Published on: Tuesday, February 02, 2010

By Peggy Dee

St. Jerome’s fundraiser

It was great to see so many at the fundraiser for St. Jerome’s School, which was held on Sunday evening, Jan. 24.

Entitled “An Irish Celebration” because of the network of Irish entertainment, a great time was had by all. I saw many former residents of Hyattsville who came back for the event.

 There were over 300 persons in attendance who enjoyed the delicious eats and the display of Irish step dancing from the Sean Culkin School of Irish Dancing.

In addition to James Gallageher and his “Off the Boat” band, we enjoyed hearing Brendan Phelin who sang many old Irish ballads. Rev .James Stack, St. Jerome’s popular pastor, circulated among the crowd and warmly greeted everyone.

I look forward to attending again next year, as the function is listed as an annual celebration.

General Assembly

Those of us who reside in the 22nd Legislative District received a correspondence from Delegate Justin Ross concerning the 427th session of the Maryland General Assembly, which convened on Jan.13. Delegate Ross warns us that during this 90-day session, further reductions and numerous cuts will have to be made.

Despite these economic challenges, he plans to introduce the following bills: Prince George’s County-Extinguishment of Liquor Licenses, Pawn Shop Sales Restrictions and Fresh Produce Tax Credit.

The best of luck to you ,Delegate Ross. Thank you for keeping us so well informed.

If you are interested in watching the General Assembly in action, you can get tickets from your delegate. I have gone to Annapolis and sat in the upper balcony and viewed the assembly in action and found it very interesting. You can always have lunch in Annapolis at one of the many fine restaurants. Why not make a day of it?

Down Memory Lane

I enjoyed talking to several people who called with memories of the old city building on Jefferson Street. This building was our “municipal home” before the new building was constructed on Gallatin Street.

The Jefferson Street building was also home to the telephone company who leased space on the second floor. As you entered the first floor of the building the police department was located on the right and the council chambers were in the back.

Several of you remember being a part of a large crowd who attended when a controversial issue was pending. Whether or not to build the Safeway on Hamilton Street at one time was a “hot button” issue.

The farmers’ markets were held outside the building on Saturday mornings.

Some of us remember the holiday decorations that were on display every December. Many thanks to all who called as I just love traveling down Memory Lane.

How about the old Safeway on Baltimore Avenue? My mother shopped there when we first moved to Hyattsville. Please give me a call with your special memory.

Hyattsville history

The need for a central high school was brought to the attention of county officials who agreed to build one, provided it was within a one-mile radius of the Riverdale train depot. Students would come from as far north as Beltsville.

A site on Arundel Avenue near Wine Avenue was selected. In spite of the objections of Hyattsville residents, who complained that the facility would be out in the woods, the school was built in 1915.

 Lots near the site became more valuable and the emergence of Ellaville and Hyattsville Hills began.