In and Around Morningside-Skyline
By Mary McHale 301-735-3451
Elsie Mothershead, among the longest-residing Morningsiders, dies at 94
A resident of Morningside for 70 years, Elsie Mothershead died March 26. She was born in King George, Va., daughter of Judson Montgomery and Ollie Batlin.
Elsie married Vernon Alvin
Mothershead, who had served in the Army during WWII. In 1948 they moved into a new house in Morningside, 3 Beauford Road that later became 4711 Beauford.
She worked in the Civil Engineering Department at Andrews for 36 years, before retiring in 1989. Elsie’s greatest dedication was to her family. As her obit says, “She made everyone feel special.” Mentioned fondly were her Thanksgiving dinners, especially the mashed potatoes.
She was preceded in death by husband Vernon who died in 1993 and is buried at Cheltenham; brothers Judson, Roger and John; sister Alice; and great-great granddaughter Ayriona Marie. Survivors include her children, Nancy Wines, Mary Knight and James Mothershead; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Elsie’s great-grandson Johnny, in a tribute, told her how very much he misses her but “I’m sure Great Granddaddy Mothershead is happy to see you.”
Neighbors and other good people
Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Slutman, 43, died April 8 along with two other Marines in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan. He grew up in Prince George’s, graduated from Frederick Douglass HS, joined Kentland VFD and was a fireman in D.C. before joining the New York Fire Department. He leaves behind his wife Shannon and three daughters.
Franklyn Johnson, manager of Edible Arrangements in Andrews Manor Shopping Center, has been named an Honorary Commander at Joint Base Andrews, along with three others. He’ll serve a two-year term.
More 50th high school reunions
DuVal Class of 1969: Sept. 20 and 21. Email duvalreunion69@yahoo.com.
Fairmont Heights Class of 1969: June 7. Email Gary Clark at garycclark2010@yahoo.com.
Changing landscape
Behnke Nurseries, in Beltsville, is closing after 89 years. As the owner says, “This 2019 Spring season will be our last.”
County Exec Alsobrooks, Seat Pleasant Mayor Grant, District 7 Councilman Streeter and other officials met April 1 to announce that Good Food Markets is coming to the Addison Plaza shopping center in the Seat Pleasant community.
After being closed for four years, the National Children’s Museum will re-open Nov. 1 in the Reagan Building in downtown Washington. I have fond memories of taking my grandchildren when it was on H Street NE. Since then it was, for a few years, at National Harbor. Hours and prices and hours have already been announced: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets, $10.99 for visitors older than 1.
Morningside Memories: The Thomas Cemetery
In a recent column I mentioned that a reader emailed about an old cemetery she recalled being near the Foulois parking lot. I asked if anyone could provide information.
Peg Richardson wrote, “That cemetery was just on the other side of my backyard fence. When we moved to Morningside in 1955 we were told that there used to be an old farmhouse out there. It had evidently been a farm and the house was long gone… I was told that the graves were moved but the stones remained.”
Another email revealed a website (findagrave.com) with information about the Thomas Cemetery near 4600 Morgan Road.
“This cemetery is in a fenced area. The best way to get to the cemetery is go to the parking lot of Benjamin Foulois School and walk west through a field about 150 yards. This is a small family cemetery that has a lot undergrowth and pieces of headstones that are lying around.” There are photos of those headstone pieces with these names and dates:
John E. Thomas, (birth date) unknown—18 Jan 1893
M. Thomas, 16 Apr 1829—14 Feb 1913
William Emanuel Thomas, (birth date) unknown—9 Aug 1930
The name Anne Braun is listed; she may have done the research. However, Rev. Dan Brewer, who lives in Baltimore and is a Reverend at a Baptist church, apparently did the Internet search. He’s also a chaplain with the Prince George’s Fire/EMS Dept.
Can someone take me to that cemetery?
Correction
I recently ran an obituary about Dick Krueger. I didn’t know him personally, but he seemed to me a very interesting man, with a great interest in helping Broad Creek, Indian Head Highway Area and, indeed, the County in preserving its character.
I have since talked to his daughter Karen, who asked that I correct several errors. I had bad information. I had said he was former Director of CIA. Well, he wasn’t. But he served 40 years with the agency. I misstated where he lived; he resided in Oxon Hill. I also had his son’s name wrong; it should have been Jay instead of Jack. For these, and any other mistakes, I apologize.
