Frostburg, Maryland

Geography

Frostburg is located at 39°39′17″N 78°55′40″W (39.654687, −78.927773).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.42 square miles (8.86 km²), all of it land.

Frostburg is located in the Allegheny Mountains on the eastern slope of Big Savage Mountain. The closest cities to Frostburg are Cumberland, Maryland, 8 miles (13 km) to the east, and Morgantown, West Virginia, 62 miles (100 km) to the west.

Climate

Due to its average elevation of 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level and location near the Allegheny Front, Frostburg has a colder, wetter climate than much of the rest of the state, and falls in USDA hardiness zone 6b. Under the Köppen climate classification, it has a humid continental climate (Dfb), with cold, snowy winters, and warm, humid summers. The daily mean temperature ranges from 26.0 °F (−3.3 °C) in January to 69.0 °F (20.6 °C) in July. Sub-0 °F (−18 °C) occur on 3.8 nights per year, while, on average, there are 1.4 days with 90 °F (32 °C)+ highs, though these are not recorded every year. Due to orographic lift, driving conditions on I-68 and US 40 can be very hazardous despite timely state and local road maintenance services, and the town averages just over 80 inches (200 cm) of snowfall a season; significant falls can occur as early as October and as late as May. Frostburg's greatest one-month snowfall was 67 inches (170 cm) in January 1978, and Frostburg is second in Maryland for the greatest single-season snowfall with a total of 180 inches (460 cm) in the winter of 1995−96.

19th century

Frostburg had its beginnings back in 1811 when surveying began for the National Pike, a road used to transport crops and raw materials to East Coast markets. President Thomas Jefferson had authorized construction of the road in 1806. Meshach Frost built the first house in present-day Frostburg in 1812 and named it Highland Hall (on the present-day the site of St. Michael's Church and Rectory). This building was a popular stopping point for celebrities and dignitaries who traveled the National Pike. This would be followed by the Franklin Hotel and other hotels.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal reached Cumberland in 1842 and 1850, respectively. Consequently, travel on the National Pike saw a steady decline, although travel through Frostburg did not. Coal mining was the first major economic draw, but the industry faced problems in its early manifestation. The mountains of western Maryland and Frostburg proved to make transportation of coal very difficult. Not until the completion of the railroads did the coal industry in Frostburg began to flourish. The first major coal producer was Meshech Frost, who owned a significant amount of land for mining and founded the Frostburg Coal Company. This eventually was sold to the much larger Consolidated Coal Company.

Structures from the coal industry's dominant period still remain. One of the major freight depots for coal is located at 19 Depot St. in Frostburg and is one of the few remaining depots in western Maryland. The Mount Savage Railroad was the first to build a rail line to Frostburg in 1852, and it connected to the B&O Railroad in Cumberland, as well as the C&O Canal. The Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad (C&P) took over the Mount Savage line in 1854, and expanded with the construction of a tunnel under Frostburg, and a rail line southward to Piedmont, West Virginia. This railroad and tunnel were used to transport coal between Frostburg and George's Creek. Another major economic turn for Frostburg was the manufacture of fire brick beginning in 1864, utilizing the high-grade fire clays which are found in the area. One of the main businesses that formed was the Big Savage Fire Brick Company, still one of the main suppliers of fire bricks on the East Coast.

President Truman's visit

After his presidency, Harry Truman was of surprisingly meager economic status. He did, however, receive a Chrysler automobile as a gift, and decided that he and his wife would use it to its maximum potential. On Father's Day in 1953, his travels took him to Frostburg, and the town rolled out the red carpet. In an attempt not to come across as being too good for people, the Trumans were very kind, signed autographs, and talked with people who recognized them. Harry Truman even went so far as to visit a bedridden elderly woman who had broken her hip. The Trumans also visited the Princess Restaurant. This is the only family-owned business from the time period that still exists, and it attracts customers with its Truman photographs and the Truman booth, where the Trumans dined.

History of Frostburg State University

In 1898 the Maryland General Assembly authorized State Normal School #2 and a $20,000 appropriation to construct a building, though no money to buy land. The money for the land was collected among local citizens, many of them coal miners and their families.

Two years later the first building, Old Main, opened. Two years after that, the first classes were held. The only available course of study at that point was a two-year elementary-education program. In 1904, the first class graduated.

In 1934, State Normal School #2 introduced its first four-year program. Nearly 30 years later (1963), the school finally was renamed Frostburg State College. In the next ten years more programs sprouted, including the university’s first graduate program (Master's of Science in Management).

In 1987, Frostburg State College joined the University System of Maryland and was renamed Frostburg State University. FSU celebrated its centennial in 1998.

National Register Sites

The Hocking House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The Frostburg Historic District was listed in 1983 and the Borden Mines Superintendent's House in 1984.

