While studying the array of officials who made up New Jersey’s 19th-century criminal justice system, I often pore over aging coroner’s reports, trial transcripts, and police blotters. While doing that in South Jersey, I came across an unsettling Salem County Cold Case, the murder of Abigail Dilks in 1874. From the beginning, the mystifying case…
Category: Published Articles
Dixon Steps Down as Volunteer Trumpet Editor
For nine years, I have served as the editor of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) newsletter, The Volunteer Trumpet. But the summer 2020 issue, which usually coincides with the annual firefighters’ convention in Ocean City, is my last number as I step down as editor. I am pleased during this nearly ten-year term to…
When Death Came Calling Salem County Needed a Hospital
Continued from Part I – The Flu of 1918 Shutdown Salem County Now is the time for a hospital. That is what the Salem Sunbeam pointed out as life returned to normal. The suffering and the tragedies which visited the county had demonstrated the need for a well-equipped local hospital. “We have been shown that…
Maryland Life Publishes Piece About War of 1812 Attack on Havre de Grace & Bicentennial Celebration
The April issue of Maryland Life has a piece I wrote called “Bicentennial of a Blindsiding: When the Brits Stormed Havre de Grace.” It’s about the devastating attack that took place there during the War of 1812, and the City’s plans for the 200th anniversary observance. The attractively situated community at the top of…