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The Hurlock History Project, Hurlock, MD (2026)

05/30/2026

🇺🇸 VETERANS SPOTLIGHT: Lance Corporal Michael DiGenno (1948–1969)

Following our Memorial Day observance, the Hurlock History Project is proud to introduce a new, ongoing feature to our page: The Veterans Spotlight. Our mission is to ensure that the brave men and women from Hurlock who stepped forward to serve our country are never forgotten.

For our very first spotlight, we honor a son of Hurlock who paid the supreme sacrifice—and stands as our town's only known service member killed in action during the Vietnam War.

The Boy from Thompson Street:
Michael DiGenno was born on February 20, 1948, in the Bronx, New York, before his family relocated to Dorchester County, settling down on Thompson Street right here in Hurlock.

Michael grew up in Hurlock as the cherished son of Henry and Yola DiGenno. He attended local public schools and walked the halls of North Dorchester High School, graduating with the proud Class of 1967. He was a young man of Catholic faith, a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and a familiar, friendly face to neighbors across town.

The Call to Service:
Just months after holding his high school diploma, Michael felt the call to serve his country. In October 1967, he officially enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

By April 1968, Lance Corporal DiGenno was on the ground in Southeast Asia, serving bravely with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (the legendary "Magnificent Bastards") as part of the III Marine Amphibious Force.

The Ultimate Sacrifice:
On March 11, 1969, during intense operations securing fire support bases in the rugged, combat-heavy Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam, Lance Corporal DiGenno was tragically killed in action. He was just 21 years old. He was scheduled to finally come back home to his family on Thompson Street just a few months later, in August.

When Michael returned home to Hurlock for the final time, he was accorded full military rites. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Maryland National Guard, and his fellow U.S. Marines stood at attention as he was laid to rest in the family plot at Washington Cemetery in Hurlock.

Decorations & Honors:
For his conspicuous gallantry and sacrifice, LCPL DiGenno was awarded several of our nation's military decorations:

🎖️ The Purple Heart
🎖️ National Defense Service Medal
🎖️ Vietnam Service Medal
🎖️ Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honored in the Heart of the Hurlock Today:
If you look around town today, Michael’s legacy is still visibly honored right where he grew up:

The Corner Banner - Michael’s "Hurlock Hometown Heroes" banner hangs proudly right at the intersection of Poplar Street and Main Street.

The Town Hall Memorial - There is a dedicated memorial stone placed in his honor resting directly at the base of the flagpole at Hurlock Town Hall.

His name is also permanently etched onto Panel W29, Line 6 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., and he is immortalized as Honoree Record 10445 in the Military Hall of Honor.

Hurlock remembers, and we thank you.
Semper Fi, Marine. 🦅🇺🇸

If you knew Michael, grew up on Thompson Street with the family, or went to NDHS with him, please leave a comment below to share a memory and help us keep his legacy alive. Next time you pass the corner of Poplar and Main or stop by Town Hall, take a moment to look up, pause, and remember his sacrifice.

05/29/2026

POLL RESULTS REVEALED: The Secret History of Our Train Station! 🚂

A couple of weeks ago, we challenged you with two poll questions about the historic Hurlock Train Station we all know and love today. We asked where it came from and what year it arrived.

The votes are in, the archives are open, and it’s time for the grand reveal!

📍 Question 1: Where did our current station come from?

The Options: Vienna, Williamsburg, Cambridge, Linkwood, Federalsburg, East New Market

🏆 THE CORRECT ANSWER: Williamsburg, Maryland!
If you voted for Williamsburg, give yourself a pat on the back! While it has proudly served as the symbol of Hurlock for decades, the train station’s story actually began just a few miles down the road where it originally served as Williamsburg’s station!

📅 Question 2: In what year was it moved into town and restored?

The Options: 1995, 1987, 1951, 1992

🏆 THE CORRECT ANSWER: 1992!
The station was relocated and beautifully restored just in time to serve as the historic centerpiece for the Town of Hurlock’s Centennial Celebration in October 1992.

🔍 The History Behind the Plaques
If you step inside the train station today, you will find two beautiful plaques that preserve the legacy of this massive community effort:

The Centennial Plaque: This commemorates the incredible joint effort by Mayor Don Wm. Bradley, along with Council Members William R. Hopkins, Sr., Harvey H. Gregory, William H. Mills, Sr., and Norma W. Todd to help bring the train station to Hurlock. It stands as a testament to the private citizen donations and municipal leadership that made the relocation a reality.

