Fall 2019 Newsletter

The Ledger
The newsletter of the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House
Fall 2019
COMING UP…
December 14th - 47th annual
Candlelight Tour, 4-8 pm.
$22 in advance, $30 at the door.
Tickets available on Eventbrite.com.
December 14 th & 15 th - Lock House
Boutique featuring holiday greens,
handcrafted items, baked goods and
savory items. Saturday 9-5 & Sunday
11-3.
2020
Welcome
As I write this I am reflecting that I have been at this position, as the
Executive Director of the Lock House, for 6 months already! Things have
slowed down a lot in the last month and it’s given me time to delve into the
history of the museum. I have been pouring over the old newsletters, the
architect’s reports, and all the files on the computer. I have 50 years of
institutional history to catch up on.
I have enjoyed reading the newsletters from the 70’s. I am in awe of the
dedication and tenacity of the original group that focused their energies on
the monumental project of starting a museum and kept it laser-focused as
they stayed involved doing projects and research for decades. I love that a
family membership was $7.50 and if you didn’t keep current you were
sternly reminded because this was ‘your’ museum. I got the distinct
impression that everyone that was a member in the early days (and there were
hundreds of them) all knew each other and that the entire community
supported this worthwhile effort to preserve Havre de Grace history.
While looking at the membership rolls I am seeing folks who have
supported the museum for 20, 30 even 40 years and I want to know more
about you. Please reach out to me and tell me what role you’ve played in the
history of the museum, or a story about someone or an object you’ve
donated. This is the kind of information that keeps our museum vibrant and
relevant and I genuinely want to know these relationships.
Enjoy the newsletter and all of our upcoming events of the season. I hope
to see you around the museum soon.
Joanne Healey
director@thelockhousemuseum.org
Shank Winter Lecture Series
at the Opera House sponsored by
Stephens & Stephens Clocks of
Havre de Grace. 7 pm. Refreshments
& admission is free.
January 14th –Maryanna
Skowronski, Director of the Harford
County Historical Society, on early
Maryland horseracing featuring
vintage Havre de Grace footage.
February 12th- Jacquelyn
Simmons Hedberg, author of
Slaves, Plantations, & Freedom
on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
March 4th – Kara Mae
Harris, historic food blogger on
preserving old Maryland recipes.
April 4th – Museum opens for
season with photography show
featuring the work of local artist,
Malgorzata Baker.
April 18 th 2020 – 3 rd Annual Craft
Beer and Wine Event at the Lock
House. $35 in advance and $40 at
the gate. Tickets available on
Eventbrite.com in February 2020.

Page 2
Candlelight House Tour 2019
Mark your calendars for the 47th Annual Candlelight Tour set for Saturday,
December 14 th from 4 pm to 8 pm.
This year’s tour themed ‘State of Celebration’ is co-chaired by board Vice
President, Julie Ruhnke, and new board member, Carol Allen. Julie, who has
organized the event for many years, is excited about this year’s theme because
it highlights the reopening of the State Theater on St. John Street. The theater
will be a stop on the tour so visitors can step back in time and view the
progress of its renovation, see its new colors and hear its old, perfect acoustics.
There are 14 stops this year, including homes, inns, a church, museums and
galleries. The homes include examples from the late 1800’s to beautifully
renovated homes of all ages. Additionally, the decoy museum will be
featuring decoy carving demonstrations. The entire length of Union Avenue
will be lit with the traditional luminaries. It is a sight to see visitors walking
between the stops, enjoying the lights, the homes, the music and the
restaurants. All of this makes for a magical evening across our entire city.
The Candlelight tour is from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, December 14th.
Tickets are $22 in advance through Eventbrite.org or $30 at the door. But
don't wait, this tour sells out quickly! This is an event that the entire city
celebrates so there are specials available to our tour goers at the local
restaurants, galleries and shops. Just show your tour button and enjoy all there
is to see in Havre de Grace.
Lock House Holiday Boutique
It takes a village and, in this case, a small army to fill the Lock House Museum with
all sorts of baked and hand-crafted items to be ready for sale on Saturday and Sunday,
December 14th and 15th. Boutique Chair, Ann Marie Serwa, has about 50 women
a.k.a. the ‘Lock House Ladies’ that work all year long crafting itmes to support this
fundraising event.
Ann Marie tells the origin of the boutique this way; “it all began in 1990 when Jean
Cullison, a member of the Lock House, set up a card table and a few items for sale
during the Candlelight Tour. The next year, Lois Gilbert took over and received a
$100 donation from Jean along with a good luck card… and the Lock House Ladies
were born”.
It is no small feat to get the museum ready and with the help of many volunteers the
museum is transformed into a holiday workshop. Baked goods and savory items,
greens and centerpieces, and handmade items including jewelry fill the museum. The
fireplaces are lit, the carolers are singing and the magic begins.
Holiday Boutique - Saturday, December 14th from 9-5 and Sunday, December
15th from 11-3. Raffle tickets on sale now and available at the Havre de Grace
Farmers Market; October 19th, November 2nd & 16th.

