The "The Grand Dame Of Elkton, Maryland" Story

Historical Plaque on Rt. 213 in Elkton, Maryland.

It as an ordinary day.  Standing with camera in hand in front of what at one time was one of the most beautiful and iconic pieces of Elkton, Maryland's history, Holly Hall.  Known as "The Grand Dame of Elkton," Holly Hall is a 2 1/2, Federal-style brick mansion that was built about 1810 by General James A. Sewall who was a U.S. officer in the War of 1812, a public servant and an early railroad executive.  

Holly Hall, home of Gen. James Sewall.

In 1813 he commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 49th Maryland Regiment in action against the British during the War of 1812.  It was on April 29 of 1813 that forces under British Admiral George Cockburn, including nine ships, sailed up the Chesapeake Bay.  They sacked Frenchtown, Maryland, but when they attempted to move up the Elk River to Elkton, they were repulsed by Sewall's forces at Fort Defiance, an earthworks fortification a mile below the town.  Sewell also led the formation of the Elkton and Susquehanna Bridge Turnpike Company that was responsible for the building of a road from Elkton to the Susquehanna River.  

Photo of the Holly Hall Oak after it collapsed in 2009.

Holly Hall is so named because it was surrounded at one time by many holly trees.  It was designed after published designs of such early architects as Asher Benjamin and Robert Morris.  Its design is simple but sophisticated and restrained, in the manner of the early 19th century. While its basic form, hipped roof, and recessed stucco panels are noteworthy, its parapets are unique in Maryland.  They relate it to many contemporary published designs, commonplace in England, but rare in America.  

My photograph shows the demise of this beautiful and
historical structure in Elkton, Maryland.

Standing nearby the mansion for many years was what was known as the Holly Hall Oak.  It was a white oak that was said to be more than 400 years old.  On April 26, 2009 it collapsed of old age and sheer size.  It had a circumference of 21.92 feet, height of 58 feet and a spread of 78 feet when it was last measured in 2008.  As I prepared to photograph the mansion I noticed that the building is in dire need of restoration and preservation.  I could only imagine what it looked like at one time years ago.  I recently read that Elkton's Mayor Robert J. Alt pledged to obtain funds for the restoration and preservation of the historic gem that stands at the crossroads of Rt. 213 and Rt. 40.  It is at the east end of the Big Elk Mall, but not part of it.  

If money has been alloted through the Six to Fix program,
why hasn't this structure been brought back to life once again?

The Mayor submitted an application to a new program announced by Preser- vation Maryland entitled Six to Fix and found that Holly Hall was one of the six historic sites picked for monetary aide.  Here's hoping that work can begin soon on "The Grand Dame of Elkton."  It is presently begging for attention as I stand, looking at what at one time must have been the most beautiful structure in Elkton.  Please don't allow it to rot away before it can be brought to life once again for the sake of the residents of Elkton and all those who visit or pass through the town.  Talk is cheap, but action will be the only think to save this Dame.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.