CRISFIELD, Md. - The loss of Somers Cove Light House, the legger that collapsed earlier this week, has sparked new interest in preserving the rest of Crisfield's history that pays tribute to watermen and their heritage.
One of those pieces of history is the chimney of the old fish factory at Janes Island State Park. Christina Carlson is the park manager at Janes Island and says today the chimney is used as a navigational landmark but also as a reminder for what Crisfield once was.
“I definitely think it's important for the history to be able to let people know that visit here what there once was,” Carlson said.
The fish factory was built in 1880, but was closed in 1908 after a ban on harvesting menhaden. Tim Howlett has lived in Crisfield for over 40 years and says he does not want to see another piece of Crisfield history damaged.
“To me the beauty is here, the beauty is out here in the water and the working watermen because that is the foundation. The culture started here and it needs to be preserved without question,” Howlett said.
Also known as “The Stack'' the chimney is 50 feet tall. Barry Dize, the mayor of Crisfield says the city thinks it's important to save historic landmarks and that the city is looking into how they can preserve historic landmarks.
