The Barns of Southern Maryland

A superb new experience and adventure for both young and senior readers to visually see and appreciate the counties of Southern Maryland, and the years of growing tobacco. Mr. Sharp skillfully takes us back to the year 1634 and the first landing of European immigrants on American shores at St. Clements Island. They ventured from England on two wind-driven ships: the "ARK" and the "DOVE." With considerable research, he moves us through a short history of our earliest beginnings of Maryland's birth. The material is easy reading and beckons' the reader to become part of the story of Southern Maryland's growth and economic importance to the State. The author has a nice transition to the short history of Barns themselves; why they were "Red"; introducing Quilt Barns, Round Barns, and the famous barn advertisers that promoted, the rare to be seen, "Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns." Next is a wonderful introduction to the farmers best friends: Cats, and the Barn Owl. We discover how they are truly worth their weight in Gold. A more somber view of labor employment is followed by the many ways of drying tobacco. Mr. Sharp introduces us to each the three lower counties with a short history of their contributions to expansion and agricultural production. This is followed by personal interviews of local farmers, and how the Maryland Tobacco Buyout of 2000 affected each in their decision to participate or pass. Far more accepted the cash buyout than the State anticipated. Remaining growers of tobacco today are the Amish, Mennonites, and those farmers with deep personal objections to the buyout proposal. Finally, he engages your attention to the subjects of restoration and preservation, as seen through the eyes of a three-year old child: "Priceless". In closing, the writer suggests a major challenge to all farm families. "Sadly, you are probably the last generation of your breed for demonstrating work ethics, perseverance, and perfection in everything you do. The pride you exhibit must become contagious."