PocketSights

1

1 South Main Street (Junction of North and South Main St.)

This now vacant site held the railroad station for the Washington County Branch of the B&O Railroad that was built in 1866-1867 from Weaverton to Hagerstown. The local station was erected in 1868. Christian M. Keedy, who later became the first Burgess of Keedysville, built the first warehouse and was the first ticket agent. The site also contains the remains of a grain elevator which still stands. In the late 1920s service peaked at five runs a day and decreased to a low of one run a day by the end of the depression. This railway service caused the town to blossom, doubling its population by the year 1900. The town’s prosperity waned with the loss of the railroad in 1953.

2

5 South Main St.

Built in 1871, this property was purchased in 1908 and later made into the E. Roy Line & Son grocery store. Between it and the house next door (3 S. Main) once stood a 12 x12 foot frame building that was the first bank in town. It was operated by a Baltimore Insurance firm.

3

7 South Main St.

This 1876 two story, five bay frame structure, with a turn of the century storefront, was once occupied by J.A. Miller’s general store which he opened in 1887 and continued in the business for 59 years. While running the store, Miller served as an official weather reporter for the US Weather Bureau. For years, he served as a correspondent for the Hagerstown Morning Herald. He also ran a printing service for the community and published the Antietam Wavelet, Keedysville’s first and only newspaper. The Masons bought this building in 1921 and converted the second floor for Lodge meetings. Antietam Lodge 197 AF&AM is the only Masonic Lodge in America named after a Civil War battle.

4

8 South Main St.

Although this house appears to post date 1877, an L shaped building belonging to R. Snyder is shown on the Atlas map of that year. This was the home of former Mayor, Ralph B. Taylor, Jr.

5

10 South Main St.

This house built around 1890 served as a Methodist parsonage. It was the home of Russell Geeting, last proprietor of the mill in the center of town, who was highly thought of as a member of the board of the Citizen’s Bank. Mr. Geeting was well known to the children of Keedysville for his caring and feeding of the Mallard ducks of the Little Antietam Creek.

6

11-13 South Main St.

This house is significant as one of the oldest in town and actually predates the town’s development. It is said to have served as the miller’s house for the nearby merchant mill when it was owned by John J. Keedy.

7

15 South Main St.

This is the site of a creamery where the farmers would bring their milk to have the cream removed. They would then haul the milk home for hog feeding purposes. An alley led to the creamery spring and a large spring house. It is at this site that a combination office building and garage was built by Ralph Taylor, Jr. in the late 20th century for a milk hauling business from farms to dairy.

8

17 South Main Street

The Jacob Hess House, one of Keedysville’s oldest homes and also known as the “Mill Property”, was built ca 1768-1777. This Pennsylvania German Federal architecture is constructed of 8” deep white oak hand-hewn logs (now covered with German lap siding). The 1790s addition to the house is constructed of hand cut local native limestone. Much of the 18th century interior workmanship is still in tack. The privately owned 11 foot dam, constructed in the 18th century, provided a water power source for the mills on the property. The house which faces south is not oriented to Main Street but rather to the old 18th century road and to the mill site. It is reported that Gen. McClellan and his officers had dinner here prepared by Mrs. Jeptha Taylor prior to the Battle of Antietam.

9

19 South Main St.

About 1906, the Farmers Banking and Trust Company of Baltimore had F.E.Kretzer build this bank at a cost of $5,700 and operated a banking business there but without success. On January 27, 1908, the newly organized Citizens Bank bought the building from the Baltimore firm for $3,000 and began business. In 1985 Citizens Bank merged with the Washington County National Bank. It was during these years that Citizens Bank grew from 2 employees to 13 employees, and a branch office was set up in Boonsboro. The bank was closed in 1998 because of mergers with Keystone Financial Company The building was beautifully restored to be used for a period of time as Textile Preservation Associates, Inc. Today it serves as the Town Hall.

10

20 South Main St.

This home appears on the 1877 Atlas map of Keedysville under the name of E. Baker and listed as a store and post office. According to local historians, it also housed Keedysville’s first telephone exchange.

11

21 South Main Street/Hess Mill Site

The Keedysville Post Office, since approximately 1970, stands on the site of Hess’ Mill, the centerpiece around which Keedysville was developed. Jacob Hess is said to have built a mill here in the 1760s and was taxed for one in 1783. A second mill was built around 1835 by John J. Keedy and known as Baker Mills. The mill changed hands 14 times between 1833 and 1835. It was torn down in 1953 by its owner, Russell Geeting. It is said that nearby was a stone woolen carding mill built in 1842. Later it was used to manufacture buggies.

