Name/Title
Charles E. Fenwick Collection --Miscellaneous--Oriole ObserverEntry/Object ID
1995.001.0771Scope and Content
16 p. : ill. ; 13/3/4" x 11"
This tabloid size paper was published in honor of a celebration on October 10-12, 1881. The cover title is "the Oriole Observer" and the running title is "The Baltimore Oriole Observer." According to the publication, certain Baltimore merchants conceived the idea of a celebration on the order of Mardi Gras, with floats and bands and all manner of outdoor activities to attract visitors and local citizens. In a manner that would not be possible today, preparations began in mid-summer for the festival in early October. Several floats were planned--one to illustrate the glory of our country, one representing the crowned heads of Europe, one featuring Asia, including a person standing in for the Chinese emperor, and one devoted to Maryland and the Chesapeake. There was to be a "mystic" section of the parade, with surprises for the citizens. This tabloid describes the preparations, all the people associated with the fete, has lists of invited guests and some portraits of them, and has an article about the new permanent water-supply for the city. At the bottom of page five is a description of the illustrations and the artist. The covers of the tabloid are colored, but all the interior illustrations are black and white engravings. On pages six and seven are portraits of the first, second, fifth, and sixth Lords Baltimore and a brief history of the family. There is a list of local monuments and their locations. On pages eight and nine is a brief history of the city and on page ten is a long poem in its honor by W.B.B. of Ellendale written in 1852. There follow portraits and brief lives of sterling citizens of Baltimore and Maryland, interspersed with little stories and advertising. I kept this treasure because of the Baltimore connections of many St. Mary's County citizens.Collection
Charles E. Fenwick CollectionLocation
Container
Charles E. Fenwick Collection, Box 18Shelf
Rack 08, Shelf 1Rack
Rack 08Wall
West wallRoom
Archives 1Building
Tudor Hall