What a formal and formidable group of college students this is! The only available information about this undated photo is a notation on the back reading “Washington College – 1900 – 1920 Era.” One or two of these fellows looks awfully young to be in college, but “college age” was still interpreted a little more loosely at that time than it is today. If you know any of these brilliant young men, or if you’re able to help pinpoint the year this photograph was taken, please let us know in the comments or by emailing [email protected]. Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Kent County.

We all like to look and feel our best, and to have a place to go and let our hair down, literally or metaphorically. These undated images labeled “Virginia Anthony Beauty Parlor” provide a glimpse into the self-care of an earlier era in Kent County. Do you recognize anyone in these photos? If so, please let us know in the comments or by emailing [email protected]. Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Kent County.

Today’s photo dates from 1936 and depicts a Kent County institution of yore: Gill Brothers Dairy. Gill Brothers was part of the Kent County economy and social scene, with the Parlor in Chestertown offering everything from milk to ice cream to… oysters? Yes, per an early 20th century advertisement in the Kent News, you could even drop in daily from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. for “a nice plate of cream” or a light lunch including oysters, available “Fried, Stewed and Raw.” As seen in this image, the dairy was a model of the 1930s-era machine age with its emphasis on labor-saving technology, modernity and aerodynamic design. The Cross Street location remains an important site of Kent County commerce, a key source of gifts, clothing, and various other little luxuries and necessities, rather than delicious treats. It’s an easy quiz today: What local business is now in the Gill Brothers building? Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Kent County.

In this undated photograph, a warmly dressed man and boy stand near the water, each holding a common snapping turtle by the tail. The boy’s expression seems somewhat dubious, or perhaps just shows his concentration in holding a reasonably heavy, alarmed reptile with famously powerful jaws. If you recognize the people or location in this photograph, please let us know in the comments or by emailing [email protected]. Image courtesy of the Historical Society of Kent County. 

The exhibit of SPACE photographs taken in 1984 by Tyler Campbell is currently on view at the Bordley History Center at 301 High Street in Chestertown. The public is invited to see the behind-the-scenes images of the filming of the CBS miniseries SPACE, peruse Kent County genealogy records, and browse books and other items stocked in the museum shop. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am – 2 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm.

For more about the Historical Society of Kent County, go here.

Thank you to Don Sutton, who identified the ump in last week’s baseball photograph as his grandfather Reamy East. Mr. East served as umpire for many Little League games.

Sticking with the baseball theme for one more week, today’s Flashback Photo is a handsome lineup of Rock Hall players. If you can identify anyone in this undated photo, please let us know at [email protected].

The Bordley History Center at 301 High Street in Chestertown will continue to house the exhibit of SPACE photographs taken in 1984 by Tyler Campbell throughout the month of October. Visit to see the behind-the-scenes images of the filming of the CBS miniseries SPACE, and to help identify those who appear. Kent County genealogy records are also available to peruse on a drop-in basis, and the museum’s shop stocks a range of books and other items. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am – 2 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm.