MARKET AREA ANALYSIS*

Cumberland Overview

Cumberland, officially “the City of Cumberland,” is a western gateway city and seat of Allegany County, Maryland, and the primary city of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census, the city had a population of 20,859, and the metropolitan area had a population of 103,299.

Cumberland is a regional business and commercial center for Western Maryland and the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. It is equidistant from Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Pittsburg, approximately 130 miles from each city.

______*The majority of the material, charts, and tables contained in this section was supplied by the Cities of Frostburg and Cumberland, Maryland, or was supplied by numerous pertinent websites and interviews with key government and industry leaders.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-1 History

Cumberland is named after the son of King George II, Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland. It is built on the site of the old Fort Cumberland, the starting point for British General Edward Braddock's ill-fated attack on the French stronghold of Fort Duquesne (located on the site of present-day Pittsburgh) during the French and Indian War.

Cumberland was also an outpost of Colonel George Washington during the French and Indian War and his first military headquarters was built here. Washington later returned to Cumberland as President in 1794 to review troops that had been assembled to thwart the Whiskey Rebellion.

Cumberland was a key road, railroad and canal junction during the 19th century and at one time the second largest city in Maryland (second to the port city of Baltimore — hence its nickname "The Queen City"). Cumberland Maryland is often referred to as "Where the South Begins." Because of its strategic location it served as a historical outfitting and staging point for westward emigrant trail migrations throughout the first half of the 1800s, allowing the settlement of the Ohio Country and the lands of the Louisiana Purchase, after the American Revolution.

Through much of its history, Cumberland's economic prosperity derived from its position as an early transportation hub linking the East Coast with the Midwest. Because of its strategic location at a gap in the mountains, Cumberland was in 1806 the starting point for the nation's first highway, the National Road (later known as U.S. Route 40). The road reached Wheeling, West Virginia on the Ohio border in 1818. Of even greater significance to Cumberland's economic development in the 19th century were the B&O Railroad, which reached Cumberland from Baltimore in 1842, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal from Georgetown, Washington D.C. to Cumberland, which opened in 1850. By the 1890s, five railroads served Cumberland and employed over 2,000 local people.

The C&O Canal was also an important commercial link between East and West, providing bulk transport of items such as coal, flour, iron, and limestone products. Facilitated by Cumberland's importance as a transportation hub, manufacturing emerged as a major force in the local economy in the 19th century. By the mid-19th century Cumberland was the second largest manufacturing center in the State of Maryland, a ranking not surpassed until approximately 1915 by Hagerstown, Maryland. Important industries included glass manufacturing, brewing, textiles, and iron and steel works. The B&O Railroad's rolling mill, located off Williams Street and Maryland Avenue, was a major employer in Cumberland from 1870 into the 20th century.

Coal mining quickly became the most important industry in the Cumberland area. Some of the richest beds of soft, bituminous coal in the country lay within the hills and mountains of this region. After the Civil War, coal became one of Maryland's chief products and exports. Coal from the Cumberland area fueled the state's mills and plants,

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-2 steamships in Baltimore's harbor as well as the US Navy fleet, and was traded to buyers from London, Brazil, Egypt, and beyond. Primarily Scotch and Welsh immigrants provided the labor force for these mines, immigrating with their families for the opportunities America offered.

Various manufacturing plants were established in Cumberland, because of its proximity to sources of fuel and raw materials and its position on major transportation routes. Cumberland blossomed as a result, the downtown commercial area thrived, and impressive residences built around the city reflected individual prosperity. The city became the economic center of the region. Rural farmers, industrial workers and miners traveled downtown along with successful industrialists, businessmen and county officials.

Maryland's coal production rose above 1 million short tons in 1865, exceeded 4 million short tons by the turn of the 20th century, and reached an all-time high of about 6 million short tons in 1907. A small amount of the coal production in the early 20th century was premium smithing coal (as in blacksmith) that was specially processed and delivered in box cars to customers throughout the United States and Canada. Coal production declined sharply after 1920, reflecting downturns in the economy, recurrent labor problems and the extensive replacement of coal by the petroleum. Production fell below 1 million short tons during the 1950s and early 1960s before the trend turned up-wards, due mostly to an increasing use of coal to generate electricity. Over 3 million short tons were produced by the state of Maryland in 1992.

The surrounding hillsides provided coal, iron ore and timber that helped supply the Industrial Revolution. In addition, the city was a major manufacturing center, with industries in glass, breweries, fabrics and tinplate. However, following World War II, it began to lose much of its industrial importance and its population began to decline.

The 20th century witnessed major changes in Cumberland's economy. Losing out to competition from the faster-moving railroad, the C&O Canal declined in importance until it closed in 1924. The railroad industry also suffered from competition from other modes of transportation in the 20th century. Traditional industries such as glass making, textiles, and breweries lost ground or disappeared. Nevertheless, manufacturing remained the major source of employment in the city and Allegany County as a whole until the mid-1980s.

Today, the population of the Cumberland area has stabilized, with a small decline in the city's population due primarily to sprawling of residents into the rural areas outside the city limits.

Many service-related industries have emerged over the past 20 years, particularly in the areas of tourism and entertainment, focusing around Cumberland's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural resources. Between 2001 and 2005 alone, the Cumberland arts, entertainment, and recreation industry has grown by 29.2 percent.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-3 Cumberland's economy has yet to significantly recover from the setbacks of the late 20th century. The Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area is one of the poorest in the nation, ranked 305th out of 318 metropolitan areas in per capita income.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 20,859 people, 9,223 households, and 4,982 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,069.3 inhabitants per square mile. There were 10,914 housing units at an average density of 1,082.7 per square mile.

The racial makeup of the city was 89.4% White, 6.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 9,223 households of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.0% were non-families. 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 41.4 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.

The median household income in 2011 was $31,095. About 15.3% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. The Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked 305th out of 318 metropolitan areas in per capita income.

Population trends

Population decline from 1950–1990 was due to a string of industrial plant closures. Unable or unwilling to meet union demands, plants such as Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Allegany Munitions and Celanese closed down and relocated. The 1987 closure of the Kelly Springfield Tire Plant marked a turning point, as the last major manufacturing plant in the city limits to close its doors. The population of the city has continued to decline since 1990, with the 2010 census population of 20,859 the lowest since the 1900 census.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-4 Geography

Cumberland is located in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of the North Branch of the Potomac River and Wills Creek. Interstate 68 runs through the city in an east/west direction, as does Alternate U.S. 40, the Old National Road. U.S. Highway 220 runs north/south. The majority of the land within the city lies in a valley created by the junction of these two streams. Parts of Wills Mountain, Haystack Mountain, and Shriver Ridge are also within the city limits.

The abandoned Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, now the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, has its western terminus in Cumberland. The canal's towpath is still maintained, allowing travel by foot or bicycle between Cumberland and Washington, D.C., a distance of about 185 miles. In recent years a separate trail/path extension called the Great Allegheny Passage has been developed that eventually leads to Pittsburgh as its western terminus. Cumberland is the only city outside of the Pittsburgh and DC metro areas with at least 20,000 residents that lies on the combined 300+ mile stretch. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.15 square miles, of which, 10.08 square miles is land and 0.07 square miles is water.

Cumberland was the terminus, and namesake, of the Cumberland Road (begun in 1811) that extended westward to the Ohio River at Wheeling, West Virginia, the first portion of the National Road which eventually reached Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

Cumberland Narrows

Cumberland is located at the eastern entrance to the Cumberland Narrows (or "The Narrows"), a water gap along Wills Creek that crosses the central ridge of the Wills Mountain Anticline at a low elevation between Wills Mountain to the north and Haystack Mountain to the south. Cliffs and talus of the two mountains' Tuscarora quartzite caprock are prominent within the Narrows. These geological features provide Cumberland a western backdrop of the two mountains and the narrow gap between them.

The Cumberland Narrows acts as a western gateway from Cumberland to the Appalachian Plateau and the Ohio River Valley beyond. The Old National Road, now Alternate U.S. 40, passes through the Narrows, along with the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's main line between Baltimore/Washington and Pittsburgh, now part of the CSX system, and a former line of the Western Maryland Railroad, now used by the steam and diesel-powered excursion trains of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. A prominent rocky outcropping at the south end of Wills Mountain in the Cumberland Narrows is known as Lover's Leap.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-5 Climate

Cumberland lies at the beginning of the transition from a humid subtropical climate to a humid continental climate, experiencing temperatures significantly lower than the central and eastern part of Maryland, mostly in the form of depressed nighttime lows. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers, and moderate winters (compared to surrounding communities, Cumberland receives milder winters and little snow). Monthly daily mean temperatures range from 31.9 °F in January to 76.8 °F in July, with temperatures exceeding 90 °F on 34.5 days of the year and dipping to 10 °F or below on 7 nights per winter. Average seasonal snowfall totals 30.3 inches.

Business and Economy

Cumberland’s economic development began with the railroad and mining during the industrial age. Though no longer a mining community and the rail service has declined, but CSX Transportation is still one of the largest employers in Cumberland with 900 employees. Located 177 miles west of Baltimore, Md., the Cumberland Locomotive Maintenance Facility is a vital point on CSX's Chicago to Baltimore mainline, employs 273 people at Cumberland shops and 600 men and women in Cumberland.

The Medical field along with education have now become some of the strongest economic powers in the area. The largest employer is the Western Medical Health System with over 2,220 employees, and the Alleghany College of Maryland with over 700 employees.

LaVale, with a population of 3,551 at the 2010 census, is a census-designated place (CDP) in Allegany County between Frostburg and Cumberland. It is a business center that contains the largest concentration of retail establishments and the only indoor shopping mall, Country Club Mall, in the Cumberland Metro area. It has become the retail center of Alleghany County with a wealth of, big box stores, restaurants and four hotels with a fifth one under construction.

Business Parks

Several recent business expansions highlight the benefits of doing business in Allegany County. Specs Chemical Services, a chemical compound provider, and Hamilton Relay, a long-time provider of captioned phone services, have leased additional space in the county’s industrial parks and hired over 60 employees.

The Barton Business Park for Advanced Manufacturing is located seven miles south of Cumberland and adjacent to the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. Barton Business Park is located adjacent to Alliant Tech System’s, Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, part of the company’s Tactical Propulsion and Controls Division, in nearby Rocket Center, West Virginia. American Woodmark Corporation™

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-6 Headquartered in Winchester, Va., is the third largest manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinets in the United States. The company opened a 250,000 square foot assembly facility at Barton Business Park in 2004 and was the Park’s first tenant and has 444 employees.

The North Branch Industrial Park is located five miles south of Cumberland off Route 51. Hunter Douglas, the largest manufacturer of custom window coverings in North America, operates its largest facility in the USA there. Other tenants include FCI, the only Federal correction facility in the State of Maryland and Berry Plastics, a plastic injection molding facility headquartered in Denmark that has 1,500 employees at 10 production facilities across Europe, with this facility being the only one in the United States. FEMA located one of its eight US logistic centers in the Park to provide life-saving and life-sustaining resources to states in their time of need.

