My Harbor of Grace

Named by the French General Lafayette during the Revolutionary War, this quaint waterfront town is appropriately named "Harbor of Grace." This peaceful hamlet is witness to the transitioning of the Susquehanna River to delta to the broad deep waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Havre de Grace is a melting pot for the retired and those seeking a second home in a town where bicycles outnumber cars. A non-commercialized walkway, part boardwalk and part promenade, borders the bay along much of the town's shoreline. I've contentedly called this charming and picturesque place my home for nearly a decade.

Everything that I know about the town was passed on by word of mouth by locals with family ties reaching back generation upon generation. There are layers of life here with stories of ghosts and the mythical acts of town folk during local wars long forgotten.

At least one source insists that Havre de Grace was seriously considered along with Washington D.C. as the site of our nation's capital. Rumor suggests that Havre de Grace lost the vote by a single count. Many of the town's streets such as Adams, Washington, Union, Congress, Lafayette, etc. are indicative of a patriotic ideal and historical appreciation.

Another epic and enduring tale boasts of a visit by JFK during his bid for the presidency. Unable to pronounce the name of the town he repeatedly and intentionally referred to Havre de Grace as Aberdeen, a neighboring town.

Al Capone purportedly spent a great deal of time here while the town housed an infamous racetrack known as "The Graw." An era of illegal gambling is evidenced by houses with walls riddled with hidden compartments. I've been fortunate enough to see examples of the secret caches in the local photo studio of a friend.

I don't care if the stories are true or not. I like them the way that they are, for what they are.

I could stay here for months without starting my car while wearing only tea shirts, shorts, and flip flops. There is so much to do and see. One couldn't possibly tire of walking the promenade, or visiting the many restaurants, antique shops, used book stores, eclectic shops, museums, and parks.

Regrettably, waterfront developers are suppressing the concerned voice of the community. A year ago, I enjoyed a view of the Concord Point Lighthouse from my deck. Today, I see the pathetic outline of a high rise being constructed to house upper-end condos. ( See photo below ) I live in a waterfront home that I purchased as an existing dwelling. I wouldn't build on the spot where my house sits. The last thing that the threatened and weakened Chesapeake Bay needs is additional development along it's fragile coastline.

Esteemed naturalist Rachel Carson wrote:

In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind even to his most essential needs for survival, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference.

Enough said for one day. Let me know if you'll happen to be anywhere near Havre de Grace anytime soon. We'll start with cocktails at my place before enjoying a couple of cold beers over dinner at a local haunt with a view of the bay. We'll walk of course. Until next time ...