2022 Winning Essay by Riley Schoch

Option Three: Choose a historical place in Worcester County and discuss its meaning to the community or why it should be preserved

I love historic downtown Berlin Maryland. The quaint Berlin streets have made me who I am today. When we look at what influences us personally and as a society - it is history. I have a rich and wonderful history with Berlin, the town has shaped me into the young adult that I am today. So many of my happy memories and close friendships were forged on the streets of this little town. The historic Berlin downtown should be preserved so that other young people can have their youth inspired and enriched by the wonderful historic town like I have.

Every day for the past eleven years I have ridden through Berlin’s Main Street lined with old fashioned brick buildings and with sidewalks filled with people bustling in between the small town shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants on my way to Worcester Preparatory School. Some of my fondest memories of coming of age were walking from my school to Raynes Reef diner to sit on the barstools and drink milkshakes and eat french fries with my friends. My very first dinner date at the age of 12 was at The Blacksmith restaurant where I brought my middle school dance date before our homecoming dance. Our family enjoyed celebrating together after school functions at tables with fancy white tablecloths while dining at The Atlantic Hotel. I learned about hard work while I balanced plates of food and drinks as a food runner at the Sterling Tavern.

Year after year I’ve lined the Berlin streets while laughing and cheering during the annual Bathtub races. My stomach hurt many late October nights from collecting and eating too much candy while the Berlin shops gave away Halloween Candy. I’ve fearfully walked through the haunted house at the Burbage Funeral Home, trying not to shake with fright. At the annual Peach Festivals I’ve hosted my children’s book giveaway year after year, distributing over 5,000 free books to Berlin youth from tables set out on Main Street. I’ve made art masterpieces while at camp sponsored by the Worcester County Art Council.

Berlin Maryland is so important because it connects me to specific times and places that were significant to me. In a time of constant change when technology is rapidly advancing, the pandemic has disrupted life in so many ways, a new building constantly pops up where an open field used to be - it is calming to walk down Main Street today and have it look just like I remember it from my childhood. Historic preservation is a powerful tool to strengthen communities and individuals.