Tornado

On June 2, 1998, an F4 tornado struck Frostburg and the adjacent Eckhart Mines valley, damaging more than 125 homes and Frost Elementary School. This tornado refutes the myth that tornadoes do not occur in rough terrain.

Schools and universities

Demographics

The median household income was of 2007 was $25,485, and the median family income was $53,234. Males had a median income of $35,417 versus $26,094 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,437. About 6.1% of families and 28.6% of the population were below the poverty line in 2007, with 17.4% below 50% of the poverty level. The cost of living index in 2008 was 84.3.

The estimated house value in 2007 was $126,106. The median real estate property tax for housing units in 2000 was 1.1%.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 9,002 people, 3,184 households, and 1,364 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,632.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,016.3/km²). There were 3,497 housing units at an average density of 1,022.5 per square mile (394.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.3% White, 12.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 3,184 households of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.9% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 57.2% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 22.9 years. 11.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 43.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.6% were from 25 to 44; 16.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 7,873 people, 2,840 households and 1,252 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,576.5 per square mile (993.4/km²). There were 3,123 housing units at an average density of 1,022.0 per square mile (394.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 6.40% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.22% of the population.

There were 2,840 households of which 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 55.9% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.85.

12.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 41.0% from 18 to 24, 17.2% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

Business and economy

Frostburg is home to numerous small businesses in addition to chains of larger companies. The town is particularly known for its variety of restaurants, from pizza shops to family establishments. Frostburg's small business interests are represented through SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business in nearby Cumberland, as well as through the Maryland Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at Frostburg State University.

Local art and culture

Frostburg Museum and The Museum Gallery

Located at the corner of Hill and Oak Streets, the building in which the museum is housed was built in 1899 and was formerly the Hill Street School. The museum was established in 1976 and, with more than 8,000 square feet (740 m²) of exhibit space, offers exhibits and artifacts from Frostburg and the surrounding area including the Arion Band, coal mining, genealogy, and the National Road. The Museum Gallery features a different artist's work every month.

Mountain City Traditional Arts

Located at 25 East Main St., Mountain City Traditional Arts is dedicated to the education, sales, and documentation of regional Appalachian art. There is a constant display of local art of various mediums, some of which is available for purchase. Frequently offered are live performances, literary readings, and music. They also offer classes such as knitting, card-making and holiday music.

Frostburg Arts and Entertainment District

In July 2009, a portion of downtown Frostburg that includes the Frostburg Museum and Frostburg State University was officially designated as the 18th Arts & Entertainment District of the state of Maryland, in recognition of the neighborhood's rich artistic history, its contemporary arts scene and its promise for the future. The district is administered by the Allegany Arts Council, which also administers the award-winning downtown Arts & Entertainment District in nearby Cumberland. Maryland is the first state to create art districts to help stimulate the economy.

Frostburg Art Walks

Twice a year, Frostburg sponsors art walks through the arts and entertainment district. They occur in April and October. Visitors are invited for a self-guided tour through the district. Local businesses open their doors with special exhibits and demonstrations.

Performing Arts Center

Located on the Frostburg State University campus, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) has regular programs held in one of their three theaters. The Cultural Events Series is open to students, faculty, and the general public. The students who are studying dance, music, theater and communication can excel in the Performing Arts Center because it has the basic essentials plus more needed for these majors. It has three main theaters: Pealer Recital Hall, Drama Theater and the Studio Theater. This building also has rehearsal spaces, music practice rooms and electronic labs, shops, offices, classrooms and facilities for the hearing impaired. The community and the campus audiences are welcome to a variety of concerts and many performances. Also many famous comedians and jazz artists that perform there as well.

Roper Gallery

Located in the Fine Arts building on Frostburg State University's campus, the Roper gallery hosts fine art exhibits from both senior year art students and traveling exhibits.

Ort Library

The Ort Library, located on Frostburg State University's campus, was opened in 1975. The library offers an online catalog of all books and articles in the Maryland state school system. Those materials can be transferred to Frostburg for students and staff. Another service they offer, Ask a Librarian, allows you to ask a librarian's advice for a multitude of problems. Their website also houses Research Port, a database of databases of articles from journals, magazines, and print. The library also offers special collections, archives, subject guides, government document research guide, and genealogy resources. The library has five floors. There are a large number of computers available for use. The library has a regularly updated Ort Library blog.

Frostburg Public Library

Located at 65 Main St, the Frostburg Library offers members of the community 10,000 square feet (930 m²) of books, a children's area, and new technology. They offer services such as children's, teen, and adult book sections, magazines, large print, paperbacks, audio books, music, DVDs, and video games. There are computers in the facility, and the staff offers classes on computer use. There is a meeting room in the library that can be rented.

