THE EDGEWOOD SCRAPBOOK: HIGHLIGHTING ONE OF HARFORD COUNTY'S BETTER KEPT SECRETS

Edgewood, Maryland encompasses about 18 square miles in the southern part of Harford County. Although Edgewood is home to about 28,000 people (about 11 percent of the County's entire population), the history of this unincorporated area had not been a subject of much research until the authors of this book took on the job of capturing and preserving the heritage of his vibrant community. Hence the reference in the title for this book to "one of Harford County's better kept secrets". Over the past 9 years, the authors of this book have researched and written numerous articles on various aspects of life in Edgewood. These articles have appeared in the Edgewood Community Council Newsletters, the now defunct Southern County Magazine and the Harford Heart Magazine. The authors of this book also wrote the 2012 Images of America book entitled "Edgewood." This new book traces the history of Edgewood from its earliest days to the present and is filled with interesting highlights. Here are just a few tidbits. -The origins of the Methodist Church in America can be traced there. -The village of Edgewood grew up around the railroad station quietly created by Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, the Superintendent of Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, near his summer home. He went on to become one of the famous Confederate Generals of the Civil War.- Rich and famous men (such as Grover Cleveland and Daniel Webster) used to come to the area to enjoy its fabulous hunt clubs. -Edgewood Arsenal became the epicenter for chemical warfare researching, testing and manufacturing and brought a giant wave of military and civilian personnel from all over the United States to Edgewood. The community developed a unique and rich diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds which continues to be one of its major strengths. -In 1942, Raymond Lowey, now known as the "Father of Industrial Design" and his firm were hired to design a new train station; its sleek modern distinctive design won praise from Time magazine and Architectural Forum. -Edgewood was once the home of the nationally recognized motorcycle raceway.- Edgewood has outstanding natural resources including some of the best soil in the County, the largest tract of coastal plain forested wetlands, and habitat for numerous birds and waterfowl.-Harford County's first public park, Flying Point Park, is located in Edgewood. The authors have put together a historical perspective on virtually all aspects of Edgewood. This book presents in one place historical information about Edgewood's forefathers, hunt clubs, agricultural and canning history, train station, post office, library, the Southern Precinct of the County Sheriff's Office, multiple fire companies serving the community, its rather unique siren system, schools, churches, civic organizations, land and wildlife preservation efforts, bird sightings, recreation activities and past pleasurable pastimes, off-post military housing, and other historical topics that don't fit nicely into broad categories. During their research, the authors interacted with a myriad of people. Many of these people shared their personal stories and memories. The book presents 18 of these personal stories and memories. This book also includes appendices that show (1) the contributions of 64 individuals selected for Edgewood High School's Hall of Fame as well as other well known people with ties to Edgewood, and (2) an album of old and recent photographs showing businesses in Edgewood.The warm feeling for Edgewood was displayed by the many people who supplied information and photographs for which the authors are most grateful. In short, if you are interested in the terrific community of Edgewood, this is a "MUST HAVE" book for you!