NORTH BRANCH INDUSTRIAL PARK MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Employer Type Employees

AES Warrior Run Co-Generation Plant 60 AMM Corporation Metal Stamping 33 Allegany Scrap Solid Waste/Recycling 23 Berry Plastics Plastic Injection Molding 153 Donald B. Rice Tire Dealer 12 FCI Cumberland Federal Correction 305 FEMA Federal Logistics Center 50 Fibred Dietary Food Fiber 28 Homeland Security Local Government Offices 31 Hunter Douglas Window Coverings 580 McClure-Johnston Contractor Supplies 5 Pitt Ohio Freight Shipping 62 Schroeder Industries Industrial Filters 76 Specs Chemical Pharmaceuticals 13 Western MD Distributing Beverage Distributor 14

The Upper Potomac Industrial Park, one mile south of I-68 off of US 220 South, is home to The Belt Group, a well known, quality building contractor since the early 1960s and a staple of the community. Cintas Corporation has more than 400 locations in the U.S. and Canada, including 11 manufacturing and seven distribution centers and provides a much needed commercial laundry service for the region. Horizon-Goodwill has expanded its operation to a 75,000 square foot building in the Park and offers people with disabilities and other barriers to achieve their highest level of personal and economic independence.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-7 UPPER POTOMAC INDUSTRIAL PARK EMPLOYERS

Employer Type Employees

Cintas Industrial Laundry 86 Cumberland Pipe & Steel Structural Steel 28 General Graphics Custom Printing 5 Hite Roofing Roofing Contractor 16 Horizon-Goodwill Community Service 91 Progressive Physical Therapy Health Care 21 The Belt Group General Contractor 150

The Riverside Industrial Park is a mixed use business location just off I-68 that offers a variety of development opportunities and serves as a home to small and mid-size businesses as well as light to medium manufacturers. It is home to The YMCA Recreation Center with over 4,500 members and hundreds of program participants, R. H. Lapp, a mechanical contractor in business since 1929, that has a strong reputation for quality mechanical and sheet metal fabrication services, Tri-State Community Health, and the Allegany County Government's central offices.

RIVERSIDE INDUSTRIAL PARK MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Employer Type Employees

County Office Complex Local Government 127 DNA Landscaping Landscaping 12 Merkle Response Logistics 8 Overhead Door Commercial Doors 8 PSI Traffic Safety Service 11 Pattonair Inventory Services 12 PennMar Recycling Recycling Service 12 R. H. Lapp Mechanical Contractor 65 The Final Touch Custom Embroidery 11 Tri-State Health Health Center 40 UTZ Quality Foods Snack Food Distributor 8 YMCA Community Service 155

The Commerce Center, one mile north of I-68 is comprised of commercial office space and has been a place to start for many small businesses since the mid-1980s. CareFirst BlueCross/BlueShield located their National Accounts Service in the Park in the late 1980s and has since expanded their operation and located to a larger facility in the Park. PharmaCare of Cumberland has grown from a traditional retail pharmacy in the late 1970s to the area's leading supplier of pharmaceutical products and services with two retail locations in Cumberland and one in Frostburg.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-8 COMMERCE CENTER MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Employer Type Employees

AAD-Inc. Advertising Art Design 4 CareFirst BlueCross/BlueShield Insurance 170 MD Cooperative Extension Agriculture 7 PharmaCare of Cumberland Health Care 130

Allegany County has three State Enterprise Zones and participates in the One Maryland Program which offers significant tax credits for new capital investments and job creation.

Education

The offices of Allegany County Public Schools are located in Cumberland. The city is served by Allegany High School and Fort Hill High School, the private Bishop Walsh School and Calvary Christian Academy, and elementary school such as Northeast Elementary School and Cash Valley Elementary School.

Allegany College of Maryland

Allegany College of Maryland (or ACM) is a two-year public community college located in Cumberland, Maryland. The College offers over 53 associate degrees, 23 certificates, and 21 letters of recognition.

Allegany College of Maryland began operations in 1961 as "Allegany Community College" in an old public school facility (the segregationist era all-black Carver Community School) that had been closed by the Allegany County Board of Education. The College opened with an enrollment of 122 students from Allegany County under the direction of ACM’s first president, Dr. Robert S. Zimmer.

In 1969, the College moved to a new campus consisting of seven buildings on a 316 acre tract in suburban Cumberland that was partially funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Enrollment reached the 1000 mark in credit programs during the first year on the new campus and community service and continuing education courses and programs began. Since that time, the campus has expanded to include 15 buildings, which provide modern facilities for both credit and non-credit students.

The College opened two Pennsylvania campuses in 1989 (Somerset County Campus in Somerset, Pennsylvania) and 1990 (Bedford County Campus in Everett, Pennsylvania). It expanded its Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts programs into the Gateway Center located in downtown Cumberland in 2002.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-9 The College now serves over 3,700 credit students and over 15,000 continuing education registrations. Over 1,000 of these credit students are served at the Pennsylvania campuses.

The College's men's baseball and basketball teams have been consistently ranked in the top 20 of their respective National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Divisions. The baseball team participated in the NJCAA national tournaments nine times, including a four-year run from 1994-1997. The men's basketball team has participated twelve times in the NJCAA national tournament.

Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University sits within the town limits of Frostburg on 260 acres, approximately eight miles west of Cumberland. It was founded in 1898. Beginning as a university for teachers, Frostburg became a liberal arts school in 1960. Today, Frostburg State University has 4,755 undergraduate students, 630 graduates, and an 18:1 student faculty ratio. The University also offers courses at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, and undergraduate programs at the Anne Arundel Community College Regional Higher Education Center at Arundel Mills, and on the Catonsville Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County. It is also one of the largest employers in Allegany County with over 900 employed.

Correctional Facilities

The Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland (FCI Cumberland) is a medium-security United States federal prison for male inmates in Maryland. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice. The facility also has a satellite prison camp for minimum-security male offenders. There are over 1,100 inmates.

North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI) is a high-tech, maximum security prison or "hyper-max prison" operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in Cresaptown, unincorporated Allegany County, Maryland, near Cumberland.

NBCI initially opened in January 2003 as an extension of the adjacent Western Correctional Institution, a maximum security prison, with full independent operation beginning in the summer 2008 with the completion of housing unit construction. With over 500 employees, NBCI is the one of the largest employer in Allegany County. Since the closure of the Maryland House of Correction in Jessup, Maryland in 2007, NBCI has housed the most serious offenders within the state of Maryland, including death row

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-10 inmates. At the time of its construction, NBCI was one of the most technologically advanced prisons in the world and houses approximately 1,400 inmates.

Utilities

Water and sewer service is supplied by the City of Cumberland. The municipal watershed is located to the north within the State of Pennsylvania. Water is drawn from two lakes on city land, Gordon and Koon. Electricity service is supplied by the Potomac Edison Company, which is a unit of FirstEnergy, while natural gas service is supplied by Columbia Gas of Maryland. There was once a working oil well that pumped crude oil from a location near the Fruit Bowl in the Cumberland Narrows. Hospitals include Western Maryland Regional Medical Center and Thomas B. Finan Center.

Transportation

Air

The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (Airport-ID: CBE) provides local air transportation to the Cumberland area, located in West Virginia, to the south of the Potomac River. In addition, Mexico Farms Airport (Airport-ID: 1W3) is also located in Cumberland.

The closest domestic airports to Cumberland are:

58 miles: Altoona-Blair County Airport - Altoona, PA (AOO / KAOO) 70 miles: John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport - Johnstown, PA (JST / KJST) 70 miles: Hagerstown Regional Airport - Hagerstown, MD (HGR / KHGR) 71 miles: Morgantown Municipal Airport - Morgantown, WV (MGW / KMGW) 79 miles: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport - Latrobe, PA (LBE / KLBE)

The closest international airports to Cumberland are:

130 miles: Washington Dulles International Airport - Dulles, VA (IAD / KIAD) 139 miles: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - Washington, DC (DCA/ KDCA) 140 miles: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport - Baltimore, MD (BWI / KBWI) 141 miles: Harrisburg International Airport - Harrisburg, PA (MDT / KMDT) 155 miles: Pittsburgh International Airport - Pittsburgh, PA (PIT / KPIT)

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-11 Rail

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides intercity service to Cumberland via the Capitol Limited, which runs between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois. The Cumberland Amtrak Station is located downtown at Queen City Drive and East Harrison Street. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates steam and diesel excursion trains from Cumberland to Frostburg and back.

Bus

The primary public transportation in the City of Cumberland is bus service provided by Allegany County Transit. This service consists of five scheduled routes that reach most areas of the City and providing access to most public facilities. Major highway arteries serving the Cumberland area include Interstate 68, U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 220.

Healthcare

The new Western Maryland Regional Medical Center officially opened its doors in November 2009 to begin providing tri-state area residents with comprehensive health care services in one centralized location on Willowbrook Road in Cumberland. The location on Willowbrook Road was chosen due to its proximity to the Allegany County Health Department, Allegany College, which has a nursing program, and the Thomas B. Finan Center, the local inpatient psychiatric hospital. This state-of-the-art facility rises seven stories into the sky, has 275 beds, and covers 585,000 square feet of interior space.

The new Regional Medical Center enabled the Western Maryland Health System to continue to provide a level of care that patients once had to travel to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., or Pittsburgh to receive. Western Maryland Health System, which employs approximately 2,300 people, is Cumberland's largest employer.

Tourism

The downtown historic district of Cumberland, Maryland is an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The heart of the downtown area is Baltimore Street. Formerly the main thoroughfare through the city, Baltimore Street is now a brick pedestrian mall. The street is lined with large multi-story commercial buildings, most of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These buildings, which were formerly banks, hotels, and department stores, are a relic of the city's former wealth and importance during the industrial age. They now contain more tourist oriented businesses such as sidewalk cafes, antique stores, boutiques and art galleries. Baltimore Street hosts some of the city’s biggest

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-12 sidewalk festivals and block parties. In the warmer months the weekly Farmers Market will draw hundreds downtown and often evenings there will be activities such as outdoor dining with live music or block parties.

The Victorian Historic District on Washington Street

Some of Cumberland's most architecturally significant homes are located in the Washington Street Historic District. Considered the elite residential area when the city was at its economic peak, Washington Street was home to the region's leading citizens including the president of the C&O Canal. Some of the most noted homes include the Godron-Roberts House and the F. Brooke Whiting House & Museum. Significant public buildings include the Allegany County Courthouse, Allegany County Library, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located on the site of Fort Cumberland. It features Gothic Revival architecture with three large Tiffany windows, fort tunnels, and ammunition magazine cellars.

