeen’s
Great Fire of 1918 was completely
rebuilt. 
M
Before and After the Fire.
Above: The south side of Bel Air Avenue before the
Great Fire of 1918.
Right to left: Henry Tarring’s Hardware Store; Adam &
Rigdon’s Grocery Shop & Butchers; Strasbaugh & Silver
Canned Goods Brokerage Office; Ivins General Store /
Post Office / Masons / Odd Fellows.
Below: Oscar and Henry Tarring observe what is left
of their store after the fire and explosion.
y Grandfather
was Harry O.
Ivins who lost
his Pharmacy
in the Great
Fire. Since he
died when I
was only four, I
never got to
hear the story
from him. But
my Grandmother told me
that instead of
being devastated, he ran
home during
the fire,
grabbed her
and said with
almost a little
boy's glee,
"Come on
Edna, you have
to come see!
The whole
town’s on fire
and Tarring's
just blew up!"
--Frank Ivins
January 30, 2012
Bank
Print
Shop
Town Hall
Howard Street
Bel Air Avenue
Broadway (Rte. 40)
Grocery Store
Pennsy RR
Station
O.C. Michael
Coal Yard
Pennsylvania Railroad (AmTrack)
Together, the fire companies
from Aberdeen and the Proving
Ground tried to thaw the frozen
hydrants by starting little fires
around them.
Meanwhile, on the east side of
Front Street (now the northbound lane of Route 40 next to
the parking lot for Am Track)
stood a sizable general store named
Hanway & Gibson’s Mercantile.
The fire at Hanway’s started in the
eaves of the store and on a shed.
While the fire was yet small, men
tried to stop the fire from growing
by throwing ice and snow on the
flames.
Finally, one usable hydrant was
found on the east side of town,
beyond the Pennsylvania Railroad
tracks (now AmTrack). An
attempt was made to bring water
-2-
Map of Aberdeen, 1918. Depicted
here is a generalized map of
Aberdeen’s business section at the
time of the Great Fire of 1918. Orange
buildings are those that burned.
Before the Great Fire: Bel Air Avenue,
looking west from Front Street (now
Route 40) shows a thriving community.
After the fire, most of the buildings to
the left of the street were in ashes.
-3-
Christmas During the War Years
Aberdeen Room’s Open House
Looks Back to WWII
T
Ruth Peters wears a dress she made from a
retro 1940s pattern. She completed the outfit
with white gloves and an authentic hat from
the era. Husband Brian Peters donned a hat
typical of the day. The tie he is wearing
formerly belonged to his father-in-law, the late
John J. Lichi of Aberdeen, who wore the tie for
his wedding upon returnning home from
Occupied Germany. Bill Cronin looks on.
his past year’s Aberdeen Christmas Street Celebration was
held on December 7, which is Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day. Because the two celebrations coincided, members of
the Aberdeen Room team planned a WWII style Open House and
Window display.
The over-all theme for the Christmas Street Celebration was
“Christmas Dreams.” The WWII era Christmas song, “I’ll be Home
for Christmas,” popularized by Bing Crosby, became the centerpiece
for the Aberdeen Room’s window display.
The display featured six Norman Rockwell pieces. The center
picture was a sketch of four servicemen snoozing on a troop train.
The remaining pictures showed their dreams of being home. Also
included were parts of military uniforms. In the corner of the
window was a service banner with one blue star for Aberdeen
Room’s Bill Cronin who served as 2nd Lieutenant in the European
Theater of Operations during the War. The window display took 1st
Place in the Adult category.
Inside during the Open House, one could view 1940s dresses, a
sailor’s jumper (uniform), a model of Iwo Gima made by Ed Illick,
and the Museum’s Military display.
Some of the volunteers and guests dressed in attire reminiscent
of the 1940s. The music heard that day was from the Big Band
Swing era, and there was even a little swing dancing! As friends and
guests nibbled on cookies and sipped punch, they also swapped
stories about life during the War Years.
Although the Open House is now only an event fondly remembered, those at the Aberdeen Room wish to encourage all to not wait
for the next Christmas Street to visit the Museum. Hours are
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm. Other
times are available by appointment (410-273-6325). 
Clothing from the 1940s were on
display during the Open House. The
sailor jumper (uniform) belonged to
1st Class Petty Officer Carson.
The specialty marking indicates he
was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate.
Barbara Baker wore the beautiful
dresses in the 1940s, two of which
she made herself.
I’ll be home for
If only in my
Kristina Powell (AHS Class
of ‘98) shows off the 1940’s
dress that she made from a
Vintage Vogue pattern.
Period-correct touches to
her look inlcude a “Victory
rolls” hair-do, over-the-elbow
white kid leather gloves from
the 1940’s (courtesy of Mrs.
