CT-973 Locust Inn - Maryland Historical Trust · 03-02-2017 · replacement windows. The main entryway consists of a single-leaf wood door flanked by two-light sidelights over a

CT-973

Locust Inn

Architectural Survey File

This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey file is organized reverse-

chronological (that is, with the latest material on top). It contains all MIHP inventory forms, National

Register nomination forms, determinations of eligibility (DOE) forms, and accompanying documentation

such as photographs and maps.

Users should be aware that additional undigitized material about this property may be found in on-site

architectural reports, copies of HABS/HAER or other documentation, drawings, and the “vertical files” at

the MHT Library in Crownsville. The vertical files may include newspaper clippings, field notes, draft

versions of forms and architectural reports, photographs, maps, and drawings. Researchers who need a

thorough understanding of this property should plan to visit the MHT Library as part of their research

project; look at the MHT web site (mht.maryland.gov) for details about how to make an appointment.

All material is property of the Maryland Historical Trust.

Last Updated: 02-03-2017

Addendum to Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties Form

Page 1 of 11 Name of Property: Locust Inn

Inventory No. CT -973

Location: 14478 Solomons Island Road South (MD 2), Solomons, Maryland

Updated Owner Information:

Robert Lee Siemon

P.O. Box 233

Solomons, MD

20688-0233

Property Description:

Overview and Site

In April 2015, the Calvert County government identified ten properties that are in a floodplain, are likely

to be affected by a storm event that raises water up to five feet, or are along shorelines that are

susceptible to erosion and intrusion from rising water table. The Locust Inn is one of these properties;

however, there does not appear to be any environmental damage to the property.

The Locust Inn is located in Solomons, Calvert County, Maryland. The five-bay, three-story structure sits

in the floodplain on a narrow, man-made causeway that connects Solomons Island to the peninsula at

Johnstown. The property is located on a flat, level site that is bounded to the east by The Narrows, a

tributary of Back Creek, to the west by Solomons Island Road, to the south by a parking lot, and to the

north by an adjacent property. Two prominent locust trees, for which the building is named, are located

in front. The large grassy side/rear yard (northeast) is bordered by a metal chain-link fence. East of this

area is a swimming pool surrounded by a higher metal chain-link fence; several small outbuildings are

located south of the in-ground swimming pool.

The Inn is in fair condition and retains a high degree of integrity of location, setting, feeling, and

association. It retains a moderate degree of integrity of design, materials, and workmanship, as there

have been several additions and alterations to the dwelling.

Prepared by: C. Leggio, D. Litowitz, and S. Wieczorek, Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson

Date: July 15, 2015


Page 2of11 Name of Property: Locust Inn

Inventory No. CT-973


Exterior

The original, frame three-story Locust Inn building, constructed circa 1886, measures five bays wide by

two bays deep (Photograph 1). Today, the Inn and its additions are clad with aluminum siding. The

building has a very shallow, front-gabled roof (material not visible) with slightly overhanging boxed

metal eaves and vinyl soffit panels . An interior brick chimney pierces the roof on the south side. The

peak of the gable is adorned with a turned wood finial. The central bay of the fai;:ade (west elevation)

projects slightly from the front of the dwelling and consists of the entryway below paired windows on

the second and third stories (Photograph 2) . All windows on the fai;:ade are two-over-two vinyl

replacement windows. The main entryway consists of a single-leaf wood door flanked by two-light

sidelights over a single panel and surmounted by a three-light transom (Photograph 3). Fenestration on

the rest of the fai;:ade consists of windows aligned symmetrically on the outer two bays. A full-width,

screened porch with a shed roof of standing seam metal spans the first story. It is wood-framed and sits

on a poured concrete slab. It is accessed via two poured concrete steps that lead to an aluminum screen

door in the enclosure.

The south elevation of the inn features three distinct building phases, including the main block, the two

story rear ell, and the one-story rear ell with the hipped roof (Photographs 4 and 7). The main block of

the inn is two bays deep with two symmetrically placed two-over-two vinyl replacement windows at the

first, second, and third stories . The two-story rear ell is clad in aluminum siding and is pierced by

irregular door and window openings. The first story of this addition features three six-over-six windows

and a single-leaf panel-and-light wood door. On the second story of this ell are three six-over-six

windows, although they are not symmetrically spaced above those on the first story. The south

elevation of the one-story rear ell features four window openings and a single-leaf entry. There are both

two-over-two vinyl replacement windows, like those found on the main block, and six-over-six windows.

The rear (east) elevation is comprised of four separate building phases, including the main block, the

two rear ells, and a one- and two-story shed-roofed addition (Photographs 6 and 10). Much of the main

block is obscured by the various additions, leaving only sections of the original building visible.

Remaining visible on the east elevation of the main block are five window openings, all containing two

over-two vinyl replacement windows. There is one window visible on both the first and second stories

and three at the third story. Likewise, the two-story rear ell retains only one visible opening from this

elevation, containing a single six-over-six window. Dominating this elevation of the one-story rear ell is

the centrally located exterior end chimney of stretcher-bond brick construction . A single two-over-two


Date: July 15, 2015





vinyl replacement window and a single-leaf door flank it. Additionally, this elevation features a one- and

two-story addition with a shed roof. A single-leaf door pierces the one-story section of the addition and

the two-story section features a two-over-two vinyl replacement window.

