It's quite a unique collection, thanks to the diverse letters, posters, and memorabilia that the Sands family of Annapolis left behind. Here are some of my favorite images, pulled from the Archives' online e-publication:
"N. Hess' Sons Fine Shoes." If they are as cool as the envelope's graphics, then they must be fine indeed.
I love this stationary from an 1892 letter - it reminds me of Hummel figurines.
Maryland State Fireman's Association. The program features an old-fashioned horse-drawn fire engine.
Program for Company E, 2nd Regiment of the American Guard, 1896
Tolchester Beach Excursions. I'm in!
Poster: "Southern Rights: Let us Alone!" Great graphics. Eternal issue.
Child's drawing on the back of a letter
Leaf rubbings: beautiful.
Without protection and preservation, our collective memory of our past slowly disappears. Plus, if a document is one of those rare records of the life of someone who was lower class, enslaved, or indentured, it can mean losing the last written trace of them.
Pink Martini at Wolf Trap Oh, where to start... Pink Martini is one of my favorite bands ever. Wolf Trap is my favorite outdoor venue. So, Pink Martini + Wolf Trap = Yay! Ridiculously talented, the group blends sultry world sounds with the nostalgic styles of the 1940s and 50s. Their lead singer, China Forbes, recently returned from successful vocal chord surgery, so it was a huge treat seeing her perform on July 1st. I would have died for either of the dresses she wore for the concert. The first was a sweeping cherry-colored high-low gown which she wore with a sparkling bib-style necklace. The second, following intermission, was a black one-shoulder gown with embellishment at the shoulder and a side leg slit. I totally agree with my friend Maya, who turned to me and sobbed "I. Want. That. Dress!"
BSO at Oregon Ridge, Star Spangled Spectacular This was both my first time visiting Oregon Ridge Park and my first time hearing the fabulous Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Our group wisely commandeered a picnic bench in the shade near the top of the hill, and covered it in a spread including chips, salsa-cream cheese chutney, avocado-yogurt dip, Chardonnay, pink lemonade, and gluten-free Trader Joe's cookies. A refreshing setup while we waited for the sun to set. By the time the fireflies came out, we were enjoying a cool, relaxing evening. Emerging opera soprano Katie von Kooten presented patriotic songs from various eras, including selections from vaudeville & Broadway composer George M. Cohan (love him - he wrote "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandee" and "You're a Grand Ol' Flag"). She also performed modern Broadway favorites like "I Dreamed a Dream" from Le Miz and "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera. Being a bit misty-eyed over the Le Miz rendition, I didn't have the presence of mind to film it, but did catch most of the Phantom pick. Lovely, rich voice:
The program ended with a nostalgic fireworks display. We endured a long wait leaving the parking lot - tons of cars (shudder)! But well worth it, honestly. Scythian at the Annapolis Irish Festival My favorite local (more or less) band, Scythian is a DC-based group with a celtic-gypsy-world-americana sound. It all makes sense when you hear their distinct, infectious sound. The Annapolis Irish Festival, now in its third year, was crowded to the point that people had arrived early and set up tents in front of the main stage. Great to see it's taking off, but a challenge to find a place to stand without getting in people's way. We ended up standing a bit off to the side and shading ourselves from the sun with my rainbow-colored umbrella, which at least has some green in it. I may want to invest in an old-fashioned parasol next time. Every girl needs one, just sayin'.
It was hot, about 85 degrees, and the humidity made it feel about ten degrees hotter. But I wouldn't have missed Scythian for the world, even for a cold, refreshing mimosa. Especially since I'd already had one this morning. Anyway.... Scythian drew from a variety of their repertoire, including some of my favorites like "Hey Mama Ya," a 'Nawlins style number; "Dance All Night," and - my favorite - "Jack Dempsey." They're always fun and always great at interacting with the crowd.
Sure, Maryland's summers are blistering and humid, but it's worth braving the energy-zapping heat for the outdoor concerts in the area. And now, I'm going to go drink three gallons of iced tea. And maybe pour some of it on my head.
Yay! And I will say it again, yay!
