Calvert’s Democrats marked the 185th anniversary of the political party’s establishment in Maryland. According to a synopsis researched and written by John T. Willis, the Maryland Democratic Party was born May 21, 1827.
“The Maryland Democratic Party is among the oldest, continuous existing political organizations in the world,” stated Willis, who served as Maryland Secretary of State during the Glendenning Administration. Willis’ research revealed a meeting of Andrew Jackson supporters at the Atheneum in Baltimore City led to the organization the party.
Twelve delegates from each county, including Calvert, were invited to attend the organizational meeting.
On Monday, May 21, members of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, representatives of Calvert’s three Democratic clubs and volunteers gathered at the local headquarters for a celebration. Appropriately, there was birthday cake. Calvert County Democratic Central Committee Chair Marie L. Duffield cut and served the cake, which read “Still kicking at 185 Happy Birthday” and featured a kicking donkey, the party’s longtime symbol.
“From 1827 through 2012, the Democratic State Central Committee has performed the traditional political functions relating to appointments, fundraising and campaigning with distinction and virtually unparalleled success,” Willis opined.
Willis’ entire account on the birth of Maryland’s Democratic Party is available on Wikipedia.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
