A partial collection of people, places and events that have made
Chesapeake City the unique and desirable location that it has become today.
MIND BOGGLING - Definition: hard to comprehend, confusing, surprising, shocking, overwhelming.
The collection of Sterling Hersch is all of the above. You have to see it to
believe it. Consisting primarily of several hundred irons for any purpose
imaginable, the collection extends to many items never before seen by folks born
after the mid 1900's except in books.
STERLING & FAMILY
Born and raised in Rock Hall, MD, Sterling and his wife Dorothea or "Dot" as she was
fondly known by most of her friends moved to Biddle Street in North Chesapeake
City in 1940. In 1950 they moved to the
present residence located on the southeast corner of Third Street and Lindsay
Avenue in South Chesapeake City. The home is built with decorative tan
blocks and was originally built for Dr. Laws during the 1920's. The property is
a local landmark during the Christmas season when a lighted Santa appears on the
rooftop.
As of
September 2006, their family of four children: Barbara, Deanna, Sterling and Rae,
has grown to include 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Dot, his bride of
70 years and best friend passed away on May 12, 2006 and he enjoys reminiscing
about the good times they had together.
Sterling is now in his 90's and no longer capable of doing cartwheels or back
flips but still a very hospitable host who loves his collection and can remember
when and where most items were obtained. He describes many of his items with a
passion usually reserved for children and close family members.
IRON INFO
The iron was the second electrical appliance to be patented (1882). The
incandescent lamp was the first in 1880. However, most of rural America did not
have electricity until the mid 1930's.
