He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, and worked on the far off island of New Guinea, transcribing Victory mail for soldiers. Although leery of opening personal communications, he realized the importance of the task: letters were transcribed to 16 mm film and sent across the ocean to a U.S. facility, and reformatted into mail for the families of our WWII heroes.

After the war, Ranger Takos worked for the Fort Howard Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. From 1946-52, he administered the physical therapy program, patiently helping soldiers through their healing process. In his spare time he was a guide for Bethlehem Steel, which had purchased the Bay Shore Park property in 1946. As executives and clients hunted and fished on the property, Ranger Takos’ knowledge of the area made him a likely candidate to help others experience the beauty and adventure of the land.

From 1952 to 1975 Ranger Takos worked for the Baltimore VA hospital. He recalls the most rewarding achievement of his life -- assisting Dr. Richard L. Riley, whose work with guinea pigs proved particles the size of dust motes could transmit tuberculosis. As Volunteer Service Coordinator, he became the first recipient of the “Americanism Medal of Honor” given by the Maryland State Society, Daughter’s of the American Revolution. He visited universities to attract resident doctors, and placed volunteers in various staff positions. Ranger Takos retired as Acting Assistant Director of Operations.

Throughout his life, Ranger Takos enjoyed the Bethlehem Steel property, hunting and fishing to relax. The waves and gentle breezes of the Chesapeake reduced the stress of a hectic and storied life. At times, his guide duties pulled him away from the hospital. He would receive a call in the morning, and in the afternoon be leading a group of executives to a duck blind or prime fishing grounds for an outdoor adventure.

He also played a part in preserving the area, showing the property to developers on behalf of Bethlehem Steel. After he pointed out federally protected areas, the developers would have so many red X’s on their charts, no financially beneficial project appeared possible.

The State of Maryland purchased the land in 1987 from Bethlehem Steel. As the State property was organized Ranger Takos agreed to assist, opening and closing the gate, and helping the new manager become acquainted with the park.

When a steering committee was created to determine how best to attract people to the park, Ranger Takos overheard the committee’s agenda while answering phones in an adjacent room. He made subtle suggestions about what attractions remained in the park, first recommending the trolley station be restored.

The station had been built with sturdy Georgia Pine. The basic structure was strong but years of neglect left a great deal of work to be done. Ranger Takos helped manage the project, and the structure is now used for weddings and other events.

His other suggestion was to remodel the fountain, which stood in the center of the once immense Bay Shore Park. Concrete walkways extending from the fountain to points due north, east, south and west, that lead to various structures in the park, were covered with years of debris. The renovation took Ranger Takos four years.

Today Ranger Takos helps with programming at the educational center. He teaches blue crab biology to school groups and park history to seniors. He also sparks and rekindles memories of long ago, when ladies dressed in their Sunday best to promenade at the park. The roller coaster, restaurant, dancing hall, bowling alley and fountain are rediscovered through his words.

Through all of these projects he had the help of many young people. While they came to the park to fulfill community service projects, upon finishing their commitment and completing a project with Ranger Takos, they found they had acquired a lifetime of knowledge.

If you find Ranger Takos feeding the fish or cleaning up debris at North Point, take a few minutes to sit with him. He will immerse you in a time that has long since passed, but seems close enough to touch.

John Wald is a DNR outreach officer and the circulation manager of this publication.