Barbara Baker), and
“stocking seams” drawn on
her legs with eye liner.
Mary Lee Plummer
sported a stylish hat
from the day.
Martha Baker baked and
intricately decorated a gingerbread
house for the raffle. Thank you,
Martha! Nancy Merritt was
delighted to win the fancy treat.
Curator Charlotte Cronin is very
knowledgable about life in Aberdeen
during World War II, as well as before
and after those years. She is always
glad to share with those who ask.
-4-
-5-
Community Events
from Years Ago
H
ow buildings change, or disappear completely over the years! With
the buildings, community events also disappear. Looking over some of
the last items found in the R. L. Mitchell scrapbooks, we found some
programs that told a great deal about the life of residents in Aberdeen back in
the middle of the last century.
When the old USO building on North Parke Street (now the location of
the Aberdeen Municipal Building) was no longer used for the entertainment of
the service men and women during World War II, a group of citizens used the
vacant building to plan community events at the newly named "Aberdeen
Recreation Center."
All larger parties and organizational events were held in this building.
Some of them were planned benefits for the ARC building upkeep, and others
for the youth of the community. The Aberdeen Community Mart and Hobby
Shows were such planned activities.
"The Aberdeen Community Mart and Hobby show, under the auspices of
the Aberdeen Recreation Center, is an incentive to creative endeavor. For
those who participate it offers an opportunity for the exhibition of the
results of their talents and energies. To the general public, it offers an
excellent show. The interest aroused in hobbies, and in community spirit,
will prove wholesome and inspirational, so that others may find a helpful
hobby."
Signed, Frank E. Baker,
President of the Board of Aberdeen Commissioners.
The first of these shows was held in November of 1948, and continued
for some years. A large group of people in Aberdeen sponsored the operation
of the building, by contributing their time and money. Purchased by the Town
of Aberdeen for a community center, its operation depended on civic minded
men and women. Mrs. Ruth Umbarger was the Director. The Council itself
consisted of Mrs. Thomas Colleran, Mrs. William Lindenstruth, Mrs. Margaret Pritchard, Mrs. Oscar Tarring, Charles Kelly, Norman Lee, G. Kessler
Livezey, Charles Oliver, Allen Reed, Harold Stark, and J. Wilmer Cronin,
Chairman.
Charles W. Willis, Superintendent of Harford County Schools in the 1940s
and 50s, said, "In our schools, we approve any project which will lead boys
and girls to worthwhile use of their leisure time. The development of interest
in hobbies is to be encouraged, and we are glad that Harford communities are
encouraging these interests."
The ARC Sponsor Group charged $25 a year for a family membership,
with a new Year’s Eve Party planned every year.
Some of the hobbies consisted of model railroads, oil paintings, textile
paintings, handmade miniature furniture, model cars, handmade decoys, and
photography. There were also handmade doll clothes and model ships. Others
had souvenirs from South America and Caribbean Islands, a display of
firearms, and one of gold thimbles.
The programs had advertisements by Aberdeen Concrete, Charley White
Chevrolet, Jamison and Cronin Real Estate, McGrady Appliance Sales,
Kunkel Service Co., Lee Buick, and Bel Air Concrete among many others.
All these programs and much more are kept in organizational files for
easy reference at the Aberdeen Room Archives and Museum. Guests are
invited to come, read, research, and enjoy! 
-6-
People in the News
from
Many Years Past
RECENTDONATIONS TO THE  MUSEUM
Memories Come by Way of the Printing Press
F
amily scrapbooks hold so
much history! Getting back
to some of the many years of
the Ryland Lee Mitchell donated
books, we found the scrapbook of
the year 1972 very interesting.
Within its pages were clippings of
articles about some of Aberdeen’s
people that made news at that time.
In April and May of that year,
two retirees are shown congratulating each other upon their future
retirement in an article and photo
from the "Harford Democrat."
"Robert A. Waters, who has been in
Aberdeen with the FBI for many
years will retire on April 30th, and
Chief Chester Roberts will retire
from police duties with the Aberdeen
Police Department on May 1st."
Another article from the "Aegis"
recalled that "Special Agent Robert
Waters Ends 25-Year FBI Career."
In the article, Bob looked back over
his career with never being involved
in a gunfight. He joined the Bureau
in 1947, shortly after passing the
North Carolina State Bar because,
"Lawyers in North Carolina were
making about $150 a month then. I
was looking for a job which would
lead to a career. I became fascinated with the work."
As the agent in charge of the
Aberdeen office, he investigated
cases of arson, murder, fraud,
kidnaping, sabotage, bank robbery,
bombings, and espionage. He made
speeches to civic groups and recruited personnel for the FBI in
visits to colleges and high schools.
