Fells Point
by Bonna L. Nelson Fell’s Point is a historic waterfront neighborhood in the southeastern area of Baltimore. It was established around 1763 and is located along the north shore of the Baltimore Harbor and the Northwest Branch of the Patapsco River. My daughter Holly and I were long overdue for a getaway, so a day trip to Fells Point would fit the bill. We have a strong connection to the area, dating back to her early childhood. I dabbled in arts and crafts when Holly, now a pediatric occupational therapist, was a mere babe. Fells Point was a major arts scene then, and still is, though a bit more gentrified. My fellow artists and I, along with our spouses and Holly in a baby
carriage, frequently sold our work at craft fairs. The Fells Point Fun Festival, now in its 51st year, was always a favorite fair. We pooled our resources to lease tables to display our wares. We worked for months to increase our stock and then carefully packed our products along with water, snacks, chairs, change and, for me, baby accessories, to arrive early on the morning of the event. We preferred tables on the most popular corner, Broadway Street at Thames Street facing the harbor. During the Festival, we took turns managing our tables so that we could each peruse the other arts and crafts venues, talk to fellow artists and
Fells Point historic district. 61