Though I never knew him, I’ve learned over the years that one man, now deceased for a bit more than 10 years, is given huge credit for contributing mightily to Easton and its well-acknowledged quality of life.
This gentleman is Bill Corkran, longtime town engineer, general manager of Easton Utilities and civic leader. He steadfastly prodded and fiercely protected Easton, to the future benefit of all of us.
Full disclosure: I love living in Easton, which seems to get better and better while increasing its population. Just recently, I began thinking about conversations I’ve heard for many years about a man who played a significant role in making Easton what it is today—and that is a wonderfully livable town.
While intent on preserving the small-town quality of Easton, Corkran brought in some amenities that one might not expect in a town the size of Easton. For example, he worked closely with the late Nettie Marie Jones, a well-known local philanthropist who contributed large amounts of money for the YMCA, the Hog Neck Golf Course and the Talbot Community Center.
When I first came to Easton in October 1976, I marveled at the size of the YMCA on Peach Blossom Lane and its critical importance to all residents in Talbot County; it was the best kind of community focal point, regardless of social or economic status. When my children skated at the Talbot Community Center on Route 50, I thought about how lucky they were to live in a town with a first-class recreational center. When I drive by Hog Neck Golf Course, I enjoy seeing how well used it is and the condition in which it is kept.
I’ve learned that Bill Corkran was a well-admired and well-respected force of nature, a visionary who was determined to move Easton forward, while retaining its small-town charm and beauty. That is a difficult task.
Under Corkran’s oversight, Easton became one of the first towns on the Shore to establish a long-range planning and zoning ordinance, the first town in the state to adopt a policy of installing utility wires underground and the first town in the world to use General Electric’s energy-efficient, Lucalox street lamps.
Corkran served as town engineer from 1946 to 1976, assuming management of Easton Utilities Commission (EUC) during that time. He served as general manager of Easton Utilities from 1965 until his retirement in 1983. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a civil engineering degree, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
While shamelessly waving Easton’s flag, when I think about the quality of life (sometimes an over-used term) in Easton, I feel thankful that we residents are fortunate to be served by Easton Utilities. Whether Bill Corkran is responsible, or that credit goes to the current administration, customer service is simply first class. For someone who is seriously technology-challenged—actually downright inept—I can attest to the patient, efficient and responsive service provided by EUC employees. I have sent numerous emails to
Hugh Grunden and Geoff Oxnam, the top management officers at Easton Utilities, expressing my gratitude.
Again, I wonder how many towns of Easton’s size have its own utility, one that doesn’t require navigating layers of bureaucracy to seek and receive service. Its location very near the center of town is highly visible evidence of its interest in, and service to more than 16,600 people.
A question I feel compelled to ask is this: Would Bill Corkran be happy about the current health and appearance of Easton? This is sometimes a gratuitous pondering that is impossible to answer credibly and sensibly. I think he would be. Some might disagree.
He might be alarmed at the increased traffic in town. He might be concerned about the amount of commercial development and its impact on downtown Easton. He might wonder what might happen should Memorial Hospital move out of town and leave a large hole that hopefully would be developed in a controlled, thoughtful way.
On the other hand, he might like the resurgence of the Tidewater Inn, a familiar landmark in Easton. He might be pleased by the renovation of McCord’s Laundry into the Eastern Shore Conservation Center. He might like the many excellent restaurants in Easton and their attraction to residents in, and visitors to Talbot County.
And, hopefully, he would like a town that still retains its friendly ambience, continues to draw people interested in contributing their time and money to various non-profits and seems intent on controlling growth.
Every once in awhile, prompted by nothing in particular, I think it’s fitting to pay homage to a person whose influence more than 10 years after his death is still felt. Bill Corkran’s legacy lives on.
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Trevor Newcomb says
Mr. Freelander,
I get the Talbot Spy everyday and look forward to it. Today like every other, my “phone” chimed and I swiped to see the latest Talbot Spy post. Immediately, I recognized the ‘eyes’ I saw as my email only displays a preview of inbox messages.
Anyway, William Corkran Jr. was my grandfather. I too work for the Town of Easton and though I cannot say that I am in a prominent position as he was, I understand his passion for the Town of Easton. I really enjoyed your article and was touched as I know my family was upon received my “shares”.
I always felt close to my grandfather, but as many will still remember, he was a tough guy. It was his way or no-way. Usually his way was the right way and it was this steadfast determination that made things happen. As he aged and I matured, we became even closer and I was more and more interested in listening to what he had to say… his opinions, fears and frustrations about the future of the Town of Easton.
My grandfather truly loved the Town of Easton, the people with whom he worked and the citizens for whom he worked. My wife and I have chosen to spend our lives here, to rear our children here and to carve out some sort of a legacy here ourselves.
I too wonder if “Bill Corkran [would] be happy about the current health and appearance of Easton”. Well, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he would NOT like the increase in traffic, he would definitely be concerned about the amount of peripheral commercial development and its impact on the downtown and would certainly be interested in the future of the hospital and its current Washington Street site. He would be pleased with ESLC’s renovation of the McCord buildings and would love the fact that local restaurants and businesses were attracting tourists from “over-the-bridge”. Growing up I recall that he was always attending this meeting or that meeting and believed that the giving of one’s time (and perhaps a little money) was a duty all should share in. So yes, he would be very satisfied in how so many of the local citizens give of themselves for all of the wonderful organizations.
As his wife and my grandmother Lucile used to say to me… “Those are times-gone-by”, but I hope that the enthusiasm of all those dedicated to making Easton better and better for each other is rewarded by the same sense of pride that Bill Corkran had for our town.
Mr. Freelander, I appreciate you paying homage publicly. Your writing was such a nice gesture and was such a touching memorial to a man that cared so much about our Town.
I miss Pa.
Beverly C Edgell says
Dear Howard,
It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank you for the wonderful capturing of my father through the use of your beautiful words. I am so appreciative of your time and talent in sharing this with others. Thank you very much.
Sincerely
Beverly Corkran Edgell