of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 213

ELKTON COURT HOUSE DEDICATION

July 26, 1940
Elkton

THE dedication of any structure designed for, and to be devoted to, com-
munity needs and purposes, is always an event of extraordinary signifi-
cance, not only to that immediate community, but to those communities which
surround it. That is especially true when the completion and dedication of a
County Court House mark an occasion such as the one for which we have met.
Congratulations are due to your Board of County Commissioners and other
officials who have played a part in the planning and erection of this building.

Particularly do I think it fitting that this great County should receive
recognition through the erection of such an edifice. I say this because, since
the founding of our State, Maryland has received untold benefits from the sons
and daughters of Cecil County who have left the impress of their glorious deeds
upon the annals of our State history. We need but call to mind such familiar
names as the Constables, the Evans, the Crothers, the McLeans, the McCulloghs
and the Groomes to have some understanding of the high type of citizen which
Cecil County has produced.

In the highest walks and duties of patriotism and citizenship, this County
needs no advice, no inspiration and no light from outside its own historic
borders. In the lessons and splendors of the heritage which is yours, you
possess a civic treasure and talisman, which shall ever guide and guard you
in the paths of right and duty in whatever emergency you might encounter.

Under our American system of political and social life, the County Court
House is not only the recognized common meeting place, but it is to a large
extent a symbol of our way of life. It is at such meeting places throughout
the nation that the smaller district units first concentrate and find expression.
From the County Court House, since the earliest days has come the suggestion
—the assertion—the direction that has so frequently molded and largely decided
the way and course pursued by our people.

It is with unfeigned pleasure, therefore, that as a representative of the
people of the entire State, I come to participate in this celebration marking the
dedication of the proud structure which has been erected to serve the people
of Cecil County. Let me assure you that I feel it a high honor to be able so
to do.

But we dedicate here a building which is to be more than a Court House.
When your representatives arranged for the construction of this fine building,
built to last for generations, further beautifying this ancient County Capitol,
it did more than provide a temple of justice for the housing of its Court. It
at the same time provided a home and a center for many of the various State
and County executive and administrative agencies having to do with the shap-
ing, protection and perpetuation of the organized life of your people.

We meet today, therefore, to dedicate not only a building of distinctive
qualities devoted to the administration of the law touching life, liberty and
property, properly called and referred to as your County Court House, but at
the same time the people of Cecil County dedicate a building which will here-
after be the home and center of their activities as a unitary part of our
Commonwealth.