[Chat] FW: Welcome to Baltimore Sign update 2

[Christine Gray]

-----Original Message-----
From: H-Net Discussion List on Maryland History and Culture
[mailto:H-MARYLAND at H-NET.MSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Mary Beth Corrigan
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 7:30 PM
To: H-MARYLAND at H-NET.MSU.EDU
Subject: Welcome to Baltimore Sign

From: W.H. Earle [mailto:whearle at hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 8:29 PM
Subject: RE: Welcome to Baltimore Sign

 That sign had "Hon" added to it repeatedly over a period of years.  It was
not a formal part of the sign, just a bit of cardboard with a handwritten
"Hon" on it that was added to the sign surreptitiously.  Public works people
would tear it down after a while, but then it would reappear.  I don't
believe the media ever identified the individual or individuals who
repeatedly "defaced" the sign, but I expect the police and public works
people knew who it was.  In any event, even though the "Hon" emendation was
taken down every time it appeared, no one particularly minded its being put
up.  Most of us in Baltimore simply thought of it as a harmless and amusing
bit of local color.  It's been a couple of years now since I've heard any
talk of the business, and my impression is that it's been quite a while
since anyone added "Hon" to the sign.  However, it wouldn't be particularly
newsworthy nowadays for it to happen, and I may simply not be hearing about
it if it does still periodically happen.
Bill Earle

Baltimore