WELCOME to the Havre de Grace Experience
Ellie Mencer moved here in 1996, thanks to an invitation from her son, Scott Schnell, who was stationed at APG. One day, walking along the waterfront from the Concord Point Lighthouse, she ended up at the intersection of Market, Washington, and St. John Streets Taking in the view, she thought, “Golly, If I could find a small apartment, I think I’d love to live here.”
In 1998 she shared her enthusiasm by creating a tourism publication to share with locals and tourists alike what she loved about the community. The result was the initial edition of from Lockhouse to Lighthouse … a Daytripper’s Guide to Our Town. It was a 16-page tabloid with 90 advertisers.
Sharing local stories, introducing businesses, and offering a map and Calendar of Events, the publication grew as she met more people and was given even more ideas for articles. It continued through 2008. More on that history as we post each issue on this blog.
Enjoy reading about our downtown from 1998 to 2020. Note that our business community has been active throughout the years, adapting to the changes, and the community overflows with amazing volunteers supporting our non-profits and the many events the city puts on.1998 Spring from Lockhouse to Lighthouse
In the early months of 1998, Ellie started introducing herself to businesses throughout town. Not knowing anyone, usually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, with her short cropped hair, she handed them a sales page that didn’t even have our own lockhouse and lighthouse images. But she believed that she had something to offer to promote our city to others.
With each business, she learned a bit more about the community and her enthusiasm was contagious. When she delivered the publication to each business in the spring of 1998, she overheard many times, “Oh my gosh, this is all Havre de Grace!” That made her efforts all worthwhile.
1998 Spring – Table of Contents
Page Article
2 Welcome to the Havre de Grace Experience
3 A Note To All the Advertisers
Getting’ Around…
4 Osprey Cozy Up to Amtrak
Biking the Greenway
5 Sailing
6 TALENT: Janet Huges, Java by the Bay Gets a Reading, The Picture Show Gallery and Teresa Yost, Concerts in the Park/Art Show, HdG Ritz and Rich Desserts, Vision Performing Arts, and Sports.
7 Walking
8-9 Calendar of Events and Map
10 Decoys?
11 Love at the Lighthouse, featuring Bob and Alice Singer
12 Susquehanna State Park
Antiques to Flea Markets to Yard Sales
14 Picnics
Photographs
Desert Storm Muffler Man
15 Museums – Full of Life
16 How Many of These Can You Find Around Town?
You are encouraged to read the blog posts that will highlight each edition. Get a glimpse of our business community, our many events, parks, museums, and discover the ARTS in Havre de Grace. Enjoy the changes over the years and appreciate all who have made it possible.
1998-Spring-Lockhouse-to-Lighthouse