Page 3
Lock House
Museum Receives
Historic
Designation
This past April the Lock House
was awarded a plaque designating
it as an historic building by the
Havre de Grace Historic
Commission. Representatives of
the museum attended a presentation
by Mayor Martin at the May
council meeting. We, along with 2
other properties in the city, were
honored.
Carol Allen, Newest Board Member
We asked our newest board member, Carol Allen, to tell us a little bit
about herself: “It was an honor to be voted onto the Board of the
Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House; I look forward to joining with
the rest of the Board to help support this treasure that we have here in
Havre de Grace. My first introduction to the Lock House was one of the
War of 1812 re-enactments that I attended not long after moving to Havre
de Grace. It was quite moving to see this living history event in a city that
was so directly affected by that war. But the annual Lock House
“happening” that most captured my heart is the Candlelight Tour. After
attending it (and enjoying a shopping extravaganza at the Christmas
Boutique) for a few years, I volunteered to work as a docent. That
experience grew my enthusiasm for this event and for the organization
that it supports. If you’ve never been part of the Tour before, you will
want to mark your calendar for this year’s iteration on December 14th.
I come to the Board with some hands-on experience with using an
historic property as a public history site. Prior to my retirement in June
2019, I oversaw the historic Hays-Heighe House at Harford Community
College, where my primary responsibility was as Director for the Library.
Like the Susquehanna Museum, the Hays-Heighe House is dedicated to
preserving and celebrating local history. I look forward both to learning
more about the history of this area, and helping to share this rich history
with our community.
Many Thanks…
To outgoing board member, Steve Formwalt, who served the Lock House Museum for four years. A
heartfelt thanks to his commitment and dedication to our organization.
To our many volunteers and docents who have done everything from building maintenance to leading
school groups and bus tours to the many who have helped with our events, it is a pleasure to work with all of
you and know that your help is invaluable. Also, to the local Penn State Alumnae Association along with our
crew of regular volunteers who, every spring, come to hack back weeds, wash windows, clear cobwebs and
open up the Lock House for the new season.
To the City of Havre de Grace for being receptive to my many inquiries from how things work and who
handles what from trash to clearing a storm water pathway to a last minute plea to suck the water out of our
field for our Pirates event.

Page 4
Lilly Run Bridge, North Park
New Lilly Run Bridge dedication on May 16, 2019 was presented by Mayor Bill Martin. Present were city
council members and other city officials, and Harford County Council members. Ribbon cut by Joe
Kochenderfer. The new bridge connects the Lock House grounds with the Joe K. Loop Trail.
Become a Member Today!
In supporting the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House you receive our biannual newsletter, The Ledger, and
invitations to our special members-only events and annual member's dinner. Fill out and send back the form
below or go to our website for more information… www.thelockhousemuseum.org
Membership Application/Renewal
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone________________________________________Email_________________________________________________________________
_____New Member _____Returning Member _____Gift
____Individual Member $35
____Family Membership $60
____Friend Membership $100
OR, Gift amount $_________ (100% tax deductible)
Thank you!
Please make checks payable to and
mail to:
Susquehanna Museum
PO Box 253
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Or, pay online at our website ‘support
us’ page:www.thelockhousemuseum.org
www.thelockhousemuseum.org

Page 5
A Special Acknowledgement
In July of this year, the Lock House Museum was the recipient of an $80,000 bequest from the estate of the
late Carolyn A. Hargis, a longtime resident of Havre de Grace. A heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Hargis for her
generosity in remembering the museum and her faith in our mission and trust in our good stewardship.
This gift will help the museum for many years to come.
New Museum Acquisitions
A new and exciting addition to the Lock House Museum collections is the ledger and family bible of Daniel
F. Shure. Daniel Shure was the third Superintendent of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal from 1844 to
1890 when it essentially stopped. This ledger, brought to us by museum friend and supporter, Allen Fair,
was donated by the great, great, granddaughter of Mr. Shure, Martha Dennis, of Havre de Grace. This
business diary is a snapshot into the past affairs of the canal company. The ledger, along with the Shure
family bible and photo are on display in the Lock Tender’s Office at the museum.
Added to the museum Library is The Erie Canal Sings by Bill Hullfish. The author takes readers on a
musical journey along New York’s Erie Canal. It’s not a songbook but more a delve into the origins of the
songs.
Pictured below are Martha Dennis, left, Joanne Healey,
Allen Fair, right holding the Daniel Shure items.
Finally, from the archives of Millersville University, sixty six drawings of the entire Susquehanna and
Tidewater Canal from 1870. The files are have been printed and bound and are on display to further
explain the history of the canal.

