I got my hands on an old local store ledger the other day and it really made history come alive for me. I don't even know what store it is from -- probably Clark's as it deals with a lot of farm related merchandise, but there was no identification on it. It covers the years from 1916 to 1923, with purchases recorded in spidery fountain pen style. It must have been the premier go-to place for the period, as purchasers included "ex-Governor Warfield," Charles Carroll of Home Wood, and a goodly mix of Clarks, Dorseys and Moxleys. Mill owners like Burgess, Dickey, and Gambrill are there, as well as the funeral home owners Hillsinger and Easton, and chief of police Julius Wosch -- the guy famous for sending rule breakers up to jail on their own, and they actually went.

I'm assuming they all had horses and so the need for bits, curry combs and harnesses. If someone can answer this, I'd be grateful -- why would anyone buy six cow tails? They were a bargain at 25 cents each, but still. I was also puzzling over sales of buckets of grease, but my friend Charlotte Holland, who lived on a farm in her youth, explained that one to me -- they used it to make scrapple. They noted when the occasional someone was from out of town -- Catonsville, Elkridge and Jessup are mentioned.

Dog Days are back

One of the town's most enjoyable new traditions -- Dogs' Day -- is back for the third year June 8. Registration for the contests will be held at the Yuppy Puppy, 8104 Main St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The parade starts from the front of the Post Office at 2 p.m., and concludes at the Railroad Museum Plaza, followed by the contests. Yuppy Puppy owner Holly Hoenes has outdone herself this year. The contests include a pet-owner dress alike contest, best bandanna and best dressed pet. There will be pet adoptions, a sidewalk sale, face painting and crafts. I checked out the photos from last year's contests on the Yuppy Puppy Web site, and believe me -- people go all out on this one. Great fun.

Taste of Provence

Chef Michel Tersiguel is offering a "Taste of Provence" cooking demonstration June 21 at Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant. My son, Rob, visited Provence during spring break this year, and came home raving about the fresh fruit and "stinky cheese" available in the markets in Nice. With wonderful fresh ingredients like these, I'm sure Tersiguel will work magic. The cost of the class is $80, and reservations are strongly advised. Call 410-465-4004.

Lots of Ghosts

I was interested to learn that our town is so haunted. How haunted, you ask? So haunted that the Tourism folk have had to divide their popular Ghost Tours into two parts. The tours will be offered Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. until November. Reservations are a must, so call 410-313-1900.

Father's Day

Don't forget to bring Dad down to Main Street for at least part of Father's Day next week. He would certainly enjoy the Roads to Rails exhibit at the B&O Railroad, Ellicott City Station, and a nice brunch at one of the great restaurants that line the street, followed by a tasty beer at the Brewing Company. Mom would probably like that as well!

Photos

The entries in the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation's Historic District photo contest will be on display at the Howard County Historical Society, 8328 Court Avenue, starting June 6. Call them at 410-750-0370 for hours of operation. Don't miss this exhibit, as the photo entries are always great.

E-mail news taking place on Main Street to janetkusterer@juno.com.

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