12

25 South Main St.

Salem United Methodist Church was built in 1870 as a replacement for the Mount Hebron Church of the United Brethren (1845-1870). The Reverend George Adam Geeting is credited with establishing the first meeting house for the United Brethren Congregation in America. A lot was purchased in the center of town from Christian and Mary Ellen Keedy for $150. Local clay was baked to furnish the bricks to build a new church. Bishop Russell and his wife donated a large bell which was cast in Baltimore. A new cornerstone was created. Because they were no longer at Mount Hebron, the name selected was Salem Church of the United Brethren. Electricity came to Keedysville in the early 1900s and in 1909 the church council voted to have electric lights installed. On Saturday, Oct. 16, 1943 at about 6:45am, Salem Church caught fire. Five fire companies did their best to stop a fire that originated in Zimmerman’s store beside the church. The church was gutted but the congregation pulled together to rebuild and enlarge the structure.

13

31 South Main St.

Suman and Carr’s funeral home and furniture making business were located on this property and also Zimmerman’s hardware shop. A Foursquare garage of cast stone dating from the 1920s survives and is said to have been a Ford garage.

14

34 S. Main St.

In the 1850s John A. Grossnickel bought this double lot and built the brick house. He built a shop on this property to house his mechanic and wheelwright business. The first wagon he built was for John Ecker in 1856. His son, Oscar carried on his father’s business until his death in 1948. Oscar’s daughter, Miss Mary Grossnickel lived in the house until her death in 1989.

15

36 South Main St.

It is said that John Cost ran a store here around 1856. Later this was the home and presumably office of Dr. P.D. Fahrney, who was a “Uroscopian Physician” and druggist. According to local historians, the present house was built by the Pry family.

16

35 South Main St.

This 1832 house is believed to have been built by Phillip Pry who hired John Weaver to build a stone hall on this site. It was used as a town hall from about 1900 to1928. Later the large stone dwelling was used as a saddle shop and residence. It is said to have been used as a hospital during the Battle of Antietam. Local historian, Arita VanRenssalaer, said when President Abraham Lincoln was killed in 1865, a large banner was stretched from the house to the other side of the street. It had a large eagle design with a piece of black crepe in its beak.

17

38 South Main St.

This stone house dates from 1832 when its lot was purchased by William F. Carr for $100. It was the home of William and Rachel (Keedy) Carr. Carr and Suman were partners in a furniture making and undertaking business which was located on a lot south of the Methodist Church at 31 S. Main Street.

18

39 South Main St.

This commercial and residential structure built about 1870 was a millenary shop operated by Mrs. Emma Thomas Snively in the early 20th century where hats for ladies were made on the spot. Seasonally, Mrs. Snively journeyed to Baltimore’s Armstrong and Kater’s Wholesale House returning with treasures to delight the mothers and children of the village. This was the store where locals shopped for dolls and toys for their children at Christmas. Also stocked were infant’s clothing and needlework supplies. Later many grocery and general merchandise stores were located here operating into the 1950s.

19

42 South Main St.

Built by Samuel Keedy in 1836, this was one of the earliest brick structures in the town. Samuel Keedy established a store here that was in operation for 34 years. Later it was run by the Cost Family. Buildings in the back were slave quarters, and the well provided water for soldier’s horses before the Battle of Antietam. In the late 19th century, it served as a clock shop and as a cobbler’s shop making so many shoes that it kept ten apprentices busy. The last commercial use was Wyand’s jewelry store, having been acquired by Mrs. Wyand through her family, the Hoffmans.

20

48 South Main St.

For a time in the mid 19th century, this house served as Suman’s Funeral Home after the earlier funeral home south of the Methodist church burned. It later became Earnshaw’s Funeral Home in the early 1950s.

21

50 South Main St.

This stone house was built in two sections by Philip Pry in the 1820s-1830s. This was the home of the Snively family, a prominent family in the Keedysville area who were among the first settlers here. Mr. Snively operated a butcher shop across the street from this property. Lovingly restored by Sue Gemeny, President of the Keedysville Historical Society, the home is listed on the Washington County Historical Treasures List.

22

47 South Main St.

Listed in the 1877 Illustrated Atlas of Washington County, this structure was initially built as a chicken house, then converted to a store and finally to a residence in the mid- 20th century. It is the original site of the broom making business of Joseph Criswell who lived next door at 51 South Main Street.

23

51 South Main St.

This two story log house was built in the 1820s. The 1877 Atlas map shows two buildings on the property owned by Joseph Criswell. Criswell operated a broom making business occupying the lot to the north. It is also said that Mr. Criswell drove the stage between Boonsboro and Shepherdstown.

