Westminster War Memorial dedication

Name/Title

Westminster War Memorial dedication

Entry/Object ID

1996.019.004

Description

Print, photographic. B/W image on silver gelatin developing out paper. 8" x 10". Cadets of the Reserve Officers Training Corps, Western Maryland College, marching in the Westminster War Memorial dedication parade, December 11, 1949. They are heavy overcoats. There are people lining the streets. There is garland hanging across the street in several places. The Carroll Theater marquee is visible to the right that reads "Shirley Temple and Barry Fitzgerald in the Story of Seabiscuit". On back, stamped in black ink "Joseph L. Mathias Monuments Westminster, MD. Baltimore, MD. Hanover, PA."; in pencil "Dec. 11, 1949".

Acquisition

Accession

1996.019

Source or Donor

Irwin, George

Acquisition Method

Gift

General Notes

Note

These photographs came from the files of Mathias Monuments, Incorporated, Westminster, Maryland, owned an operated by Joseph L. Mathias, Sr., Mayor of Westminster from 1942-1963. They document the parade and dedication ceremonies for the Westminster War Memorial that took place on Sunday, December 11, 1949. The dedication parade featured a number of local organizations, including the Westminster Municipal Band, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Westminster Fire Department. The Reserve Officers Training Corps Battalion from Western Maryland College participated in the parade as well. Following the parade, several local dignitaries, including Westminster mayor Joseph L. Mathias, Sr. and Maryland Senator Millard E. Tydings spoke. The photographs, from the files of Mayor Mathias' business, came to the Historical Society through a donation by the new owners of Mathias Monuments, Mr. and Mrs. George Irwin, who purchased the company in 1988.