Paul Emely has lived in Crisfield, Maryland, his entire life. He’s gone to school, raised a family, held a job, and retired locally to the area. Paul has cherished the many local gems, agriculture, history, and the various characteristics that make Crisfield so special. However, throughout his time in Crisfield, he has witnessed significant changes to the area.
Crisfield is located in Somerset County, Maryland, on the coast of the Tangier Sound in the Chesapeake Bay. The city was historically known for its robust seafood industries, which attracted many residents and businesses. At one point, Crisfield grew to be the second-largest city in Maryland, right behind Baltimore, in the early 1900s. However, as the health of the Chesapeake Bay declined in the late 20th century, local industries struggled, resulting in a steady drop in population and economic activity, alongside many changes to the surrounding environment. Folks like Paul remember what the town used to be—and what it still means to those who call it home.
“You used to see peach trees everywhere,” Paul says. “Now you can’t find one. Not in Pocomoke, not on Kent Island.” He remembers when the Eastern Shore was covered in fruit trees and vegetable fields. This change has not been unusual; much of the land that used to be home to peach trees has been replaced with businesses or has been left empty. [Further research could specify the extent of land use change and potential causes like soil degradation or saltwater intrusion, if reliable sources are available].
Paul also brings up the shore on Janes Island, which is located near Crisfield and home to Janes Island State Park. The park’s shores were significantly eroded by water years ago, but since then, coastal restoration efforts have been put in place to help preserve the land. “They put in a quarter-mile of riprap to stop it,” he says, referring to erosion. “And it worked. People still come back every summer.” Paul sees this success as proof that protecting the land is crucial for both residents and visitors to Crisfield.
The history of Crisfield is deeply tied to its land. Paul shared a story from the War of 1812 about Jenkins Creek, located about a mile south of Crisfield’s main town. In April 1814, local residents of Crisfield had caught wind of an incoming British raid. “The British came up Jenkins Creek, but folks were ready. They blocked the roads, got their guns, and turned them back.” While this is a story that may not be widely known in history books, the events that unfolded at Jenkins Creek demonstrate how the history and preservation of Crisfield’s land reflect local pride.
Paul also spoke fondly about the Ward Brothers, who were famous for carving wooden duck decoys by hand. The Ward Brothers founded their waterfowl decoy business in Crisfield in the early 20th century. Local waterfowl hunters would buy these decoys from the Ward Brothers and hunt in the surrounding Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore waters. The Ward Brothers’ carving days ended in the 1950s and 60s, but many residents, like Paul, remember their service and legacy in Crisfield. When you visit Crisfield, their old shop is still there, and you can still see their original orders scribbled on the walls in pencil. “They didn’t even drive,” Paul pointed out, emphasizing the simplicity of their lives. “They just carved and walked everywhere they went.”
Despite the many changes in Crisfield, Paul’s memories and reflections throughout the years are honest and real. They illustrate how a place transforms over time and how individuals hold onto their memories. Even as Crisfield continues to shift, some things remain constant: the enduring connection to the land, the resilience of its people, and the important stories that tie it all together.
References
City of Crisfield, Maryland. “About Crisfield.” City of Crisfield, MD, www.cityofcrisfield-md.gov/. Accessed 25 July 2025.
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. “About the Museum: The Ward Brothers.” Ward Foundation, wardfdn.org/about-the-museum/the-ward-brothers/. Accessed 25 July 2025.