The four separate building phases are also evident from the north elevation (Photographs 5, 9, and 11).

The north elevation of the main block has no window openings, unlike the south elevation, which is two

bays deep. The shed-roof addition is pierced at the first story by a single two-over-two vinyl

replacement window. On the two-story rear ell, there are three window openings, one at the first story

and two at the second story. All of these openings contain six-over-six windows. The one-story rear ell is

pierced by four openings, the westernmost of which contains a triple six-over-six window. Adjacent to this opening are three unevenly spaced, two-over-two vinyl replacement windows.

Interior

A number of alterations have been made to the interior of the dwelling, resulting in the covering of the

original floors with wall -to-wall carpeting and the partial replacement and repair of plaster walls and

ceilings with wallboard and simulated-wood paneling.

First Floor

The main entrance of the Locust Inn opens onto a central hall which provides access to the kitchen in

the rear and bedrooms on either side (Photographs 12-14). A straight, closed-stringer stair is positioned

against the rear and north wall and provides access to the second floor (Photograph 15). The staircase is

of mahogany wood and features simple turned balusters and a large turned newel post. All interior

woodwork and trim documented in the 2002 inventory form was found to still be extant.

The kitchen is accessible via the rear door in the central hall. It occupies the lower story of the two and

one-story shed roof additions located in the rear of the main block (Photograph 16). Wood clapboard

siding is still extant on the east-facing wall and corresponds to the rear wall of the original block.

The easternmost addition is accessible via a door off the kitchen; however, this area was not accessible

at tl1e time of survey.

Second Floor


Date: July 15, 2015





On the second floor, three bedrooms and a hallway occupy the original block of the house (Photographs

17-18). A large bedroom with two front windows and one rear window occupies the northernmost third

of the block, while two bedrooms situated in the front of the house and a stair hall and hallway occupy

the remaining two thirds (Photograph 19). The bathroom is located in an addition off the central bay of

the rear of the house, and a shotgun style arrangement of three bedrooms occupies the second floor of

the ell addition (Photograph 20). The easternmost of these rooms contains a staircase leading to the first

floor of the addition that was temporarily covered at the time of the survey (Photograph 21).

Third Floor

The third floor consists of the original block of the building (Photographs 22-24). As on the second floor,

a large bedroom occupies the northernmost third of the floor plan. A narrow bathroom occupies a single

bay to the south, while the remainder of the floor is occupied by two small bedrooms and a hallway.


Date: July 15, 2015

Addendum to Inventory No. CT -973

Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties Form

Page 5of11 Name of Property: Locust Inn Location: 14478 Solomons Island Road South (MD 2), Solomons, Maryland

CT-973- locust Inn - Photo Log

Prints created using Epson DuraBrite Ultra Inks and Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper

Data included on Verbatim ® Ultralife™ Archival Grade DVD-R with Proprietary AZO record ing dye

Image Image File Name Image Description No. 1 CT-973_2015-05-25_01 Overview of the Locust Inn property, looking east. 2 CT-973_2015-05-25_02 View of the fa~ade, looking east.

3 CT-973_2015-05-25_03 View of the fa~ade, main entry deta il. 4 CT-973_2015-05-25_04 View of the south elevation, looking northeast.

5 CT-973 2015-05-25 05 View of the north elevation, looking south.

6 CT-973 2015-05-25 06 View of the rear elevation and additions, looking west-southwest. 7 CT-973_2015-05-25_07 View of the south and east elevations and large addition, looking

northwest.

8 CT-973_2015-05-25_08 View of the south elevation of the easternmost addition, looking northeast.

9 CT-973_2015-05-25_09 View of the north elevation of the easternmost addition, looking south-southeast.

10 CT-973_2015-05-25_10 View of the east elevation of the easternmost addition, looking south-southwest.

11 CT-973_2015-05-25_11 View of the central additions on the east elevation, looking south -southwest.

12 CT-973 2015-05-25 12 View of the front door, detail.

13 CT-973 2015-05-25 13 View of the central hall, facing east.

14 CT-973_2015-05-25 - 14 View of the south bed chamber door opening in the central hall, facing south.

15 CT-973 2015-05-25 15 Detail of the newel post and staircase in the first floor foyer.

16 CT-973_2015-05-25_16 View of the first floor kitchen addit ion, facing west. Note the original exterior wooden clapboards on the east-facing wall.

