It is dedicated to the memory of our friend, journalist and author Isabelle Leach, whose rich, full life ended on the day after the cache was published. For many years she had kept us all informed and entertained with her column, "Peeking Around Pocomoke."
This is a log-only cache and you should bring a pen or pencil.
Special Events may require an entrance fee to reach some of the stages. A Calendar of Events may be found at www.pocomoke.com or by calling (410)957-1919.
Settled in the 1600's on the banks of the Pocomoke River, our town was originally known as Stevens Ferry. Not content with such a label, it adopted the name Meeting House Landing, then Warehouse Landing, then Newtown, until finally in 1878 it became, and remained, Pocomoke City.
It is our hope that you'll enjoy this mini-tour through the historic downtown area of the “The Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore” and want to return in the future.
In nice weather this will be a short, pleasant stroll and is suitable for children. The entire walk, including the walk from the cache back to the parking lot is less than a mile and can be completed easily in less than an hour The coordinates given are for the Municipal Parking Lot, within 50 feet of Site 1.
At each Site you will find information to complete the coordinates to the actual cache. In the “canyon” of buildings your GPS may bounce but the numbers will get you “in sight” of the next Site.
FINAL: N 38 AB.CDE W 075 FG.HIJ
N 38 _ _ . _ _ _ W 075 _ _ . _ _ _
Site 1 N 38 04.592 W 075 34.226
This bridge, built in 1921, formerly carried Route 13 until the Bypass was complete. It collapsed into the river in 1988, inspiring the tee-shirt, “Troubled Bridge Under Water” and was reconstructed in _ _ J _. If you "collect" Benchmarks, HU0507 is on the Southwest tower, HU2663 is on the Southeast tower, and HU1836 can be seen looking West down the river.
On your way to Site 2 you will pass the former Duncan Brothers Car Dealership (from which I purchased my first new car in 1962), now the Delmarva Discovery Center, which includes museum exhibits, a gift shop, and a 6,000 gallon aquarium. Docked alongside the Center is the Bay Queen, which offers scenic river cruises.
Site 2
To the left of the Discovery Center is the restored Atlantic Filling Station (now the Visitors' Center and Chamber of Commerce). As you pass the pumps, note the price of gasoline. The cost of a gallon of "low-test" is _ B._
Site 3 N 38 04.540 W 075 34.196
This small but significant historical African-American building was relocated to this spot as a museum. It was in use from 1900 until _ _ F _.
Site 4 N 38 04.520 W 075 34.110
This building, the former Pocomoke City National Bank, was founded in 1889 and operated under this name until _ _ _ E.
Site 5 N 38 04.482 W 075 34.059
The historic home of Pocomoke’s first Mayor, Dr. Isaac Costen, was built in _ _ _ A . This Victorian Italianate house somehow survived the disastrous fire of 1922 and was occupied by his family for over one hundred years. Isabelle's journalistic prowess contributed to the foundation of Costen House as a museum, now listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Carefully cross the street to Site 6
Site 6
Bethany Methodist Church was destroyed by fire and rebuilt at the same location. G = the number of brick column bases with important dates.
Remain on this side of the street and walk back toward the bridge.
Site 7 N 38 04.541 W 075 34.129
A nice place to rest and watch what’s going on. It was dedicated June 24, _ _ D _ and is home of the "Tiny Often Empty Park: Pocomoke City, MD" cache, GC12RMB.
High up on the facade of the building across Market Street is the name of the former owner and 1922, the year a fire destroyed downtown Pocomoke City and left 250 people homeless. C = the number of letters in the last name.
Leaving Site 7 for Site 8, you will first pass 126 Market St., the former office of the "Worcester County Times", originally Pocomoke's "Worcester Democrat", which merged with Snow Hill's "Democratic Messenger" to become the "Worcester County Messenger". This was the home of Isabelle's column, "Peeking Around Pocomoke".
Continuing toward the bridge you will come to the Mar-Va Theater. Built in 1927, this art deco style theater was restored to serve as a regional center for performing arts. In 1993 Isabelle authored a play on Dr. Costen's life entitled "Isaac Costen: Pocomoke Patriarch," which was performed at the Mar-Va Theater. Peek though the glass doors and admire the antique chandelier. I remember paying a quarter to get in and a dime for popcorn. I = the number of pull-handles on the glass doors.
Site 8 N 38 04.597 W 075 34.225
We’re proud of Pocomoke's status as an All-American City Finisher in 1985, and grateful to Isabelle for her vital role in the preparations which led to our selection. On a windy day the large flag is very impressive.
Site 9 N 38 04.662 W 075 34.208
The sign describes the Bald Cypress, which inspired the name of this Park and contributes to the color and boundaries of the scenic Pocomoke River. A thousand year old tree may become H _ _ feet tall. The odd “knees" you will observe protruding above the water belong to the Bald Cypress.
The sign has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. The number you need is 150.
By now you should have enough information to find and sign the log at the final location. We hope this mini-tour will whet your appetite to return to Pocomoke when you have more time to explore.