The 1850 Emmanuel Episcopal Church, standing at the eastern end of the Washington Street Historic District, is one of Maryland's most outstanding examples of early Gothic Revival architecture. The Allegany County Courthouse dominates the city's skyline. It was designed in 1893 by local architect Wright Butler. The Queen City Hotel was built by the B&O during the 1870s. The battle to preserve it was lost when the building was demolished in 1972. Temple B'er Chayim's 1865 Gothic Revival building is one of the oldest surviving synagogue buildings in the United States.

Downtown Cumberland Historic District

The district is located in the heart of the downtown area along Baltimore Street, formerly the main thoroughfare through the city. The downtown area comprises the city's principal business district and is located on the east side of Wills Creek, roughly bounded by the tracks of the Western Maryland Railroad on the west, and George Street on the east. Baltimore Street is the major street; the district extends approximately two blocks north and south of this street along George, Liberty, Centre, and Mechanic Streets.

In 1976 Baltimore Street was paved with bricks to become a pedestrian mall. The district is a nearly intact example of a late-19th and 20th century commercial center and is made up of three or more story brick buildings, which are, for the most part, unaltered. Only a few 20th century infill buildings and parks disturb the architectural integrity of the district.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-13 The architectural style of the district range in style from Greek Revival to Art Moderne. They include some of the best examples of these styles in Western Maryland and, in some cases, the state. National, state, and locally significant architects, including Bruce Price, Wright Butler, George Flack Sansbury, John S. Seibert, Holmboe and Lafferty, and Hodgens and Hills all have buildings represented in the district. Commercially, the district includes a broad range of types, including theatres, large department stores, small specialty shops, hotels, and a railroad station, reflecting the economic prominence of Cumberland at the turn of the 20th century as a manufacturing, transportation, and coal shipping center. The District's period of significance is from c. 1860 through c. 1930.

Arts & Entertainment District

Downtown Cumberland’s Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Allegany Arts Council and its Saville Gallery, the Allegany Museum, the Cumberland Theatre, the Arts at Canal Place Cooperative Gallery, the New Embassy Theatre, the Cumberland Music Academy, MettleArts Studio & Foundry, the Arteco Gallery and Institute for Creative Enterprise, Windsor Hall (a multi-purpose performance venue), the Gilchrist Museum of the Arts, the Gordon-Roberts House, the Graphicus Atelier print-making studio, and a variety of retail and specialty stores. In addition to these cultural assets, and the many visual artists, musicians, performers and writers who live in the community, Downtown Cumberland's Arts & Entertainment District can also boast of a variety of restaurants and bars that feature live music and outdoor dining, a coffee shop, a creamery, a charming Farmer's Market every week during the summer and fall months, and a full schedule of seasonal events that include the Friday After Five music series, Saturday Arts Walks, and the annual Mountain Maryland Artists’ Studio Tour.

Canal Place Heritage Area

Canal Place is located at the western terminus of the C&O Canal. A national park has been created in the city center at the intersection of the railroad, C&O Canal, and Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland at Canal Place. While at the Heritage Area, visitors can ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, tour a full-scale replica canal boat, visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor Center, get information about attractions and events in Allegany County, hike or bike ride on the canal towpath, or attend unique festivals and events like C&O CanalFest. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is 184.5 miles following the Potomac River from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland. Its towpath is extremely popular with runners, hikers, and bicyclists. There are campsites approximately every five miles along the trail. Wildlife is abundant as are opportunities to explore the past.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-14 Shopping: Downtown CumberlandO13 European Desserts K12 A Black Cat Two K8 Excello Liquors & Deters N13 PharmaCare of and More Antiques Lounge Cumberland 301-777-0404 301-724-2006 301-722-3883 301-777-1771 M12 Fox’s Pizza Den P11 A Piece of Me P11 Family Dollar Store M8 Potomac Valley 301-759-3697 301-268-7424 301-724-3408 Pharmacy L13 Geatz’s Restaurant O10 Ah Lure O12 Fort Cumberland 301-722-2342 301-724-2223 M9 Allegany Embroidery & Emporium/Puttin' on O12 Promotional Products K08 Gianni’s Pizza Uniforms the Glitz Fast!/Off I-68 301-722-0840 301-777-1115 301-722-4500 301-759-9449 Q12 Harrigan’s Restaurant & N9 Allegany Liquor Store O12 G&B Gifts O10 Puff & Stuff Lounge @ Cumberland 301-777-7500 301-268-2815 301-722-2202 Holiday Inn P11 Allegany Pawn Co. O10 Geno’s Sports Cards K8 Queen City Flea Market 301-724-8800 301-724-7296 301-722-2234 301-707-0841/301-722-6770 O11 Harvest Salads and M8 Annie’s Fine Furniture P11 Hobbies Plus O12 Ray’s Jewelers Sandwiches 301-777-2655 301-777-1187 301-777-1960 301-759-9030 Q14 Autozone O12 Indulgences P11 Rent-A-Center O10 Hong Kong Chinese 301-722-4101 240-362-7040 301-722-6332 Restaurant O12 Baltimore Street O13 JR's at Canal Place P11 Robert’s Confections 301-777-5555 Collectibles 301-689-3604 301-722-0048 O10 JJ’s & Sons Pizzeria 301-722-0344 P11 La Bella Vita P11 Roses Department Store 301-777-3994 P11 Barkin' Basement 301-724-0404 301-724-1346 N9 Joes’s Viaduct Thrift Shop N9 Le Boutique Upscale M9 Scents and Things Restaurant 301-777-0826 Resale 301-777-1753 301-777-7500 O11 Barney’s Cards O12 Lenny’s Legendary Q14 Sherwin-Williams Co. O12 Kramer’s Deli 301-777-8048 Leathers 301-724-4356 301-722-8004 J12 Beckman’s Pharmacy 301-722-4961 P11 Social Studies Store P11 McDonald’s 301-777-7336 P11 Lepley's Dance 301-777-7706 301-722-4071 M14 Biederlack of America and Tanning K8 Southern States O12 Niner’s Canal Pub Outlet Store/Blanket 301-777-5315 301-724-3067 301-777-1121 Depot O11 Lifetime Eyecare Center P11 Studio, The K8 Page’s Ice Cream 301-729-2571 301-777-7777 301-722-2095 301-777-9696 P11 Book Center and P12 M & M Bake Shop M12 Steeped in Tradition Q14 Papa John's Pizza Cigars, The 301-722-2660 301-777-8678 301-724-7300 301-722-2284 P11 Manhattan Golf P11 Tea Cupboard, The J12 Pyzanos Pizzeria M08 Buttercup Boutique at and Gallery 301-777-7721 301-724-0244 Annie’s 301-777-0021 O12 Terry's Jewelry P12 Queen City Creamery 301-777-2655 Q14 Martin’s Food Market 301-724-5115 301-777-0011 O11 Caporale's Italian Bakery 301-777-7656 O12 Tree House Toy P11 Ristorante Ottaviani 301-722-7755 P11 Millicent’s Yarns & More Shop, The 301-722-0052 N13 Country Accents on 301-722-8100 301-759-4869 O11 Roman's Liberty Greene Street P11 Milestone Cube N10 True Value Hardware 301-722-2229 Map courtesy of Enuff Ideas Design Co. Street Café Company 301-722-3032 240-362-7104 O12 Cumberland Steeples 301-777-0250 Q14 UPS Store Q13 Roy Rogers Souvenir Store P11 Mor For Less 301-724-4200 301-722-0344 Downtown Lodging: 301-777-8299 301-777-8870 P11 Vapor Roon, The P11 Sammies O13 Cumberland Trail P11 Morton’s Jewelry 301-876-3298 M11 Bruce House Inn, The M13 Cumberland Inn Q10 Inn on Decatur, The 301-777-2885 Connection 301-722-5710 O11 Vietnam Veteran’s of Cumberland Hospitality! The Historic Queen 866-777-8181 and Spa 800-459-0510 L12 Sheetz 301-777-8724 P11 Mr. Toad's Pottery America 240-362-7111 301-777-2852 N9 Cumberland Vacuum 301-722-5500 301-777-7001 Q12 Cumberland Holiday Inn Center O10 Victorian Creations City Blends Wonderfully With A Modern Arts O14 Fairfield Inn and P11 Subway N9 Murphy’s Furniture 301-724-8800 301-724-4700 301-777-3663 301-722-4150 Suites by Marriott Mart and Entertainment District 301-724-9378 301-722-0340 Q13 Taco Bell P11 CVS Pharmacy O11 Walsh, McCagh & 301-777-7021 301-724-1595 O11 Ott's Christian Kellough Pharmacy Get the most from your visit to the historic downtown O12 Uncle Jack's O10 Cycles & Things Book Store 301-724-3646 Cumberland... and make a day of it...or better yet, spend the Dining/Pubs: Pizzeria & Pub 301-722-5496 301-729-3382 P11 Western Maryland night in Cumberland and nearby areas in Allegany County. 301-724-1110 P13 Downtown Cumberland Q12 Overstocked Room/ Music Center M14 Appel’s Bar & Grill O12 City Lights O11 Curtis’ Coney Island Q13 Wendy's Old Fashion Armory Flea Market Pepper's 301-724-1234 301-722-9800 P11 Baltimore Street Grill Famous Wieners Hamburgers 240-522-3432 301-777-5050 P11 Whimsical Fairy 301-759-9707 This walking distance directory is a handy guide to eating, 301-724-1711 O10 Corner Tavern, The 301-759-3414 J12 Dollar General N13 Parkview Liquor Store Collectibles O12 Café Mark and 301-777-2554 O12 El Canelo 301-722-0101 301-722-5257 301-338-0508 drinking, shopping and sleeping in downtown Cumberland. 301-876-9245 Jennifer’s Desserts O13 Crabby Pig, The P11 Downtown Dollar Q13 Past & Present Antiques O13 WMSR Gift Shop Ask for the Allegany County Getaway Guide and you’ll discover 301-759-0276 301-724-7472 Q12 Ellie’s Deli 31-722-6142 & Flea Market 301-759-4400 301-724-5211 the complete visitor’s directory to these services on the O11 Carmichael’s P11 Culinaire Café of O12 Downtown Manager’s 301-876-5004 Mountain Side of Maryland. 301-777-2523 Allegany College of M09 El Jinete Mexican Office N10 PharmaCare Floral & Q14 Chick-Fil-A Maryland, The Restaurant 301-722-5500 Gift Shoppe/Debbie 301-722-0086 301-784-5410 301-777-0847 Boone Gifts with Pizzazz If your schedule is too tight to enjoy more today, be sure and Q11 Chop Sticks 301-777-3918 visit www.mdmountainside.com and plan a return visit! 301-724-1082 Call 1.800.425.2067 or visit us at www.mdmountainside.com Western Maryland Railway Station

A block west of the downtown pedestrian mall is the Western Maryland Railway Station. This early 20th century train station is home to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, known regionally as "Mountain Thunder". The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers three hour round trip tours from C&O Canal at Swain's Lock Cumberland to Frostburg using restored 1916 Baldwin Steam Locomotive Number 734 or "Mountain Thunder". The Western Maryland Railway Station is part of the Canal Place Heritage Area, the first in the State of Maryland.