17 CT-973_2015-05-25_17 View of the second floor stair hall, facing west.

18 CT-973 2015-05-25 18 View of the second floor hallway, facing south.

19 CT-973 2015-05-25 19 View of a typical bed chamber, facing west.

20 CT-973_2015-05-25_20 View of the center room on the second floor of the rear ell, facing northwest.

21 CT-973 _2015-05-25 _21 View of the easternmost room on the second floor of the rea r ell, facing northeast.

Prepared by: C. Leggio , D. Litowitz, and S. Wieczorek, Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson

Date: July 15, 2015

Addendum to Inventory No. CT -973


Page 6of11 Name of Property: Locust Inn Location: 14478 Solomons Island Road South (MD 2), Solomons, Maryland

22 CT-973 2015-05-25 22 View of the third floor stair hall, facing west. 23 CT-973_2015-05-25_23 View of the third hall, facing south. 24 CT-973_2015-05-25_24 View of the northernmost third floor bedroom, facing west. 25 CT-973_2015-05-25_25 View of the rear/side yard, facing southeast. 26 CT-973 _2015-05-25 _26 View of the outbuildings in the rear yard, facing southeast.


Date: July 15, 2015





Floorplans and Interior Photo Keys

12 • -.. 3~ ' c::::::t

(NO ACCESS)

+ 15 14 13-+

+ ,

I .. ___ ...... (NO ACCESS)

FIRST FLOOR (NOTTO SCALE)

-.. ' c::::::t

, I

I


(NO ACCESS)

- - - - -- - - - -

Date: July 15, 2015





c "'O

SECOND FLOOR (NOT TO SCALE)

+17

, ,

.._19

, ,

, I

18 ' t

.. '


' ~ 20 NMOO ..

' .. -A 2

Date: July 15, 2015





THIRD FLOOR (NOT TO SCALE)

..-24

.. ,

, I

23

+

\ ~

- -

- -

- -


- -

- -

- -

- - - - - -I I

I I

I I - - - - I I

I I I - - - - - - -

Date: July 15, 2015

•





Resource Location Map and Exterior Photo Key

KEY

* Resource Location


0.02 Miles

Date: July 15, 2015


Page 11 of 11 Name of Property: Locust Inn



Resource Location Map

' \ \ I

\ ' I

I

I

I

I I

1l \ 8--

""'- ru .... _ x £.>. · '---- ,. r

--- .... " ' \

\

\ \

\

KEY SOURCE

'\.. ----' --'-.... ___ _,_

'-...l ____ _

* Resource Location Solomons Island, MD Quad. USGS 1977.

SCALE t -11


0.5 Miles

Date: July 15, 2015

CAPSULE SUMMARY CT-973 Locust Inn 14478 S. Solomons Island Road Solomons, Calvert County Ca.1886 Private

Locust Inn, one of the oldest and most well known inns on Solomons Island, is located at 14478

South Solomons Island Road in Solomons in Calvert County. Situated on the main road in

Solomons Island, the Italianate-style building was constructed as a two-story dwelling circa 1886.

It was enlarged to three stories in 1910 and converted to an inn by the Condiff family, who

retained ownership until 1968. In 1971, Pearl English, the current owner, purchased the property

and continues to operate it as the Locust Inn.

Rising three stories in height, the five-bay-wide building features a slightly projecting central

tower and a full-width front porch. The wood-frame building has been reclad in aluminum siding

and the shallow-pitched, front-gabled roof has asphalt shingles. An interior-end brick chimney

rises from the southwest comer of the building. Two brick chimneys rise from the rear ells of the

inn. There are two rear additions built in two distinct stages during the first half of the 20th

century. The westernmost of these two ells rises two stories in height and features a gable roof,

while the rear addition rises one story in height and is capped by a hipped roof with standing

seam metal cladding. Additionally, there is a two-story shed roof addition on the rear of the main

block in 1910. At the time of this substantial alteration, it appears possible that the fa~ade of the

building was embellished with Italianate-style detailing. Two non-historic sheds, a non-historic

workshop and pump house, two piers, and an in-ground swimming pool further augment the

property.


1. Name of Property (indicate preferred name)

historic Locust Inn

other

2.Location street and number 14478 S. Solomons Island Road

city, town Solomons

county Calvert


not for publication

vicinity

3. Owner of Property (give names and mailing addresses of all owners)

name Pearl L. English

street and number POBox233

city, town Solomons

4. Location of Legal Description courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Calvert County Courthouse

city, town Prince Frederic

5. Primary Location of Additional Data Contributing Resource in National Register District Contributing Resource in Local Historic District

state MD

Determined Eligible for the National Register/Maryland Register Determined Ineligible for the National Register/Maryland Register Recorded by HABS/HAER Historic Structure Report or Research Report Other

6. Classification

Category district

X building(s)

structure

site object

Ownership

public X private

both

Current Function agriculture commerce/trade defense

X domestic education funerary government health care industry

landscape recreation/culture religion social transportation work in progress unknown vacant/not in use other:

telephone 410/326-9817

zip code 20688-0233

tax map and parcel: M46A, P21

fiber JLB folio 389

Resource Count Contributing Noncontributing

___ I __ 3_ buildings

__ l

sites _ _J structures

objects ~_Q_ Total

Number of Contributing Resources previously listed in the Inventory

____ I ___ _

7. Description

Condition

excellent __x_ good

fair

deteriorated ruins altered


Prepare both a one paragraph summary and a comprehensive description of the resource and its various elements as it exists today.

