HG1990

NORTH BEACH

HOUSE & GARDEN

TOUR • June 3, 1990

Welcome to North Beach, a turn-of-the-century Maryland Bayside resort! Founded by a group of investors who formed the
Chesapeake Railroad Company to lure Washingtonians away from the hot and crowded Capital, the first train service to the
area began in 1899. Hotels, rooming houses, and restaurants were built to accommodate the crowds of vacationers, and sum-
mer homes were constructed for families who wished to spend the summer by the Bay. At the peak of the railroad's business,
more than 350,000 people rode the line to the beaches annually. In 1933, a great storm destroyed much of the waterfront,
and two years later the last of the train service was closed down. As a result, North Beach became increasingly dependent
upon slot machines as its main attraction. When the State banned gambling in 1968, the economic stimulus for North Beach's
businessesdrained away. In its wake were left empty bars, shuttered hotels, and vacant shopfronts. In 1982, the Town under-
took a program of revitalization, including the repair of the seawall, a waterfront park and the planning of a new development
by the Bay. Currently in progress is the extension of the Town's boardwalk by the Bay. Planning is underway for the refurbish-
ing of the Town pier to open it up for fishing. This tour celebrates the improvement seen in private homes and shops in Town.

DALE THOMAS

1. Nice & Fleazy Antiques
9131 Bay Avenue

Nice & Fleazy Antiques is the headquarters for the North Beach House & Garden Tour. Tour tickets and descriptive brochures
can be picked up at the shop from 10 AM to 5 PM.
When puchased in 1975, the former Ewald Department Store had been boarded up and abandoned for three years. Today, the
blue building with traditional awnings and distinctive signage is a landmark in the Town. A treasure trove of antiques, Nice &
Fleazy is filled with treasures from the turn of the century. Hand-carved oak. Victorian jewelry, fountains, wall clocks,
glassware. silver and vintage clothing are a few of the items to be found in this window of the past.

2. MARGE SCUDERI
9320 Atlantic Avenue

Talent and commitment to excellence have brought about the beautiful condition you see in this house today. Almost destroyed in
a major fire in 1987, this house is vibrant and alive and welcoming. An atrium window in the kitchen-dining area affords an
inspiring view of the estuary. and of the Bay. The master bedroom is decorated with a flair for color and design, an art deco
splash of black and white. Black lacquer furniture rests in silhouette against modern wall coverings. The second bedroom is
lucious in pinks and mint green in the dainty Laura Ashley style. The touch of creative design is apparent in every area of this
home.

3. ALAN & BARBARA WOLF
9304 Atlantic Avenue (House in Progress)

This retreat by the Bay was built in the early '20s, and great care is now being taken to preserve the original integrity and
charm of the cottage. Experience a sense of serenity as you enter this 2nd home getaway from the clamor and pressure of the
metropolitan area. Once carpeted, painted, and almost refinished, the cottage now shows a change of mind requiring major
renovation. Barbara, who grew up in a small town in Indiana, finds North Beach with its small town friendliness attractive and
peaceful to her. Share her vision. Alan takes great pleasure and enjoyment from the challenge of doing the reconstruction
himself.

4. MEAD HOUSE on the Bay
First & Bay Avenue

MEADE HOUSE is designed to offer the charm of an earlier day to people in the 1990s. Waterfront living with all its amenities

has sprung into life. ready for occupancy. See the Victorian turrets against the gentle Bayline in this completed renaissance

condominium. View a 2-bedroom. bayfront model apartment. an advanced concept of carefree paradise. Named after a former

mayor of North Beach. Bob Meade, and his wife, Meade House stands at the threshold of the new. revitalized North Beach of

s.the '90s. JOANN PAGLIARO
8809 First Street, Chesapeake Beach

This historic pink stucko house at bayfront was plotted in 1876, and the house was built in the early 1900s. The entire second
floor has been renovated recently, removing 4 bedrooms. and creating a master suite. a junior suite. and a cozy family room.
Note the rare rosa Italian marble in the completely redone upstairs bath. All of the original hardwood plank floors have been
restored to previous lustre. Charming in decoration. the dining room. foyer. and living room display several ceiling effects.
Inspect the old deeds and documents which will be available. This elegant house is landscaped with Italian statuary accenting
the flagstone pathway and steps.