He was president of his class at
Wake Forest University, captain of
the boxing team, and a PT Boat
Commander in the Pacific during
World War II. While in training, he
was instructed by another PT boat
skipper, the late John F. Kennedy. 
Bel Air Avenue, circa 1910. To
the left is the Gilbert & Rigdon
Grocery; in the center is the
Aberdeen Printing Office. In 1915,
the Printing Office moved to the
small building to the right of of the
Town Hall (presently: Bay Area
Dental; see map, page 2). The
above building was then used as
Ivins Pharmacy. After the Great
Fire of 1918, Ivins rebuilt the
pharmacy on both of the above
locations.
Men, left to right are: Chris
Kalmbacher, Parker Pyle, Claude
Rigdon, George Brock, Bert
Osborn, and Harry Authur.
S
o much of the memorabilia in
the archives and library at the
Aberdeen Room Archives and
Museum are printed documents,
brochures, programs, books and
newspapers. The presses keep our
history alive!
Boxes of treasures of printed
history recently came by way of the
Printing Press in Aberdeen. Over the
years, much of the local governmental, social, church and school printed
materials have been carefully done
here in Aberdeen. How lucky we
are to be able to retain those events
of days gone by!
It was like unwrapping a story
book from the past to find a brochure from St. Joan of Arc Church,
or the booklet honoring the 25th
Anniversary of the Harford Jewish
Center on November 15, 1980.
Another house of worship honored
with a booklet is the "Highway
Holiness Church10th Church and
Passtoral Anniversary."
And our schools. There is a
"Parent Handbook," "Student Handbook,” and "Wildcat Gazette"
newsletter from June of 1986 from
the Aberdeen Middle School.
Items from the Aberdeen High
School include the program from the
AHS 1999 Commencement, a
newsletter from January of 1989, a
program from the AHS Marquee
Drama Club for "Into the Woods" in
March of 1996, and an AHS "Student Handbook 1999-2000."
There is also a photo of the
Aberdeen High School Maryland
State 1987 High School Field Band
Championship.
Remember Aberdeen’s Bicentennial Event? There is a program
from the Aberdeen Bicentennial
Recognition Luncheon on November
15, 1975.
The Aberdeen Chamber of
Commerce is represented by
newsletters from March 1995 and
September 1996, a brochure from
Ivins
Pharmacy
(and former
Print Shop)
after the
fire.
-7-
1992, and the 2013 Aberdeen
Chamber of Commerce "Directory
and Business Guide."
From the old “Harford Press”
has come a book of poems for the
Aberdeen Room library, "Adolescent
Sentience" by Margaret Cronin
Umbarger.
Then from the "Harford
Democrat" newspaper, are three
original paste-up pages from March
of 1970. What memories those
pages did bring! Thanks for saving
them, Ben, and that box full of
photos used in the many newspapers
published during some of the 63
years it was published!

Bel Air Avenue,
opposite the
burned section.
On corner of Bel
Air Avenue and
Howard Street is
the bank. Note
soldiers among the
citizens. Barrels
are goods rescued
from burned-out
stores.
Aberdeen
at the Time of the
GREAT FIRE OF
1918
Photos courtesy of Ivins Collection; APG
photo from Aberdeen Room’s Post Card
Collection
Fire Apparatus from APG Fire Department, 1918
A soldier poses
among the ruins
about where
Tarring’s Hardware
once stood.
The steeple in the
background is that
of the Northern
Methodist church
on the corner of
Parke Street.
The Aberdeen Room
Archives & Museum
18 Howard Street
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
Phone: 410-273-6325
Web: www.aberdeenroom.org
Email: [email protected]
The Aberdeen Room
acquires, records, and displays
memorabilia and artifacts
that relate to the social, economic,
and cultural development of the
City of Aberdeen
and surrounding area.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
All interested persons
are welcome and are invited
to visit, utilize, and enjoy the museum
and archival facilities provided.
No Admission Charged
Your Donations are Appreciated
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Aberdeen Room Archives & Museum
is non-profit.
All donations are Tax-deductible.
~~~~~~~~
-8-
Current Museum Officers
and Board of Directors
Charlotte G. Cronin, Curator
Ruth Peters, Secretary
Jon Harlan Livezey, Treasurer
Catherine Adams
Barbara Baker
Mary Clary
William R. Cronin
Ruth Elliott
Ed Illick
Peggy Malson
Mary Lee Plummer
James Lindsey, Resource Manager
Tom Baker, Computer Consultant
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Articles written by Aberdeen Room Staff.
Edited by Jim Lindsey & Ruth Peters
Layout by Ruth Peters
Copyright 2014
Aberdeen Room Archives & Museum, Inc.