From the Vault: St. Patrick’s Day in Maryland
The photos are in black and white, but be sure that everyone was in green. Take a peek into The Baltimore Sun’s archives, with a selection of photos from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Baltimore through the decades.
- According to the caption that ran in The Sun with this photo March 18, 1970, “Susie Cook pours a stiff dram of usquebaugh in Sweeney’s bar amid a crowd of St. Patrick’s Day revelers smiling with happy Irish eyes.”
- March, 1958. (Klender, The Baltimore Sun).
- St Patrick’s Day Parade, 1958. (WM Klender).
- “Karen Gordes, 10, of Randallstown, brought along her friends.” March, 1985.
- “St. Patrick’s Day Observed. Cardinal Shehan was in the procession today leading to St. Patrick’s Church, Broadway and Bank streets, where a Mass was offered as a part of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day observance.” March, 1965. (Nolan, The Baltimore Sun).
- “That irrepressible Irishman, Hyman A. Pressman, who also works as the city comptroller, out bluffed the rain to lead his own small but enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day parade down the traditional Cathedral street route. Forecast rain caused official cancellation–the second time in 22 years. While the dauntless few stepped out, non-marchers retreated indoors to mourn their lost day with lots of whatever!” March 1977. (Pearson, The Baltimore Sun).
- “It was a no-show Irish parade for this hat vendor at Baltimore and Calvert Streets.” March, 1977. (The Baltimore Sun).
- March, 1976. (Pearson, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Don’t spill it: it’s precious. Forty out of breath sprinters tried to go 100 yards without spilling their beer from tray borne cups during the 8th annual Great Annapolis Beer Race, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. The winner was David A. Woyeke, 29, an Annapolis hi-fi salesman, who said after his victory, ‘This is the first and last one.'” March, 1976.
- “…and comely lasses dance a jig in front of the Pratt.” March 1973.
- Political statements at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in March 1989.
- “Marching along Cathedral Street.” March, 1982. (William H. Mortimer, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Erin go slosh! With green suds flying, Noel Bautro toasts the advent of St. Patrick’s Day among fellow Irish-at-least-for-a-week at the Gandy Dancer in the 1300 block McHenry Street.” March 1979 (Swagger, The Baltimore Sun).
- “One of the 43 units that took part in yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in a chilly breeze steps out briskly at Baltimore and Calvert streets.” March 1976. (Pearson, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Snuggled together at their curbside seats, parade celebrants Mary Kathleen Collins, 2, and her sister Noreen, 9, wave Irish flags.” March 1979. (Carter, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Debbie Cook with a shamrock on her cheek at Hopkins Plaza.” 1979. (Walter M. McCardell, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Step lively, me lads! Members of this Irish marching unit dip their flags in salute as they pass the reviewing stand on Cathedral street in yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.” March 1979. (Hotz, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Bernie Keenan (with beard) defeats Casey Cole in Hopkins Plaza on the way to victory in St. Patrick’s Day Beer Mug Race.” March, 1979. (McCardell, The Baltimore Sun).
- “St. Patrick’s day parade; Donegal Pipe Band from N.Y.” March, 1958. (Klender, The Baltimore Sun).
- “Big Day for Big Green: Onlookers line both sides of Cathedral street as the Dundalk Drum and Bugle Corps passes Saratoga street during the colorful St. Patrick’s Day parade yesterday. Police estimated some 75,000 persons watched the fifty-one marching units.” March, 1965.
- “The Cutaway and Top Hat Crowd — John J. Sweeney, Jr., general chairman, and William J. Guerin, grand marshall, lead their Irish contemporaries down Cathedral street for the Ancient Order of Hibernians annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” March, 1964.
- “James Payne, age 8, of Wash. D.C. doffs his bright green derby as the bagpipers go marching by.” March, 1960. (Robinson, The Baltimore Sun).