The Mr. Robert Alton Briggs Tribute: A special shield-shaped plaque honors Mr. Robert Alton Briggs (1910–2002). The citizens of Hurlock dedicated this to him to recognize his incredible foresight, unselfishness, and vital contributions to the ultimate attainment and restoration of the station.

Without the dedication of these individuals over 30 years ago, a crucial piece of Eastern Shore railroad history might have been lost to time. Instead, it stands proudly today right in the center of town!

Did the answers surprise you, or are you a certified Hurlock History Expert? Let us know in the comments if you remember the big move back in '92!

05/26/2026

Today, the Hurlock History Project pauses to observe Memorial Day.

As we look back at the generations who built our community, we hold a sacred space in our hearts for the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to the United States.

From the Revolution to the Civil War era to modern conflicts, the true cost of our freedom is borne by those who never made the journey home. Their sacrifice is woven permanently into the fabric of our history, and our gratitude remains timeless.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

We remember. We honor.

05/18/2026

🚂 DID YOU KNOW? Hurlock’s $4.00 Fire Truck Parking Spot! 🚒

We take our local volunteer fire company for granted today, but back in the early 1920s, getting the town's first modern fire engine required a bit of neighborly cooperation and a very cheap rental agreement!

The Big Purchase:
In 1923, the Town Commissioners decided it was time to upgrade Hurlock's emergency services. They took a major leap forward and purchased the town's very first modern fire truck from the Hale Hose and Fire Pump Company for $2,500.

The Problem: No Firehouse!
The town suddenly owned a state-of-the-art emergency vehicle, but there was one glaring issue—Hurlock didn't actually have a firehouse built yet! In fact, the town's first official fire station wouldn't be established until 1927, when it was set up in the basement of the town theater (later sometimes known as the "Fireman's Theater").

The $4.00 Solution:
To keep the brand-new engine safe from the elements, temporary Fire Chief Wyatt Williams had to think fast. The commissioners worked out a deal with a prominent local businessman to shelter the truck. The engine was officially stored at W.C. Bradley’s Garage, and the town paid a monthly rental fee of exactly $4.00 to keep it parked there!

What do you think?
Imagine the town's entire fire protection relying on a rented garage stall! Rent prices have certainly gone up in Hurlock since 1923. Drop a comment if you or your family have ties to the Hurlock Volunteer Fire Company and if you have anything about this awesome fact that you would like to share!

05/12/2026

🕰️ 1907 MYSTERY SOLVED: THE VIEW FROM MAIN STREET
Have you ever stood in the middle of town and wondered what was under your feet over 100 years ago? Today, we’re taking a deep dive into an original postcard postmarked March 19, 1907, and the research has finally pinpointed exactly where this "mystery" shot was taken!

📍 Where are we?
If you were standing in this exact spot today, you’d be right in the heart of the Hurlock!

On your right: That’s the intersection of Legion Drive. The corner store you see is the modern-day home of Pizza Palace!

On your left: That’s the entrance to Poplar Street.

🔎 What to look for:
Battle Axe Shoes: Notice that massive advertisement on the side of the corner building. Produced by the Stephen Putney Shoe Co., Battle Axe Shoes were a turn-of-the-century staple marketed as "tough as an axe" for hard-working folks. 👞🪓

Kerosene Lamps: Look closely at the street lamps. In 1907, Hurlock didn't have electricity yet . These lamps were fueled by kerosene and were only lit on nights when the moon did not rise until after 10 P.M.! .

Horse & Buggy: Notice the mud-coated "rabbit trail" that was Main Street. At this time, the town's original speed limit was set at just 6 m.p.h. to keep these very carriages and bicycles from splashing the dirt and soot.

The Glen Oak Hotel: Though it’s a bit too far to see clearly in this shot, the Glen Oak Hotel—the most popular lodging spot for "drummers" (salesmen) arriving by train—stood just down the street in the distance .

✉️ The Story on the Back...
This isn't just a picture; it’s a personal note from a traveler named Fred.

The Message: "Back to Brookview once more. March 18, 1907. Fred."

The Recipient: Miss Laura Zentmyer at 229 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, Md.

