By CINDY LONG
Visitors to the Laurel Museum regularly ask volunteers about the purpose of bronze markers on historic homes in the city.
The markers were installed in 2006 to designate 32 homes and businesses that are featured on the city’s walking tour. Located on or near Main Street, from the Laurel Cotton Mill area to the Railroad Station, these sites were identified by a committee consisting of Betty Compton, Joe Robison, Sidney Moore, Jean Anastasi and Lou Ann Crook, according to Laurel Historical Society’s newsletter Laurel Light, March 2006 edition.
“The prevalence and diversity of structures of historical or architectural interest reveal the changing character and various stages of development of the town. It is impossible to include them all, so this sampling is offered,” Compton wrote in the newsletter.
The city of Laurel purchased many of the markers, with assistance from a number of residents whose homes have been designated. The program is not on-going; these buildings were marked solely for the 2006 walking tour.
The markers do not indicate that these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is a federal designation for historical and artistically valued properties.
Prince George’s County and private businesses funded printing of a map for the 2006 tour featuring short narratives about the 49 sites and photos. Although some of the locations on the map have changed since 2006, many remain the same. Some highlights of the tour include the former Phelps and Shaffer store, the Laurel All-Stars Sandlot baseball team’s playing field, the Stone Machine Shop (now I Care), Fairall Foundry on First Street and the Laurel Armory .
The walking tour map also includes a brief history of the city of Laurel and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. The Laurel Museum has copies of the 2006 map; stop by during open hours and start your walk today. For more information, go to laurelmuseum.org.
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Cindy Long is a Laurel Historical Society board member.
