Revival in the Alleghenies: The Story of Cumberland and Caporale’s Bakery
A Slice of History: Caporale’s Bakery
Tucked in the heart of Appalachia, within the gentle embrace of the Allegheny Mountains, lies Caporale’s Bakery—an institution that has witnessed the ebb and flow of life in Cumberland, Maryland. For 118 years, the bakery has been a steadfast beacon of warmth, its doors opening every morning to the familiar faces of locals who leave with hands full and hearts warmer. The scent of fresh bread and pastries wafts through the streets, carrying the memories of generations. Dave Caporale, the fourth generation at the helm, stands behind the counter, while his father, Gus, works his magic in the back. Here, time stands still, and tradition is cooked into every loaf.
The Queen City’s Rise and Fall
Cumberland was once a bustling metropolis, Maryland’s second-largest city, proudly known as "The Queen City." Its streets thronged with life, a testament to industrial prosperity. The factories were the pulsating heart of this community, each one a source of livelihood for thousands. Yet, the late 1970s brought a stark change as factories closed, one after the other, each closure a blow to the city’s spirit. The tire factory, once a pillar of the community, shuttered its doors, and with it, the city’s vitality waned. The population dwindled from nearly 40,000 in 1940 to less than 20,000 today, leaving Cumberland a shadow of its former self.
Echoes of a Lost Era
The factory closures were more than just economic setbacks; they were a personal loss for the families who relied on them. Gus Caporale reflects on the gradual decline, "It was like a real busy town, and then they started downsizing. One leave and the other would leave, and we really got hit by it big time." The once-vibrant streets fell silent, and the community’s fabric frayed. Caporale’s Bakery, a testament to enduring tradition, remained a constant, but even its bustling days became a distant memory. The town’s heart ached, longing for the energy of its heyday.
A New Dawn: Luring Remote Workers
In a bid to reignite its spark, Cumberland launched an ambitious initiative. Mayor Ray Morriss announced a tantalizing offer: $20,000 to 10 individuals willing to move to the city, targeting remote workers. The idea is part of a growing trend, with over 70 U.S. cities offering incentives to attract new residents. Cumberland joins this movement, hoping to infuse fresh life into its community. The program’s success elsewhere, like Tulsa’s "Tulsa Remote," which drew 3,000 participants and generated $11 million in tax revenue, offers a beacon of hope. Professor Evan Starr highlights the remote work revolution as the catalyst, allowing cities to bypass traditional business recruitment and directly attract individuals.
A Recipe for Revival
The initiative is more than just a financial incentive; it’s a strategic move to rebuild. Remote workers bring not just jobs but new perspectives and energy. They could revive the local economy, breathing life into empty storefronts and enriching the cultural tapestry. For Dave Caporale, this could mean a return to the bakery’s bustling past, with lines out the door once more. The hope is palpable, a mix of optimism and pragmatism as the town pins its revival on this innovative strategy.
A Community Reimagined
Cumberland stands at a crossroads, its future uncertain but promising. The distant hum of factories is replaced with the buzz of new possibilities. Remote workers might find in Cumberland a sanctuary of tranquility and community, a place to belong. As the town embraces change, Caporale’s Bakery remains a symbol of resilience, ready to welcome new neighbors. The story of Cumberland is one of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that, though weathered, continues to hold onto hope. The revival of Cumberland is not just about numbers; it’s about people—each one weaving a new thread into the town’s rich tapestry.