NOTE: The articles on the following pages appeared in the 2013 Fall/Winter isue of Mountain Discoveries magazine.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-16 32 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 25th Anniversary The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Written by: Dan Whetzel Photography by: Lance C. Bell Cumberland, Maryland has been a Rail traffic became an integral part of business arrangement with a group of investors railroading town daily life for residents who learned to known as the Fuller Syndicate. live with crossing delays and billows since the first To finalize the coast-to-coast railroad, a Hager- of black smoke; local railroads quickly stown-to-Cumberland extension was necessary. Baltimore & Ohio became associated with progress and While the Western Maryland extension finally employment opportunities. The B&O Railroad steam reached Cumberland in 1906, it had proven to was later joined by the Cumberland & locomotive be a difficult and expensive undertaking that Pennsylvania, Georges Creek & Cum- steamed into ultimately resulted in the collapse of the Fuller berland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia Syndicate and Gould’s empire. Gould’s financial town in 1842. Central, and Western Maryland woes made front page news across the country. railroads as they made Cumberland In 1908, the Western Maryland Railroad entered a destination for operations. While receivership where it remained until emerging there were several carriers operating the following year as the Western Maryland in the city, it was the Western Maryland Railway’s entry into Railway. In fulfillment of an agreement with Cumberland that proved to be a forerunner of the present day the New York Central System, the Western railroad that is celebrating its 25th anniversary season. The Western Maryland built the 86 mile long rail line from Maryland Railway and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad make for Cumberland over the Allegheny Mountains to interesting partners separated by time but connected by generations Connellsville, Pennsylvania, during 1910-12. of railfans who enjoy the lore of rails. This new track allowed its trains to go on to The Western Maryland Railroad was chartered in 1852 and quickly Pittsburgh and farther west. began to expand westward. In 1872, the line reached Hagerstown, The Western Maryland Railway established Maryland, and was poised to make a major extension to Cumberland itself as a successful carrier over the next five or where rich natural resources awaited the carrier. At this time, local six decades. The railroad could not, however, events became intertwined with national news events that catapulted overtake its major competitor, the B&O Railroad. the city and railroad into a national spotlight. Competition with the B&O proved to be costly Jay Gould, the often vilified 19th century speculator and his son, and contributed to the Western Maryland’s George, sought to build a transcontinental railroad. Already controlling financial difficulties in the late 1950s when several railroads in the west, George Gould viewed the Western through passenger service from Baltimore to Maryland as the missing link needed to complete a transportation Elkins via Cumberland ended (1958) and freight empire. In 1902, Mr. Gould completed an important step in the operations declined. A second factor in the rail- process when he acquired the Western Maryland Railroad through a way’s demise was the number of consolidations m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 33 34 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s experienced by the industry excursion railroad to operate on that eventually absorbed the an abandoned 15.6 mile right- company. Incorporation of the of-way between Cumberland Chessie System in 1973 meant and Frostburg. Negotiations the B&O, Western Maryland, among the WMSRDC, the and Chesapeake and Ohio Showalter’s, the State of Mary- railroads would merge into land, Allegany County, and the one entity. Duplicate trackage City of Cumberland allowed created by the merger resulted the Alleghany Central Railroad in abandonment of Western to begin public operations in Maryland right-of-way. April 1989, thereby marking the return of steam engine The Return of Steam passenger service to Allegany to Cumberland, County after a four decade The Western absence. Maryland Scenic The Alleghany Central owned Railroad (WMSR) two Pacific class steam loco- In 1987, the owners of the motives, numbered 1238 and Alleghany Central Railroad 1286, and operated a GP-9 generated excitement among diesel that was acquired by the railfans when they tested their City of Cumberland. Ridership steam powered locomotive on during the inaugural year abandoned Western Maryland exceeded 40,000, nearly double trackage. The test runs proved to the projected number. be a new era for an established In 1991, the contract between industry in Allegany County. the WMSRDC and the Show- Once again Cumberland residents alters was not renewed and experienced the sounds of iron Sheraden Rail-Op from horses and steam whistles. Addison, Illinois, signed a one

The scenic rail excursions that Mountain Thunder steams through Brush Tunnel year deal with the nonprofit followed blended the spirit of on its way to Frostburg. organization. Under Sheraden’s the former Western Maryland direction the Western Maryland Railway with entrepreneurship, Scenic Railroad operated vintage volunteerism, supportive government officials, and hard diesels, Alco units FPA-2 and RS-3 painted in “Fireball” working employees to make the Western Maryland Scenic schemes. Railroad a national attraction. Although the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operated Jack and Sally Showalter, operators and owners of the diesels during its third year of operation, officials were Alleghany Central Railroad, provided locomotives and committed to steam power and acquired a Baldwin 2-8-0 mechanical expertise while the Western Maryland Scenic locomotive in January 1992. Dubbed “Mountain Thunder” Railroad Development Corporation (WMSRDC) (a non- and renumbered 734 by the WMSR, the locomotive was profit corporation formed in 1986) and dedicated volunteers built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the prepared much of the ground work necessary for a steam Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, based in Marquette, m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 35

2-8-0s for many years. In 1995, two General Motors (EMD) GP-30s were acquired from Conrail and also painted in Western Maryland livery. Passenger cars, cabooses, and freight cars have been acquired over the years. Today the WMSR owns and operates a variety of coaches and rolling stock. The WMSR’s 15.6 mile route to Frostburg begins in Cumberland and heads west into the Narrows. The ride to Frostburg is a challenging 1,300 foot vertical climb from Cumberland and includes a stretch of track rising at nearly 3% grade. The final two miles are on the former Cumberland and Pennsyl- vania Railroad’s route because it enters Frost- burg at closer proximity than the original Western Maryland Depot which burned in 1963. Additional highlights of the trip include Helmstetter’s Curve, Brush Tunnel, and an operating 100 foot turntable that enables Mountain Thunder to turn and prepare for the return trip. While at Frostburg, visitors may visit the Thrasher Carriage Museum, shop at nearby depot stores, or sightsee in the town of Frostburg, a community of 8,000 residents and home to Frostburg State University. To keep the WMSR maintained and on time requires a crew of dedicated employees. Mike On Memorial Day, Engineer Donnie Shaw displays American flags on Gresham, the railroad’s superintendent, believes Mountain Thunder, as he does for other special holidays and occasions. it is vital that everyone strives to provide a positive experience for visitors. “We work really hard to make visitors feel welcome when Michigan. The classification type is a Consolidation 2-8-0; the numbers they arrive at the Cumberland station. Oper- 2-8-0 refer to the two smaller pilot wheels to the front, 8 larger driving ating a passenger train requires us to create a wheels behind, and no trailing wheels. This specific locomotive was positive experience for visitors at every point used for switching and freight hauling in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula we make contact with them. Our employees from 1916 to 1956. In 1971, it was placed on display in the Illinois Rail- are dedicated to making that happen for our road Museum, until the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad purchased it. guests.” The superintendent’s train crew must Over 90% of the parts replaced on the engine were machined in the synchronize its efforts much like the moving Western Maryland Scenic Railroad shop and the engine was put into parts in the locomotive they operate. service once again in 1993 on right-of-way formerly owned by the Western Maryland Railway. Although the locomotive 734 was not Danny Pluta, an eight-year employee, arrives originally on the Western Maryland roster, the railway operated similar in the predawn hours to light the boiler and 36 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

like doing. Basically, in the morning I help to get the train ready by fueling the cars and completing mechanical inspections. Then I assist on the train ride to Frostburg and set the handbrakes.” Engineer Donnie Shaw, a five year veteran of the WMSR, notes that all steam training is “on the job.” Donnie operates both Mountain Thunder and the diesel units but prefers the former. “I like steam best because it is more fun and almost a life form. The compression of steam is its lungs, the coal its food, and water its drink. Mountain Thunder even sweats when blowing off excess steam pressure. Operating a steam engine is an art because you learn to feel what the engine is doing and cope with its different personalities. There could be two consecutive days with the same conditions, but it runs differently each time. I once read that steam locomotives are the closest thing people have invented to creating mechanical life forms. Operating the steam engine got in my blood and I really enjoy my job because it is fun and rewarding.” A ride in Mountain Thunder’s cab is a step back in time and a great example of living history. No LED gauges, digital instrument panels, or Fireman, Steven Diehl shovels coal into the firebox to maintain steam climate controlled enclosures for the engineer, pressure at 195 psi. fireman or brakeman. Those technologies did maintain the required temperature because Mountain Thunder not exist in 1916 and they are not to be found never completely sleeps during the operating season. Danny’s work is on #734. A roaring fire heats the cab, coal dust followed by fireman Steven Diehl who arrives at 8:00 am to prepare covers everything in sight, a sulfurous smell a fresh bed of bituminous coal in the firebox. “I break the coal bank hangs heavy in the air while the sound of steam that Danny prepared and then light off the fire. As the fire gets hotter permeates the passenger station complex like a the boiler temperature increases. One of my responsibilities is to get giant whistling tea kettle. the steam pressure to 195 psi and keep it at that level. It takes about Operating the iron horse creates a simultaneous five or six hours to get the engine up to operating pressure. I also top cacophony or symphony depending on whether off the lubricators for air compressors, journals, cylinders, and the one is new to the event or an enthusiast who stoker (a mechanical screw device that moves coal from the tender to enjoys the interaction of mechanical and human the firebox).” motion the engine requires. Engineer Donnie Brakeman Trevor Laber has worked on the WMSR since attending directs the symphony with his raised left arm Allegany High School, a total of three years. “It’s a job that I really that pulls and pushes the brake handle and long Engineer, Donnie Shaw (left) and Conductor, Jim May Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Mechanical Department: prepare to board Mountain Thunder. (Top, left to right), Robert Handley and Scott Nixon; (Bottom, left to right), Chief Mechanical Officer, Dan Pluta; throttle, a series of linkages that allow steam into the Dan Pluta II; Fireman, Steven Diehl; Leonard Faidley; Mark Andrews; Engineer, Donnie Shaw; and Fleet Manager and pipes and cylinders. If more speed is desired, the handle is master machinist, Chris Talluto. pulled to allow more steam pressure to be released to the pistons. A steady rhythm of CHOO-choo-choo, CHOO- While passengers are enjoying the scenic ride, conductor choo-choo means the symphony is in full progress and all Jim May carries out assigned duties. Like many of the systems are go. Any drop is pressure is a cause for concern WMSR employees, his work day begins long before the and a call to action. Monitoring the symphonic sounds is a key component in the operation of the iron horse. train arrives at the station. In fact, Jim reports for duty at 10:00 am to monitor ridership, sign out the track, Fireman Steve moves in a two step pattern to monitor the and inspect the interior of passenger cars. A former CSX analogue pressure gauge, firebox, and stoker. “I open and employee, Jim understands rail operations and the impor- close the stoker to move coal into the firebox. By controlling tance of attending to details. “When everything is ready, I the amount of coal that moves from the tender into the give permission for the train to enter the station and prepare firebox, we regulate the fire and heat it produces. If the fire looks too dark, the stoker is cut back.” to board passengers. It is a really enjoyable experience to talk with passengers who come from all over the world. How fast is Mountain Thunder traveling? Don’t bother to The steam engine is the big draw for train enthusiasts and look for a speedometer because it doesn’t exist. Donnie it is amazing that steam is still here.” monitors the speed by consulting a railroad pocket watch; one mile in four minutes, or 15 miles per hour, is a typical Maintenance operations are performed at the former gallop for the iron horse, at least until climbing the 3% Western Maryland Ridgeley Yard complex located a short grade near the town of Frostburg. distance across the Potomac River. The original Western 38 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

Maryland shop opened in August 1913 and featured a state-of-the-art brick and steel roundhouse hosting 20 engine stalls. Most of the original complex was destroyed by fire and demolished before the 1980s, so facilities needed to be built or upgraded. Today the shop employees repair and maintain the WMSR cars and locomotives, as well as refurbish equipment from other railroads.