The Locust Inn is located at 14478 South Solomons Island Road in Solomons, Calvert County. Set along the main road on Solomons Island, the circa 1886 Italianate-style inn fronts close to the road with landscaping and two prominent locust trees at the front. Rising three stories in height, the five-bay-wide building features a slightly projecting central tower and a full-width front porch. The wood-frame building has been reclad in aluminum siding and the shallow-pitched, front-gabled roof has asphalt shingles. An interior-end brick chimney rises from the southwest corner of the building. Two brick chimneys rise from the rear ells of the inn. There are two rear additions built in two distinct stages during the first half of the 20th century. The westernmost of these two ells rises two stories in height and features a gable roof, while the rear addition rises one story in height and is capped by a hipped roof with standing seam metal cladding. Additionally, there is a two-story shed roof addition on the rear of the main block in 1910. At the time ofthis substantial alteration, it appears possible that the fa~ade of the building was embellished with Italianate-style detailing. Two non-historic sheds, a non-historic workshop and pump house, two piers, and an in-ground swimming pool further augment the property.

EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION

The fa~ade or west elevation of the Locust Inn is five bays in width with the central bay marked by the slightly projecting tower and main entry. The entry consists of a single-leaf wood door framed by a three-light transom and three-light sidelights. Flanking the entry at the first story are two 2/2-vinyl replacement windows. Square-edged surrounds frame all of the windows on the main block. These openings are symmetrically located at the second and third stories, also containing 212 vinyl replacement windows. The central bay features paired 2/2 vinyl replacement windows at the second and third stories, further delineating the slightly projecting tower. The tower is capped by a shallow gable roof. Extending across the fa~ade of the inn is a one-story, full-width front porch supported by square wood posts. The porch, which has been rebuilt, features a shed roof and, in the 1970s, it was enclosed with screening.

The south elevation of the inn features three distinct building phases, including the main block, the two-story rear ell, and the onestory rear ell with the hipped roof. The main block of the inn is two bays deep with two symmetrically placed 2/2 vinyl replacement windows at the first, second, and third stories. The two-story rear ell is clad in aluminum siding and is pierced by irregular door and window openings. The first story of this addition features three 6/6 windows and a single-leaf panel-and-light wood door. On the second story of this ell are three 6/6 windows, although they are not symmetrically spaced above those on the first story. The south elevation of the one-story rear ell features four window openings and a single-leaf entry. There are both 2/2-vinyl replacement windows, like those found on the main block, and 6/6 windows.

The rear of east elevation is comprised of four separate building phases, including the main block, the two rear ells, and a one- and two-story rear shed roof addition. Much of the main block is obscured by the various additions, leaving only sections of the original building visible from this vantage point. Remaining visible on the east elevation of the main block are five window openings, all containing 2/2 vinyl replacement windows. There is one window visible on both the first and second stories and three at the third story. Likewise, the two-story rear ell retains only one visible opening from this elevation, containing a single 6/6 window. Dominating this elevation of the one-story rear ell is the centrally located exterior end chimney with stretcher-bond brick construction. A single 2/2-vinyl replacement window and a single-leaf door flank it. Additionally, this elevation features a oneand two-story addition with a shed roof. A single-leaf door pierces the one-story section of the addition and the two-story section features a 2/2-vinyl replacement window.

The four separate building phases are also evident from the north elevation. The north elevation of the main block has no window openings, unlike the south elevation, which is two bays deep. The shed-roof addition is pierced at the first story by a single 2/2-vinyl replacement window. On the two-story rear ell, there are three window openings, one at the first story and two at the second story. All of these openings contain 6/6 windows. The one-story rear ell is pierced by four openings, the westernmost of which


Name Locust Inn Continuation Sheet

Number __ 7 _ Page 1


contains a triple 6/6 window. Adjacent to this opening is three unevenly spaced 2/2-vinyl replacement windows.

INTERIOR DESCRIPTION

The interior of the Locust Inn reflects the Victorian era in stylistic embellishments on both the window and door surrounds and the stair. The inn features a center hall, single-pile plan, with two rear ells. A number of alterations have been made to the interior of the dwelling, resulting in the covering of the original floors with wall-to-wall carpeting, and the partial replacement and repair of plaster walls and ceilings with wallboard and simulated-wood paneling. These alterations primarily date to the 1970s.

The center hall features a straight, open-stringer stair with a large turned newel post and turned balusters. Five wood-paneled doors lead from the center hall, all of which are framed by reeded surrounds with bull's eye comer blocks. The entries lead to the front porch, the two side rooms, a closet beneath the stair, and the rear addition. The entry that leads to the south room has been altered, with the removal of a door and the conversion of the double-leaf opening to a single-leaf opening.

The north room, which serves as a bedchamber for the inn, was accessed through a single-leaf entry with a reeded surround. The paneled door features a rim lock and a porcelain knob. There are two window openings in this room, with reeded surrounds and bull's eye corner blocks. A modest bathroom was installed in this room, including a stall shower, a toilet, and a sink. It is not partitioned by a wall, but rather by a drawn curtain on a track set within the ceiling.