25

54 South Main St.

The first recorded deed of the property held by the present owner was recorded April 19, 1862. The present house is said to be one of a pair (including 52 S. Main St.) built by Samuel Cost for sale in the early 1870s. In the early 20th century the house was occupied by Virginia and Mary Snyder who did nursing in town. It was purchased as a residence by former Mayor, Kenneth Lee Brandenburg and his wife in 1973.

26

55 South Main St.

This building reported to have been built in 1756, was constructed by John Weaver, local stone mason and builder of the famous stone bridges in Washington County. It was formerly used as the Burnt Mill School House, a Meeting Hall, and a Recovery Room for the men of the Iron Brigade during the Battle of Antietam. It served as church for the German Reformed congregation from 1825-1852. The Reverend Robert Douglas, father of Henry Kyd Douglas, preached in this building. Emma Burtner, a local historian, said there once had been been an arched stone tablet over the door with the date 1793. This tablet was removed and replaced with a window when the structure was converted to a residence.

27

58 South Main St.

This house is one of a pair (including 56 South Main St.) that was built by the Hoffman family around 1880. The family also owned a farm on Keedysville Road that was used as a hospital after the Battle of Antietam.

28

60 South Main St.

This building is a rock-faced concrete block garage built about 1920. It originally held a sales and service business for Whippet Automobiles. Later it became Hammond’s Garage.

29

64 South Main St.

In 1835, a stone building was erected on this site owned by J.J. Keedy which was used as both a church and a school. The Reformed congregation was organized and worshiped there until 1852 when a new Mt. Vernon Reformed Church was built on land donated by Samuel Cost. In 1892 the present Mt.Vernon Reformed United Church of Christ building was erected through the works of leading families of the community, including John J., Samuel, and Christian Keedy, Samuel Pry, and the Cost family. The interior has the Brussels carpeting, Eastlake potieres, and chandelier from the 1852 original church. The pews reused from the 1852 church were said to have served as hospital beds when this church was used as a hospital after the Battle of Antietam. The story is told that decaying appendages that were amputated and buried in a pit against the foundation caused the foundation to fail. The chapel portion of the 1892 church was constructed over a mass grave containing the remains of soldiers who died at the hospital.

30

78 South Main St.

Former Keedysville School (entrance on Mount Vernon Drive) – The first public schoolhouse in Keedysville was built in 1868 on the site of the present structure. Two more rooms were added later. Students helped make the fire for the morning heat, shoveled snow, and carried water from Taylor Spring. The toilet was outside. In 1881, the Keedysville election district had five schools including a school for black children. In 1922, this early school was replaced by the present one which operated until 1982. It once served as an active community center for senior citizens. Today it is rented by a daycare, athletic group, and used by the local Ruritan club for fundraisers.

31

89 South Main St.

This house dating around 1800 is said to have been built by Caleb Wyand and was the centerpiece of a farm owned by the Wyand family. All of the houses on Main Street west of the schoolhouse were built on land taken from this farm.

32

2 North Main Street

The Wyand House, located adjacent to the Washington County branch of the B&O Railroad tracks that have now been removed, was built about 1874 by David H. Wyand and operated by him as a hotel. He advertised it not only as the largest and most modern hotel in the county outside of Hagerstown, but also as a temperance hotel. Mr. Wyand catered to a tourist trade who vacationed in Keedysville from Washington and Baltimore in summer. It often was a stopover for those visiting the Antietam Battlefield. Around 1900 it was sold and operated as The Line House until the 1950s when it became a tavern called The Dawson House. It is now a rental property.

33

3-5 North Main Street

In 1861-62, Frederick Wyand built a general merchandise store larger than any other outside the county seat. Before the building was completed, the Battle of Antietam was fought September 17, 1862 and the building was taken as a Union hospital where over 200 wounded men were cared for. At this location, Mr. Wyand later conducted a larger business until his death in 1895. Mr. Wyand’s son, Grant, continued on with the business, assisted by J.S. Buxton, who spent over 40 years as a clerk at this establishment.

34

4 North Main Street

This building was the home and shop of David Bell who had a shoe and leather business in the last quarter of the 19th century. Later it was a jewelry store. Thomas Scharf’s history of Washington County says this building is the oldest brick structure in Keedysville, having been built in 1833 by Andrew Sigler. Modifications seem to date from 1860s to 1870s.

35

6 North Main Street

In the latter part of the nineteenth century, this site was known as the Nihiser Building. Dr. W.N. Nihiser and Dr. Lowman practiced together here.

36

8 North Main Street

This building, built around 1880-1900, reflects the town’s development and prosperity in the late 19th century. It combines both residential and office functions and was the office of Dr. Neikirk. A limestone tablet set near the north end of the front wall is inscribed “Office.” The office side of this site later was our town library and a meeting place for the town council until the new town hall/ library was constructed in Taylor Park in 1972.