GARY & BETTY JAMESON

6. "The Cadydid"
4030 First Street

Originally built for Appleton Cady in 1909 by Philip Tuck. the "Cadydid" is a typical example of the Post-Victorian summer
cottage. Appleton Dady was a prominent figure in the early development of North Beach, and according to Calvert County
records, the house remained in the Cady family for nearly seventy years. Purchased by the current owners in 1979, the
"Cadydid" is restored to the style of its original 1909 appearance. Close attention has been paid to preserve the original

character of the "summer cottage ." using simple board trim and minimal gingerbread. The current three-color paint scheme of
the house closely replicates the original first colors of the house as uncovered by Betty Carlson-Jameson.

NORTH BEACH TOWN HALL

7. Mayor Russell D. Hall
8916 ChesapeakeAvenue

Town Hall was renovated in 1983, and rededicated in 1984, adding four administrative offices and a reception area. Regular
meetings held here are with the Mayor and Town Council. Planning Commission, Board of Appeals. and Election Board, and at
Christmas a special program is presented by the House & Garden Committee. Incumbent Treasurer Thelma Robinson. elected
without interruption since 1942. remembers. prior to 1937, when "Town Hall was a large cement platform with a little room in
back used for a prison cell, and a little room in front. for the magistrate to hear cases. An old pot-belly stove heated a small
area with a podium with a railing around it, and the floors were bare wood ... Prior to that, Town Hall was just a slab of
cement, no walls, no roof, which the kids used for roller skating. It took a lot of hard work to raise money in the town to erect
the first walls. The first walls for council chambers came about through the efforts of the North Beach Civic League, who held
bake sales, ice cream socials. etc. to raise money. Now the modern building into which you are invited serves the Town.

UNION CHURCH*
Rev. Gary Fruik, Pastor
8912 ChesapeakeAvenue

The Church was formed in July. 1911, located on Frederick Avenue. and was called "The Church in the Woods." The current
building was started in 1921, and the congregation moved in in 1922. Union Church is an inter-denominational community
church which sponsors a variety of activities: Bible study and choir rehearsal take place in the church sanctuary, in addition to
Sunday School and Morning Worship, AA meetings, Vacation Bible School, music singspiration, youth activities, and Ladies Aid.
Some library activities are carried on here as well. Notice the thirteen large stained glass windows commemorating families,
individuals and relationships. The oak pews with their red upholstery are inviting spots to rest your body, still your mind, and
gaze upon the altar upon which is inscribed, THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCEOF ME.
"Unlon Church is a designated refreshment station on -the Tour.

8. JOHN & EDNA GOSHORN
3906 3rd Street (Corner 3rd & Greenwood)

Visit the magical gardens of the Goshorns. Whirley-gigs, animal statuary and bird motels dot gardens whithin the garden. John
moved to North Beach 12 years ago, and two years later married Edna. But he didn't begin gardening until the birth of Sarah
Ellen, 6 years ago. "I've been sticking things in ever since," says John, whose vision is to keep something blooming all year long.
Banana trees and cactus share ground with clematis and rare orchid German iris. "I see something I like and root it, and it just
takes off. Now I like wildflowers and the challenging African violets," John mentions as he wonders what his African violets
need next. See this edge-of-the-woods garden where something exciting is going on now.

