Matthewstown marks its history

Carol Gaither introduces guest speaker Irving Gaither, who gave a talk about the town.

James Holland, from left, Tony Matthews and Gerald Jones catch up with one another.

Mark Matthews, with Matthew’s Smokin’ Q, serves his homemade food.

Clockwise from above left: Folks get food during the community day at Matthewstown Harmans Park. Carol Gaither introduces guest speaker Irving Gaither, who gave a talk about the town. Melvin Williams, left, speaks with Clarence Briggs. Paul W. Gillespie/Staff photos

Melvin Williams, left, speaks with Clarence Briggs.

Nearly 100 years ago, Nicholas “Papa Nick” Matthews, a Black farm laborer who couldn’t read or write, borrowed $20 from his one-time boss to buy 40 acres of west Anne Arundel county farmland to start a community. A community day was held at Matthewstown Harmans Park to celebrate Matthewstown, the historic Black community founded by Nicholas Matthews and his decendants. They gathered Sept. 14 to remember their heritage and the history of the area, a much different place now than it was in 1875, when Papa Nick was born.