Catherine Williams Burks is a most beautiful woman. As she talks, she has a smile that makes you wonder if she’s remembering something funny or just a secret she might not share. Catherine is warm, gentle, and still active at 89 years young (2019). I was thrilled to have spent nearly three hours with her. Of course, I can’t include everything here. But I do want to share the Les Charmantes story and how reconnecting with high school friends after starting her career blossomed into a small organization of 15 women that has presented annual scholarships to young college/trade school women for over 50 years. This organization has been operating for 66 years (as of 2019).

In 1951, Catherine was accepted as a mathematician at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD - her dream come true. Now that’s a story in itself. Join me in learning about growing up Black in Havre de Grace, getting an education that started in a school paid for by the parents and a generous donor, and the generous spirit of Catherine Williams Burks. 

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Recognized internationally in the horror genre for his 2003 movie, Scream, 2007 movie and series, Chainsaw Sally, and 2009 movie, The Good Sisters. Enjoy this interview with a multi-talented artist: painter to cartoonist, actor to film production, writer to director, musician, and other 'artsy-fartsy' stuff. 

Visit HdG Stories and also Havre de Grace Magazine websites for more info.

His name was George Elder, Sr. Okay. He moved to Havre de Grace to run the State Theater. It was part of a series of theaters owned by Durkee Enterprises, I don't think they exist anymore. He came to run the state theater and did everything there. He managed it.

from Cathy Deibel, 2020 interview

Listen to Cathy share the story of her father tackling a Ronald Lee Dubs, who shot his wife on January 28, 1965 in the State Theater of Havre de Grace.

The State Theater closed in the early 70s. Visit HavredeGraceMagazine.com and read online the article about the State Theater in the 2020 Spring/Summer issue.