The remaining rooms on the first story of the inn were not accessible at the time of the survey.

The second floor of the inn features four bedchambers that were accessible at the time of the survey, a bathroom, and a hall. Three of the bedchambers are located in the main block of the inn, while one is situated in the two-story rear addition. There is a single step down into this bedchamber. On the east wall of this room is a single-leaf wood-paneled door that leads to additional living quarters for the owner of the inn. These rooms were not accessible at the time of the survey. Like the first-floor rooms, those on the second floor feature reeded wood door and window surrounds with bull's eye corner blocks. Some of the door surrounds were replaced by square-edged wood surrounds. Alterations made in the 1970s are also visible at this floor, including wall-to-wall carpeting, and repaired and replaced plaster walls. The bathroom is located in the second story of the shed roof addition.

OUTBUILDINGS

To the rear of the Locust Inn are two non-historic sheds, a workshop, a non-historic pump house, an in-ground swimming pool, and two piers, all of which were constructed after 1971, when the current owner purchased the property. The outbuildings, all constructed of particleboard, feature gable roofs and concrete block foundations. The two wood-frame piers extend to the northeast of the house, into the bay at the rear of the property. The southernmost pier is 110 feet long with ten boat slips and the other pier is forty feet long. A concrete deck and metal fencing surround the in-ground pool.

8. Significance Inventory No. CT-973

Period

1600-1699 1700-1799

_x 1800-1899 _x 1900-1999 - 2000-

Areas of Significance

agriculture archeology architecture

Check and justify below

art _x commerce

communications community planning conservation

Specific dates 1886; 1910

Construction dates cl886;cl971

Evaluation for:

National Register

economics education engineering entertainment/ recreation ethnic heritage exploration/ settlement

_ health/medicine _industry _invention _ landscape architecture _law _ literature _ maritime industry _military

performing arts philospohy politics/government religion science

_x social history transportation other:

Architect/Builder Unknown

Maryland Register x not evaluated

Prepare a one-paragraph summary statement of significance addressing applicable criteria, followed by a narrative discussion of the history of the resource and its context. (For compliance reports, complete evaluation on a DOE Form - see manual.)

Locust Inn, one of the oldest and most well known inns on Solomons Island, is located at 144 78 South Solomons Island Road in Solomons in Calvert County. Situated on the main road in Solomons Island, the Italianate-style building was constructed as a twostory dwelling circa 1886. It was enlarged to three stories in 1910 and converted to an inn by the Condiff family, who retained ownership until 1968. In 1971, Pearl English, the current owner, purchased the property and continues to operate it as the Locust Inn.

HISTORY OF INNS IN CAL VERT COUNTY

A number of historic inns and boarding houses were constructed in the resort towns of Calvert County, particularly in such towns as Chesapeake Beach and, more recently, Solomons Island. Associated with entertaining visitors were nearby restaurants, pavilions and piers, arcades and carousels, theatres and inns.

As opposed to Chesapeake Beach, Solomons Island remained primarily a fishing community until the seaside tourism industry took off during the second half of the 20th century. Calvert County residents would go to Solomons Island to spend their days fishing, while evenings could be spent at the Evans Dancing Pavilion, built in 1919, which later featured a water slide off the roof. (I) Visitors to Solomons could stay in one of a number of inns, the grandest of which was Rekar' s Hotel, built in 1922, a large, threestory wood-frame structure with a wide two-story wrap-around porch to catch the sea breezes, or the Hotel Northampton, built in 1902 and more or less a Victorian boarding house. (2) Two of the oldest extant and most well-known inns on Solomons Island are the Locust Inn and Bowens Inn (CT-988).

HISTORY OF THE LOCUST INN

The Locust Inn was constructed shortly after the purchase of the property by Catherine A. Condiff in 1886. Catherine Condiff, the wife of George W. Condiff, purchased Lot 3 in the village of Solomons for $400 on May 24, 1886. Prior to her purchase of the unimproved lot, the parcel of land was owned by Robert T. and Nettie Allison, who had acquired the property in 1885. During the ownership of the property by the Condiff family, the two-story single-family dwelling was enlarged to three stories. According to the Calvert Journal in May 7, 1910, "Mr. George Condiff, Sr. is putting an addition to his home, the work being done by Mr. W.T. Carey."(3) The Calvert Gazette elaborated on May 14, 1910, "Mr. George Condiff is rebuilding his house and when completed will be three stories and contain twelve rooms. Mrs. Condiff is preparing to take summer boarders at which she has been successful for many summers." ( 4) In 1911, rates for the Locust Inn were recorded at six dollars per week and the inn could accommodate up to twenty guests. (5) Early newspaper accounts state the inn was know as "The Locust," but changed by 1914 to "Locust Inn." The Italianate-style inn was named for the large black locust trees that used to be located in front of the building. Infected by disease, these black locusts were replaced in the 1980s by honey locust trees, which stand in the same location. In June 1920, the inn was


