✦ 75 YEARS with PRESERVATION MARYLAND SAVING the PAST SHAPING the FUTURE ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ 75 YEARS with PRESERVATION MARYLAND ✦ SAVING the PAST SHAPING the FUTURE A Publication of Preservation Maryland in Celebration of its Diamond Jubilee, 1931 ~ 2006 copyright © preservation maryland 2007 MISSION STATEMENT Preservation Maryland is dedicated to preserving Maryland’s Donors historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, and archaeological Hon. and Mrs. Walter E. Black, Jr. sites through outreach, funding, and advocacy. Ms. Lisa Burcham Mr. David Chase ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Cox II 75 Years with Preservation Maryland is made possible through Ms. Virginia A. Cox a matching grant from the France-Merrick Foundation and the Dr. Julia A. King and Mr. Ray Cannetti following generous contributors: The Hon. Julian L. Lapides Ms. Linda B. Lyons Matching funds provided by Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company Mr. and Mrs. William D. Waxter III Ms. Kathryn Washburn Niskanen and Mr. Gregory K. Oyler The Middendorf Foundation Mr. and Mrs. W. Peter Pearre, AIA The Dorothy and Henry A. Rosenberg, Jr., Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Diane Savage Hon. William Donald Schaefer Substantial support provided by Somerset County Historical Trust, Inc. Mr. Joel D. Cohn Mrs. Ann Carter Stonesifer Mr. and Mrs. George R. Floyd Mr. and Mrs. Frank. K. Turner, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Gearhart Mr. and Mrs. Guy Warfield Ms. Louise Hayman Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kameen Ms. Nancy Schamu Whitmore Group CREDITS Written by Roger W. Friskey, Jr. Edited by Louise Hayman Designed by Lynne Menefee Printed by Whitmore Group cover photos: From clockwise: Redwood Street, Baltimore; interior staircase, Patterson Park Pagoda, Baltimore; Tilghman Island skipjacks; B&O Railroad Building, Baltimore; Easton Historic District; Burnside Bridge, Antietam; Frederick Historic District; tobacco barn, St. Leonard. unless otherwise noted, all photographs are the property of preservation maryland. 75 YEARS with PRESERVATION MARYLAND Table of Contents 1 Foreword by Richard Moe 3 Preservation Maryland Today 6 The Early Years: Commemorating George Washington 7 Hampton: SPMA Renewed 11 Stewards of Wye House Farm 13 Sotterley: A National Historic Landmark Preserved 15 Wye Mill: Vestige of the Industrial Revolution 17 Rodgers Tavern: Along the Road to Democracy 19 Waverly: Legacy of Early Governors 21 Forging State Preservation Policy 25 Catalyst for Redevelopment above: The Patterson Park Observatory was designed by Charles H. Latrobe, and its 29 Aligning Historic Preservation and Environmental Conservation restoration is a symbol of a revitalized Baltimore neighborhood. 33 Looking Ahead opposite: Visitors to Patterson Park have 35 Outreach, Advocacy, and Funding Projects enjoyed the “pagoda” since its construction in 1891. (Photo: Maryland Historical Society) 48 Preservation Maryland Leaders RICHARD MOE, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION Foreword his publication chronicles 75 years of remarkable achievement by an organization well known for its outstanding leadership in preserving Tthe heritage of one of America’s first colonies and oldest states. These pages are a powerful testament to the work of scores of men and women who have given time, expertise, and financial support in ways large and small, always with the goal of saving Maryland’s heritage for future generations. 75 Years with Preservation Maryland will strengthen and enlarge Preservation Maryland’s presence, informing readers and reminding many how this dynamic organization touches the lives of individuals and communities across the state. The achievements of Preservation Maryland are the results of a collaboration of a broad partnership of individuals, community and statewide organizations, and other supporters, all of whom come together under Preservation Maryland’s banner. In the forefront of this coalition stands the National Trust for Historic Preservation whose foundations can be traced in part to the earliest efforts of Preservation Maryland, the nation’s third-oldest statewide historic preservation organization. In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation bestowed on Preservation Maryland the Trustees Award for Organizational Excellence. (Photo: National Trust for Historic Preservation) For nearly 60 years, Preservation Maryland has been a steadfast partner. It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to work closely with this organization. For those unfamiliar with the Preservation Maryland story, this is an excellent introduction. Even longtime supporters will find some surprises in this impressive record of achievement. You will see that much of the organization’s history reflects the