There has apparently been a lot of consternation about the spelling of a certain waterfront neighborhood named after the historic Fell family. It’s commonly come to be written “Fells Point,” but according to the following proclamation by self-appointed “Town Crier of Fell’s Point” Jack Trautwein, that is an error.

For the many valid reasons listed herein (and the fact that the plaque from the Preservation Society marking the area an historic district, shown here, spells it “Fell’s Point”) Baltimore magazine will henceforth make the switch, both in the print edition and at BaltimoreMagazine.net from “Fells Point” to “Fell’s Point.” Huzzah!

Fell’s Point Proclamation

In behalf of the citizens and merchants of the Historic Village of Fell’s Point, be it known to all that:
Whereas, The apostrophe in Fell’s Point has been a long standing controversy among those who live, work, frequent or write about our historic village;
And whereas, There have been many long and heated debates over this issue in our pubs, on our street corners and even in our meetings;
And whereas, The founding family’s name was Fell and not Fells;
And whereas, Any elementary student of English knows that the apostrophe is the correct form for any possessive noun;
And whereas, Recent research indicates clearly that in 1762 Edward Fell utilized the apostrophe “S” in his advertisement in the “Maryland Gazette” announcing his newly surveyed village lots;
And whereas, And whereas succeeding advertisements by the Fell family always used the apostrophe “S”;
And whereas, The apostrophe was eliminated in recent history by bureaucrats who knew no better;
And whereas, An unofficial poll of the “Baltimore Sun” favored the use of the apostrophe “S” by a two to one margin;
And finally, whereas, This earth shaking controversy need now be put to rest.

Therefore, On this the Fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, 2008, be it
proclaimed that the correct spelling of Fell’s Point be with the apostrophe “S”!

Jack Trautwein
Town Crier of Fell’s Point

[photo courtesy wallyg via Flickr.com]