For that fabulous purveyor of antiques and vintage, Retropolitan, is picking up stakes and moving from Ellicott City to West Annapolis. Annapolitans should count their lucky stars, since the store immerses shoppers in the glitzy, charming world of the Roaring '20s and onward. A fun shopping experience not to be missed. Ellicott City will never be the same without this classy shop, but now, West Annapolis will never be the same either.
On my last visit to Retropolitan, while it still kept shop near the B&O Railroad tracks in old town Ellicott City, I discovered a pair of white and blue Italian leather slingbacks with very lady-like pointed toes and kitten heels. They had hardly been worn, and in fact, I believe a time-traveling cobbler must have made them just for me, since they fit that perfectly. Retropolitan's tag identified them as hailing from sometime in the 70s, from a line called "Jewel Box."
My mom and I went to Brian Boru's for dinner today, an Irish restaurant sporting a welcoming wood-paneled interior and traditional Irish fare that gave me the hankering to watch John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in The Quiet Man again. The restaurant is owned by the same company that runs Galway Bay in downtown Annapolis (check out my post), and both places offer gluten free menus.
The cottage pie was hearty and filling, and the casserole dish was much bigger than it looks in the picture! I could only eat about half of it, since I was already getting full from soup and from my Molly Malone's Mussels! Their Irish Whiskey and Tomato Soup is not your grandma's tomato soup... unless your grandma is a feisty Irish lady who loves dumping beer in her fresh tomato and onion soup.
Speaking of beer, I tried Bard's Tale Beer and loved it. It's a mellow-tasting, gluten-free beer, and with a name like that (Shakespeare and all that), who wouldn't love it? The only other gluten-free beer I've ever had is Red Bridge, which is good, but the flavor is not as good and refreshing as Bard's (that's right - now I have had two different brands of beer in my entire life. Living with celiac spru and staying faithful to a gluten free diet is a challenge, but totally worth staying healthy and feeling strong.) Anyhoo, I snuck the bottle out afterwards, since I want to start saving bottles and burning tapers in them for an Italian motif. My aunt warned me that this would create a bit of a "Dark Shadows" aura (she was the "Dark Shadows" guru back in the 70s), especially if I used tapers of various colors to create multi-colored layers of melted wax. Actually, I do like Dark Shadows, as a delightfully silly Gothic melodrama, with great lighting and moodiness. And with an Irish beer bottle in the mix, my bottle-and-candle motif will be all the more eclectic! Wow, that was a digression.
Want to explore downtown Annapolis? I hope so, since it is one of the best and most unique downtown areas in Maryland. Park by St. John's College on King George Street -- free nine-hour parking! - and enjoy the walk to downtown past tiny private gardens and old historic homes.
During the summer, don't forget to attend St. John's College croquet match, between the Johnnies (St. John's students) and Mids (Naval Academy midshipmen).
Once you reach downtown, grab some coffe from City Cock Coffee, a local institution, and stop by the Kunte Kinte Alex Haley memorial by the water. Then, run across the street to the Museum Store, and check out the many nautical and historically- themed books, jewelry, and souvenirs, of which quite a few are locally crafted. Then, head up Main Street and pop into Hats in the Belfry,which is full of both traditional and quirky hats for men and women.
Don't miss Irish Traditions, which sells both Irish wares like Irish perfume, pottery, and clothing, as well as Irish-American, green doo-dads. If you are fortunate enough to come on a day when the manager is working, you will get a chance to hear a genuine Irish accent (County Wicklow, that is).
After leaving Avoca, walk right across the street to Francis Street, which will take you to State Circle. Enjoy the stroll around the circle until you get to Maryland Avenue, one of my favorite streets in Annapolis.
Explore Evergreen Antiques is a tiny shop that sells carefully selected antiques, not junk, at reasonable prices. My favorite finds are an old secretary (the desk kind, not the human kind) and an old-fashioned silver tea set.
Farther down the street is the Annapolis Bookstore, which is a book worms dream, and the quintessential small-town book shop. (More details on it in my Alice in Wonderland post.)
