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Why Baltimore?
Past - Present - Future
Though it is easy enough to visit Wikipedia for a quick history of Baltimore, it takes quite of bit of research and time to dig deep into the details. Knowing our past increases understanding of the present, and empowers us to shape a better future. So why are we invested in Baltimore?
History
Wendy lived in the DMV on and off since 1974, the most recent stint 1995-current. She is is a history and ancestry nerd and discovered that her direct Broadway line, as well as many extended paternal ancestors, arrived to the New Country in the early 1600s, some as indentured servants and some granted land by Lord Baltimore. Wendy's maternal grandfather Dillwith/Dilworth's direct line arrived to Port Baltimore during the early 1800s. Not only has Wendy dug deep into the history of her family lineage but she has also thoroughly researched and learned about the original residents of today's B'More Balanced. Visit us to learn about them too!
What's in a name?
Long before it was Charm City, John Quincy Adams dubbed Baltimore “the Monumental City” in 1827. But, as the city dealt with changing times and the growth of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City so close by, it has had to reinvent itself multiple times with new nicknames and slogans. Some memorable titles include “Crabtown,” “Mobtown,” for riots that occurred leading up to the War of 1812, and “Clipper City,” for the Baltimore clipper ships of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. You can also find city benches still stamped with “The Greatest City in America” from the early 2000s.
The current official slogan, "Birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner," may have some staying power, taking advantage of Baltimore’s historical connection to an anthem with a timeless significance to people all over the world. Only time will tell. As for “Charm City,” some have mistakenly connected its origins to longtime Baltimore journalist H.L. Mencken. But while the Sage of Baltimore did talk up the city’s charms often in his work, he died nearly 20 years before “Charm City” came to be. So, what really happened?
In 1974, with trash collector and police strikes stirring unrest, public morale in Baltimore was down in the dumps. Then-mayor William Donald Schaefer had big ideas for the city, but he wanted to drum up the city’s image in the meantime. So, he hired four leaders of the city’s largest ad agencies to create a tourism campaign. One of them, copywriter Bill Evans, thought that “Baltimore has more history and unspoiled charm tucked away in quiet corners than most American cities out in the spotlight.” They decided to work the “charm” angle by encouraging visitors to pick up a charm bracelet when they came to Baltimore; visitors could then receive charms at each of the five highlighted attractions they visited.
The Charm City ads ran in The Sun and The Evening Sun during the mid-1970s, displaying icons of Baltimore like the steamed crabs, marble steps, and, yes, H.L. Mencken himself, with the bracelet. But, in the days before the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards (which Schaefer himself would help bring about), there wasn’t quite enough appeal to bring in the money to keep supporting the campaign. It seemed as if Charm City would be no more.
But despite the campaign’s failure, the people embraced the name. They incorporated it into store names, team names, and even bus names, and they still use it over 40 years later. According to the late Evans, in a 2001 letter to The Baltimore Sun, “It gave Baltimore a sense of pride in being characterized as something as simple (and powerful) as being ‘nice.’ This theme would be just as appropriate for the city today as it was then.” And it’s true. “Charm City” captures much of the friendly, colorful, “How’s it goin’, hon?” attitude of the people of Baltimore in a simple phrase. And as the Inner Harbor and other areas of the city have come out from the shadows of the 1970s, more and more people see that charm. Mencken would be proud. (theculturetrip.com)
Today
We have invested in community. Patrick graduated from the University of Baltimore, was employed at the Fallon Federal Building in downtown Baltimore or over ten years, and served as a police officer on the Baltimore County Police Department. Now retired, his transportation business finds him in the city daily. Wendy visits Baltimore frequently to enjoy everything the city offers but also, as a disabled veteran, to the Baltimore VA Hospital. In addition to enjoying the city recreationally Wendy has volunteered many times at Baltimore's Movable Feast. Together, Patrick and Wendy decided to leverage Baltimore City programs to give back. Not only to share their passion with others, but to invest into a community with such rich history. Baltimore is the most populous independent city in the nation and one of the top five population clusters globally. And according to a Wikipedia source Patterson Park is one of the fastest-growing areas in Baltimore, with a 19% increase in population since 2000. We believe that Baltimore is truly a city of charm with limitless possibilities.
Intentions
B'More Balanced strives to collaborate with those like-minded. Build with us, whether partner or patron, because again (as noted on our home page), a high tide raises all ships!
