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On Kent Island, Pride and History Run Deep
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By Ann Cameron Siegal
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Maryland.com
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 | | Ann Cameron Siegal | | One scene from village center. Yellow building in background is the old post office building dating back to the late 1800s. |
To the hurried traveler seeking a quick bite on the way to or from the beach, Kent Island's Stevensville is a wrong turn off Route 50, an "accidental destination." A quick glance shows an eclectic mix of homes, some in disrepair, and a tiny town center - with minimal parking and an awkward traffic pattern - offering nothing in the way of chain stores or fast-food restaurants.
"If you blink, you'll miss it," quipped one resident.
However, to the historically attuned, the explorer with time to spare, or the family seeking a quieter way of life, Stevensville is an unpolished gem.
"Historic Stevensville" was placed on the National Register in 1986. Graceful farmhouses 100 years old or more and 1920s saltbox bungalows fan out from a village-style cluster of shops.
Founded in 1850, Stevensville is a place for browsing on foot, poking in and out of nooks and crannies. On an island that includes 50 miles of shoreline and about half the population of Queen Anne's County, Stevensville offers a landlocked stroll down memory lane. A well-marked 23-point walking tour takes you past historic buildings such as a 1902 train station, a two-room schoolhouse and several 19th century homes with fishscale siding and wooden peg construction.
"You get a real sense of a connection to the past here," said Kathy Coligan, who moved to Stevensville two years ago. Coligan was drawn to the community for its affordability, safety and the quality of the public schools.
Her orientation to Stevensville was given a boost by William Denny, a 10th generation resident of the island. At Denny's antique shop - Ye Olde Church House Antiques - on Love Point Road, residents and visitors are treated to legions of local lore and tastes of homemade jam. Tidbits shared include demonstrating how sheep's wool was nature's first Velcro, or recounting how island doctors once bartered their services for chickens and eggs.
 | | Ann Cameron Siegal | | William Denny, a 10th generation islander, tends to his Romney sheep outside Ye Olde Church House - an 1857 building he has converted to an antique shop. |
Denny's shop is in an 1857 red brick church he bought over 40 years ago and recently restored. During renovations he uncovered six 12-foot-tall leaded stained-glass windows, one of which bears the name of Marmaduke White on the original donor's panel. "He was my great-great-grandfather," Denny announced with pride.
It is often catch-as-catch-can to find the shop open - usually Friday to Sunday, but not always - but once you do, you might find it hard to pull yourself away, for Denny's stories will go on as long as you are willing to listen. Whether Ye Olde Church House is open or not, children enjoy feeding Denny's sheep, chickens and a lone goat who all have the run of the field beside the former church. Two feed dispensers are on the property, each alloting just the right amount for tiny hands.
Each building in the heart of the village has a unique story of its previous life. An 1865 building that was once a grocery where the Magistrate held court in one corner, is now the Love Point Café which features a bar topped with historical photos and newspaper clippings of the community in earlier days.
One 130-year-old gray frame shop in the center of the village receives a lot of visitors who say they remember growing up there. What they are actually remembering is a baby-sitting service that operated out of the building 50 years ago.
Ten years ago, many of Stevensville's structures were abandoned havens for mischievous activity. Today, an active artisans' community has taken hold, revitalizing the area with offerings of handmade creations.
 | | Ann Cameron Siegal | | Stevensville's 1902 train station - now a museum. |
Residents rave about the quality of life in the little village. "It's so quaint, but doesn't get the attention it should," said one woman. Twenty minutes from Annapolis and close to nature, Stevensville also boasts of three schools, a well-stocked library and a large community park within close proximity to the village center.
Change comes slowly to Stevensville. The community is struggling to strike a balance between its quiet past and encroaching development. Gone are the days when 25 cents equaled the wages for shucking a quart of oysters, or the charge for a fine Eastern Shore dinner at the former Lowry Hotel, now a private residence.
Today, big developers can be found knocking at Stevensville's perimeter since it was targeted as one of the county's growth areas. Two years ago, residents fought off a proposed Wal-Mart at the entrance to the community. "We have nothing against Wal-Mart," said a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, "…but not there. This is the gateway to the Eastern Shore. It's sacred land!"
Denny's wife, Janet, said, "The approach to the island has always been like therapy." She joins other residents in wanting people to remember what brought them there, and be mindful of protecting and preserving that.
What residents and shopkeepers really want are more pedestrian and bike paths, and better traffic flow, lighting and signs. With just a little help, residents believe Stevensville could easily evolve into a "planned destination" without losing its charm and character.
Margaret Jarboe, who grew up on the island, moved away for a while, then returned when her first child was born, said, "There are lots of beautiful places in the world, but I wouldn't consider living anywhere else. It's just so special here."
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Comments from users:
| john rosquist | chester | | randrinc AT friend DOT ly DOT net | |
We love it here and couldnt think of a better place to raise our kids. We have brought our family from the western shore here and they love it here. Its different here, yes you have the dam bridge but its the people that made kent island what it is. I hate the annapolis influx, but what can you due? It only helps the shore economy. |
| | | tmg | kent island | | griebel AT dmv DOT com | |
I would agree with every word of that article execpt... the affordable part. The prices of homes on Kent Island are outrageous. Many an average family would never be able to live here at these prices, let alone the elderly or retired. Unless you have owned a home on the Island before 2 years ago it is hard to get one under $200,000.00 Other than the housing prices...I too love the Island and am looking forward to the tidy profit I will make when I sell my home when I retire.
Theresa |
| | | Claire Conger | Baltimore | | Claire43 AT maryland DOT com | |
My aunt (father's sister)and her family (including her in-laws) have lived in Stevensville for a very long time on farm land. I always enjoyed visiting there as a young child and my family and I still visit my aunt who still lives in the original farm house that has stood for over 60 years. I remember before the by pass by "downtown" Stevensville and it is true, if you blink you are out of town. It is very beautiful there and I hope it stays that way. |
| | | David | Lutherville MD | | DLMoes AT comcast DOT net | |
The suburb dwellers from DC and environs have moved in and will quickly ruin this area with their high priced houses and BMWs. They think it is quaint and they are clueless. |
| | | Naomi Thompson | Baltimore | | na AT netscape DOT com | |
Wonderful article.I was married Aug 28,2oo4 in front of the fountain at LOVE Point Cafe.We then went inside for our reception.It was wonderful! Wish I had found this article before the wedding so I could have shared with my guest's.I lived on the island about 46 yrs ago,moved back to Baltimore,then after my husband John Nash[son of Edward and Mary Nash]of Chester passed away moved back.I now reside on the outskirts of Goldsboro. |
| | | richard carvel denny | willin farm (love point) | | willin AT toad DOT net | |
I guess you would just have to see it to believe it. We are ten minutes from annapolis, not far enough sometimes (haha), but smack in the middle of paradise. I had to dodge a deer in my driveway the other day! That beats the heck outta normal traffic though. ps. thats my cousin feeding the sheep. One might say he's outstanding in his field! |
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Other Stories by Ann Cameron Siegal
Where History Meets the Chesapeake
Word Spreads About Gem on Shore
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