9. JIM PERSECHINO
8187 Windward Key Drive, Chesapeake Beach

This 4-level townhouse makes a statement of art and elegance against the panoramic backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay. An end
unit, the bay and sky meet through numerous sliding glass doors, windows, and decks. Jim has been in residence slightly more
than a year and has decorated windows, walls, and ceilings to achieve a harmonious bachelor pad. Particularly notable is the
modern artwork throughout and stylized furniture by Baker, Knapp & Tubbs, and Gallahans' Furniture. See the marble-enclosed
hot tub and sauna on the lower level. The A-frame skylighted loft with private deck is Jim's "honeymoon" chamber.

10. CHESAPEAKE BEACH RAILWAY MUSEUM
Chesapeake Beach

This marvelous museum is housed in the original railroad station that was built in 1898. The first train arrived at the beach on·
June 9, 1900. and the last left here on April 15. 1935. The railroad began at the Washington terminal in Seat Pleasant and
travelled through Marlboro. Mount Calvert. Owings and on to Chesapeake Beach. A quarter-mile boardwalk paralleled the shore
and was lined with amusements and rides. A mile-long pier landed passengers arriving by steamer from Baltimore.
In 1979. the Donovan brothers offered the railroad station to the people of Calvert County, if the Calvert County Historical
Society would undertake its restoration. The result was a lease for S 1 a year. and thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of
volunteers and many contributors. this station was restored to its present condition.

t t. THOMAS A. & GRACIE RYMER
Camp Roosevelt

Judge Thomas Rymer and his wife have reconstructed and restored the Boy Scout Mess Hall at Camp Roosevelt as their
gracious home. The home is in the Calvert County Historic District. Camp Roosevelt was the first Boy Scout camp in the United
States. Some of the property was rented in 1914. with acquisition of the first 60 acres in 1924. The present Mess Hall was
built in 1936. and dedicated in 1937 as a part of the National Boy Scout Jamboree celebration in Washington. The current
owners have faithfully restored the building. and have included a gable from the old infirmary which shows the names of all
the Camp doctors from 1919 to 1967. Note the beautiful indoor pool behind leaded glass doors as you enter, and the owners'
collection of Orientalia.

12. JIM & AUDREY RUCKERT
Weeluv

4610 Old Willows Road, The Willows

The Ruckert's bay home was purchased in 1966, an unfinished cinder block shell with kitchen and bath. Bedrooms and bath
were added to the north end in the early '70s, and in the '80s earn= the garage and greenhouse. This exciting complex is used
by the Ruckerts for entertaining. in the pursuit of crafts and hobbies, and flower gardening. The Weeluv offers a panoramic
view, over treetops and valleys. of the ChesapeakeBay. Special points of interest are 19th Century maps in the living room and
bedroom. the nautical library, the early U.S. nautical thirteen-star flag, Civil War general's field desk. and models of various
early bay craft.

13. DALE THOMAS

Paran •

3611 Bayview Drive. The Willows

Paran was designed by Donald Beakman Myer of the Fine Arts Commission. and was constructed in 1970. The house features a
stained glass window, sculpted by Robert Lewis of Smithsonian fame. Note the 18th Century hand-carved chandelier. now
electrified. which once hung in the Embassy of Venezuela; the spacious wrap-around deck. designed by former Bill Lego; and
the bamboo and piano wire bird cage by Lego. Pine beams throughout the house were once owned by Gen. Robert E. Lee and
came from a cabin occupied by Stonewall Jackson until shortly before his death. Paran's house and gardens. sweeping from
cliffside to the Bay. are used by various groups for classes, meditation, and retreat. and it is the home of weekly classes in
"A Course in Miracles."
"Pa ran is a designated refreshment station on the Tour.

