Streetwise Baltimore

This book contains the finest collection of the history of Baltimore streets I have ever seen. The book describes the general history of many major streets and numerous minor streets throughout Baltimore. The streets are listed in alphabetical order. Many photos of historical landmarks accompany the book. Mention of numerous notable persons is made in regards to the history of many streets. Although this reference work is not comprehensively exhaustive ( it doesn't mention every Baltimore street ) it is very worth your while to peruse. For instance, this book doesn't list Fear Avenue which is located two blocks from the Pimlico Racetrack. Fear Avenue was named in honor of my great-grandfather Boston Fear and his two sons: George Fear and Frederick Fear. They were major contributors to the Pimlico Racetrack during the early part of the twentieth century. My great-grandfather Boston Fear was a German immigrant who created the suburb of Walbook: Baltimore's very first suburb. Walbrook was originally named Fearville in honor of Boston Fear. Boston Fear gave Francis X. Bushman ( Hollywood's very first film superstar) his very first job in life. I would highly recommend that all libraries in the state of Maryland possess a copy of this book for their Baltimore history section.

This book is excellent for anyone who has family they are working on from Baltimore. It goes alphabetically street by street and lists many interesting facts about the history of the street. Often in our research we find that a relative lived for instance on Charles Street. But we have NO idea what it was like 100 years ago. Streetwise Baltimore provides just that. Additionally at the back of the book they go through a similiar process with some Baltimore neighborhoods. When I bought the book I had NO idea I would find a picture of my great grandfathers store front on page 145.... This brought tears to my eyes and made my Mother a very happy lady. This is a quality book... well worth the dollars spent.