From Our Early Files

150 years ago

May 23, 1874

• A most disastrous flood occurred about eight o’clock on Saturday morning last in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, caused by the apparently almost simultaneous breaking of three reservoirs, or rather dams, on Mill river. The water swept through the manufacturing villages of Williamsburg, Hardensville, Leeds and Florence, with resistless violence.

100 years ago

May 24, 1924.

(no May archives available — this is from June 7)

• If there is a more entrancing place than Kent County, we’d love to view it. Today it is a veritable Garden of Eden. Roses of exquisite texture bloom in luxuriance and climb upon walls, houses and trellis as if anxious to show themselves to the world.

50 years ago

May 22, 1974

• Last weekend’s Chestertown Tea Party Festival has been termed, by all indications, a successful undertaking, with crowds estimated at about 12,000 for the weekend.

• Washington College will hold its 192nd commencement Sunday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m., awarding degrees to approximately 160 seniors, as well as 40 graduate students.

• Lynn Stewart and the Country Showmen will be back for a return engagement as headliners of the upcoming Country Music Dance, set for Saturday, June 1, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at the Chestertown Armory.

25 years ago

May 20, 1999

• Local “Star Wars” fans don’t have to travel far, far away to see the latest installment of George Lucas’ outer space saga. “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace premiered yesterday in movie theatres across the nation — even the Chester 5 Theatres.

10 years ago

May 22, 2014

• The town hall meeting room was full for the Chestertown council meeting Monday May 19, as a delegation from Calvert Street was on hand to air neighborhood problems. The key issues involve safety and parking.