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Wicomico Public Libraries Collection

4 cartons, 2 oversize boxes (6.5 linear feet)

(1856 – 1985)

Edward H. Nabb Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury, University, Salisbury, Maryland

Identifier 2000.008
Creator(s) Wicomico County Libraries
Acquisition

Collection contains matierials from 2000.008 and 2001.013
Language(s) English
Use Records are open for research. Copyright, including literary rights, belongs to the author(s) or their legal heirs. Permission to publish or reproduce must be obtained from the Nabb Research Center which extends beyond "fair use."
Preferred Citation "Item, collection title and identifier, box # and folder # (if applicable), Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland."
Attribution Finding aid written by Samuel Stevens
Related Materials

Wicomico Historical Society collection (1683 – 2006)

Dashiell and Allied Families Collection (1890 – 1995)

Wicomico County Library Photograph Collection (1800 – 1900)
Separated Materials

Oversize: 

Series 2: Legal Records 

Series 2: Creative Works 

Series 2: Books 

Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook Items 

Series 3: Journals, 1936-1985
Abstract

This collection includes family research, publications, photos and historical materials from the Wicomico County Free Library (now Wicomico Public Libraries). Series 1 is family research related to the Dashiell family and some materials related to other families.The Dashiell family documents consist of hand-written family history manuscripts and family trees. Two folders contain other family history research and records. The second series is historical materials. The United Fund of Wicomico County records are documents related to contributions by local businesses and the contents of scrapbooks for yearly fund drives. The 1856 school workbook contains mathematics notes. The legal records are an index of Wicomico County civil court cases, a Works Progress Administration record of workers on the Johnson Pond Spillway construction, and photo reproductions of manuscript records of postmasters of Wicomico and Somerset Counties. The Creative Works are two sheet music booklets, prints of Wicomico County sketches, and a list of winners of the Salisbury Award. The books are a pictorial history of the American Civil War from 1862, Delaware American Revolution bicentennial booklet on Caesar Rodney, A Handbook for Delmarva Archaeology, and a facsimile reproduction in book form of The Proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1776 and First Maryland Constitution. Series 3 comprises publications of local interest and content. Series 4 consists of photos and images associated with the Salisbury and Wicomico County area. Some Words About Preservation was a publication of the Maryland Historical Trust that gave news on the status of historical site preservation. Tidewater Times contains articles related to Eastern Shore topics, as well as advertisements of area businesses. The collection of journals and journal articles consist of Maryland and Delaware archaeology articles and journals, two copies of Shellfish Digest from winter 1979, and four issues of the Old Somerset newsletter from 1985. Series 4 contains photos and images of Wicomico County and Salisbury dating from the 1890s to the 1970s.

Administrative History

Wicomico Public Library began as a subscription library in 1869, only two years after the formation of the county itself. By 1878 the library had increased its membership from 30 to 100 members. In the early 1900s interest waned and the library closed. It was successfully re-launched in 1916 and by 1923 was operating on a subscription of $1.00 a year.

By 1925, the library was recognized as a needed community service and the idea of free library service in Wicomico County was born. The doors opened on February 2, 1926 as the Salisbury-Wicomico Free Public Library; open two afternoons and one evening a week. This became officially known as the Wicomico County Free Library with the approval of the certificate of corporation on June 24, 1927. The need for more space moved the library to High Street, in its own building in 1934. In 1948 the first bookmobile was purchased and began service.

As services, patrons and materials increased, the library once again moved - to its present location on Division St. in 1963. In 1978 a major renovation started, which was completed in 1980. The building has essentially remained the same ever since.

Scope and Content Note

This collection includes family research, publications, photos and historical materials from the Wicomico County Free Library (now Wicomico Public Libraries). Series 1 is family research related to the Dashiell family and some materials related to other families.The Dashiell family documents consist of hand-written family history manuscripts and family trees. Two folders contain other family history research and records.

The second series is historical materials. The United Fund of Wicomico County records are documents related to contributions by local businesses and the contents of scrapbooks for yearly fund drives. The 1856 school workbook contains mathmatics notes. The legal records are an index of Wicomico County civil court cases, a Works Progress Administration record of workers on the Johnson Pond Spillway construction, and photo reproductions of manuscript records of postmasters of Wicomico and Somerset Counties. The Creative Works are two sheet music booklets, prints of Wicomico County sketches, and a list of winners of the Salisbury Award. The books are a pictoral history of the American Civil War from 1862, Delaware American Revolution bicentennial booklet on Caesar Rodney, A Handbook for Delmarva Archaeology, and a fascimile reproduction in book form of The Prodceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1776 and First Maryland Constitution.

