A superb new experience and adventure for both young and senior readers to visually see and appreciate the counties of Southern Maryland, and the years of growing tobacco. Mr. Sharp skillfully takes us back to the year 1634 and the first landing of European immigrants on American shores at St. Clements Island. They ventured from England on two wind-driven ships: the "ARK" and the "DOVE." With considerable research, he moves us through a short history of our earliest beginnings of Maryland's birth. The material is easy reading and beckons' the reader to become part of the story of Southern Maryland's growth and economic importance to the State. The author has a nice transition to the short history of Barns themselves; why they were "Red"; introducing Quilt Barns, Round Barns, and the famous barn advertisers that promoted, the rare to be seen, "Mail Pouch Tobacco Barns." Next is a wonderful introduction to the farmers best friends: Cats, and the Barn Owl. We discover how they are truly worth their weight in Gold. A more somber view of labor employment is followed by the many ways of drying tobacco. Mr. Sharp introduces us to each the three lower counties with a short history of their contributions to expansion and agricultural production. This is followed by personal interviews of local farmers, and how the Maryland Tobacco Buyout of 2000 affected each in their decision to participate or pass. Far more accepted the cash buyout than the State anticipated. Remaining growers of tobacco today are the Amish, Mennonites, and those farmers with deep personal objections to the buyout proposal. Finally, he engages your attention to the subjects of restoration and preservation, as seen through the eyes of a three-year old child: "Priceless". In closing, the writer suggests a major challenge to all farm families. "Sadly, you are probably the last generation of your breed for demonstrating work ethics, perseverance, and perfection in everything you do. The pride you exhibit must become contagious."
About the Author: Born and raised in Pennsylvania, his primary high school educational interests were in History and World Geography: that continued into adulthood. After military service, he was hired by the National Security Agency (NSA) and served with distinction for 38 years, followed by 8 years as a Honeywell International contractor assigned back to NSA. Mr. Sharp often helped shape policy initiatives and manage senior staff teams. He also served at senior levels in his Agency. During these four decades, Mr. Sharp traveled to 75 countries; spent 10 years at the University of Maryland (nights) to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Management and Organizational Theory (1976); Graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College (1980), and again returned to night school for 3 years to receive a Masters Degree in Management and Personnel Supervision from Central Michigan University (1984). A highlight of his government career was a one year special assignment to The Office of the President, The White House, serving President Ronald Regan. He led the Evidence Analysis Team, IRAN/CONTRA affair (1987-88). In late 1988 he returned to the West Wing for one month to write the history of how the team operated. Prior to his physical problems, he and his wife of 46 years, Louise, were enthusiastic long-distance walkers. Their son James is in Federal Law Enforcement, and daughter Denise is office manager of a veterinary hospital, and on standby with the Department of Homeland Security for deployment to disaster regions to attend to the health of rescue animals. They have three grandchildren, and have resided in Maryland since 1964.