Talbot County Tourism coordinator Debbie Dodson has spearheaded a wonderful project known as the “Michener’s Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan’’ that is very close to being adopted by the planning boards of Talbot , Dorchester, and Caroline counties, with the signage and adaptation of the managed plan quite possibly less than a year away.
We all love the recognition that James Michener brought to our lovely Eastern Shore. This byway that ties in with the other conservation projects along the shore, north and south, honors his memory and all he did starting, as Debbie explains, with Michener's first sail on the Chesapeake Bay in 1927 through the outlining of his book Chesapeake at the Robert Morris Inn in Oxford in 1975 and subsequent release a few years later. Soon grant money should become available, and the long term goal of this plan--to reinforce in us all the historic and beautiful treasure we have--will be realized.
From the master plan: Michener's Byway "will highlight the picturesque waterways, historic waterfront and inland villages, agricultural operations, and wide natural expanses found along a series of scenic roads and historic travel routes in Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore... it links such small towns as Centreville, Easton, St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, Oxford, Denton, Federalsburg, Cambridge, East New Market, Secretary and Vienna. Visitors learn about and enjoy the rich maritime history, agricultural legacy and natural resources of the region."
We sailors always say it’s a small world out there (I just wouldn’t want to scrape and paint it), and for me, that’s especially true. Sailing in Michener’s shadow on the Bay as well as living in Bucks County, PA, where he was born and knowing many of his closest friends, I feel a sense of pride each time I read his book and see its impact.
~Capt. Art Ross