Dan Pluta, chief mechanical officer, father to Danny, and a 22-year veteran of the WMSR shop oversees all work related to engineering designs, ordering materials, and mechanical repairs. “I basically organize the work for shop employees. Our employees are cross trained and everyone is willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.” Chris Talluto, fleet manager and master machinist, works with Dan to maintain Mountain Thunder and the comple- ment of diesels and coaches operated by the WMSR. Employees Mark Andrews, Scott Nixon, and Robert Handley also enjoy working on the old technology and everything associated with the historical aspects of the WMSR. Track Crew (left to right): Andy Buskirk, Josh Nixon, and Bruce Soistman. According to Superintendent Mike, “Dan and the crew really keep the railroad running. It is also interesting to WMSR Track Crew see Dan passing along the skills and knowledge associated Visitors to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad often with one hundred year old technology to his son and other associate the train with employees that are visible, employees that will keep the tradition alive for the next particularly the conductor, fireman, and engineer. Other generation. That is what makes the WMSR so special.” employees are not so visible yet contribute to the railroads success and safety. The WMSR track crew carries out a Donna Corley, office manager, has supervised the gift number of important duties that are mandated by regulators. shop, acted as a liaison with the accounting office, and According to Bruce Soistman, track foreman, “We gauge operated the business operations for eleven years. “We the rails, install ties, and conduct twice a week track all work together to provide a positive experience for our inspections. During the off-season we spend a lot of time visitors. Steve Spring and Nicole Gray handle the ticket clearing the right-of-way. We also transpose rails; that sales and we add seasonal reservationists and gift shop means unfastening the rails, picking them up, and turning employees during our operating season. We are fortunate them around, so there is a sharp edge on the rail.” Mike to have so many experienced employees at the WMSR.” Gresham, WMSR superintendent, noted that the State of Maryland track inspector recently complimented the crew The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad continues the for its excellence in maintaining the 17 miles of track. passenger train service that Cumberland has experienced “We can have the best equipment and train crew but if since the mid 19th Century. Passing along those traditions the rails are not maintained, we are not going anywhere. and mechanical technologies associated with the industry Most people don’t think of the track crew when they see to contemporary visitors make the railroad a unique place the train. We are fortunate to have a hard working crew at to visit. The WMSR invites residents and visitors to be a the WMSR.” part of special activities and promotions during its Silver The author expresses appreciation to Richard Kirsch and Pat Anniversary season. Stakem for assistance in writing the article. 32 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad moved full steam ahead over the winter months and is well underway for the Written by: Dan Whetzel 2014 operating season. Photography by: Lance C. Bell

Passenger car enhancements and additional events promise thoroughbred horse owner and racing enthusiast, arrived to make the current season the most exciting one for the at the Kentucky Derby in style aboard the private car he historic railroad. dubbed “Adios.” The American Railways Equipment Company owned the car from 1942-1943 before it was Railfans across the country took note when Mike Gresham, purchased by the Western Maryland Railway and renamed general manager and chief operating officer, announced the #204 Business Car. Railroad officials used the #204 as in January 2014 the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad a mobile office along its hundreds of miles of track. After had acquired the former #204 Western Maryland Railway more than two decades of service, the Western Maryland Business Car. The heavyweight observation car is associated no longer needed the #204 business car and a decision was with the area and its return trip generated excitement made in 1964 to sell it to the R.R. Johnson family. The among residents who turned out to witness the event. car was transported to property at Deep Creek Lake where The office or business car was originally built as a private car it became the Johnson’s summer home and a reminder of by The Pullman Company in 1918 for use by Peter Rouss Western Maryland Railway history. In January 2014, the of Winchester, Virginia. Four bedrooms, an observation Johnson family with the assistance and generosity of Carl deck, dining room, kitchen, crew quarters, and pantry Belt and The Belt Group decided to transfer ownership of rounded out the amenities. The car’s ownership later the #204 car to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for transferred to Harry Whitney, a wealthy businessman who restoration and public operations. Currently, the business married into the famous Vanderbilt family. Mr. Payne, a car is undergoing restoration and the Western Maryland Mountain Thunder winds its way through scenic mountains and countryside on its way to Frostburg, Maryland.

Scenic Railway Foundation is seeking support for the undertaking. The WMSR hopes to display the historic car during the September “Steel Wheels Festival” to be held in Cumberland.

Enhancements to the WMSR #200 car have been completed. Built in 1949 by the Budd Company for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the car recently served as a gift shop and diner. According to Mike Gresham, the #200 car has undergone a full rebuild including new electrical and mechanical work and extensive interior renovations. With the rebuild complete, the #200 offers a bar that serves custom labeled wine produced by Charis Winery of Canal Place in downtown Cumberland. “The 200 car is first class and was recently used by CSX officials and the Governor of Kentucky during the Kentucky Derby. The car will later go to Jacksonville to support various events. Western Maryland receives extensive publicity on each of these trips.” As in early times, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s The #107 car also experienced major work during steam engine passes through scenic Cumberland, Maryland, the winter season. Originally used as a sleeper on in sight of Model A Fords during special events. 34 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s the Norfolk and Western Railway, it was later modified by the Penn Central Railroad and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) before being acquired by the scenic railroad in 2008. “We will use the #107 for Parlor Car service. New arm chairs have been installed that increases the comfort level for our guests. We now offer coach, premium coach, parlor car, and first class service on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.” The premier fall event on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will be “The Steel Wheels Festival” scheduled for September 26, 27, & 28, 2014. A highlight of the festival will be the arrival of Above: The former #204 Western Maryland Railway Amtrak’s Exhibit Train. Through the display of artifacts, Business Car has recently been acquired by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for restoration and public memorabilia, and interactive displays, visitors will be able to operations. The WMSR hopes to display this historic car take a complimentary self-guided tour that tells the story during the September “Steel Wheels Festival” to be of Amtrak’s passenger service and high speed rail initiatives. held in Cumberland. The car was created in 2011 to celebrate Amtrak’s 40th anniversary and will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday of the event. Below: Enhancements to the Western Maryland The “Steel Wheels Festival” will also feature vendors and Scenic Railroad #200 car have been completed. The car has undergone a full rebuild including new exhibits on the 3rd floor of the Allegany Museum located electrical and mechanical work and extensive interior across the street from the WMSR station. A wide variety renovations. It was recently used by CSX officials and of railroading memorabilia is expected to be available for the Governor of Kentucky during the Kentucky Derby. viewing and purchase. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs a loop that begins/ends in Cumberland at Canal Place. The line stops in Frostburg at the Frostburg Depot for ninety minutes so passengers may shop or eat lunch. Here the steam engine of the train is detached, rotated on the turntable and reattached to the other end of the train for its journey back. These maneuverings take about fifteen minutes and attract a lot of attention from the passengers, most of whom are usually tourists. Surrounding the depot are Linns Bar and Grill, The Trail Inn and Cafe, The Great Allegheny Passage Hiking/Biking Trail, and the Thrasher Carriage Museum. The standard train ride departs at 11:30AM from the Cumberland station and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. The railroad also offers caboose rentals and a variety of specialty trains such as a Murder Mystery train, a Christmas themed train, and a night-time Santa Express. The train runs from May through December.

NOTE: The articles on the following pages appeared in the 2013 Fall/Winter and 2014 Spring/Summer issues of Mountain Discoveries magazine.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-27 26 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

The Western Written by: Dan Whetzel Maryland and the first passenger train scheduled Photography by: Lance C. Bell Railway during regular business hours was station on the corner of Baltimore and Canal Streets at Station for the company’s amusement park Will’s Creek Bridge. Built by the West Virginia Central opened for called Pen-Mar that was located in Railroad in 1887, the passenger station also served as a business Washington County Maryland and depot for the Georges Creek and Cumberland (GC&C) on Sunday Franklin County Pennsylvania. The and Pennsylvania (PRR) Railroads. July 27, 1913, new brick station reflected the grow- ing importance of Cumberland as a Upon completion of the new Western Maryland Railway commercial center and railroad hub Station, the former West Virginia Central Station was for the east coast. Although the station was new, the razed over a two week period of time. According to a Western Maryland Railway’s presence had been established Cumberland Evening Times report, railroad officials were earlier with the completion of the railroad’s Hagerstown busy moving old desks to the new station as demolition to Queen City extension in 1906. work began.

When Western Maryland trains arrived in Cumberland Designed by architect C.N. Patterson, the station expressed prior to 1913, passengers were served by a two-story frame the importance and success of the railroad in the region. m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 29

The building’s style also reflected architectural functionalism was abandoned. The Kelly-Springfield Tire Company later that was typical at the turn of the twentieth century. It was leased the building for storage purposes and as a front-end two stories high on the west side and three on the east side. alignment facility. Nine long bays marked the length while three narrower Campaigns to preserve the historic building were bays defined the width. A massive modillion cornice launched by the Preservation Society of Allegany County, encircled the building and three dormers over the three the Western Maryland Chapter of the National Railway central bays created the most noticeable features of the Historical Society, and concerned individuals. In 1981, exterior. Oak wainscoting and trim throughout the offices, particularly in the trackside ticket office and passenger wait- ing room, were notable interior features.

