Category Archives: 1940s

In 1949, mysterious ‘flying saucers’ were found in a Maryland barn

(John Kelly, Washington Post, 11/18/2023) The Aug. 20, 1949, front page featured the aforementioned satanic scoop — headlined “Priest Frees Mt. Rainier Boy Reported Held in Devil’s Grip” — along with more mundane articles about the Pentagon budget, the FCC … Continue reading

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For nearly 40 years, Dale’s Esso Center first thing people saw when entering Ocean City

Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann  (Ocean City Dispatch) For nearly 40 years, Dale’s Esso Center was the first thing people saw when entering Ocean City. The gas station at the foot of the Route 50 Bridge was one of … Continue reading

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Baltimore’s Block Burly Performers Not “Strip-Teasers” but “Beauty-Flashers” (1942)

Not Strip But Flashers (The Billboard, 6/27/1942) Feminine burly performers are not “strip-teasers” but “beauty-flashers,” according to Gus Flaig, veteran stage manager for the Gayety, only exclusively burlesque house in Baltimore. According to Flaig, the backbone of burlesque is not … Continue reading

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“Joy Land” Penny Arcade on Baltimore’s “Block” (1943)

Baltimore Arcades Thrive as Crowds Try To Keep Dry (The Billboard, “Amusement Machines”, 7/31/1943) Showers and rain have proven to be big assets to the Penny Arcades. Last Sunday (11) when servicemen, war workers and others started earlier in the day … Continue reading

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