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News and Notes Historic Marietta at Glenn Dale, Maryland Headquarters of the Prince George's County Historical Society Vol. XVII, No. 4 April 1989 The Saint George's Day dinner on April 23 at the Marlboro Hunt Club will also serve as our meeting for the month. We hope that you have sent in your reservation cards for promises to be a very pleasant Sunday afternoon. THE MARCH MEETING The Society meeting for March at the County Administration Building was well attended. President Bud Dutton presided over a brief business meeting. Mr. Dutton accepted for the Society, the presentation of a document from Mr. Morris Warren. While screening papers at the Laurel home of the late Virginia Warren, Mr. Warren had come across a copy of the will of Samuel Snowden. Attending the March meeting with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret M. Marshall, long a member of the Society, Mr. Warren deemed it appropriate to present the will to the Prince George’s County Historical Society. . Mr. Warren mentioned to the membership that the Washington-Baltimore‑Annapolis Railway, abandoned in 1935, was acquired for use by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. BG&E placed power lines on the right‑of‑way. This 6.1‑mile right‑of‑way is possibly available, Mr. Warren said, and would be ideal for a recreational bike and hiking trail. Most of the bridges are still in place. He asked the support of Society for this project. We were reminded by Mr. Dutton that our County's 300th anniversary is nearing, that plans and ideas will be needed in 1996. Post Office Box 14 ‑ Riverdale, Maryland 20737 301/464‑0590 President Dutton introduced the speaker, Mr. Don Creveling, Archaeologist for the Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Among the many fascinating bits of data he mentioned were the facts that there are 394 registered archaeological sites in Prince George's County. These range in age from those of prehistorical times, 12,000 to 17,000 years old, to 20th century sites. He pointed out that many early Indian sites are now under water since the level of the sea is rising. He is the only archaeologist on the MNCP&P payroll at present, but looks forward to an expansion of archeological work in the area. Among the sites he mentioned is the Port America project. Developers are protecting several sites and cemeteries. Following the lecture, the members strolled across the street in sunshine, to Darnall's Chance where Mrs. Maxie Phillips, Hospitality chairman, served with Warren Rhodes and others refreshments. The members roamed through the beautifully restored old house. The Curator gave us insights into some of its features and mentioned that the place is used at present primarily for receptions. It was a pleasant, instructive and memorable day. CHILDREN'S GAMES DAY (April 29th) [Mrs. Sara Moseley suggests that we read the following lines to our children or grandchildren]: Imagine that you are living in the 1800s. You have some free time, away from your chores, and you are looking for something "fun to do." What kinds of pastimes or playthings would you find? You are invited to come to Marietta on April 29th to find out. You will be able to play with old‑fashioned toys, watch craftspeople making things for children, and you can play on the lawns where the grandchildren of Justice Gabriel DuVall once ran and laughed. A very special pastime for children long ago, was listening to, and learning to play, music. Musicologist Bill Jenkins will be describing early American musical traditions, playing early instruments ‑‑‑ and the most exciting part ‑‑‑ he will let you play his instruments ‑‑‑ all by yourself. Games Day, Saturday, April 29th, starts at 1:00 PM and ends at 4:00 PM. If it rains we will meet on the lawn on May 6th. There is a $3 admission fee and if you want to make things in the miniworkshops there will be a $1 materials fee also. As most of the readers of this newsletter know, Marietta is located just off the new Glenn Dale Road, near the intersection with Route #450, at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale. MARIETTA GIFT SHOP IS A UNIQUE SHOP Sami Sharkey, tells us that the gift shop is featuring some delightful handmade items now. Drop in and see for yourself. The shop is open on Sundays, 12:00 to 4:00, the same hours as Marietta is open for tours. DOCENTS NEEDED Our many activities are only possible thanks to the dedication and interest of our volunteers. Docents are needed for the lively and varied tasks associated with Marietta and with the Gift Shop. If you like to meet new people and talk about County history, get in touch with Joyce McDonald to volunteer some time 779‑5825. MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY ‑ SOLD OUT! The Childrens' Tea Party at Marietta on March 4th was a great success. Indeed all sittings were sold out. Thanks are certainly due to the Mad Hatter, the costumed servers, various Dormice. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME Susanna Kyner Cristofane, Lona B. Hatter, Pauline H. Menes, Emma D. Everson and Bonnie F. Johns, were inducted into the Prince George's County Women's Hall of Fame recently. Inductees are honored for their unique and continuing contributions to the county and to history. HISTORIC CHAPEL MAY BE SAVED Friends of Dorsey Chapel were told on March 14th that the historic black church may be saved. Long‑abandoned, the little Glenn Dale chapel is seen as well worth saving by Councilman Floyd Wilson, Jr. who has committed himself to raising funds to restore the chapel. The church has been named a historic resource. The Glenn Dale Civic Association, too, has pledged its support to the Friends of Dorsey Chapel. CALENDAR April 8 Spring Bus Tour. Washington, D.C. points of interest. April 23 St. George's Day Dinner, Marlboro Hunt Club. 1:30 PM. April 29 Childrens' Games Day. At Marietta. April 23 ‑ May 7 52d Annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. Call (301) 821‑6933. May 6 Regular MAY meeting of the Prince George's County Historical Society at Marietta, 2 PM. Topic:"Collecting Antique Toys." (Please note the date change. This is the first Saturday.)
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box #14, Riverdale, MD 20737 President: Bud Dutton Editor: Vera F. Rollo 
News and Notes
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