Within two months after opening a repurposing of the basement was required. Increasing numbers of west bound immigrants and the establishment of an immigration bureau operated jointly by the Hamburg-American Steamship Company and the Western Maryland Railway prompted the changes. A new agent’s office and accompanying Prior to 1913, passengers were served by this two-story frame station on the corner of Baltimore and Canal Streets waiting room served as a distribution center for recently at Will’s Creek Bridge. arrived Europeans heading west and north. A September 1913 Cumberland Evening Times report noted that 350 the preservationists efforts took a major step forward immigrants were expected to arrive at the station on when the Chessie System conveyed the station to Kelly- October 1st, thereby underscoring the railroad’s willingness Springfield Tire Company which in turn deeded it to the to accommodate the additional passenger traffic. And based city of Cumberland. on the immigrant population of Allegany County listed in early twentieth century census records, it is apparent Discussions about possible uses of the building ensued that Cumberland was also a destination, as the immigrant and recommendations were made to the Mayor and City workers found employment in local coal mines, the glass Council of Cumberland. As a result of those discussions, industry, railroading, and related enterprises. the Western Maryland Station Development Committee (WMSDC) was established by the city for the purposes of The Western Maryland Railway and station prospered for maintaining the exterior appearance, renovating the interior nearly 40 years before declining revenue required severe for possible use as a cultural center and transportation cutbacks, including the elimination of passenger service museum, and other commercial enterprises. The WMSDC (1958) and the closing of facilities. In 1973, the Western began operations in 1982. Maryland Railway was absorbed by the Chessie System (a holding company that owned the former B&O, C&O, In 1983, a nonprofit foundation called the Western Mary- and Western Maryland railroads) and in 1976 the station land Station Committee Inc. accepted transfer of the 30 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

Today, images of the past still exist within the interior of the restored Western Maryland Railway Station. property from the City of Cumberland for the sum of one dollar. More than $418,000 was raised by the foundation that oversaw cosmetic improve- ments and an endowment to pay for ongoing operations of the building. In 1996, work began on an elevator tower attached to the south side. It was believed the station’s full potential would be enhanced by an elevator and wrap around stairway to facilitate access to the top two floors. The tower would make the station compliant with federal laws regarding access to public buildings. Work on the elevator tower was completed in 1997. Upon completion of the elevator tower, the Western Maryland Railway Station, festival grounds, and 58 acres of surrounding property became part of the Canal Place Heritage Area, a property managed by the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority, a State of Maryland agency. Canal Place was the first certified Heritage Area in Maryland. m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 31

Extensive renovations occurred under the state agency’s direction that preserved the structure and enhanced its utility to meet the needs of contemporary business applications. Today, the station is host to The www.alleganymuseum.org Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and Allegany NEW LOCATION ! County Visitor’s Center, The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 3 Pershing Street, Cumberland, MD Administrative Offices, Canal Place Authority Administrative offices, 2nd FLOOR Kramer’s Deli, and professional offices. In addition, the concourse and Open March – Dec.; Tues. - Sat. 10 - 4; Sun. 1 -4 pm plaza area of the station may be rented for parties and events. For more 2013 Calendar of Events information, contact the Canal Place Preservation and Development March 9 Allegany Museum Opens Authority at 301-724-3655. March 9 Musical Heritage – Britain/Blue Ridge Mar.-Dec. Bus Tours – Allegany Museum, One hundred years after opening, The Western Maryland Station Gordon Roberts House, Castle, etc. remains a vital part of downtown Cumberland. Who would have April 7 Musical Heritage – Concert imagined in 1913 that a century into the future a Baldwin steam June 8-9 Heritage Days Open House Special tours. Sat. & Sun. 10 - 4 locomotive would be regularly steaming into the Western Maryland Sept. 21 13th Annual Ford Model T Railway Station for the purpose of serving passengers visiting Frostburg? & Model A Car & Truck Show Dash plaques, goodie bags, etc. 10 - 4 The Western Maryland Railway Station was listed on the National Register Nov. 29 Holiday Open House of Historic Places in 1973. Entertainment/refreshments 7:30-9 pm Downtown Tree Lighting The Western Maryland Railway Station prospered for nearly 40 years Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Open House before declining revenue forced elimination of passenger service in 1958. Entertainment, 9-11:30 pm Ball Drop at Town Center, midnight

History of Cumberland, Kelly-Springfield Tire Museum, Architecture, Children’s Exhibits and more!

Receptions and Parties and special tours can be arranged. 301-777-7200 • 301-724-4339 • 301-268-2226 www.alleganymuseum.org Allegany Museum

Located in the William Donald Schaefer Building in downtown Cumberland, this art deco building was originally constructed in 1932 as a Federal Court House and Post Office. The Allegany Museum exhibits the local history and architecture of the Allegany region and Cumberland area. Some of the exhibits include: The history and architecture of Allegany County, the history of Kelly Springfield Tire Company, MeadWestvaco, prehistoric life, the Cumberland glassware industry, fire prevention, folk art, the Cumberland brewing industry, and more. It is open from May to December.

The Great Allegheny Passage

The C&O Canal has its Western Terminus at Canal Place, and it is possible to travel by foot or bicycle from here to Washington, D.C. along the canal towpath - a distance of roughly 185 miles. In addition, The Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland is a 21-mile section of an expansive hiking/biking trail starting in Pittsburgh and ending in Cumberland where it connects with the C&O Canal towpath and onto Washington DC. Together, the C&O Canal towpath and the Allegheny Highlands Trails are part of the 315 Mile Great Allegheny Passage. The trail draws more than 70,000 visitors to the area.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-32 GAP MAP LEGEND

Elevations (feet above sea level) Pittsburgh 720’ McKeesport 752’ Connecting trail West Newton 769’ Connellsville 905’ Ohiopyle 1,230’ Confuence 1,353’ Rockwood 1,826’ Meyersdale 2,106’ Commercial Campground Deal 2,390’ Frostburg 1,832’ Cumberland 605’

Snacks/Grocery store Restaurant

Service shown are those that are close to the trail. Conditions change, and you should verify information before you travel. G A P MAP (SECTION 1)

Burgettstown To Weirton

10

0

20

Three Rivers Heritage Trail PITTSBURGH 30

Hot Metal Bridge

Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Pump House

40 Clairton Connector

McKeesport Monroeville

Boston

West Newton G A P MAP (SECTION 2)

West Newton

New Stanton

Connellsville

Bowest Sheepskin Trail

Donegal

Fallingwater

Seven Springs Hidden Valley

Confluence GAP MAP (SECTION 3)

Confluence

Rockwood

PA High Point 3213 ft

Meyersdale

Bollman Bridge

MASON-DIXON LINE

Big Savage Tunnel 3,294’ long CLOSED from late November to early April. There is no easy detour. Frostburg Wellersburg

Trail adjacent to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

CHESAPEAKE AND The Narrows and Lovers Leap

The Narrows is a compact notched valley that Wills Creek has carved into Wills Mountain. Inventor Frederick John Bahr bought Wills Mountain and built his log cabin on top.

The National Highway (Route 40) and numerous railroad lines pass through this steep, narrow, and rocky river valley on the edge of Cumberland. On the northeast side of Wills Mountain, sits a rocky outcropping known as Lover's Leap. The name comes from a Native American Romeo and Juliet legend. The tale tells how a jilted lover met his end by jumping off this ledge. Today, the rocks high above the water provide one of the most breathtaking views in the Allegheny Mountains. Lover's Leap has been frequently romanticized by postcard pictures of this valley. The most famous post cards were taken by George Steward in 1950 and published in the 1953 book, "U.S. 40".

Lover's Leap is 1,652 feet above sea level and made up of oddly squared projectories of rock, from its top, all the way down to the National Highway (U.S. Rte. 40) below. The City of Cumberland and the surrounding states of Pennsylvania and West Virginia may be seen from this point.

Rocky Gap Resort and State Park

Just outside Cumberland to the east in Flintstone, the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort sits in the valley between Evitt's Mountain and Martin's Mountain. The resort is located on the shore of Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap State Park, and boasts Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County. The park offers boating, trails, hunting and camping, as well as an aviary and amphitheater.

NOTE: The article on the following pages appeared in the 2013 Fall/Winter issue of Mountain Discoveries magazine.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-37 18 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

Written by: Dan Whetzel Photography by: Lance C. Bell m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 19

Flintstone, Maryland, was only a vision. The recent opening of Rocky Gap Casino Resort provides an opportunity to reflect on the collaboration that made the state park, golf course, lodge, and casino a reality over more than six decades of time. The story begins when Dwight Eisenhower was president, gasoline cost 18 cents a Photo courtesy Rocky Gap Casino Resort gallon, and United States Route 40 was the major East-West route through Allegany County. Credit for suggesting that a state park be built in Allegany County belongs to the local Lions Club. The organization’s idea was presented to State Senator Charles See who took the necessary formal Among the many attractions at Rocky Gap Casino Resort are the new gaming floor (top photo) and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Public Golf Course (bottom photo). steps that began a long planning process at the local and state levels. Wanda Holtschneider, director of marketing for Rocky Subsequently, in 1950 the Maryland State Planning Gap Casino Resort, recently stated, “Our guests are arriving Commission authorized a recreational survey of Western for gaming, golfing, dining, live entertainment, and to Maryland, a study that set in motion a series of additional enjoy Rocky Gap State Park. We work with local officials recommendations that eventually led to the establishment and businesses so that our guests are also introduced to of a state park located seven miles east of Cumberland. The nearby attractions and events. Rocky Gap Casino Resort park was envisioned as a tourist destination and economic is committed to partnering with local businesses and benefit for Western Maryland residents. officials to provide a positive experience for visitors at our Senator See’s formal steps were quickly supported by facility and to Western Maryland.” Edward Habeeb, Allegany County resident, and a volunteer According to Wanda, the casino’s successful grand opening group known as the Route 40 Association. The volunteers on May 22, 2013, marked the culmination of combined recognized the economic benefits that improved highways efforts on the part of the resort management team and and recreational facilities would bring to the region. Mr. local officials. Cooperation between government officials Habeeb proved to be a dynamic personality in promoting and private developers have a long history at Rocky Gap the establishment of a park and increased interstate highway and stretch back to the days when a state park near funding for Western Maryland. Not content with offering 20 m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s

Maryland Governor Millard Tawes cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Cumberland crosstown bridge on December 3, 1966. Governor Tawes also formally broke ground for Rocky Gap State Park the same day. The Route 40 Association was a volunteer group that lobbied for both Rocky Gap State Park and interstate highway funding for Western Maryland. Also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Cumberland residents, Francis Kenney, Maryland State Roads official (second from the left) and Judge Thomas Finan (fifth from left, white coat). Photo courtesy Dan Whetzel. vocal support, he also donated land to the state for the until July 17, 1974, when the Rocky Gap State Park formally recreational facility. Forty additional land owners also opened to the public under the authority of the Maryland offered land; some were compensated for their property. Department of Natural Resources.

