Hide Article Text (OCR)
“It's inexpensive to live here I like the country atmosphere, and to go to town, it’s only 10 minutes away/*—Duane Bingaman“There's really no better place to live, It’s quiet and peaceful. And I like the oldtimers who like to relive the old days/*—Ned Hose“I’ve been here a long time, and everybody knows me. There's really nothing to dislike about Oldtown. Everybody's good to me. **—Frank Robertson“I like the people here. You get to meet a lot of different people passing through here because of the canal.' ’—Chuck Blahut“It s such a quiet neighborhood with a lot of really nice people. Everybody helps out everybody else/'—Jeanette Robertson“I like to ride my bike in the schoolyard. I have lots of playmates. In summertime, I like to get outside/'—Bryan RobertsonIUnincorporatedOld Indian villageon the PotomacOLDTOWN — This is a bicentennial year for both Oldtown and Allegany County, as the “Old Indian Village on the Potomac “ puts on its best face Sept. 9 and 10 with “Arts andCrafts Days.”Events are scheduled all along the historic CO Canal, according to Rick Erisman, CO Canal park ranger. Erisman paused at the Oldtown Post Office to reflect upon his duties as park ranger, and had praise for the Oldtown community in general. He is the only permanent ranger from Cumberland to Little Orleans and is responsible for visitorservices, law enforcement, and protection.“I have only been in Oldtown since 1985,” he reflected, “But I am impressed by how people are friendly and close-knit here. Everyone speaks to one another, and tries to help one another. That was evident during the 1985 flood.”Although news reports from the beginning of the towpath at Georgetown indicate that there are occasional muggings and harrassment, which seem to dominate the big cities today, Erisman finds his job in this end of the canal a pleasure.Name origin:Oldtown, “The old Indian village on the Potomac.” ~Incorporated: Unincorporated, founded in 1739Number of households: 650 Population: 1,761Bicentennial officials: SandyStansberry, Paula Stotler, StK Tressler, Pete Hartsock, AII8D Mallery, Georgenne McLaughliflC Dennis Mallery.Town officials:None. Unincorporated“The rain has played ha with the towpath, and parts the first five miles down Mexico Farms are rou However, each year towpath seems to get cleaner.”* The maintenance facility* Oldtown is under the direc of Glenn Gossert.CRESAP HOUSE — The ThomasCresap House, a reminder of Oldtown’s first family, is a survivor, as other Cresap sites in the community have been targets of destruction. The mills, the famous fort, the graves, and other landmarks have disappeared. Thanks to the Cresap Society, this landmark has been preserved.Oldtown: small communityis older than the U.S. itselfBy JACK KEGG Times-News WriterOLDTOWN — This tiny, tightly-knit community on the Potomac is older than the United States itself. Thomas Cresap purchased approximately 200 acres of land from Captain John Charlton in 1739 that was a grant from Charles Calvert (Patent El 6 Folio 268).This patent was for “the old Indian Village on the Potomac called Oldtown. Cresap recorded it as EE Folio 39,40,41 on May 20, 1746, even though he haa settled here and his daughter Sarah, was born here on Aug. 21, 1740. Additional property owned by Cresap was deeded as FF Folio 489 and490-2.Oldtown was originally called by the Indian King Opessa “the old Indian Village on the Potomac” (hence the nickname of the high school).During the Civil War, Southern troops passed through Oldtown, and skirmishes were fought here.The flood of 1985 affected Oldtown, especially the school. During this time of crisis, the townspeople banded together and with the help of booster organizations ana other volunteers, the flood-ravaged gym floor was revamped and ready for action in the fall of 1987, in time for the Oldtown Indians to host their basketball opponents.The school has several or-;anizations, which serve as the iackbone of Oldtown School. The Oldtown PTA is under the direction of Ed “Bud” Cochrum; and Howard Youngblood is president of the Oldtown Booster Club. Roger Flanagan, who came to Oldtown after serving as vice principal at Allegany High School, is the principal.Churches in Oldtown are the Oldtown United Methodist Charge, Rev. Victor Harner, pastor; Oldtown Baptist, Pastor Doug Pickrel; and Bethel Assembly Of God, Rev. Robert Collette.Charles Blahut runs the Oldtown General Store, located across from the school. For 12 years, residents have been able to purchase hardware, groceries, gas, beer, wine, and of course, hunting and fishing licenses.Other businesses are Hess’ Chevron, Shryock’s Mini-Shop, and Kasey Manufacturing.Kasey Manufacturing is a custom woodworking business located on the Pack Horse Road. Gary Kasekamp, who heads the business, started it in Oldtown in 1970. The two individuals who comprise the work force specialize in making stairways and book cases for contractors, as well as items for the school market, such as easels, vinyl windows, andbulletin boards.Kasekamp adds, “We had up to 10 people working for us, but the competition from foreign markets has had an impact. However, things are picking up and we expect to have five or six working with us soon.”Kasey Manufacturing is a flourishing business as “the old Indian Village on the Potomac” celebrates the 250th years of its founding.The current Oldtown Post Officer *? n»mn u\APIMThe current Oldtown SchoolOLDTOWN GENERAL STOREMain StreetOldtown, MDKathleen’s Custom DraperiesMain Street Oldtown, MDPeer’s Tavern RestaurantOldtown RoadOpen Daily at 9 amOwned Operated by “Chuck” Maggie Blahut• Groceries • Texaco Products• Videos • Hunting Fishing License Supplies• Beer Wines • Pet Supplies• Member EG GrocersVvaillisMON.-FRI.7AM to 9 PM SAT. 8 AM to 6 PM SUN. 9 AM to 2 PMHone 395-5776TEXACOmni:w.Kathleen Hose, Owner PHONE 395-5382Open Monday thru Saturday 8 am to 4 pm, Other times by appointment.•Call for In-Home Estimates. If you wish we will bring samples to your home.Joe Reta RobeyServing Lunch and DinnerEverything From Sandwiches To Complete Meals!Chicken Is Our Specialty!Cold Beer On Tap Phone 395-5354*• •MANUFACTURING CO.COMMERCIALROUTE 1, BOX 370 OLDTOWN, MD. 301-395-5638Owned and Operated by Gary KasekampCUSTOM WOODWORKING BOOKCASES ^MOULDINGCABINETSFINISHING‘Saluting Allegany County Oldtown”OLDTOWNCOMMUNITY SYSTEMSRural CATV CooperativeServing the Oldtownand Flintstone Areas395-5700OLDTOWNV.F.W.POST NO. 9451*
Newspaper Details
Cumberland Sunday Times News
Cumberland, Maryland, US
Sun, Jul 30, 1989
Page 96
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 10 May 2019
Other Publications Near Cumberland, Maryland
Cumberland Daily Alleganian and Times
Alleganian and Times
Cumberland News
Cumberland Times News
Democratic Alleganian
