One day, while walking along the water from the Lighthouse, I meandered into the intersection at St. John, Green and Washington Streets - Rochambeau Plaza. Glancing first one way, then the other, I was absolutely in awe. Literally tucked away was this most interesting community. I remember saying to myself that if I ever found an inexpensive little apartment; I'd like to stay.

I found my hobbit hole. Although not still there, it served me well for many wonderful years. And I've fallen captive to the charms of Havre de Grace and the surrounding area. It may not seem like much to you, dear reader, but for a 'gypsy' who has moved her home - even if just across town - an average of every three years, living in the same apartment in Havre de Grace for six years is quite a record. Add the fact that I left Havre de Grace three different times to consider working and living in another state and chose instead to return, you'll begin to realize how attached I am.

Havre de Grace became my home base. I like to believe that one day I will still have the opportunity to travel and write. But no matter, I have a real sense of community here. Thus, one fine day I decided to create the publication, Lockhouse to Lighthouse - a daytripper's guide to Havre de Grace and all 'round town. I didn't want one other person to miss perusing our downtown community if they came as close as the Lockhouse on the north end or the Lighthouse on the south.

In the spring of 1998, the goal was to have a self-sustaining publication that would appeal to new folks/tourists and still offer something unique for those who live here. Each issue I try to write with a twist that entices the local merchants and residents to view our community from a different point of view. At the same time, I share my enthusiasm for the many wonderful opportunities to enjoy our city for the daytripper.

Without a car, knowing very few people at the time, I began walking the downtown area to sell advertising. It was an amazing success - 99 advertisers in the first edition! As I hand-delivered a bundle of 100 copies to each of the area advertisers, the most exciting experience for me was to listen to 'locals' share something that they didn't know and had just read in the publication. The other delight was that I didn't see the papers floating down the street as litter - a publisher's nightmare.

Beginning with the very first issue, the twice yearly publication of 20,000 copies each is distributed throughout the community businesses, the Havre de Grace Visitors Center, Discover Harford in Aberdeen, at various locations throughout the county and along I-95, at APG and Fort Meade. Many antiquers request bundles to distribute at shows they attend, real estate agents distribute them to potential buyers, and individuals have been known to mail them to friends, family and even e-Bay© clients.

Recognition:
The publication has received two Awards of Recognition. The first from the City of Havre de Grace recognizing our "commitment and dedication to excellence…this publication as a great tourist and visitor's guide as it promotes individual businesses while gently selling the entire business community…(it) also promotes Havre de Grace as a legitimate tourism destination by including features on recreation and museums…and gives residents…a unique perspective of their community and the many businesses."

The second Award of Recognition was from the City of Havre de Grace and the Steppingstone Museum for creating a publication that "portrays Havre de Grace in unique ways. Through its uniqueness, the city is honored by tourists returning time and again."

Our advertisers have supported the publication through both the good years and the difficult ones. We receive phone calls, e-mails and letters requesting copies. The area museums keep us updated on their schedules and activities. The City Mayor and administration have been a constant support. This is a community effort.

Invitation:
If this is your first time to our website, I encourage you to come and visit. Use this site to get the latest information on events and links to many other sites related to Havre de Grace and the area. E-mail me if you've not yet seen the latest edition of Lockhouse to Lighthouse.

If you have visited our fine city, I encourage you to complete the Tourism Survey. Let us know how we can encourage you to return again and again.

Warmly,

Ellie Mencer
Owner/Publisher/Editor

P.S. In the spring of 2003, there will be an additional section created. Titled "RiverTalk" it will cover our extended community that includes Port Deposit and Perryville - just across the Susquehanna River - and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, the second certified heritage area in the state of Maryland. There is a special button on this website for the area. And if someone keys in www.RiverTalkMD.com, it will bring you to this website. Let us know what you think when that section is up and running.