History of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay

History
When Brooklyn and Curtis Bay were annexed by Baltimore City in 1918, there were more farms than homes.  But with the opening of the Hanover Street Bridge and the booming industries on the Fairfield peninsula, many homes began to spring up.  Building reached a peak during World War II.

Early Settlers
Many of the first residents were immigrants from Germany and Poland who came to work in the chemical and shipbuilding companies.  During World War II thousands of workers arrived to build the Liberty Ships and other essential wartime commodities. After the war, many of the workers stayed.  A history book written for the bicentennial includes photos of many churches and social societies.  There were three movie theaters and all types of stores in the neighborhood. 

In the 1980s many of the factories began to close or relocate off shore and some of the local stores closed when the malls began to open.  Today, these neighborhoods still are settled by workforce families who care deeply about their neighbors.  The neighborhood associations have long histories of activism.  They have created new murals and gateways that honor the history and celebrate the future.   

Polish Home Hall
In 1925, the Polish Societies of Curtis Bay purchased a building that had been the town center, union hall and firehouse as a social hall.  “The Polish Home Hall” became the center of many activities.  Early on it was an elementary school for the youth to learn English.  Later the next generation learned to speak Polish there.  And every wedding, baptism and other parties were held here.  Today the Coalition owns the building and is in the process of restoring it to its rightful center of community activities