In the files of "Harford Democrat and Aberdeen Enterprise" newspapers at the Aberdeen Room Museum, we found important articles concerning changes in the lives of many of our local citizens over the years.
Back in 1968, the headline "Residents of Local Posts May Now Vote" is one example.
"Under the ruling of a Federal Court, those people who reside on Government property in Maryland and meet the residential requirements, may register and vote."
This unique decision was arrived at by a special Federal Court, which included Judge Harrison Winter, Chief Judge Russel Thomasen and Judge Alexander Harvey II of the U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
Until then, it had always been held that residents of government-owned areas could not register and vote. The decision was made by the court on the grounds that during the previous 40 years, acts of the legislature had given various controls over to the residents of the posts by state authority, such as the right to obtain divorces, pay taxes and be subject to unemployment and workmen's compensation laws, etc.
This meant the residents of Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edgewood Arsenal could participate in state and county elections.
Back in February 1960, the top story of the week of Feb. 11 was the "Fireworks Plant Explosion in Havre de Grace."
The Aegis: Top stories
"The plant of the Havre de Grace Fireworks Company was almost totally destroyed by fire and a series of explosions. The owner of the plant, J. Archie Fabrizio Jr., was killed. The shock of the explosion, it is believed, also caused the death of a 62-year-old woman in a home near the plant."
Another article concerned "The New Church Site" of the Lutheran Church in Aberdeen.
"St. Paul Lutheran Congregation of Aberdeen, decided to purchase a five acre lot on Mt. Royal Ave. from Mr. G. Kessler Livezey, developer of the Northwood residential sub-division. The congregation plans to construct a new edifice with Sunday School addition and parsonage."
From a 1959 newspaper, is a photo and article, "Ground Broken for Dial Exchange."
"The first shovel of dirt for the excavation of the new Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Building, to house its new dial system in Aberdeen, was turned over in the presence of a number of Aberdeen officials. The building will be completed by May 1, 1960."
Back in 1952 we found other reminders. "Aberdeen Women Win-State to Act on Dangerous Highway." A photo shows women blockading the intersection of Bel Air Avenue and Pulaski Highway for 10 minutes while town commissioners, road officials and others met to discuss safety measures. Two people were killed at the intersection that week. The ladies got action and officials agreed to do something. The women held out for an underpass.
Another article in 1952 told of "Vaccine for Polio is Developed Here. Six Children Received Shots of Hopkins Doctors' Discovery." This is the story that was so important to everyone, everywhere. Dr. Howard Howe, adjunct professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, was successful in finding a multiple vaccine against all three recognized type of polio!