goals and strategies of the preservation movement in America, and its current strategies are on the cutting edge of our combined national efforts. The next years will be crucial to the future of Maryland’s heritage as time, disinvestment, sprawl, and unwise development threaten both urban and rural historic sites and landscapes. To face these challenges, Preservation Maryland 1 saving the past, shaping the future will need to enlist an even wider array of stakeholders and educate the next generation of dedicated preservationists. It is my hope that all who read this will be inspired to rededicate themselves to the mission of Preservation Maryland or to assume an active role in preserving Maryland’s heritage. Richard Moe President, National Trust for Historic Preservation November 2007 above: Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, presented the organization’s 2001 Trustees Award for Organizational Excellence to Preservation Maryland’s exectutive director Tyler Gearhart (left) and board president Frank Turner. left: The restoration of the USS Constellation was supported by Preservation Maryland after the National Trust named it one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places. 75 years with preservation maryland 2 saving the past, shaping the future 2 AMERICA’S THIRD OLDEST STATEWIDE Preservation Maryland Today HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORGANIZATION hroughout Maryland the positive influence of historic preservation is inescapable. From Garrett County to Worcester County, and places Tin between, preservation is making communities more engaging and livable. Handsome and historic houses have been restored. New uses are being found for significant commercial and industrial buildings that might otherwise have been demolished. A sophisticated set of technical, financial, and communication tools have been developed to advance preservation. Without a doubt, historic preservation is now a major economic, aesthetic, and educational force in the state. For 75 years, Preservation Maryland has been the catalyst and leader in protecting and preserving our state’s four centuries of architectural history. For this leadership, Preservation Maryland has received national recognition for saving individual sites and revitalizing historic neighborhoods and commercial districts. Partnerships with local preservation groups throughout the state have helped make heritage tourism a multi-billion dollar a year industry in Maryland. Visiting historic sites and museums is one of the top three activities for visitors to the state. Maryland’s rich and varied architectural styles have been a magnet for the film industry. The efforts of Preservation Maryland members over the years have contributed to an appreciation of Maryland’s history, unique sense of place, and quality of life. top: The first offices of Preservation Maryland were in the Maryland Historical Society’s Advocacy, Outreach, and Funding Pratt House at 201 West Monument Street in Baltimore. (Photo: Maryland Historical Preservation Maryland has leased its current Baltimore headquarters at Old St. Society) Paul’s Episcopal Church Rectory since 1989. The Rectory represents excellent bottom: The Rectory, home to the church’s adaptive re-use and the organization’s signature collaborative preservation rectors and their families, was restored and furnished appropriate to circa 1830. efforts. The Georgian-style residence for the parish’s rector was built in 1791 opposite: This 18th-century painting of on land conveyed to the Vestry of St. Paul’s Church by John Eager Howard in the Rectory, a Baltimore City Landmark, 1786. Preservation Maryland’s renovation preserves the building’s circa 1830 is in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society. appearance. The Rectory is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 75 years with preservation maryland 4 The Rectory is the symbolic heart of the organization which assists local heritage groups with one of the most extensive grant programs of any statewide preservation organization. Those grants are for emergency repairs, legal fees, interpretive programs, and many other important preservation projects. Thanks to state and foundation support, Preservation Maryland has awarded more than $2 million through its grant programs. The Preservation Colleagues program provides organizational development and technical assistance to local heritage organizations. The annual Endangered Maryland list highlights those buildings and neighborhoods in particular peril while the sponsorship of workshops and lectures furthers public awareness of historic preservation issues. The organization works with public officials, builds coalitions, and uses advocacy alerts to advance preservation policies and funding. For nearly 30 years, Preservation Maryland has published The Phoenix newsletter. A highlight