Name Locust Inn

Continuation Sheet Number 8 Page l

Inventory No CT-973

modernized, "being improved by installation of water works, gasoline engine and force pump system." (6)

In the 1890s, shortly after the Locust Inn was constructed, Solomons was a bustling town at the southernmost tip of Calvert County. Named for Isaac Solomon who established a cannery by 1868, Solomons received official recognition as a community when a post office was opened in 1870. Benefiting from its deep-water location where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons grew into one of Calvert County's most important commercial centers. According to a report in the Calvert Gazette on November 12, 1892, "There are about one hundred houses upon the island, including some stores which do an active business in the oyster season, and three shipyards .. .It is chiefly occupied by oystermen and fishermen." (7)

Solomons thrived as a commercial center through the first decades of the 20th century. During the 1920s, the community was in an economic decline due to decreased oyster and fish harvests and the resulting decrease in shipbuilding. Despite the economic decline, which was further impacted by the Great Depression, the community began to attract visitors, becoming a resort area with summer boarding houses and charter fishing vessels. It was during this time that the Locust Inn began to thrive, attracting visitors from outside of the Solomons community.

Following George and Catherine Condiffs deaths, the property was transferred to William H. Condiff. He owned the Locust Inn until his death in 1960, when the property was conveyed to his wife Marie Condiff. Her children, Margaret and George Condiff, helped operate the inn until Margaret's death in 1967, at which time her portion of the property was passed to George Condiff. Together with his wife, Clara, and his mother, Marie, George Condiff sold the Locust Inn in 1968 to James Leslie and Edith Langley. James Leslie Langley served for a number of years as the postmaster in Solomons and operated the Fisherman's Inn, and restaurant that stood adjacent to the Locust Inn until it was destroyed by fire in the last quarter of the 20th century. In 1971, Pearl English, the current owner of the property, purchased the Locust Inn. At that time, rooms cost eight dollars per night. English continues to operate the inn, renting out eight rooms on both a nightly and a weekly basis.

CHAIN OF TITLE

April 9, 1879:, , Baltimore Permanent Building and Land Society to John S. Farren and Thomas Moore Land Records of Calvert County Liber SS 5 Folio 387

October 12, 1883:, John S. and Catharine J. Farren and Thomas and Margaret Moore to Elias C. Cecil Land Records of Calvert County Liber SS 6 Folio 223

February 28, 1885:, Elias C. Cecil to Robert T. Allison Land Records of Calvert County Liber SS 6 Folio 4 73

May 24, 1886:, , Robert T. and Nettie Allison to Catherine A. Condiff Land Records of Calvert County Liber SS 7 Folio 268

April 27, 1964:, William H. Condiff, heir of Catherine A. Condiff, to Marie Condiff Will Records of Calvert County Liber GLH 2 Folio 489


Name Locust Inn

Continuation Sheet Number 8 Page .f

August 25, 1967:, Margaret Condiff to George W. Condiff Will Records of Calvert County Liber GLH 3 Folio 300

Inventory No CT-973

April 8, 1968:, George W. and Clara B. Condiff and Marie Condiff to James Leslie Langley and Edith Langley Land Records of Calvert County Liber JLB 98 Folio 638

June 18, 1968:, , James Leslie Langley and Edith Langley to Jean Crawford Land Records of Calvert County Liber JLB I 0 I Folio 79

June 18, 1968:, Jean Crawford to James Leslie Langley, Edith Langley, James Edward Langley, and Lucille Lenora Langley Land Records of Calvert County Liber JLB 101 Folio 81

July 19, 1971 : , James Leslie Langley and Edith Langley and James Edward Langley, and Lucille Lenora Langley to Pearl L. English Land Records of Calvert County Liber JLB 132 Folio 389

ENDNOTES

l. Richard J. Dodds, editor, Solomons Island and Vicinity: An Illustrated History and Walking Tour, (Solomons, MD: Calvert Marine Museum, 1995). 2. Dodds. 3. Calvert Journal, May 7, 1910. 4. Calvert Gazette, May 14, 1910. 5. Dodds. 6. Calvert Journal, June 26, 1920. 7. Dodds.

9. Major Bibliographical References Inventory No. CT-973

See continuation sheet.

10. Geographical Data

Acreage of surveyed property 0.28 Acres ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Acreage of historical setting 0.28 Acres

Quadrangle name Solomons Island Quadrangle scale 1 :24,000

Verbal boundary description and justification

The Locust Inn has been associated with Parcel 21, as denoted on Tax Map 46A, since its construction circa 1886.

11. Form Prepared By name/title R. Weidlich and C. Albee, Architectural Historians

organization E.H.T. Traceries, Inc. dat 8/26/02

street and number 1121 Fifth Street, N.W. telephone 202/393-1199

city or town Washington stat OC zip code 20001

The Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 supplement.

