Maryland Symbols; The stories behind their selection as emblems by the Free State's General Assembly, with a touch of history, folklore and an intimate glimpse of fascinating wildlife whims and habits

Annapolis, MD: Capital-Gazette Press, Inc, 1964. First Edition [stated]. Presumed first printing. Hardcover. Good. xiv, 200, [2] pages. One color plate and many black and white illustration. Signed on fep. Cover has red lettering and some wear and soiling. Rear cover has some scratches and gouges. Endorsement by Governor J. Millard Tawes. Elmer M. Jackson Jr. was a former editor and vice president of the Annapolis Evening Capital and the Maryland Gazette newspapers and president of Anne Arundel's library board for more than 40 years. Mr. Jackson wrote several books, including a noted history of Annapolis, was a Naval commander during World War II, a state delegate and an Annapolis alderman.But his most lasting legacy is the Anne Arundel Public Library system, which evolved from one library when he started in 1938 to the current eight branches. Mr. Jackson's journalism career began in Hagerstown, where he was born in 1906. When he was just 12, he went to the editor of the Hagerstown Daily Mail and told him he wanted to be a reporter.While he was still a student of St. John's College, from which he graduated in 1927, he became a sports reporter for the Capital. He later was city editor, editor, general manager and vice president.Shortly after he was named editor of the Evening Capital, he took a leave to serve in the Navy during World War II. In 1941, he was assigned to the Naval Academy, where he attained the rank of commander and served as head of intelligence. After his discharge in 1947, he returned to the Evening Capital as editor, general manager and vice president.After leaving the Capital, Mr. Jackson became publisher of the Anne Arundel Times weekly newspapers, which continued publishing until the mid-1970s.