Christmas garland on Main Street, Annapolis
By the way, Maryland Avenue, State Circle, and Main Street - and just about everywhere downtown - are decked out with live evergreen garlands and colorful wreaths, often of colonial inspiration, during the Christmas season. Each shop does it a little differently, some choosing thin, naturalistic pine garlands, while others hang thick branches heavy with ornaments and lights. Either way, a beautiful display that puts you in a Dickensian spirit right away.
For lunch, stop by Galway Bay Irish Pub on Maryland Avenue. The restaurant serves authentic Irish food in a setting that will transport you back to the little pubs from The Quiet Man. The pub even has gluten-free options: Molly Malone's mussels are delicious, if you can order them without getting tongue-tied. Each year, Maryland Avenue blocks off the road to host a charming Irish Festival, which includes street vendors and performers. It drives Maryland Avenue residents nuts, but what a show!
Later, head back to Main Street to spend a few hours at Clay Bakers to paint your own pottery. The pieces are already made, so you just have to slap on the paint. They take care of the kiln firing, and the pieces are ready in about a week. I am on a mission to paint a whole collection of eclectic dinnerware, which Clay Baker's large selection makes easily doable. My friends and I have a tradition of strolling over to 49 West for some great tea and coffee afterwards, serenaded by local jazz bands. The bar's street address is, incredibly, 49 West Street.
Later, enjoy a dinner cooked with locally-produced ingredients at Level on West Street, a tapas/small plates lounge with a delicious, ever-changing menu (including gluten-free!). Level inhabits a former townhouse, with brick walls, hip artwork and various cozy rooms. For your appetizer, you'll find artisan cheeses to savor, accompanied by sweet and savory garnishes. My favorite entrees are the cauliflower soup (seasonal) and the radish risotta. For a beverage, I love the blueberry gimlet (foreground). The drink tastes like a quenching ade, perfect for summer, and doesn't taste a bit like alcohol. Which can be a problem.
After dinner, grab some more coffee and enjoy a beautiful nighttime stroll along the docks. Sit on the benches, or dangle your feet over the water and watch the boats drifting past. Or head back to Galway Bay for dessert and wine (I like the Montgras Sauvignon Cabernet and the Shiraz), a great way to end the evening. ******* Still haven't kicked the shopping bug after wandering the downtown? Tomorrow, check out the Annapolis Town Center (pardon me, "Towne Centre"), a modern, preppy shopping center a short ways away. The stores include Anthropologie (gorgeous European-ish clothes, and worth the occasional splurge), Paper Source for scrapbooking and card-making fiends like me, a huge Whole Foods, and Menchies, a self-serve frozen yogurt stop with many refreshing flavors that you can heap altogether in one bowl. I feel the sugar high coming on right now!
I am so excited, since I recently got the chance to see the ship "" "Bounty," a replica of an old British ship that used to voyage around the world over two hundred years ago.
The ship was built in 1960 for the film Mutiny on Bounty (1962), starring Marlon Brando. Although a replica of the original ship, it was actually built one third larger than the original, to make room for camera crews and allow easier movement around the ship. The ship towered dramatically into sky, dwarfing people, cars, and even buildings.
I found a hilarious Alice in Wonderland mug at the Annapolis Bookstore, right on Maryland Avenue in historic downtown Annapolis. The Annapolis Bookstore is a gem. I have found scores of used and nearly new Agatha Christie novels, a like-new copy of Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters(a gorgeously illustrated Cinderella-style story set in Africa, which I loved as a kid), and some neat, engraved "This book belongs to..." bookplates, not to mention an old-style inkwell, gold-colored ink... just about everything that can draw book lovers in like magnets.
Some of the most fascinating places I have visited are the small, historic downtown areas, where chain restaurants are nearly non-existent and the town has its own distinct ambiance. The mists in the morning at Carmel, California, the wildness and solitude of Whidbey Island, Washington State--small as they are, each place is distinct and unforgettable.
Ellicott Mills Railroad Station
One of my most memorable downtown visits was in fact 3,000 miles away from the aforementioned charmers.
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