The survey and inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constiMe any infringement of individual property rights.

return to: Maryland Historical Trust

DHCD/DHCP

100 Community Place

Crownsville MD 21032

410-514-7600

Maryland Historical Trust Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties Form Name Locust Inn

Continuation Sheet

Number __ 9_ Page -~-


Dodds, Richard J., editor. Solomons Island and Vicinity: An Illustrated History and Walking Tour, (Solomons, MD: Calvert Marine Musuem, 1995).

1 I r "/-------

, ><

1 t t

I I

'

I

B 'Sl-IED N/c..

••

I/~ I

• I I

'" I

.£..E..So0'2c_E "SK.E:Tc.f-\ MJIP . cr-973

WcusT '"'"' /4+7t3 ~. SoLOMolVS ISLAW.D ~Al> '5oLOM0 IVS, CA L-1/E l!T cour.JT'j Mb

/ /

CT-Cf73

Loc...usT INN

/4+76 ~. So1-0WNS. \~L....F\1'Jl> 12..oAb

ScL.OMON~, C.P:L..v6f<:J CoL)/\JTl.JJl'fb

SE.C.Or-.JI::> FL.cbR.... /\/ ~ NOT :DR.A~ ro ScAt..G

·MA'/ Z.CO Z..

---------- -

No ACLGS.S

HALL

"

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation CALVERT COUNTY Real Property Data Search

District - 01 Account Number - 007211

Page I ot I

Go Back View Map New Search

Property maps provided courtesy of the Maryland Department of Planning ©2001. For more information on electronic mapping applications, visit the Maryland Department of Planning

w7b site at www.mdp.state,md.us

http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp _rewrite/maps/showmap.asp?countyid=05&accountid=O 1 +007211 5/28/02

\

\ \

\ \

\ \

\

I

I I I

\ \

\

N

I

CT-973 Locust Inn 14478 S. Solomons Island Road Solomons Solomons Island USGS Quad Map Calvert County

" '\. \

\

\ \

\ \

\

CT-l.f73

L,c us+ [...,..., 14418 S, So\ovo-,o.,,s Is(~" id ~ &\ver--t C()oV"~, tv'\D

E Hi Tr~cerks

~ t.\.V'I e Zoo z_

t\A, v. ..... vi • !A 111 d ;i'I Po vJe s.\- CoY""Vi~f-J L-6ok ;vi<J l"a.st

f OF" 7

C.T-973 Loc..l.)s\- \VI""' 14418 S, So\on-i6~lS \s\~~ koa:d

~\verf CouV"~ 1 MJ:> r ..J 1 r-a_cerle'$

-, J ~ V'\ e Zoo2-

f\/\o..v-~ la. vJ SH r> o

So v'+h (o v- ne .-, ,_ J fJ n' 'H-. 2 ciP /

...... r-.

LT--0,7~

Loe. u s1" 'Vl Yi

J44'7fl ~ S,l~avis ~ ..;\a_vid e~ ('6 \ Jfv-t (au V\~, MD

[ H T T ra. c.. O_f" l es 2. v.n e Z.oo z fv1a..-'f "-"'d 'Sl-1 Po N e: I e v Q -h 0 ,.,,

/ ~..u I<. i VI°) S UJ

3 af" '"/

,:-r ~ f7 3 or \..~t Ii..., a.-,

'4Lf"78 S 5~1""""o~s ';I~ e,~ Co.J verl- c '"' .,1 \1,M.D 1:- H I ~r (" ...._ c e .,- I es J" u. ~"' t 2 o~ 2.. M~1 lo..vx) ~\.-\Po N €. E I e v~ -h OV'\ , L /Y.') k ;vi') So u i-~

£\ 0r- 7

('T ... C}7 3 L-o c.. u s1- I V"'I ""'

14478 S. SofovnoviS Js(Qhd Koa..d ~ \}e,v-1 Cou V\~ I f\/\])

EHT Tr~a.v-1·es

::f UYl e. 2-00 2-f 'k.v'1 l~V'l d s t4 Pc'.5 \V\-k-nov- 1s-r F--locr -He(. I\ Loo kr v-o, Sou~

I J ...)

t_;"" OF 7

(11 '17 3

t '"' "'' /J\L\-f6 S. '::>o \OMOviS (c_, ltz.~d r(_po_d

ta\vev+ c~v~~,rvf.P F ~11 Trc...c <:::.v-1es ~ J \,tne. WC> 2-

Mtw~ \())/") J S.\\ \>6 I "'·h I' .. o• I I st n 00 r I ./l 11, Loo ki "'°) Novi I,,

p oc: 7

c.:l-C173

L .,c L~s+ '""'~ 14 t.\- 7 B S, ~ \ ('H"\Ol-1$ ls la..n c\ ~a..d (~\vev-i CuuVl-fit, tAb cJ/T T ra.cev--1 cs

5 v"" -e z.oo '2.. Mavvi \0vVld SH ?o I .... r\-e r\ 0 ';" z_ND r I oar, +\:...I ) Loo\( '"'3 SE:

7 ar/

Maryland Historical Trust State Historic Sites Inventory Form

1. Name {indicate pref erred name}

historic

and/or common Locust Inn

2. Location street & number Solomons Island Road South (MD 2)

city, town Solomons

state Maryland

3. Classification Category __ district __l building(s) _structure _site _object

Ownership _public ~private _both Public Acquisition _in process _ being considered

--X....not applicable

_ vicinity of

county

Status _x__ occupied _ unoccupied _ work in progress Accessible _x_ yes: restricted _ yes: unrestricted _no

Survey No. CT-973

Magi No.

