Interview with Harold E. Smith

Harold "Hap" Smith was born on his parents farm only a short distance from where he now lives. Like his father before him, he has always been a farmer, dairy and vegetables in the early years and beef and grains later. To make some extra money in his youth, he would catch skunks for their hides. A skunk that was nearly all black would fetch $3.00, but one with a significant white stripe may pay only, $1.00. Mr. Smith's mailing address is White Hall, his community is Jarrettsville, but his location is Black Horse. When he married in 1943, he and his wife stayed at the area's namesake, The Black Horse Tavern. A historic marker at the intersection of Troyer (Maryland Route 138) and Norrisville (Maryland Route 23) Roads notes that George Washington stayed at the tavern 239 years ago on a trip between NY and Mt. Vernon. In much earlier years, there was little need to travel further than the town of Black Horse. The family shopped for groceries and household supplies at Schultz's store near the intersection of Old York and Norrisville Roads. By the 1950s, Black Horse also included Ross Markline's Super-Therm Gas and Jimmy Fristo's Appliances. During WWII, German POWs were brought from APG to the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) site on Troyer Road. Mr. Smith was one of several farmers in the area that utilized this labor force to pick his tomatoes. The POWs were paid by the basket for their work. A "Farmer of the Year" in the 21st century, Mr. Smith has a beautiful farm that he enjoys sharing with the community.