The Connection: Fred was clearly a regular in the area, likely staying in Brookview and using Hurlock as his gateway to the rest of the county.

Do you have anything you would like to add about this stunning photo or the people or businesses seen in it? We would love to hear it!

Keep an eye out—in the next few days, we'll be posting a modern-day comparison photo so you can see exactly how much (and how little!) has changed at this particular part of town. 📸

05/03/2026

DID YOU KNOW? Hurlock’s Original “Horsepower” Speed Limit! 🐴

If you think traffic moves slowly through town today, imagine being a "speedster" in 1892!

The 6 M.P.H. Law:
When Hurlock officially incorporated in 1892, the very first Town Commissioners established a speed limit of just 6 m.p.h. throughout the corporate limits.
Why so slow? No cars allowed! It’s easy to forget that in 1892, the automobile hadn't arrived in town yet. This law wasn't for cars—it was for the original "engines" of the town:

• Horses & Wagons: A horse at a brisk trot could easily hit 10 m.p.h., and the town wanted to keep the dust down and pedestrians safe.

• The "Bicycle Craze": Early cyclists were often the fastest things on two wheels at the time.

• The Mud Factor: Back then, Hurlock’s sidewalks were mud-coated and bedded down with coal ashes.
Moving any faster than 6 m.p.h. meant splashing mud or soot on everyone nearby!

What do you think?
Could you handle a 6 m.p.h. limit on your way to work tomorrow, or would you be a 19th-century lawbreaker?

04/28/2026

🚂 DID YOU KNOW? When the Moon Controlled the Lights!

We’re sharing another incredible "Did You Know" fact, digging into the early infrastructure of the town. This one is about Hurlock’s first street lamps…

The History:
Before electric lighting arrived in 1909, Hurlock used kerosene street lamps. The town wanted to be efficient, but their rules were very unique…

The Rule:
The lamps were only lit on nights when the moon did NOT rise until after 10:00 P.M. If the moon was up, the town was dark, relying entirely on the moon’s natural light. The real kicker? Cloudy or rainy nights didn't change the rules—if the moon was scheduled to be up, the lamps stayed dark!

Can you imagine navigating the dark, mud-coated sidewalks of the 1890s using only a full moon and a pocket watch?

Drop a comment below if you’re thankful for our modern streetlights or have a story about how they have evolved through the years. Let’s keep Preserving Hurlock’s Tracks together! 🛤️

04/18/2026

🕰️ TIME TRAVEL: A Whole Block Preserved Since 1928 🏠📸
A little over a day ago, we looked at a 1928 postcard sent by a Maurice to 56-year-old Julia Juergens in Elkton. Today, we stood in that same spot to see how a century has treated this iconic stretch of Hurlock.

🏙️ A CENTURY OF CONTINUITY
What you’re looking at is nearly 100 years of Hurlock’s architectural "DNA." While many towns lose their historic blocks to modern development, Hurlock has held onto to some of its character in this part of town. From the tiered porches on the left to the residences in the middle, and finally to the "old bank" building on the corner—the entire row remains.

🧱 THE SHIFTING COLORS OF HISTORY
The most striking change isn't in the structures themselves, but in their appearance:

The "White Bank": In 1928, that corner building was a sharp, red-brick commercial anchor. Today, we know it by its signature white paint. Though it sits quiet now, it still frames the entrance to the block perfectly.

The Residences: Look at the rooflines and window placements of the homes in between. Aside from some modern siding and roofing, they are the exact same shapes Maurice saw when he mailed that card 98 years ago.

The Wildlife: We checked and that particular fire hydrant is no longer there today and those two birds from the 1928 postcard must have finally checked out of the Glen Oak! 😂

🕵️ THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONVERSATION
The Block: When you look at these two photos side-by-side, does it feel like time has stood still, or do the modern "details" (like the power lines and pavement) change the vibe for you? 🛣️

The Houses: Do you have a favorite house on this stretch? We’d love to hear from anyone who has lived in or visited these homes over the decades. 🏠

The Bank: Who remembers the building before it was painted white? Anyone? What was the last business you remember seeing inside those doors? 🏦

Share this post to celebrate the preserved history that makes Hurlock so unique! 🛤️

The Hurlock History Project

05/30/2026

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05/26/2026

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05/12/2026

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