The Delmar Historical and Arts Society (DHAS) held a dedication and unveiling for its “Honoring Your Heroes” brick display and also dedicated a flag pole that was donated by Scott Sturgis during a ceremony last Saturday outside its building.
Following the raising of the flag and flag pole and the pledge of allegiance, DHAS Secretary Marian Smith spoke about how the group sold bricks with the goal of selling 100 by the end of last year. It had 18 sold as of its meeting last September. The group decided to display the bricks in the shape of caboose as a nod to the town’s railroad roots. As of November it had sold 59 bricks, 113 bricks were sold as of the December meeting, and 159 bricks were sold by the end of the year.
DHAS Secretary Marian Smith speaks with Kelly Hearn, left, and Jerry L. Martin shown behind brick wall in the shape of a caboose, which was unveiled and dedicated last Saturday in Delmar. Hearn constructed the wall and Martin designed it. Photo by Mike McClure
The brick display honors 19 Delmar High School grads, a brick represents the 393 graduates of the high school in Maryland (1909-48), and donors were from Delmar as well as Virginia, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. The brick display was designed by Jerry L. Martin and constructed by Kelly Heath.
The brick display is located outside of the historical society’s building, the former doctor’s office (located across the street from the post office). The building belongs to St. Stephen’s Church, which leases it to the town and agreed to sublet it to the historical society.
DHAS President Alan Whitley said the past historical society abandoned the building in the late 80s-early 90s. The current historical society has been gifted $320,00 for the project.
“We didn’t have any idea where to start,” said Whitley.
Whitley said the group spent $100,000 on engineers to see if reviving the building was feasible. HVAC has been installed but it is not running yet, a new roof and windows have been put in, and insulation and dry wall will be put in later. DHAS is hoping to be in the building by the first of next year, but then volunteers will need to go through the groups materials and set up displays.
“We’re a very small group and it’s going to take time,” Smith said, adding that the historical society needs help.
Pastor Paul James of St. Stephen’s Church did the dedication of the brick display and flag pole. “We stand on the ground where history lives and breathes,” James said, adding that the building represents the strength and resiliency of the community.
DHAS meets the second Thursday of each month in the police station meeting room. The public is welcome to attend the meetings.
