Broadneck History Book In Its Final Stages

Where did Arnold get its name? Who were the principal personalities associated with Broadneck's origins? When was Cape St. Claire founded?

These questions and more are part of an upcoming history book written by local historian Alberta Stornetta, titled Arnold, Maryland and Neighbors on the Broadneck. 

It's the first-ever book on Broadneck, and according to Stornetta, it can't be done soon enough. But after a few setbacks soon to be overcome, she said she's hoping for it to hit the stands by April or May. The book is complete, and the designer is more than halfway done, Storentta said.

At a community meeting in Arnold on Monday, Stornetta described the book as a labor of love, saying it should be a fun read for anyone who grew up in the area, or is curious about its founding and its future.

"It's sort of a gossipy, historical thing," Stornetta said. "Of course there are deeds and land records, but that's not very interesting, really. So, we talked to people–old timers, newcomers–what they heard, what people have said, and included old photographs."

Stornetta's work began by focusing only on Arnold, but after hearing the stories of other communities, she broadened the scope of her work to the entire Broadneck peninsula, including Cape St. Claire.

The historian has spent the better part of eight years digging up stories from dozens of sources, including family letters, maps and interviews with people—all to be able to accurately capture the story of the peninsula.

Stornetta has lived with her husband, Wakefield, in their home in the Winchester community on the Severn River for more than 50 years. She is an active member of the Arnold Preservation Council and Asbury United Methodist Church.

The book is due out by May, at a price of $27.95. Copies of the book can be pre-ordered by sending a message in the contacts page at www.arnoldpreservationcouncil.org.