Series 3 comprises publications of local interest and content. Series 4 consists of photos and images associated with the Salisbury and Wicomico County area. Some Words About Preservation was a publication of the Maryland Historical Trust that gave news on the status of historical site preservation. Tidewater Times contains articles related to Eastern Shore topics, as well as advertisements of area businesses. The collection of journals and journal articles consist of Maryland and Delaware archaeology articles and journals, two copies of Shellfish Digest from winter 1979, and four issues of the Old Somerset newsletter from 1985.

Series 4 contains photos and images of Wicomico County and Salisbury dating from the 1890s to the 1970s that were originally kept in the public library.

Arrangement Statement

Series 1: Family Research

Series 2: Historical Matierials 

Series 3: Publications 

Series 4: Photos and Images 

Subject Terms

  • Topical Terms
    • Dashiell Family
    • Libraries
  • Corporate Names
    • Wicomico County Free Library
    • Wicomico Public Libraries
  • Location Terms
    • Salisbury (Md.)
    • Wicomico County (Md.)

Inventory List

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Box 1: 

  1. Series 1: James Dashiell and Descendents by Oliver Louis Dashiell (1)
  2. Series 1: James Dashiell and Descendents by Oliver Louis Dashiell (2)
  3. Series 1: James Dashiell and Descendents by Oliver Louis Dashiell (3)
  4. Series 1: James Dashiell and Descendents by Oliver Louis Dashiell (4)
  5. Series 1: Descendents Book 1 (Family Tree), by Oliver Louis Dashiell 
  6. Series 1: George Dashiell and Descendents Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (1)
  7. Series 1: George Dashiell and Descendents Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (2)
  8. Series 1: George Dashiell and Descendents Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (3)
  9. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (1)
  10. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (2)
  11. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendent Book 1 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (3)
  12. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 2 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (1) 
  13. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 2 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (2)
  14. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 2 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (3)
  15. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 3 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (1)
  16. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 3 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (2)
  17. Series 1: Thomas Dashiell and Descendents Book 3 by Oliver Louis Dashiell (3)
  18. Series 1: Robert Dashiell and Descendents Book by Oliver Louis Dashiell 
  19. Series 1: The Dashiell Family by Oliver Louis Dashiell 
  20. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Index 
  21. Series 1: Dashiell Family 

Box 2: 

  1. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Thomas, Book 3 (1)
  2. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Thomas, Book 3 (2)
  3. Series 1: Dashiell Family (1)
  4. Series 1: Dashiell Family  (2)
  5. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Thomas (1)
  6. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Thomas (2)
  7. Series 1: Dashiell Family-George (1)
  8. Series 1: Dashiell Family-George (2)
  9. Series 1: Dashiell Family-Robert
  10. Series 1: Dashiell Family-James (1)
  11. Series 1: Dashiell Family-James (2) 
  12. Series 1: Dashiell Family 
  13. Series 1: People and Families (1)
  14. Series 1: People and Families (2)
  15. Series 1: Organizations 
  16. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1946 clippings, 1959 scrapbook materials 
  17. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1958 Scrapbook 
  18. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1960 newspaper clippings 
  19. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1961 Campaign 
  20. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1961 Drive 
  21. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1964 
  22. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County 1964 Drive  

Box 3: 

  1. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County Employee Contributions (1)
  2. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County Employee Contributions (2)
  3. Series 2: United Fund of Wicomico County Employee Contributions (3)
  4. Series 2: 1966 Campaign, United Fund of Wicomico County, Salisbury Maryland 
  5. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook, 1948-1949 (oversize)
  6. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook Covers (oversize)
  7. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook, 1954 (oversize) 
  8. Series 2: 1856 School Workbook- James A. Hall
  9. Series 2: Wicomico County Free Library Brochure, 1967
  10. Series 2: Wicomico County Free Library Miscellanous, 1944
  11. Series 2: Time Sheets, 1936 (separated) Johnson Pond dam
  12. Series 2: Salisbury Award Covenant, 1926 (separated)
  13. Series 2: Record of Postmasters, 1832-1931 (separated) 
  14. Series 2: Leger, Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Sept. 1966 (separated)
  15. Series 3: Some Words About Preservation- Maryland Historical Trust 1974-1979 
  16. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1965
  17. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1966
  18. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1967
  19. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1969
  20. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1970
  21. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1971 (1)
  22. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1971 (2)
  23. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1971 (3)
  24. Series 3:  Tidewater Times, 1971 (4)
  25. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1971 (5)
  26. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (1)
  27. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (2)
  28. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (3)
  29. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (4)
  30. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (5)
  31. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (6)
  32. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1972 (7) 
  33. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (1)
  34. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (2)
  35. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (3)
  36. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (4)
  37. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (5)
  38. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (6)
  39. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (7)
  40. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (8)
  41. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (9)
  42. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (10)
  43. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1973 (11)
  44. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (1)