14. CHESAPEAKE COUNTRY NURSERY & GARDEN SHOP
Rt. 261 & Breezy Point Road

Visit the brand new ChesapeakeCountry Nursery which celebrated its grand opening in the spring of 1990. Courteous people
are there to assist you with fine bulbs. plants, shrubs and trees and one of the area's largest selections of perennials.
Competitively priced with other quality nurseries. the plants are healthy. fresh. locally grown. and guaranteed. Meet an up-scale
group of people, headed by Grant Palmer, and let them assist you in choosing suitable plants for your site and learning the
conditions to make them thrive. You can enjoy the friendliness in this customer-oriented shop and like in a hurry the new kid
on the block. The unique building with its skylights and hand-split cedar roof was built by Jim Ruckert and sits on a Calvert
County landmark: the Texaco service station and lawn mower and engine repair shop of Capt. Lee Bowen since 1920.

15. JERRY KEARNS - GENE MOORE
3950 Tobacco Road (park at ChesapeakeCountry Nursery), Chesapeake Beach, MD

At 3950 Breezy Point Road there is a simple country house. inspired by the Japanese minka, enveloped by acres of woods and
wildlife. A weather-tight shell constructed by a local builder has been created. trimmed and refined by the designer-owners into
a unique oriental retreat. The surrounding gardens utilizing the large pines. dogwoods and added evergreens, are enjoyed
through expanses of glass which allow one to enjoy the subtleties and realities of the changing seasons. Another five years will
be needed to complete this private place but it exhibits what creative hours of work can provide with a limited budget and
cooperation from mother nature.

~·~ei((C)~~~~~

The House & Garden Committee wishes to thank the following corporate sponsors who have donated generously:

BAYCREST ELVIRA'S MARYLAND NATIONAL BANK SHERBERT'S MOBIL STATION
Schwartz Realty 4103 - 7th Street Owings Branch. Rt. 2 & 260 ChesapeakeAvenue
535-1610./855-1950 257-6850 257-7551 855-8343/257-6121

BAYSIDE FLORIST FSI DESIGN GROUP MEADE HOUSE SIDEKICKS
2nd & Chesapeake Avenue 8901 ChesapeakeAvenue 1st & Bay Avenue 4104- 3rd St & Herr. Harbour Marina
855-7505 855-0055/257-0055 257-3005/855-8808 257-2149

aCALVERT BANK TRUST GENERATIONS Ill REALTY MICHELLE GROOT, REAL TOR SIMMONS CABLE TV
8806 ChesapeakeAvenue ADM Real Estate 8924-B ChesapeakeAvenue
Chesapeake Station Branch 257-3005/855-8808 257-2666/855-2666 257-3060
257-0900

CHESAPEAKE COUNTRY NURSERY HERRINGTON HARBOUR MARINA NEPTUNE'S SEAFOOD PUB TAN'S CYCLE PARTS
& GARDEN SHOP Rose Haven First & ChesapeakeAvenue 4th & ChesapeakeAvenue
257-7899 855-8337 /257-6619
Rt. 261 & Breezy Point Road
THE TEAROSE PARLOR
257-0900 855-8399/741-5100 sNICE FLEAZY ANTIQUES
FANTASY ISLAND GAZEBOS IGA SUPERMARKET 7th s Bay Avenue 7th s Bay Avenue

9132 Bay Avenue 5th & Bay Avenue 257-3044/855-5066 855-5666

855-0117 /535-0611 257-6116 NORTH BEACH MERCHANTS ASSOC. WILEITA'S ANTIQUES
7th & Bay Avenue
FRANCHl'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT KAINE, INC. Larry Plant. President 855-5066/257-3044
3rd & ChesapeakeAvenue · Shirley Kaine. Sec.-Treas. 257-6850
WINDWARD KEY
855-6410 535-2226/855-1330 RAR ASSOCIATES DEVELOP. CORP. Bayside Road, Ches. Beach
855-6838
The North Beach House S Garden Committee gratefully acknowledges the presence and 9132 Bay Avenue
support of the Antique Auto Club of California. MD. 855-6600

HOUSE a GARDEN TOUR COMMITTEE

Chairman: Dale Thomas

Joy Cassidy • Betty Freesland • Jean & Larry Hatch • Betty Jameson • Elvira Plant • Nancy Regelin • Dehlia Sher