Update on where you can buy Witch Trials, Legends, and Lore of Maryland

My book, Witch Trials, Legends, and Lore of Maryland is available now at several new places. Here is the full list, at this time.

Annapolis:

The Annapolis Bookstore on Maryland Ave.
The Annapolis Cigar Company on Main St.
Back Creek Books on West St.

Baltimore:

Atomic Books in Hampden.

Boonsboro:

Turn the Page Bookstore on Main St.

Kensington:

Kensington Row Bookshop on Howard Ave.

Leonardtown:

Fenwick Street Used Books and Music on Fenwick St.

Oxford:

Mystery Loves Company on S. Morris St.

 St. Mary's City:

Historic St. Mary's City Museum Shop

All copies should be signed and available for about $10.

You can also still purchase the book (unsigned) from Amazon and other online booksellers.

 

Tudor Hall, Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Currently owned and occupied by the The St. Mary's County Historical Society, Tudor Hall is located in Leonardtown, not far from the Circuit Courthouse.

The history of the mansion begins in 1742 when Abraham Barnes purchased the land and built a small house on the property. The current dwelling was probably built sometime after 1817 when the property was sold to Phillip Key of the famous Key family. The property was purchased by the historical society in 1984.

I cannot say that there is anything terribly interesting about the place. It appears to be well preserved and/or restored and feels like what a 19th century mansion probably would feel like (with modern conveniences such as indoor lighting and air conditioning).

It is free to visit. The staff of the historical society are helpful and might even tell you a few ghost stories about the mansion. If you are looking to do research on Maryland's early history or if you just happen to be in the area and are looking to see something interesting, Tudor Hall is worth a visit.

It is open Wednesday through Friday: 9:00am - 4.00pm.

Oxford, Maryland

Mystery Loves Company, Oxford

I have been contacting bookstores across the State to let them know about my book, Witch Trials, Legends, and Lore of Maryland. So far, Back Creek Books in Annapolis and Fenwick Street Books in Leonardtown have agreed to carry copies. Last week, Mystery Loves Company in Oxford also asked for a few copies. So, I got into my car, turned on my GPS, and drove out there.

Although I had looked on a map, I was surprised that my GPS took me to the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry in Bellevue. My initial reaction on seeing this was 'funny, I don't remember Oxford being an island on the map'. I purchased a ticket with a check and was bemused when asked if I wanted a return ticket. Did they think that I wanted to stay there and never leave? I thought. Of course, shortly thereafter I discovered what I had previously thought. Oxford was not an island, but the ferry was a "short cut". Although when you consider wait time, the ferry probably isn't much shorter. It is only a few extra miles to go by land. But it was sort of nice and I remembered being on this ferry many years ago with my parents. It was likely the same boat. I wouldn't take the ferry again to drop off books (it was $18 round trip), but it was sort of interesting.

Oxford is a nice little town. It was founded in 1683. In 1694, it and what would become Annapolis, were named the only official ports of entry for commerce in the then province. It was a prosperous port town, sending tobacco all over the world.

There are several places to eat in and around the town. I stopped at the Robert Morris Inn which bills itself as "America's Oldest Inn". They alleged that it started operations in 1710. I actually ate at the connected Salter's Tavern, which is for more casual dinning. The service was okay. The food was decent, but sort of overpriced. They only had two beers on tap and they too were overpriced. Other than that, I can't complain. If one wanted a cheaper and better meal, one could find a WaWa or Royal Farms up the street somewhere. But at these places you are paying for the history and atmosphere as much as anything. It seemed to have plenty of that. I'm sure there is probably a ghost story or two associated with the establishment as well. If not, then someone should invent one.

The streets of Oxford were pleasant to look at and enjoyable to walk. There was a small museum that might also be worth a visit and other small corners to explore. But after half a day, it would probably become rather boring to the average tourist. I would recommend a visit to the town, if it is not too much out of your way. And if you do visit, stop by the local bookstore to buy a few things, including a signed copy of my book.

Witch Trials, Legends, and Lore of Maryland

Witch trials took place in early Maryland. Few people are aware of this fact or of the other legends, myths, or lore associated with witchcraft in the Free State. My new book, Witch Trials, Legends, and Lore of Maryland, reveals this fascinating history.

Available through Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, and other online book sellers.

It is also available as a Kindle Ebook (free to Amazon Prime members right now), it will be available in other electronic formats later in the year.

You may also purchase copies at Back Creek Books in Annapolis, the Annapolis Cigar Company, Fenwick Books in Leonardtown, or directly through the books website - Marylandwitches.com.

Chesapeake City, Cecil County, Maryland

Located on the eastern shore part of Cecil County, Chesapeake City's history is deeply linked to the building of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.

Named Chesapeake City in 1839, the town grew to its peek population in 1849. Today the city is rather small, but it is pleasant enough and worth a visit.

There is a museum dedicated to the canal. There are various bed and breakfast type places, small shops, and restaurants, including the Bayard House.

According to the bartender at the Bayard House, the city was founded by Irish immigrants who had built the canal. St. Patrick's Day was exceptionally busy at their bar. I visited there two days later, however, and the place was empty around lunchtime, the explanation given that the regulars were still recovering.

At the downstairs bar, the food was sufficient, the beer was not unreasonably priced (if you consider the typical prices today not unreasonable), and the staff was friendly and helpful. The view of the canal was also good. I would have no objection to returning and would not discourage others from eating or drinking there.

There is a large bridge over the canal that separates the two parts of the city. There are steps near the free parking lot to walk up the bridge. The bartender at the Bayard said he once walked over it, but swore he would never do it again as it unnerved him. After drinking some beer, I decided to give it a try.

Walking up the old stairs was a bit scary. Once on top there was a sidewalk for pedestrians. The bridge shook a little as cars, and especially trucks, drove by and parts of the bridge looked old and rusty, but I survived unharmed. Below are some pictures from this experience:

 

You might not want to step on this.

Other pictures from that I took of Chesapeake City can be found here.