 |
 |
History |
|
Table of Contents
Related Links |
In 1830 there was a settlement of houses and stores along
Parr's Ridge. During its early days, however, the settlement had
no name. In the 1840's the Town's few citizens felt the need for
a church and education for their children. In 1846 the Ridge
Presbyterian Chruch was built and a private school conducted in
the basement for the next 20 years. This church building has
been preserved and is now know as Pine Grove Chapel.
The years between 1833 and 1850 were growing years for the B&O Railroad which ran between Baltimore and Frederick, and then on to Cumberland and west. Parr's Ridge was a challenge to the engineer's ability to design engines capable of pulling cars over the summit. Track was run into the village and a station built. As the railroad grew, so did the Town. Much of its prosperity can be traced to the B&O Railroad.
History tells of an Irish B&O brakeman whose ears were freezing from the keen, cold air which crosses Parr's Ridge. He suggested the name Mount Airy would be appropriate. The name met with the favor of the people and became the Town's legal name.
The next decade, 1860 forward, brings the Civil War period when Mayland stayed with the Union, but Mount Airy was very definitely southern in its sympathies. The railroad system to carry northern troops and supplies to the southern battlefield was to be jealously guarded by a New Jersey regiment stationed in Mount Airy. The officers and men were quartered at Pine Grove Chapel and the mess tent was erected to the rear of the church in what is now the cemetery. A sick and delirious soldier who wandered into Ridgeville and died was the first person given a Christian burial in the land back of the church.
By the 1890's the Town had grown considerably and the Episcopal Church was built, followed by the methodist and southern Methodist churches. In 1895, the B&O Railroad, trying to cope with the crossing at Parr's ridge, conceived the idea of a tunnel which in its day was a great engineering feat, and is one the longest tunnels east of the Rockies even today. The laboring force used to construct the tunnel brought turbulent times to Mount Airy with drunken brawls and shooting parties.
The B&O Railroad for many years brought children and the ill to Mount Airy for medical care in the Garrett Sanitarium.
No longer economically tied to the railroad, Mount Airy is home for many who work along the Baltimore/Washington corridor, as well as families who have lived there for generations.
To date, the museum collection includes many pictures, old newspapers, newspaper clippings books, clothing home furnishings business items, signs, tools and items distinctive to the Town of Mount Airy. Museum volunteers needed. Please contact us via e-mail mountairyhistoricalsociety@earthlink.net if you are interested.
When the Centennial was over, the committee approached Mayor Jerry Johnson with the idea of possibly using the lower level of the old Town Hall for the purpose of establishing a museum. Mayor Johnson wholeheartedly agreed, and we were on our way. The Mount Airy Museum is a lasting outcome of the Mount Airy Centennial.
After several meetings and field trips to other museums and historical societies, the group decided to form an organization to be named, "The Historical Society of Mount Airy, Maryland, Inc." With the assistance of Tim Barkley of Barkley Law Office, and Catherine Ditman, CPA, the task of filing the numerous forms related to by-laws, incorporation papers, and tax information moved forward. Monika Jenkins, Town Planner, assisted with the preparation of the narrative portion of our nonprofit application. The final papers were received in July of 1998, and "The Historical Society of Mount Airy, Maryland Inc." became a reality.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor truly deserving people, living or deceased, of Mt. Airy and the immediate surrounding areas, who by work, service, volunteerism, word or deed, made the community a better place for everyone. Also honored will be those who were born here and went on to bring honor and glory to the community by their efforts, deeds, or life's work outside of the area. By honoring these individuals, it is believed that their stories will inspire others to greater achievement and make everyone aware of the fabric that is woven into our home - Mt. Airy, Maryland.
Nomination forms for the Mount Airy Hall of Fame may be found at the Mount Airy Town Hall or by clicking here. Any person or group is eligible to submit nominations to the committee using this form. Candidates should be considered from the following fields:
HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 244
Mount Airy, MD 21771