Planetarium

The Frostburg State University planetarium is located in GIRA CCIT. The planetarium offers a different show every month, which are shown on Sundays at 4PM and 7PM. Planetarium Website

Appalachian Festival

The Appalachian Festival occurs every year on the third weekend in September on Frostburg State University's upper quad. The festival highlights music, food, and crafts of the Appalachian region. Artisans from the area come and sell their wares in areas of woodworking, quilts, and glasswork. There are children's activities offered and educational opportunities. There are often live animals in a petting zoo format. There are tents that offer instruction in folk skills such as dancing, soap making, and basket making.Appalachian Festival

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The WMSR runs between Cumberland at Canal Place and Frostburg. The depot at Frostburg was originally designed for the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad by architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin and built in 1891. The train stops at the Frostburg Depot for ninety minutes so passengers may shop or eat lunch. The steam engine of the train is detached, rotated on the turntable and run around and reattached to the other end of the train for its journey back to Cumberland. These manoeuvers takes about fifteen minutes and attract a lot of attention from the passengers, most of whom are tourists. Surrounding the depot are Linns Bar and Grill, The Trail Inn and Cafe, The Great Allegheny Passage Hiking/Biking Trail, and the Thrasher Carriage Museum. The standard train ride departs at 11:30AM from the Cumberland station and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. The railroad also offers caboose rentals and a variety of specialty trains such as a Murder Mystery train, a Christmas themed train, and a night-time Santa Express.

Thrasher Carriage Museum

The museum gives visitors the chance to take a look back in time to the nineteenth century to see how the people in that century were transported. There are examples of the different types of vehicles there. For example, there are funeral wagons, carts, pleasure vehicles, carts a milkman would have used and a lot more. There are docents who dress up in the Victorian American clothing from that time. It gives the visitors the feeling that they are going back in time. This museum really gives visitors a chance to look into the life of a person from the 19th century. The Thrasher Carriage Museum was named after James Richard Thrasher. He lived in Midland, Maryland and was born in 1913. Mr. Thrasher developed a love of horses at a very early age which led him into collecting carriages and participating in various parades just to show off his collection. He died in 1987. Thrasher Carriage Museum

Historic Downtown Frostburg

Historical Downtown Frostburg was constructed between the years of 1870-1915 when the town was entrenched in the mining and brick making industry.

The Princess Restaurant, located on Main St., has been in business since 1939. Former President Truman visited the restaurant shortly after he left office; a framed sign hangs above the booth in which he sat.

The Hotel Gunter, located on Main St across the street from the Princess Restaurant, opened in 1897. Originally named Hotel Gladstone, the original hotel had 100 rooms, a cafe, a barbershop, and a sample room for displaying traveling salesmen's wares. The hotel tanked and was sold in 1903 to William Gunter, who renamed it the Hotel Gunter in 1925. He installed a jail for prisoners being transferred and a cock-fighting ring in the basement. The hotel's basement was also used as a speakeasy during prohibition.

Municipal activities

The Frostburg Community Swimming Pool is located at 200 South Water St.

The Frostburg Public Rifle Range is located at Clifton Terrace just off Rt. 40. The range has four 100 yard firing lanes, one 200 yard firing lane, and a 6 lane 25 meter pistol range.

The Mapelhurst Country Club golf course features 18 holes, and 6,677 yards of course.

Parks

Center for Creative Writing

Located on Main Street, the Center for Creative Writing aims to bring creative writers to Frostburg and to expand the writing ability and exposure to literature of the residents and students of Frostburg. They host a variety of events open to the public. There are also workshops that can be attended for a small fee. They sponsor the 3 AM Society, an organization of student writers.

Radio stations

Facilities at Frostburg State University

FSU allows members of the community to purchase a one-year gold, silver, or bronze membership to use their gym facilities. Gold members are allowed use of the Cordts Physical Education Center including the swimming pool, weight room, raquetball courts, squash courts, tennis courts, practice gym, main arena, aerobics classes (for an extra fee) and track. Silver members are allowed use of the pool, weight room, and aerobic classes. Bronze members are allowed use of either the weight room or the pool.

FSU Activities for Life also offer classes for both children and adults. Children can learn beginning rock climbing, tumbling, swimming, and dance. Adults can learn Qigong, yoga, pilates, water aerobics, aerobics, and tumbling.

Films About Frostburg

As part of the 2012 Bicentennial Celebrations, the City of Frostburg commissioned a documentary production titled A Day in the Life of Frostburg (2012). Directed and edited by Frostburg resident and filmmaker, Michael Snyder, the film was shot by a group of 37 "citizen filmmakers" (residents of the city) working independently and together; a unique approach to filmmaking that lets people tell the story of life in their town from the inside out. Over 2,200 clips (nearly 30 hrs of video) were shot during a two-week filming period and then edited together in just 3 weeks to make a 30-minute documentary.

City officials

Notable landmarks

Cities

Smaller communities

Sister city

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