Page 6
In Remembrance
Carol Ann Murray McGowan, who passed away on June 4, 2019, was the immediate past president of
Board of Directors at the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. Through her generosity, the
Restoration Fund Project was launched in 2013, wherein she matched the $46,000+ that had been raised
through grants, fundraising, and other donations; thereby allowing the Museum to restore its windows.
Carol, who was born in Havre de Grace, also served on various other boards and was a tireless worker
and volunteer for many community and charitable organizations throughout her life, with a special
emphasis on education and helping young people reach their full potential. Her vision for and love of the
Lock House museum will be missed.
James Henry “Hank” Riefle, III, who passed away on April 4, 2019, immersed himself in volunteering for
the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. He served on its Board of Directors for several years,
including as its treasurer. His “Pre-Gala” parties on Pirate’s weekend each year were anticipated events in
and of themselves. Hank was the ultimate history buff and chose Havre de Grace and all its history for his
place in retirement. We will miss his love of the museum, the City of Havre de Grace, and the company of
family and friends that he kept near and dear.
Jane Bennington Viele passed away on June 16, 2019. Jane served as Research Chair of the
Susquehanna Historic District for the National Register of Historic Places. In this capacity, she secured the
funding from the Maryland Legislature for the restoration of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal Lock
and Lock House.
Donald Francis Angert, who passed away July 8, 2019, was active in many civic and community
organizations in Havre de Grace. Don was a lifetime member of the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock
House and involved in the establishment of the museum in 1982. Don’s support of the museum over the
years will be remembered fondly.
Clarence Vaughn, former board member and friend to the museum died August 10 th , 2019 at the age of
89 at his home in Havre de Grace. The museum will always be grateful for his service.
David Witt, an original founding member of the museum, passed away at the age of 89, on September 11
2019, in Kingsport, Tennessee. Mr. Witt helped in the restoration of the Lock House and also served as
Board Chair in the 1980’s. His name is present throughout our collection records, educational and
research pieces and correspondence. He was an integral part of the history of this museum.
5 new benches
placed
throughout the
Lock House
grounds were
built and
donated by
Eagle Scout,
Ethan French.

Page 7
Announcing the 2020
Shank Lecture Series at the
Havre de Grace Opera House
This free lecture series, named in honor of
Ellsworth B. Shank, founding member
of the museum, is sponsored by
Stephens & Stephens Clocks
of Havre de Grace.
January 15th at 7 pm
Join Harford County Historical Society Director,
Maryanna Skowronski, for her talk on early horse
racing in Maryland featuring vintage home movies
that include ‘The Graw’ and historic scenes of old
Havre de Grace. Refreshments to follow.
February 12th at 7 pm
2019 Museum Board of Directors
Officers
President - Ann Marie Serwa
Vice President – Julie Ruhnke
Secretary – Beverley Murray
Jacqueline Simmons Hedberg, author of Slaves,
Plantations and Freedom on Maryland’s Eastern
Shore, tells the story of 6 African Americans, both
free and enslaved, that were vital to the economy of
the Eastern Shore of Maryland and their stories of
courage, cruelty, and hope. Refreshments and
book signing to follow.
March 4th at 7 pm
Advisor
Members
Jim Milne
Vicki O’Keefe
Bradley Fogarty
Carol Allen
Historic food blogger, Kara Mae Harris, featured in
the Baltimore Sun and online magazine, Atlas
Obscura, presents her journey collecting and
preserving old Maryland recipes
(www.theoldlineplate.com). Refreshments to follow
featuring Maryland desserts using vintage recipes.
Joe Kochenderfer
Executive Director Joanne Healey
For reservation please visit the Opera House website:
www.hdgoperahouse.org.

Susquehanna Museum
of Havre de Grace, Inc.
P.O. Box 253
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
www.thelockhousemuseum.org
Volunteers Always Welcomed!
Contact the Lock House office or website for more information.
Planning a wedding or family event?
Consider the Lock House grounds and its idyllic setting
on the spectacular Susquehanna River.
For rental information contact the museum at
info@thelockhousemuseum.org.
Did you know?
There is a seedling of the famous
Maryland Wye Oak on the grounds
of the museum? It is about 20
years old now and has about
another 30 years until it begins to
produce acorns!
Our New Website
The Lock House has redesigned its
website and launched it back in the
spring.
It is still the same address at:
www.thelockhousemuseum. org .
But, it now has a new look, it’s
easier to navigate and, most
importantly, it is kept current.
And… A New Email Address
We also have a new email address
that matches our web-site address.
Any inquiries to the Lock House
Museum can be sent to:
info@thelockhousemuseum.org.