In 1963, the state acquired McLuckie’s Clover Hill dairy The park offered hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and farm, a large area that included the present day entrance other outdoor nature experiences in a low density environ- and parking areas to the state park. The McLuckie barn, ment. Local officials immediately sought to capitalize on the emblazoned with “Clover Hill” above the front doors, success of the park by planning additional facilities that would remained a local landmark until it was demolished in 1988. attract more visitors and possibly new businesses. The two most frequently discussed facilities were a conference center Following additional land acquisitions, Governor Millard and public golf course. Tawes formally broke ground for the 3,000 acre Rocky In 1979, officials discussed the possibilities of establishing a Gap State Park in December 1966. state-private sector partnership for the purpose of building An important feature of the park was the creation of Lake a conference center and golf course adjacent to Rocky Gap Habeeb, located at the base of Evitt’s Mountain. In 1970, State Park. Four years later the discussions led to the forma- the Army Corps of Engineers completed the dam which tion of a 15 member state task force; the group’s charge was allowed the 243 acre impoundment to reach its capacity. to examine the feasibility of a resort-convention center in Construction on the remainder of the park continued Western Maryland. m o u n t a i n d i s c o v e r i e s 21

Over the next decade various plans for the resort and golf course were discussed. While individual proposals differed, most discussions focused on collaborative efforts between the state government and private developers. An enhanced Rocky Gap State Park was promoted by advocates as an economic boost for Western Maryland, a region that was experiencing a high rate of unemployment.

Through the support of local and Jack Nicklaus driving a few balls on the newly state officials, including Governors Schaefer and Glendenning, constructed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Rocky the Rocky Gap lodge and golf course moved from discus- Gap State Park, May 17, 2001. Photo courtesy Albert L. Feldstein. sions to reality in May 1996 when funding was approved for the resort complex. was purchased by Evitt’s Resort LLC, a subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment Inc. The deal set in motion a series of events The 54 million dollar lodge including public golf course that made Rocky Gap Casino Resort the fourth casino to and conference center was financed by private bond sales, open in Maryland. state bonds, grants or loans, and Allegany County funds. The Maryland Economic Development Commission After six months of planning and construction, the lodge (MEDCO) was instrumental in organizing and promoting interior was transformed by converting the former meeting the initiative. With the financial package in place, Governor rooms into a gaming floor with more than 500 slot Glendenning presided over groundbreaking ceremonies on machines, 10 gaming tables, a casino-center bar, and a stage May 20, 1996, nearly three decades after a similar ceremony for live entertainment. Guest rooms and the lobby were conducted by Governor Tawes marked the formal start of also upgraded to create a fresh look. Care was taken to Rocky Gap State Park. While both Rocky Gap State Park maintain the rustic ambiance of the original lodge. and adjacent lodge were owned by the state, operations Long time visitors to Rocky Gap will immediately take note remained separate. The state park remained under the of the expanded amenities, particularly free valet parking. authority of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Scott Just, general manager of the new casino resort, recently while management of the lodge was leased to several private summarized the enhancements, “We designed the gaming companies over the years. room with earth-toned colors, so it feels comfortable and Two years of construction were required to build the six open. Visitors will notice the refurbished lobby hosts story, 220 room luxury lodge and suites center that formally “A Little Munch” snack bar and additional seating. On the opened on April 17, 1998. The accompanying Jack Nicklaus first floor, the original Lakeside Restaurant was partitioned Signature Golf Course, the only one in Maryland, followed and now offers guests a themed buffet that includes Asian, three years later with formal ceremonies being held on Mexican, Italian, and All-American menus on consecutive May 17, 2001. week nights, and a surf & turf buffet on weekends.” The most recent phase of development at the site began Adjacent to the Lakeside Restaurant is the new Burger and in August 2012 when Rocky Gap Golf and Lodge Resort Lounge; an extended deck overlooking Lake Habeeb and Rocky Gap State Park is nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland and situated on scenic Lake Habeeb just off Interstate 68, Exit 50. a wine menu are its two most popular attractions. Located near the Golf Pro Shop is the Signatures Bar & Grill that displays a giant HD television screen and additional smaller screens for sports fans. A Sunday National Football League (NFL) package will be offered in the fall. A new meeting room is currently under construction and has a projected opening date of November 2013. According to Scott, “We are developing ideas for the new room that include floor shows, banquets, business meetings, concerts, and other events. Adjacent to the meeting center will be smaller rooms. The nearby fitness center, health spa, and indoor swimming pool are currently being upgraded.” The most obvious new attraction at Rocky Gap Casino Resort is the gaming floor where a variety of slot machines and related attractions have drawn guests from around the region. The table games include Blackjack, Mississippi Stud Poker, Three Card Poker, Roulette, and Craps. Slot machines include Wheel of Fortune, Aladdin, Wizard of Oz, Ruby Slippers and Monopoly. According to Scott, “The Gaming has become a major source of revenue for state variety of games means we have something for everyone governments across the country and Maryland. According from beginner to more experienced players. We also have to official reports, state approved gambling revenues totaled gaming guides and employees to assist beginners.” nearly 1.8 billion dollars last year and local governments benefited by sharing in the profits. Approximately 556 The digital age is evident on the gaming floor. Images of million dollars was returned to the state by the gaming players inserting coins into one-armed bandits no longer industry. The state distributed those funds to education, apply to contemporary gaming. Instead of coins or tokens, public safety, and other programs. Allegany County will players insert small cards that interface with the digital receive 5.5% of the profits generated at the local casino. terminals. Money or points are digitally added and sub- tracted, according to results of the game. After finishing Economic considerations were a primary reason local the game, players receive a cash-out voucher that may be officials favored the establishment of a casino at Rocky Gap. converted to currency at ATM machines or the casino Construction jobs provided an initial boost to employment, window. All games are approved by the Maryland Lottery while the subsequent hiring of staff is an ongoing benefit and Gaming Control Agency and are connected to a state to the local economy. Approximately 90% of the staff is accounting system. from Allegany County and surrounding areas. Scott emphasized that Evitt’s Resorts LLC is committed Several beaches, ample picnic sites and pavilions provide fun and relaxation for many. Fishing and boating are to establishing a profitable enterprise in Allegany County. popular on the lake, although only electric powered motors “What we are doing positively affects economic develop- are allowed. Gasoline powered motors are prohibited. ment in Allegany County. We now employ 350 full time workers and 200 seasonal workers and have exhausted the Rocky Gap State Park is recognized as a positive factor in the local supply of labor. Anyone who wants to work should casino’s ability to attract visitors and a reason to continue be able to find a job. We are still accepting applications informal ties that have existed between the park and resort. and hiring workers.” “We have a harmonious relationship with the park and The possibility of hiring local workers received a boost when work on an ongoing basis to coordinate activities and Allegany College of Maryland offered a 12 week course events at both locations. The state park is an added family in the skill of card dealing. Approximately 100 students attraction for our guests. We are also working directly enrolled in the program, thereby capitalizing on yet another with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to partnership between the private and public sectors. implement a tree planting program and build a children’s The casino’s opening impacted the occupancy rate at the playground in the park,” stated Scott. lodge. According to Scott, prior to Evitt’s ownership the The partnership that has existed between the state and occupancy rate operated in the 40% range. In the time private sectors at Rocky Gap will continue to grow in the period since the grand opening, the occupancy rate has future. “We own our casino, have signed a 40 year lease risen to 90%. on the land, and look forward to sharing our success with The Rocky Gap Casino’s success will also have a positive the local community. We are committed to being an impor- effect on government revenue. “As we continue to grow, tant partner in the economic growth of Allegany County.” Allegany County and the state of Maryland will share in the profits that we generate at Rocky Gap Casino Resort,” “The author expresses appreciation to Albert L. Feldstein for stated Scott. use of archival resources referenced in the article.” The Allegany County Fairgrounds

The Allegany County Fairgrounds is located just west of Cumberland, Maryland along McMullen Highway. Throughout the year the fairground holds musical concerts, car races, and private events. Once a year the Allegany County fair is held on the grounds, called the Allegany County Fair and AgExpo. As of 2006, the annual fair is an 8-day event customarily in the middle of July. Another major event is DelFest, a 4-day bluegrass festival originated by Del McCoury, and held annually since 2008 over the Memorial Day weekend.

Other Attractions

· Constitution Park · Cumberland Theatre Company, located on N Johnson St., offering year-round performances · Gene Mason Sports Complex · New Embassy Theater

Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest

· The Paw Paw Tunnel is one of the world's longest canal tunnels and was one of the greatest engineering feats of its day.

· The Sideling Hill road cut is a 340-foot deep road cut where Interstate 68 cuts through Sideling Hill. It is notable as an impressive man-made mountain pass, visible from miles away and one of the best rock exposures in Maryland and indeed in the entire northeastern United States. Almost 810 feet of strata in a tightly folded syncline are exposed in this road cut.

· Dan's Mountain State Park

List of Festivals and Events in Cumberland, MD-WV

· Heritage Day Festival, Washington St. (Mid June)

· Farmer's Market, every Saturday downtown (From June to November)

· Sunday in the Park: free concerts every Sunday evening in Constitution Park Amphitheater in South Cumberland, sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council. (From May to September)

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-44 · Western Maryland Jaycees Tri-State Wing-off (4th Saturday in June): wing joints from 4 counties cook up their best offerings and the public votes for their favorites in several categories.

· Allegany County Fair and Expo (Mid July) Homecoming: ALCO vs. FHS: First or second weekend before Thanksgiving at Greenway Ave Stadium. Homecoming is the final regular season football game for Cumberland's two public high schools Allegany High School and Fort Hill High School. The rivalry and team spirit expressed by the players and fans of each football team is unrivaled in Maryland high school football. Attendance at the game averages between 8,000 - 10,000 (approximately one-half of the population of the city.)

· Tri-State Concert Series concerts throughout the year from the golden age of rock-n-roll, swing, and big-band; as well as popular country and choral music.

· Western Maryland Street Rod Roundup: Over 1000 pre-1949 street rods featuring rod jousting, crafts, food, entertainment, parts vendors, vote for your favorite car. Allegany County Fairgrounds (Labor Day Weekend)

· Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Open-House: This event centers around the annual lighting of the City Christmas Tree in the heart of Downtown Cumberland where streets filled with Cumberland Residents come to see the mayor throw the switch on the tree and participate in the sights, sounds and joy of the holiday season. During the event there are several live musical performances at prominent businesses in the city center, including holiday choral and jazz vocal performances; as well as, galleries exhibiting local artist, including ceramics, photography, metal sculpture, jewelry and water color. (first day after Thanksgiving, aka. Black Friday)

· Bluegrass Jam Session: Every Sunday Evening at the Queen City Creamery from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm or later. Free Admission.