Box 4: 

  1. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (2)
  2. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (3)
  3. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (4)
  4. Series 3:  Tidewater Times, 1974 (5)
  5. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (6)
  6. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1974 (7)
  7. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (1)
  8. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (2)
  9.  Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (3)
  10. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (4) 
  11. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (5)
  12. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (6)
  13. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1975 (7)
  14. Series 3: Tidewater Times, 1977
  15. Series 3: Journals & Newsletters, 1936-1985 (separated)
  16. Series 3: Booklets, 1971-1977 (separated)
  17. Series 3: Sheet Music & Prints, undated (separated)
  18. Series 4: Building and Locations (1)
  19. Series 4: Building and Locations (2)
  20. Series 4: School Photos 
  21. Series 4: Event and Holiday Photos 
  22. Series 4: Recreation, Industry, and and Other Photos 
  23. Series 4: Scenes of Salisbury, Wicomico County, and Lower Eastern Shore
  24. Series 4: Wicomico County Free Library Photos (1)
  25. Series 4: Wicomico County Free Library Photos (2)
  26. Series 4: Orlando Wooten Copyworks 
  27. Series 4: Orlando Wooten Original Works 
  28. Series 4: Slides Attributed to Orlando Wooten 
  29. Series 4: Scenes of Salisbury and Wicomico County (1)
  30. Series 4: Scenes of Salisbury and Wicomico County (2)
  31. Series 4: Scenes of Salisbury and Wicomico County (3)
  32. Series 4: Scenes of Salisbury and Wicomico County (4)
  33. Series 4: Post Cards of Wicomico County 

Box 5 (Oversize):

  1. Series 3 (Publications): Journals & Newsletters, 1936-1985
  • Photocopy of an article from American Antiquity 1936. “Former Indian Sites in Maryland, as Located by Early Colonial Records,” By: William B Marye
  • Archeological Society of Maryland, miscellaneous papers
  • Delaware Archaeology, Bulletin of the Delaware Archaeological Board, Fall 1966, Vol. 2, No. 3
  • The Journal of the Archaeological Society of Maryland Inc., January 1967, Vol.3, No.1
  • The Rel’Ker, Newsletter for the Lower Delmarva Chapter, A.S.SM. Inc., Jan. 1968, Jan. 1972, July 1968, data sheet on early buttons
  • The Shellfish Digest, Winter 1979, two copies
  • Old Somersett, Jan. 1985, April 1985, Oct. 1985 – a subscription of genealogy and cemetery information, Orphans’ Court proceedings, family bible records, Wills and final accounts in the region of Old Somersett

       2. Series 3 (Publications): Booklets, 1971-1977

  • William P. Frank, Caesar Rodney Patriot, Delaware’s Hero for All Times and All Seasons (Delaware American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, 1975)
  • Clara L. Lewis, A Handbook For Delmarva Archaeology (Office of Archaeology Division of Archives and Cultural Affairs Department of State, State of Delaware 1971)
  • A facsimile edition of The Proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1776 and the First Maryland Constitution (Hall of Records Commission Department of General Services, 1977)

       3. Series 3 (Publications): Sheet Music & Prints, undated

  • Sheet music for The Most Beautiful Flag in the World, lyrics by: Charles H. Newman and music by: Jack Glogau
  • Sheet music for  Angels of Mercy, written for and dedicated to the American Red Cross, by: Irving Berlin
  • Prints of pencil drawings of historic Eastern Shore houses with artist information, Long Hill, Beaudley, New Nithesdale, Bounds Lott, Spring Hill Church

Box 6 (Oversize)

       1. Series 2 (Historical Materials): Time Sheets, May-August, 1936

  • The city of Salisbury’s timesheets for the construction of the Johnson Pond/Lake dam/spillway, listing each person’s name, occupation and hours worked on a weekly basis from May through August, 1936

       2. Series 2(Historical Materials): Salisbury Award Covenant, 1926

       3. Series 2 (Historical Materials): Record of Postmasters, 1832-1931

  • Wicomico and Somerset counties

       4. Series 2 (Historical Materials): Ledger, Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Sept. 1966

Box 7 (Oversize):

  1. Series 2: Pictoral History of the Civil War

Box 8 (Oversize): 

  1. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook, 1948-1949 (oversize)
  2. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook Covers (oversize)
  3. Series 2: Community Fund of Wicomico County Scrapbook, 1954 (oversize) 

 

 

Artifacts

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Attachments

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