Newcomb Collins Funeral Home Cambridge Maryland

Alright, gather 'round, folks. We're about to dive into a tale that's equal parts history, equal parts quirk, and a dash of "you can't make this stuff up." Buckle up, 'cause we're talking about Newcomb Collins Funeral Home in Cambridge, Maryland. Yes, you heard it right. A funeral home. But not just any funeral home. This one's got a story that's stranger than fiction.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

Picture this: Cambridge, Maryland, late 19th century. A young man named Newcomb Collins is making a name for himself as a coffin maker. Now, that's a niche skill, right? But Newcomb, he's not your average craftsman. He's got a knack for turning plain wooden boxes into works of art. We're talking intricate carvings, fancy hardware, the works.

Word gets around about Newcomb's handiwork, and before he knows it, he's not just making coffins, he's running a funeral home. Talk about a career change! And so, in 1888, Newcomb Collins Funeral Home opens its doors. Or rather, its heavy, ornate door.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the elephant in the funeral home.

You know those old-timey photos where everyone's dressed in their Sunday best, looking all somber and serious? Well, Newcomb Collins Funeral Home has one. But with a twist. It's a photo of an elephant.

Yep, you read that right. An elephant. See, back in the day, the funeral home was located right next to the circus grounds. One day, an elephant wandered in, and Newcomb, being the entrepreneurial spirit he was, said, "Why not take a group photo?" And thus, the most unusual funeral home photo op was born.

But wait, there's more!

Now, you might think that an elephant photo is the weirdest thing about this place. But hold onto your hats, folks, 'cause we're about to dive into the real oddity. Remember how we mentioned Newcomb was a coffin maker? Well, he had a... unique approach to his craft.

You see, Newcomb believed that a coffin should reflect the life of the person who'd be, well, lying in it. So, he started incorporating personal mementos into his coffin designs. We're talking everything from pocket watches to pipes, even a set of false teeth once!

But here's where it gets really strange. Newcomb would bury the coffins with the mementos inside. Yes, you read that right. He'd literally bury people with their personal belongings. Talk about taking 'you can't take it with you' to a whole new level!

So, why should you care about all this?

Well, aside from the fact that it's a fascinating story, Newcomb Collins Funeral Home is a testament to the quirks and eccentricities that make life worth living. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting things happen when you least expect them. And hey, who doesn't love a good story about an elephant wandering into a funeral home?

So, the next time you're in Cambridge, Maryland, and you find yourself passing by a certain historic funeral home, remember the tale of Newcomb Collins. The coffin maker turned funeral director who turned an ordinary business into something extraordinary. And who knows? Maybe you'll even spot that elephant in the photo.