Cumberland Maryland was at one time one of the most beautiful places to call home. The historic ambiance of historic downtown was a wonderful place from sight seeing, antique shopping or dining outside with friends on the mall while listing to a local band perform. While growing up there I remember all the fun I had from school activities to the exciting summertime that awaited everyone after school let out that the fairgrounds would open or the pool at Constitution Park. Those were the great days when young adults never worried so much. There was no need to. The crime wasn’t as bad as it is today but again where isn’t crime bad?
Cumberland had a lot props at one time. The schools system had to be one of the best as I can remember. I had a wonderful education that my parents whom also attended the same high schools, did as well. Jobs were easy to come by as my father move my mother and I there before I was old enough to start grade school. Both of my parents were from the area but as the natives always said, “ If you’re from Cumberland and you leave, you’ll eventually move back”.
The idea of leaving your doors unlocked was never questioned. Residents in the area kept in eye out when you were out of town. The word “Murder” or “Assault” were only heard of east of Frederick near Baltimore. Neighbors cared and were considered family and kids in the neighborhoods never had to worry about their bikes being stolen or paying attention to what streets they weren’t allowed on. As far back I can remember the only thing I had to worry about was to have my homework done and be in the house before the streetlights came on.