From the back cover of Images of America: Havre de Grace

Situated where the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay meet, the City of Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland has seen Revolutionary fervor, a rich maritime tradition, a flamboyant gambling industry, prosperous farms, and thoughtful public servants.

Over 200 photos in this book depict a century of change in Havre de Grace, from a time when Washington Street was unpaved and covered with oyster shells, to the beginnings of today’s tourist industry and efforts to beautify the cityscape. Striking photos from over the decades show everyday life: the vegetable truck that took local produce street to street, the butchers at Seibert’s Market standing proudly with their prize-winning hog, and the exciting Fourth of July parades. Over the years kids swam in the Susquehanna, played around the oil tanks at Gilbert Oil, danced ‘round the maypole, sang in the church choir, and had their photos taken on Velvet the Pony. At Christmastime youngsters whispered their wishes to Santa for a Howdy Doody or Betsy Wetsy doll or a set of Lionel Trains. Grownups bought hardware at Hecht’s, car supplies at Western Auto, prescriptions at Lyons Pharmacy, clothes at Levy’s, and shoes at Frank’s. And every family and business toted the trash to the dump that never stopped smoldering.

Bill Bates presents a unique look at Havre de Grace using photos from residents, museums, and archives, along with stories and reminiscences from the folks who grew up there.