DOE _yes no

congressional district

Calvert

Present Use _agriculture ~ commercial _ educational _ entertainment _ government _ industrial _military

_ not for publication

_museum _park _ private residence _religious _ scientific _ transportation _other:

4. Owner of Property (give names and mailing addresses of ~ owners)

name Pearl English

street & number P.O. Box 254 telephone no.:

city, town Solomons state and zip code MD 20688

5. Location of Legal Description

courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Calvert County Courthouse liber

street & number Main Street(MD 765) folio

city, town Prince Frederick state Mary land

6. Representation in Existing Historical surveys

title

date _federal _state _county _ local

pository for survey records

city, town state

7. Description

Condition __ excellent ___K_good __ fair

Check one __ deteriorated __ unaltered __ ruins _x_ altered __ unexposed

Survey No. CT-9 7 3

Check one ____x original site __ moved date of move

Prepare both a summary paragraph and a general description of the resource and its various elements as it exists today.

This three-story five-bay framed and weatherboarded structure faces west onto Solomons Island Road. It is unusual in that the ridgeline of the gable roof runs perpendicular to the facade of the structure. The central bay of the structure is advanced, and the main entrance is sidelighted and transomed. The original sash have a two-over-two double-hung pattern. The end walls are two bays wide and there are one-and two-story rear ells. The original porch was a hipped-roof structure supported on turned posts and decorated with sawn pierced wooden brackets. This turnof-the-century structure has recently been aluminum sided. The porch has been screened in.

8. Significance Survey No. CT-9 7 3

Period __ prehistoric _ 1400-1499

- 1500-1599 - 1600-1699

- 1700-1799 _ 1800-1899 _x_ 1900-

Specific dates

Areas of Significance-Check and justify below __ archeology-prehistoric __ community planning __ landscape architecture __ religion __ archeology-historic __ conservation __ law __ science __ agriculture __ economics __ literature __ sculpture __x_ architecture __ education __ military __ social/ __ art __ engineering __ music humanitarian __ commerce __ exploration/settlement __ philosophy __ theater __ communications __ industry __ politics/government __ transportation

__ invention __ other (specify)

Builder/ Architect

check: Applicable Criteria: and/or

A B c D

Applicable Exception: A B c D E F G

Level of Significance: national state x local

Prepare both a summary paragraph of significance and a general statement of history and support.

The Locust Inn was established as a rooming and boarding house in 1925 by George Condiff and his sister Margaret. It is still operating today. The two locust trees for which it was named are still standing in the front yard.

From Solomons by Foot, Bicycle, or Boat.

9. Major Bibliographical References Survey No. C _q-;' ~>

1 O. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property _________ _

Quadrangle name Sol ornons Isl and, MD Quadrangle scale _.._1 ~· ,,.,2:::c4,_,0,_,0,_,0 ___ _

UTM References do NOT complete UTM references

AL.i_J l l 1 I l I I I I I sw l I I I I I I I I Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing

cLLJ ~I _.___._ _____ I ~I~__._ ......... __. oLLJ I I I I E LJ._J I I _I _._..~-- F LL_j I I I a LLJ I I _I_._..~-- H LJ.j I I Verbal boundary description and justification

List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries

state code county code

state code county code

11. Form Prepared By

name/title Cami 11 e We 11 s

organization MAT/Calvert Dept. of Planning date 9/30/86

street & number Courthouse Annex, Main Street telephone (301) 535-2348

city or town Prince Frederick state Maryland 20678

The Maryland Historic Sites Inventory was officially created by an Act of the Maryland Legislature to be found in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 41, Section 181 KA, 1974 supplement.

The survey and inventory are being prepared for information and record purposes only and do not constitute any infringement of individual property rights.

return to: Maryland Historical Trust Shaw House 21 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (301) 269-2438

PS-2746

•)

SouaN\ON~ •

G"" ~ COJNT-\ """" ~' 4'-4. &MU\~ ... ,. -a. - ~

~ Q VJ

G

g e (lJ

~

VJ

..

I.

·~ . " ' '

L ; •'i" "·

____ ,

f f", ' '

~ .· '

; <~' ·" ~ ,I, . :

,., '.•

'. :'.'~ ~·" ::1: , ' .....

'?.:n ' '·1 • " . d ~-~~ ,,

'. I!

\.1

Ct-973 Locust Inn Solomons Island Road Solomons

Camille Wells view from the west

9/86

Documents

CT-973 Locust Inn - Maryland Historical Trust · 03-02-2017 · replacement windows. The main entryway consists of a single-leaf wood door flanked by two-light sidelights over a