100 Chesapeake Classics
You know them when you see them, those icons of the Bay, from blue crabs to William Donald Schaefer. Here's our salute to the region's unforgettable people, places, and things.
1.) The Bay Bridge
Love it or hate it, the region was forever changed by the William Preston Lane, Jr., Memorial Bridge, aka the Bay Bridge, upon its completion in 1952. 
On its opening day, July 30, a throng of 20,000 came to see then-Gov. Theodore McKeldin (and Francis the Talking Mule) lead a caravan across what he called "the most outstanding single accomplishment that Maryland has ever undertaken."
Its 4.35-mile length made it the third longest bridge in the world and the longest continuous-over-water steel structure. Traffic always exceeded expectations, spawning a three-lane westbound span in 1973. Today, as annual traffic nears 25 million cars (predicted to increase by 40 percent in twenty years), old ideas, including a return to ferries or trains-or another new span-are being floated by planners and politicians. Still, since that momentous day in 1952, the Eastern Shore has never been the same.
2.) Orange Glass Crab Dishes
Just the sight of orange glass crab dishes makes our mouths water. These fifties icons, which graced many a grandmother's table, were usually vessels for golden crab imperial. Now they're an eBay staple, though not rare enough to go for more than around twenty dollars. If only we could find ours!
3. – 100.) To enjoy the remaining classics on the list, see the entire 100 Chesapeake Classics article by visiting the Chesapeake Bay Life Magazine web site.
