Thomas Footer and the Footer Dye Works: A Biography. This item is unavailable.Thomas Footer and the Footer Dye Works: A Biography

Thomas Footer is considered by this historian to be one of the most distinguished citizens to ever come from Western Maryland. He was able to overcome his early life experience as an orphan in 19th century England forced to work in sweat shops eventually becoming a giant in business and community service. In 1868, at age 23 he, his wife and two sons immigrated to this country eventually moving to Cumberland in 1873. As owner of the Footer Dye Works he was able to build from a one room enterprise to the largest and most successful cleaner and dye works in the country. He carried himself through life as a humble man who maintained a workforce of nearly 600 who was totally loyal to him and his goals for quality work. His legacy is being celebrated here as his last remaining building is being restored. This biography is meant to be a testament that can still be seen as a model for corporate caring and community service.

Andrew has lived in the Cumberland area for 14 years. He worked at the National Institutes of Health where he was involved in both mental health clinical work and research. Andrew continues to provide mental health care in a part-time private practice. He is a self-taught artist and sculptor which he uses in building exhibits at the Allegany Museum. Several years ago Andrew attended the Allegany College of Maryland Communication Arts Program and learned to produce photography and film which he uses in his slide presentations. He has a key interest in researching and writing about the introduction of technology into Allegany County, Maryland. Other books he authored were "The Electrification of Allegany County Maryland", "Cumberland and Westernport Electric Railway".