In 1894, The Tome School, a college preparatory school for boys, was founded by millionaire and philanthropist, Jacob Tome. Located in Port Deposit, the institute accepted grades kindergarten through high school and quickly became a prominent and prestigious school to attend. Some even traveled from out of town for enrollment.
Upon his death in 1898, Jacob Tome had left an endowment and instructions for expanding the campus and several new granite buildings. The plans were carried out and The Tome School continued to thrive for several more decades.
Sadly, during the depression, the school fell on financial hardships and was forced to close its doors in 1941. Since then, it has been used for the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Susquehanna Job Corps Center, but now stands abandoned. You can find the newer Tome School in North East, MD.
The Port Deposit location while once glistening and full of life, is now weathered and crumbling. Several buildings remain full of trash, broken glass, and graffiti. The following images by photographer Marcus Ellis, shows how what was once a hopeful place for Maryland’s youth, is now left forgotten.
Quite a few buildings still remain standing at the The Tome School campus.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
To see such great pieces of architecture left withering away, is unnerving.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Vines and plants envelop the campus, making their way into the nooks and crannies of windows, doorways, and rooftops.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Entering these dark, dismal buildings is no doubt terrifying in real life.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Long hallways scattered with garbage lead to places unknown.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Even the sinks are filled with waste. The only light coming from broken windows…
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
And ceilings left in disarray provide a makeshift skylight.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Walking through these buildings is dangerous, as the structures are far from stable.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
In many rooms the floors are layered with natural debris and rubbish, making it impossible to even see the floor.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
It’s rather disheartening how a place filled with so much amazing history, is now regarded as a dump.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Interesting from its beginning to the end, The Tome School is a part of Maryland history that should be remembered.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
To see more photographs from Marcus Ellis, you can find his Tumblr page here, and you can follow him on Instagram (@eyestein) here.
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
Marcus Ellis / Flickr
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