37

9 North Main Street

In the heart of Keedysville, this house was presumably built by D.H. Wyand and represents the main period of the town’s development. It was the office and home of Keedysville’s sole dentist, Dr. Albert Baker. Dr. Baker was a talented musician and conducted an orchestra of young people.

38

15 North Main Street

This structure built in the 1860s was originally a dry goods store and served as the post office from the 1940s until the present post office was built in approximately1970.

39

29 North Main Street

This site was used as a store for carrying tinware. In 1877 it was occupied by Jacob Eavey who, in addition to being a shopkeeper, was also a drummer in the Keedysville band. The building later became the grocery store of C.F. Valentine.

40

30 North Main Street

Thought to be built around 1825-1835 is one of the oldest houses in town. A deed in 1851 shows it as the property of Jacob Lantz, a member of the Keedysville Cornet Band. This property had once been a part of the original “Felfoot Enlarged” land grant conveyed to Lantz by Samuel and Barbara Cost in 1851. The adjacent store was built by owner, John H. Grimm about 1902. The store at one time housed Arthur Mitchell’s shoe repair shop.

41

35 North Main Street

This is one of several high porch houses built in the late 19th century along this stretch by the Keedy brothers known as “Quality Hill”. This was the home of Dr. Newton M. Hendricks. His offices were on the ground floor where he also filled his own prescriptions and sold drugs across the counter. It later became a shoe store. In the early 20th century the basement served as the office of Dr. Neikirk, a dentist.

42

33 North Main Street

This place was built by C.M. Keedy in 1853. The basement was the first and only subscription school in the town preceding the public school system. It was taught by Kate E. Wilson who became the wife of hotel keeper, David H. Wyand. She was nicknamed “Captain Kate” for her strict manner of marching the children through town. She was an ardent Temperance advocate and organized the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union. It has been said that she was the hostess to Carrie Nation, the notorious lady who traveled widely through the west using a hatchet to destroy places carrying hard liquor.

43

37 North Main Street

This home was built by John J. Keedy around 1854. William A. Valentine bought the house in 1911. He was appointed Keedysville Postmaster and housed the Keedysville post office on the street level until his death in 1936. The same room was later used in the 1950s as a furniture upholstery shop of Ray Valentine until his death in1967.

44

38 North Main Street

This small one story log wash house below street level is said to have been made around 1860 from the logs of the old Geeting meeting house and school where George Adam Geeting preached sermons from 1772. It was the first meeting house of the United Brethern denomination.

45

39 North Main Street

This house built around 1851 is said to have been lived in by a member of the Keedy family. The basement housed Lynch’s Barber Shop in the 20th century. It was the residence of former Mayor Rome Schwagel.

47

48 North Main Street

Built around 1890, this building served as Grove’s tailor shop in the early 1900s. A one story commercial structure with a three bay storefront is attached at the north side. The original elements of the storefront appear to remain intact.

48

53 North Main Street

St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church marked with a cornerstone reading May 6, 1871 was built on solid rock on the highest point in town. This marked the north end of Keedysville’s development prior to 1875. The concrete block extension to the rear probably dates to the 1950s. The land for the church was purchased from Washington and Susan Kitzmiller for $250. The church bell was cast in England. Tower chimes were installed in 1946 as a gift from Addie N. Roach in memory of his wife Daisy Eakle Naill.

49

61 North Main Street

This large 1900 house is one of a group of structures built by Kitzmiller and Keedy in an area north of the Luthern Church once known as Taylor’s Addition to Keedysville. It is a substantial house reflecting Keedysville’s prosperity around the latter part of the 19th century. The National Register of Historic Places reports that for many years this was the home of Arita Van Renssalaer, who was a local historian having grown up in Keedysville. It was the meeting place of the local DAR chapter. It now is the home of Councilman Matt Hull who was a former Mayor of Keedysville.

50

73 North Main Street Taylor Park

Established in 1934 for the citizens of Keedysville on land deeded to town by Charles Keedy Taylor. This park represents the result of Depression-era work programs. Resources from its early period include the stone retaining wall along Main Street and a rustic log pavilion.

51

72-74 North Main Street

This was the home and business of the S. Patterson Roulette family who had both structures built in 1919. The garage (74 North Main) was an automotive repair and at one time the Oldsmobile dealership in Keedysville (ref. 1929 ads in Hagerstown newspapers). The complex is intact, reflecting early 20th century commercial activity in town.

52

96 North Main Street

This 1852 farmstead illustrates the agricultural character of the area surrounding Keedysville. The stone fences, stables, and pasture portray the early character of the town’s edges.