Down on the Shore: The Family & Place That Forged a Poet’s Voice

Poet and former teacher Adele Holden, born shortly after the end of World War I, grew up in the segregated world of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Set during the 1930s, Down on the Shore portrays the truth about a people, place, and time. It reveals the reality of a lifestyle meted out and rigidly enforced by Shore whites-a way of life both humane and cruel. It recalls battles to fulfill goals instilled by parents who saw education as their children’s only chance in a segregated country. Mixed with the hard times are joyful Christmases, celebrated births, peaceful Sunday afternoons, graduation ceremonies, first crushes, and the budding of a poet. A strong family nurtured Adele during a time when hatred, prejudice, and even death lurked around every corner. Conquering adversity, poet Adele V. Holden chose a life devoted to teaching and equality.