Millions of Americans will head to the beach this summer for vacation. It's a tradition that started during the industrial revolution. As incomes increased, more and more people wanted to get away from the cities so they looked for places to take vacations. In 1879, Annapolis businessman James Vansant began developing Tolley Point Farm into a resort and amusement park. In 1886 he decided to expand the boardwalk and hotel. The Bay Ridge Company was formed and bonds where sold to help defer costs.
 |
| Source: Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties |
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad President bought half of the available bonds giving him controlling interest in the resort. Thousands of visitors flocked to the area by steam ship and railroad. It was dubbed the 'Queen Resort of the Chesapeake."
The resort fell on hard times and closed in 1915 after a fire destroyed the hotel and much of the park. The home on 11 Barry is the only thing left of the resort. The beautiful home was the caretaker's of the resort.
In 1922, investors changed the property over to a residential area and marketed the lots as a summer colony. They had mixed results with only 70 built. Families would come in just for the summer. The Depression hit and a proposed hotel on Bay Drive was scrapped. Bay Ridge became a year round community when World War II hit and the need for housing increased. Which is how it got its start as we know it today. Most of the homes have been re-done over the years, but never lost its charm.
113 Bay Drive, Annapolis, MD
Search Bay Ridge Properties
Thinking about buying or selling? I would love to help.
Greg Beckman
Coldwell Banker Residential Properties
Cell 410-474-8995
Office 410-263-8686
Sources:
Maryland Archives of Historic Properties
No comments:
Post a Comment