What do you get when you combine the creator of Lost Laurel, the “History Matters” columnist from the Laurel Leader, and the owner of the largest private collection of historical Laurel memorabilia? A trio of hyper-local history buffs eager to find and share the stories you don’t always discover in the newspapers and museums. Meet Richard Friend, Kevin Leonard, and Pete Lewnes—the Laurel History Boys.
Keep up to date with their latest findings via their personal pages below!
I often say that when I started Lost Laurel back in 2011, I thought maybe a handful of my oldest friends would take an interest in it. I honestly had no idea so many others shared the type of nostalgia I have for this town’s past. But I’m glad they do, and I’m thrilled that…
The Laurel Chronicles By Kevin Leonard Welcome to the “Laurel Chronicles.” In addition to his “History Matters” column in the Laurel Leader, Kevin will post this feature here every month for more local history stories. Notices for new columns will be posted on The Laurel History Boys’ Facebook page. May 30, 2021 [Note: This story…
I first traveled to Laurel in 1972 at the age of 16 with my father to Mid-City Chevrolet to purchase my very first car—a 1966 Chevrolet SS Impala. While driving back home to Lanham that day, something about this small town left me with a feeling that I had never had. Over the next three…