Delmar DustPan

Aurora, Colorado had one of the worst mass murders in the history of the USA.  James Holmes killed 12 people and wounded 58.  He did it with very unsophisticated weapons, but in a packed movie theater it wasn't hard.   I can think back to August 1st, 1966  when Charles Whitman went to the clock tower at the University of Texas and killed 14 people and wounded 32 others.  Again the weapons he had were not exotic just off the shelve items.  I have not heard how James Holmes paid for his weapons but one trait of people who intend to kill and do not figure they will live after killing is to go shopping in the week or so before the killing and pay for the weapons with a credit card or give a bad check.  The killer know he won't be around to settle the bill.  In the case of Charles Whitman he used both to pay for his weapons, a Sears credit card and a rubber check to a local store.

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world at the start of Ramadan. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection; a time of joy and celebration. It’s a time to cherish family, friends, and neighbors, and to help those in need.

This year, Ramadan holds special meaning for those citizens in the Middle East and North Africa who are courageously achieving democracy and self-determination and for those who are still struggling to achieve their universal rights. The United States continues to stand with those who seek the chance to decide their own destiny, to live free from fear and violence, and to practice their faith freely. Here in the United States, Ramadan reminds us that Islam is part of the fabric of our Nation, and that—from public service to business, from healthcare and science to the arts—Muslim Americans help strengthen our country and enrich our lives.

Even as Ramadan holds profound meaning for the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, it is also a reminder to people of all faiths of our common humanity and the commitment to justice, equality, and compassion shared by all great faiths. In that spirit, I wish Muslims across America and around the world a blessed month, and I look forward to again hosting an iftar dinner here at the White House. Ramadan Kareem.


Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion & worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds.   Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.

The Delmar Historical and Arts Society (DHAS)  free musical concerts in the State Street Park on Thursdays in the Month of July will wrap it up tomorrow night with the Elwood Band.  The band  will go from 6 to 8 PM so bring your lawn chair and come out and listen.

From the Wicomico News, Salisbury Md April 23rd, 1913

Noah W. Owens, contractor, is erecting a large store building at Columbia, for Owens and Beach, successors to G. W. Owens.  The building is thirty by sixty with a shed fourteen feet wide.  The building will be two stories, the lower floor will be used for a general store and the second floor as a lodge room for the American Mechanics.

Buttercup Dickerson, born Lewis Pessano Dickerson in Tyaskin, Maryland in 1858, was the first Italian American player in the major leagues. His first game was July 15, 1878 when he was the starting outfielder for Cincinnati. Batting left and throwing right, he played for seven years and finished his career playing for Buffalo. His lifetime batting average was 284. He died on July 23, 1920.

His father was William Porter Dickerson (1825 to 1905) and his mother was Mary Perscilla(1837-1924)

Lewis Pessano Dickerson (October 11, 1858 – July 23, 1920) was a 19th-century Major League Baseball outfielder. Born in Tyaskin, Maryland, he played a total of seven seasons in the majors, splitting time between eight teams in three different leagues. He is credited as becoming the first Italian-American to play in the majors.

Dickerson began his career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1878 at the age of 19, and played 29 games in the outfield, but did not find himself a regular starting position until the following year. In 1879, he took over the regular left field job replacing Charley Jones, who had departed for the Boston Red Caps. That season proved to be his best season in the majors; he batted .294, drove in 57 runs, and his 14 triples led the league

Dickerson departed the team the next season, moving on to the Troy Trojans, where he played mainly in center field. He then relocated to the Worcester Ruby Legs later that same season and split time in center with Harry Stovey. In 1881, he moved over to left field and had a very productive season, batting .316. He wouldn't play in the majors again until 1883, when he changed teams once again, playing 85 games with the Pittsburg Alleghenys. His production went down significantly, and he hit just .249.

The next two seasons, he spent travelling from team to team, four in total. Three of those team in the 1884 season alone. His best showing was with the St. Louis Maroons of the Union Association when he hit .365 in 46 games. In 1885, he played in 5 games for the Buffalo Bisons before his career came to an end

Dickerson died at the age of 61 in Baltimore, Maryland, and was interred at Loudon Park Cemetery In 1979, he was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame