By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Nov. 30, 2017) Snow Hill has terminated a two-year-old contract with retired Salisbury University professor Dr. Clara Small to author a volume on the history of cultural dynamics in the region.

Mayor Charlie Dorman said after extensive discussions with the town council the decision was made to end the arrangement because of a perceived lack of progress.

“We have spoken with Dr. Small and are no longer collaborating with her,” he said.

Prior to retiring in 2013, Small spent four decades teaching African-American History at Salisbury University, as well as authoring several books delving into the history of ethnic groups on the Eastern Shore.

Dorman said the town requested a partial refund of the money it paid Small when the project was initially launched.

“We’ve asked her to give us what she’s got done and estimate the cost for what she’s worked on,” he said.

Since the project was proposed several years ago, Dorman said residents have regularly inquired about the status of Small’s work.

“We’re disappointed with the progress over the last two years and we’re looking at other options,” he said.

Dorman said despite ending the deal with Small, the town intends to continue pursuing the literary endeavor.

“We will keep the community updated,” he said. “The project is not dead, that’s for sure.”

Small did not return calls for comment as of press time.