The Maryland Army National Guard and the Town of Chestertown formally handed over the Sfc. John H. Newnam Armory to Washington College yesterday in a brief ceremony that lauded the history of the facility and gave promise to its future as an integral part of the college’s Center for the Environment and Society on the Chester River.
“As you know, Washington College plans to develop a waterfront campus with the armory as a key component,” said Washington College President Mitchell Reiss from a podium at the main entrance to the facility. “The acquisition of this landmark property opens up exciting possibilities for Washington College, the broader Chestertown community, and all those who have an abiding appreciation of the beauty and environmental significance of the Chester River.”
“This occasion also shows that when we all work together; state, local, and college authorities, we can truly accomplish great things,” Reiss said.
Reiss expressed gratitude to the Maryland Army National Guard, Gov. Martin O’Malley, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, Maryland Treasurer Nancy Kopp, The Chestertown Council & Mayor Margo Bailey, and Town Manager Bill Ingersoll for making the transfer of the armory a reality.
Maryland National Guard Adjunct Major Gen. James Adkins, who facilitated the handover for the Department of General Services, spoke of the national significance the armory played in WWII and its positive impact on the local community.
But he also marked the event through his personal connection as a WC student, who was recruited out of the Armory to attend Officer’s Candidate School in 1978. His recruitment required him to finish his undergraduate work at the University of New York–but he returned 13 years later to earn an MA in History from WC.
“Today I wanted to come out to honor the thousands of guardsmen who passed through these doors, who have served our nation and this community,” Adkins said.
“I could have let this transfer take place with a signature and an administrative transfer with no ceremony,” Adkins said. “But in reviewing the historic documents, I realized that its historical significance is due to those who served here…many of them were part of our nation’s greatest generation and went ashore at Normandy in WWII to liberate Europe.”
“It’s a great day for the Maryland National Guard, it’s a great day for Chestertown, and it’s a great day for Washington College,” Adkins said. “This armory has served our state for a long time–and it will continue to serve the community of Chestertown as part of Washington College.”
Councilwoman Linda Kuiper, whose 2nd Ward includes the armory, said the ceremony marked a “historic day for Chestertown.”
“I’m very proud that the armory is in my ward and I am very honored to be able to take part in this today as all or our council people are here to turn the key over to Washington College,” Kuiper said. “ I know the Sgt. Newnam is looking down on us today, and I know that he would be so excited to see the new life brought to the armory.”
Town Manager Bill Ingersoll remembered the armory as a hub of community activity.
“Townies like me would sneak up [near the windows] and listen to James Brown and Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts,” he said.
Reiss also spoke of the many fraternity parties and homecoming dances in the 60s that featured the hottest bands at time.
“Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Martha and the Vendellas, and the Shirelles were among the big names to perform within these walls. By the way, I am sad to report that few of our students have ever heard of any of these groups,” Reiss said to a round of laughter from the audience.
The event closed with a short reception.
Doug Gates says
At last.
MBTroup says
So Etta James performed there as well?
Anyway, I hope the college finds a way to make this property fit their waterfront campus needs, as well as public use, so that C’town can move forward with a “river town” concept. I believe Cambridge and UM have some type of relationship that could be used as a benchmark. But I may be thinking of something else.
Fletcher R. Hall says
Another important step in the history of an already historic college. Let us hope that the record of community service will be an important part of the plans implemented by Washington College for this beautiful and engaging site.