A Memorial to a Memorial
with many thanks to Barry in Lutherville
In December of 2001, an editorial appeared in the Baltimore Sun expressing dread and regret that there was very little clamor resisting the forthcoming demolition of the marquis of Memorial Stadium. Despite its intention as a memorial to those who had served the country in all wars, veterans groups allowed for the demolition of the facade with a mere promise of the construction of a new smaller memorial between the two new Camden Yards stadiums.
Happier Days: Memorial Stadium amidst her heyday during the 1970's. Photo kindly provided by Barry in Lutherville.When the Saint Louis Browns relocated here in 1954, the then newly built Memorial Stadium was the first home of the new generation Baltimore Orioles. The stadium would serve as host to an impressive array of sporting matchups as well as other events:
One would think, that with so many vivid memories surrounding the old Memorial Stadium, that there would have been significant opposition to its demolition, but sadly it seemed that those with the most memories of the place, the sports fans, were being lured away from the memories by the promise of wider seats, Permanent Seat Licenses, and an overall manufactured feeling of "faux-vintage" in the new Camden Yards Complex. Few raised much of an uproar about the imminent demolition of the stadium that would occur following the opening of the Raven's new "YOUR ADVERTISING SLOGAN HERE FOR MILLIONS" stadium at Camden Yards. Seats were removed and sold to the public as souvenirs. Plans were solicited for redevelopment of the site. During this time, many raised strong opinions that most if not all of this stadium of memories should be preserved. The final plan selected struck a compromise where the imposing Southern facade of the stadium be spared, with a retirement community built about the rest of the grounds, to be called "Stadium Place." The plan seemed to satisfy everyone involved, from the Veterans groups and the community, to the developers and politicians.
- The 1958 Baltimore Colts would play what many regard as the most memorable season ever in Baltimore football, as they proceeded on to New York to play what is regarded as the "Greatest Game Ever Played," and later continue to play other stellar seasons leading to two Super Bowl appearances.
- The Orioles would rise from a struggling team to a world class organization, with particularly memorable seasons in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1979, and 1983 among their triumphant times, before they relocated to Camden Yards in 1992, with many arguing that the flavor of Baseball in Baltimore had been lost with the move (Remember "Wild Bill Hagy?!?").
- After the Colts would leave in 1984 for Indianapolis, the stadium would see Football again with Jim Speros bringing the CFL to Baltimore beginning in 1994 and continuing for a couple seasons, with the CFL Colts (later to be renamed the Stallions after pressure from the NFL).
- Baltimore's return to the NFL in 1996 would be via Memorial Stadium, as the Ravens would play two seasons in the old venue before new quarters at Camden Yards were completed.
- For many an Independence Day celebration, thousands gathered at the Stadium to watch a fireworks display.
- Memorial Stadium also hosted two old High School rivalries every Thanksgiving, the annual Poly-City (or "City-Poly" depending on which school you graduated from! ;) ) game and the matchup between Loyola and Calvert Hall.
- For many years, many a Baltimorean's Christmas Tree was purchased in the Parking Lot of Memorial Stadium.
- Numerous concerts and other events were also held at Memorial Stadium.
However, by late 2001, an eerie change of political sentiment was occuring. Millions had been spent demolishing the "wings" of the stadium while securing and stabilizing the center facade, when abruptly, it was decided to demolish the facade as well, with the simple vague promise of placing a memorial along the walkway between the two Camden Yards nouveax stadiums. This seemed to appease the Veterans groups, and there didn't seem to be a strong or powerful enough presence of preservationists or sentimentalists to fight to save the facade. So, during the first week of February, 2002. The lettering was removed, and in the matter of a week, the final vestige of a home that held such an immense number of memories, came tumbling back down to earth. Here is a sad look at the final week:
On January 28, 2002, The Facade of Memorial Stadium presented this bleak appearance. Only the humongous City Seal remained on the facade.
On January 31, the wrecker had begun tearing away on the East side of the wall. By this point, it was obvious, this was not simply a nightmare.
Only a skeleton remained by February 4th, and in a matter of days, this too would be gone.
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