Karen told me her dad traveled the world and that he had written 14 books. She said he had asked that donations be made to the Broad Creek Historic District. It was his favorite charity.
I wish I had known him.
Milestones
Happy birthday to Cameron Trexler, April 19; Devaughn Branham, April 20; Jill (Gilmartin) Booth and Tiffany Jackson, April 21; Taylor Foster, April 22; Jim Reilly, David Titus, Barbara Sparks and Margaret White, April 23; Edna Lucas, April 24; Sue Stine McConkey-Mason and Daisy Young, April 25; Kenia Spivey and my grandson David McHale, April 25; and G.A. DeFelice, April 26.
Happy anniversary to Jim and Pat Conlon, on their 45th, April 20: John and Ruth Anthony, Jr., their 41st on April 22; and Lewis and Trisha (Pitts) Woods, their 30th on April 22.
A blessed Easter to all my Readers!
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Brandywine-Aquasco
By Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384
PATUXENT RIVER PARK
Patuxent River Park Jug Bay Natural Area is located at 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-8395. Points of interest are the Patuxent Rural Life Museums, Columbia Air Center, The American Indian Village, Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour.
The Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until dusk with seasonal adjustments. Visitors Center is open daily 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Visit www.pgparks.com or call 301-627-6074/ TTY 301-699-2544 for more information.
MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMP
“Summer time does not have to be idle time for kids. The Shaolin Kung Fu Health Fitness Academy Martial Arts summer camp for ages 5–13 years old offers “the path to excellence” which includes Martial Arts, games & sports, weekly field trips, skills development-science, math, cooking & more.
The address is 5020 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. Early and late pickup is available. To register today call 301-627-5015 or you can visit the website at www.shaolinkungfuhealthandfitness.com. Prince George’s County Public Schools is not sponsoring, endorsing or recommending these activities.
NEWTON WHITE MANSION
“One of the most beautiful and historic venues in Prince George’s County is Newton White Manson. This Mansion is in an exquisitely picturesque setting in Mitchellville, Maryland. The Neo-Georgian-style brick mansion sits on 586 acres of lush, green land that includes Enterprise Golf Course. The mansion was built in 1939 as the home of Navy Captain Newton White. He served with distinction on the USS Yorktown and the USS Lexington and was the first commanding office of the USS Enterprise”.
The mansion offers historic charm and traditional elegance for any occasion. It is ideal for cocktail parties, meetings, retreats, workshops, corporate receptions, wedding ceremonies and receptions, seminars and symposia. The address is 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, Maryland 20721. Telephone is 301-249-2004, TTY 301-699-2544.
ZION WESLEY UNITED METHODISTCHURCH
Zion Wesley United Methodist Women are celebrating their 40th Anniversary. You are invited to join them in their celebration, with the keynote speaker, First Lady Sarah Kapfumvuti on Sunday, April 28, 2019. Dinner will be served at 1:00 p.m. The service starts at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Wesley UMC, Waldorf, Maryland. Color scheme is Red and White.
FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY FESTIVAL
Council Member At-Large Mel-Franklin presents Family & Friends Day Festival on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at Watkins Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774. Join us for a day of fun and great food.
WEATHER DAY
Come out to Nationals Park for our ninth annual Weather Day presented by NBC4! Join students, teachers and fans from around the DMV to participate in an educational pregame presentation. With the purchase of a special ticket, fans will receive a meal deal and a study guide and will have the opportunity to take part in our interactive Q&A. NBC4 NATIONALS.COM/WEATHER.
Contact Jessica Kaufman at 202-640-7015 or Jessica.Kaufman@nationals.com for groups of 13 or more. No refunds or exchanges. Ticket brokers are not eligible for this offer. Special discounted tickets are Scoreboard Pavilion: $25, Upper Gallery: $20, RF Terrace: $18.
BUS DRIVER JOB FAIR
Prince George’s County Public Schools is hosting a Bus Driver Job Fair. Register today for Bus Driver Job Fair on Thursday, April 25, 2019 with free paid training at Skyline Administrative Office from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. The address is 6311 Randolph Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746.
Pre-registration is preferred. PGCPS bus drivers provide the safe transportation of students and school personnel. Applications are accepted online at www.pgcps.org click “Careers” and enter job code 1RC98412. Contact Nicole Eubanks at nicole eubanks @pgcps.org or the Human Resources Customer Service Center at 301-780-2191 for more information about the hiring of school bus drivers.
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