Edmonston Town History

The Bridge:

Working Class Roots and American Dreams in Edmonston, Maryland

In the early 1900s, a neighborhood of closely-knit working families lived together among a collection of modest farmhouses and bungalows along the lowlands of the Anacostia River between Bladensburg and Hyattsville. In the year 1924, with an ambition to establish an improved quality of life, the people of this community decided to form an incorporated municipality to address a variety of of community needs. Chief among these were streetlights, streetpaving, and most importantly, the building of a new Decatur Street bridge across the Anacostia River. It was named Edmonston, after a prominent Prince George's family in the region. Shortly afterward, a simple structure of steel and concrete replaced rickety wood to become the Decatur Street Bridge.

In addition to being one of our community's founding purposes, the bridge has become symbolic for other reasons. As listed on page one, Adam Francis Plummer (a freed, educated slave) and his family settled in present-day Edmonston, and established an area known as the "Mt. Rose" settlement. Mr. Plummer's working class ethic and determination to succeed has been echoed by Edmonston residents since he lived here. The town has always been an affordable destination for working people and immigrants, set on planting their feet to achieve the American dream.

One notable example is Kinjori Matsudairi, the Japanese American who served two significant periods as Edmonston's Mayor, and according to historians, was the first Japanese American Mayor in our nation's history. Interestingly enough, his second period of Mayoral service was during the time of Japanese internment of World War II, a time when Americans harbored deep hostility toward the people of Japan. Yet the residents of Edmonston looked beyond the issue of ethnicity, and elected the person they felt was most qualified to lead the town government. A powerful statement for the times, and indeed, a tradition that continues to this day.

Most Edmonston residents come from modest means and work hard to build their bridge to the American Dream. The population is comprised of those who can trace their heritage to the American Colonies as well as those who are recent arrivals from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, among others. Many have also settled here because they enjoy a community of such diversity. The government reflects this as well: it has bilingual staff in every department, our current Mayor is one of the first Latino-American executives in the state's history, and key laws and community information are translated into Spanish, so all can participate in the civic life of our town.

Our diversity is our strength. We attend community events together, look out for our children and elderly, and care for our common quality of life. We are building our bridge to a prosperous and inclusive future for the next generation of Edmonston residents.

The bridge as the focal point of the Town Seal represents our collective and individual pursuit of the American Dream.> The rising sun represents optimism and bright futures. And the town hall building represents a single community among our diverse population.

The plans announced called for the building of three separate structures of brick, steel, and concrete measuring 60' x 200'. Buildings were to cost approximately $10,000 each. The three buildings and machinery were estimated to cost $100,000. A company spokesman claimed that it would be the most modern automobile factory in the world. Plans were to produce 3,000 automobiles per year with a value of $9,000,000. Other revenue was anticipated from the manufacture and sale of auxiliary equipment.

In addition to automobiles, trucks, ambulances, and fire engines were to be made. A large force of skilled workmen were to be employed. Construction started in mid-1907 under the direction of their own engineer and a supervising architect. Building materials were bought in Baltimore and Washington.

In mid-1908 the first building was completed and equipped with lathes and other necessary machinery for automobile production. Gasoline engines were used to power the machinery and also an electric generator which was used for lighting the factory, offices, and tool room.

The first cars to be made in the Hyattsville plant were listed as 1909 models. Roadsters, tourings, and limousines were made in the Carter line with a price tag of $4,000, $5,000, and $6,000, respectively. A unique feature of this car was the use of two separate four cylinder engines, each having its own ignition system and cooling system. This was advertised as being the most dependable car on the market. The car could be driven by either engine separately or both combined. By using only one engine, fuel consumption was greatly reduced.

In addition to the "Carter Twin Engine" automobile, the firm also manufactured a lower priced line of automobiles called the "Washington." Prices ranged from $850 to $2,500 according to style and horsepower. Engines ranged from an 18 horsepower, double opposed model to a six cylinder model which developed 60 horsepower; the larger engine being used in the seven passenger car.

Production of the Carter Twin Engine automobile seems to have been discontinued in 1909. The Washington was continued with improvements and at higher prices. By 1911 the touring Model D-40 was listed at $2,250 and the limousine at $3,250. Engines used in 1911 were 40 horsepower with a bore of 4 1/8 inches and a stroke of bV< inches, the cylinders being cast in pairs; ignition by magneto and batteries; multiple disc clutch; sliding selective three speed transmission; drive by shaft. Internal expanding brakes were used on rear wheels; steering wheel was on right; tires front and rear 36"x4" on quick detachable rims; frame of pressed' steel; springs, front semi-elliptic, rear, three quarter scroll elliptic; wheelbase 118 inches.

MARYLAND AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS

In 1912, the last year of automobile production, prices were reduced, the roadster being listed at $1,750, the four passenger at $1,775, the five pasenger at $1,800, and the seven passenger at $1,850. Model designation was E-40 on all body styles. Specifications were almost the same as for the 1911 models, Bosch magneto and Rayfield carburetor were used. Both internal expanding and external contracting brakes were now used on the rear wheels. A three ring disc clutch was now used. This was a large car, the chassis without body weighing 2,500 pounds. Equipment offered was a speedometer, five lamps, gas generator, horn, tool kit and jack. Baumann and Lilly, Catonsville (Baltimore suburb), Maryland were agents for the Carter and Washington automobiles. Commercial vehicles were manufactured in the Hyattsville (Edmonston) plant until 1917.

The Carter Motor Car Corporation - Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston, Maryland

The "Carter Twin Engine" and the "Washington" automobiles were manufactured by the Carter Motor Car Corporation at Hyattsville (later changed to "Edmonston"), Maryland. The company, whose general offices were in Washington, D.C., was an established manufacturer before moving to Hyattsville. They established offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and other cities.

In 1907 the officers of the company were seeking a Maryland location for a new manufacturing plant. Business leaders in Berwyn, Maryland were anxious to have the factory located in their town. In June of 1907 the Board of Directors decided to reject all bids from the leaders of Berwyn and to locate the factory at Hyattsville, Maryland. Reasons given for the selection of the Hyattsville site were: closer proximity to Washington, better shipping facilities, and larger area of the site offered.