· The Great Allegany Run: Every October. 15K run from Mount Savage, Maryland to Downtown Cumberland; 5K run in Cumberland; 2-mile walk on C&O Canal; and Kids' Run.

· Halloween Parade: Every October along the main steen in South Cumberland.

· Homecoming Parade: Every November in Downtown Cumberland.

· DelFest: Annual bluegrass festival held at Allegany County Fairgrounds over Memorial Day weekend. Hosted by the Del McCoury Band.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-45 Allegany County, Maryland

Allegany County is located in the northwestern part of Maryland. As of the 2010 census, the population was 75,087. Its county seat is Cumberland and it is considered to be a part of Western Maryland. The name Allegany may come from a local Lenape word, welhik hane or oolikhanna, which means 'best flowing river of the hills' or 'beautiful stream'. A number of counties in the Appalachian region of the United States are named Allegany, Allegheny, or Alleghany.

Allegany County is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

The western part of Maryland (including the present Allegany County) was originally part of Prince George's County when Maryland was formed in 1696. This county included six current counties, and by repeated splitting, new ones were generated: Frederick from Prince George's in 1748; and Montgomery and Washington from Frederick in 1776.

Allegany County was formed in 1789 by the splitting of Washington County. At the time it was the westernmost county in Maryland, but a split in 1872 produced Garrett County, the current westernmost county.

Prior to 1789, the Virginia Commonwealth claimed the area of present day Garrett and Allegheny Counties, of Maryland. A 1771-1780 map of Virginia’s counties shows Hampshire County, but the Virginia State boundary has Hampshire outside that boundary line. When conducting genealogical research, it is possible to find tax records for Hampshire County, Virginia included in Maryland records, and Maryland records in Hampshire County. Hampshire County was formed in 1758 by the Virginia Commonwealth and at its founding, included the present day counties of Garrett & Allegheny Counties in Maryland, and Hardy, Grant, Mineral, and part of Morgan Counties in what is now West Virginia.

The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Allegany County is often referred to as "Where the South Begins."

Geography

Allegany County lies primarily in the Ridge-and-Valley Country of the Appalachian Mountains. It is bordered to the north by the Mason-Dixon Line with Pennsylvania, to the south by the Potomac River and West Virginia, to the east by Sideling Hill Creek and Washington County, Maryland, and to the west by a land border with Garrett County, Maryland. The western part of the county contains a portion of the steep Allegheny Front,

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-46 which marks the transition to the higher-elevation Appalachian Plateau and Allegheny Mountain region. The town of Frostburg is located west of the Front at an elevation of nearly 2,100 feet above sea level, while the county seat of Cumberland, only eight miles away, has an elevation of only 627 feet.

According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 429.82 square miles, of which 425.42 square miles (or 98.98%) is land and 4.40 square miles (or 1.02%) is water.

Major Employers in Allegany County

Western Md. Medical services 2,290 Health System Frostburg State Higher education 939 University CSX Railroad 900 Transportation NewPage Pulp and paper 847 products Allegany College Higher education 714 of Md. Hunter Douglas Window blinds 690 Northeast Walmart Consumer goods 500 Rocky Gap Lodge Resort, golf and 456 & Golf Resort conference center American Cabinets 444 Woodmark The Active Telecommunicatio 440 Network ns ACS Telecommunicatio 350 ns Federal Prison 305 Correctional Inst.* Giant Food Stores Groceries 300 / MARTIN'S® Food Markets McDonald's Restaurants 300 Friends Aware Services for the 260 disabled U.S. Army National security 213 Reserve* Care Ventures Outpatient rehab 190 svcs. Moran Manor Nursing care 180 Golden Nursing care 174 LivingCenter

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-47 CareFirst Health insurance 170 Human Resource Social assistance 170 Development Commission Timbrook Car dealers 168 Automotive Berry Plastics Plastic containers 153 Excludes post offices, state and local governments; includes higher education * Employee counts for federal and military facilities exclude contractors to the extent possible; embedded contractors may be included

Allegany County currently has eight modern industrial parks located in and around the Cumberland and Frostburg areas. The sites available in these parks offer a wide variety of options including some with rail and newly added fiber optic lines. North Branch Industrial Park, the largest park in the county, is in an Enterprise Zone and has several sites available. A new technology park, Allegany Business Center, is adjacent to Frostburg State University and surrounds the newly constructed Appalachian Laboratory. The first building in the park is complete and has space available. The Barton Business Park, a few miles off I-68 on U.S. Route 220, focuses on advanced manufacturing companies needing large tracts of land for their projects.

Other Industrial parks include the Riverside Industrial Park, Commerce Center, the Upper Potomac Industrial Park, and the Frostburg Business Park

Cumberland, MD-WV MSA

Cumberland, MD-WV MSA, or Cumberland Metro for short, denotes the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Cumberland, Maryland and the surrounding economic region of Allegany County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia, in the United States.

A Metropolitan Statistical Area represents a regional economy of closely tied cities, towns, and surrounding rural areas with a high degree of social, geographic, and economic integration; and a total combined regional population of 50,000 or more. Metro Statistical Areas are named after the primary city and states within the area.

As of 2010, The City of Cumberland had a population of 20,859 and the surrounding area had a population of 103,299. Allegany and Mineral are mountainous, mostly rural areas. According to the 2010 census, more than 45 percent of the people living in the Cumberland region live in rural and non-incorporated areas.

The Cumberland Metropolitan Area is geographically isolated by a range of ridges and valleys from the rest of Maryland which is relatively flat. These mountain ranges form adjacent valleys which have served to collect and integrate the regional cities and towns

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-48 together into urbanized channels that follow the valleys northeasterly. This has served to give the area a unique sense of identity and economic integration.

The median household income for the MSA was $31,390 and the average household income was $39,750. The Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area is one of the poorest in the United States, ranking 305th out of 318 metropolitan areas in per capita income.

Regional Businesses and Employers

Significant area employers include:

· Allegheny Ballistic Laboratory/Alliant Techsystems (approximately 1,000 people) a diverse state-of-the-art industrial complex located in Rocket Center, West Virginia. About 80 military products are made here. Also on the site is the Robert C. Byrd Hilltop Office Complex and the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing.

· Newpage Corp. Luke, MD , which employs approximately 1,500 people. Papermaking defines Luke, Maryland. Named after the founder of the Piedmont Pulp and Paper Company (established in 1888), the town today primarily consists of the NewPage Luke facility.

· Allegany County government.

· CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory of Maryland a full service CPA firm providing services to commercial and individual clients throughout the tri-states of Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

· Hunter Douglas: a 378,000-square-foot facility, with 580 plus employees, makes the company the largest Hunter Douglas fabrication plant in the world. The company is Allegany County's sixth largest employer.

· American Woodmark, facilities located in the newly developed Barton Business Park, assembles wood cabinet components received from other AWC plants and ships completed cabinets to customers located in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. (Approximately 500 people employed)

· Biederlack of America a leading manufacturer of jacquard woven high-pile acrylic blankets and throws.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-49 · Western Correctional Institution State Prison, employs 550 people; a number of other people are employed at the Federal Prison and the new Maximum Security Prison all in close proximity to Cumberland.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-50 Summary

Cumberland is the largest city in Allegany County, with a population of 20,859 at the 2010 census. It is approximately 135 miles west of the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area and approximately 100 miles south east of Pittsburgh. Cumberland is also referred to as “The Queen City”, as it was once the second largest city in Maryland at the height of the industrial revolution, but declined after World War II.

Through much of its history, Cumberland's economic prosperity derived from its position as an early transportation hub linking the East Coast with the Midwest. Because of its strategic location at a gap in the mountains, Cumberland was in 1806 the starting point for the nation's first highway, the National Road, later known as U.S. Route 40. The road reached Wheeling, West Virginia on the Ohio border in 1818.

The greatest significance to Cumberland's economic development was the arrival of the B&O Railroad, which reached Cumberland from Baltimore in 1842, as well as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal from Georgetown, Washington D.C. to Cumberland, which opened in 1850. The C&O Canal provided bulk transport of items such as coal, flour, iron, and limestone products. Facilitated by Cumberland's importance as a transportation hub, manufacturing emerged as a major force in the local economy in the 19th century. By the mid-19th century Cumberland was the second largest manufacturing center in the State of Maryland. By the 1890s, five railroads served Cumberland and employed over 2,000 local people. Important industries included glass manufacturing, brewing, textiles, and iron and steel works.

Coal mining became the most important industry in the Cumberland area. Some of the richest beds of soft, bituminous coal in the country lay within the hills and mountains of this region. Coal from the Cumberland area fueled the state's mills and plants, steamships in Baltimore's harbor as well as the US Navy fleet, and was traded to buyers from all around the world. Cumberland blossomed as a result, the downtown commercial area thrived, and impressive residences built around the city reflected individual prosperity. The city became the economic center of the region.

Today its railroad heritage is showcased with The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad that runs a loop that begins and ends in Cumberland at Canal Place. The 3.5 hour trip stops in neighboring Frostburg at the Frostburg Depot for ninety minutes so passengers may shop or eat lunch. Here the steam engine of the train is detached, rotated on the turntable and reattached to the other end of the train for its journey back. Approximately 40,000 people ride the scenic railroad each year, which contributes to Cumberland’s growing tourism industry.

Over 70,000 visitors from all over the world are attracted to the area for biking or hiking through the Great Alleghany Trail that passes through Cumberland. It is also the

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-51 western terminus of the C&O Canal towpath, a 185 mile foot or bicycle path that connects Cumberland to Washington, D.C.

The Downtown Cumberland Historic District attracts visitors interested in the architecture and the history of its commercial development as reflected in the representative structures along the a charming downtown pedestrian mall on Baltimore Street and the homes along Washington Avenue.

Maryland is the first state to create art districts to help stimulate the economy and Cumberland has a thriving downtown Arts & Entertainment District is home to the Allegany Arts Council, and several art museums. Downtown boasts of a variety of restaurants and bars that feature live music, outdoor dining, a charming Farmer's Market every week during the summer and fall months, and a full schedule of seasonal events that include the Friday After Five music series, Saturday Arts Walks, and the annual Mountain Maryland Artists’ Studio Tour. The area also hosts many music festivals that attract thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Cumberland has several business parks with some of the largest employers in Alleghany County, such as the North Branch Industrial Park that is home to HunterDouglas, the largest manufacturer of custom window coverings in North America. It operates its largest facility in the USA, with over 500 employees, just five miles south of Cumberland off Route 51. Other tenants include FCI, the only Federal correction facility in the State of Maryland with over 300 employees and Berry Plastics with approximately 150 employees.

The Medical field along with education has now become some of the strongest economic powers in the area. The Allegany College of Maryland, with over 700 employees and Alleghany County’s largest employer the Western Maryland Health System has over 2,200 employees.

Ascend Collection • Cumberland, Maryland • Feasibility Study Page C-52