Talking History with Bob Savitt

By Scott Grove

Photography by Turner Photography Studio

For more than half a century, Braddock Heights offered a summertime escape and vacation destination for residents throughout the region. Local author Bob Savitt discusses the founding of the community and its heyday as a resort.

Scott: What prompted the development of Braddock Heights? Railroads were well known for creating tourist destinations. Was this the case with the trolley and Braddock Heights?

Bob: The trolley line and Braddock Heights were independent developments which came to be closely associated. It was long evident to local businessmen and farmers that poor transportation connections hindered the exchange of goods and services between Frederick and the rural areas west of the city. Trolleys were a relatively inexpensive and effective means of bridging this gap. George W. Smith—a prominent Frederick businessman, farmer and founder of the Frederick and Middletown Railway Company—saw the trolley line also as a means of establishing a summertime community along the route at the peak of Catoctin Mountain. The mountaintop plateau afforded magnificent views of the Middletown and Monocacy valleys. His vision stimulated the construction of homes and amusements.

Scott: What were the locations of Braddock Heights’ trolley stations?

Bob: In its heyday, Braddock Heights had two trolley stations. One was at the site of the present-day Church of the Transfiguration on Maryland Avenue and the other was at the site of the Beachley Store.

Scott: Other than the view, what was the draw?

Bob: Summertime temperatures at Braddock Heights averaged about 10 degrees lower than in lower-lying cities like Frederick. Visitors could enjoy a respite from the heat of the city. In addition to a luxury hotel, Braddock Heights, during its heyday of the first half of the 20th century, offered an observation tower, large sliding pond, merry-go-round, skating rink, bowling alley, swimming pool, a repertory theater and more.

Scott: How did the community develop? Were there principal buildings and other structures that were first constructed?

Bob: The first structure was an observatory, built in 1894, which came to be a landmark of the community. Beginning in the late 1890s and early 1900s, people began buying lots and constructing large, multi-bedroom “cottages,” many with large dining rooms, lounge areas and restful porches, which were used primarily seasonally. Amusement attractions were continually added to the park.

Scott: What do you know about the Hotel Braddock?

Bob:The Hotel Braddock was erected in 1905 by Patrick Long, the manager of the popular City Hotel in Frederick. It originally had three floors and was situated to provide magnificent views of the Middletown and Monocacy valleys. An additional floor was added in 1925. The hotel boasted 70 well-appointed outside rooms and suites with modern plumbing, electric lights, sumptuous meals and commodious public spaces for lounging, talking, writing or simply relaxing. The porch was laid out on three sides, each affording panoramic views.

Scott: In 1909, the Casino opened with a skating rink and a bowling alley.

Bob:The roller rink was the top attraction in the Casino building and continued as such until its destruction by fire in 1998. The park management installed steam heating to enable the Casino to remain open through the winter. Other park attractions through the years included a dance pavilion, theater, electric train, tennis courts, Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, an arcade and the universally popular long slide.

Scott: In 1929, the Hotel Braddock burned and was not rebuilt. Did this end Braddock’s viability as a vacation destination?

Bob:The damage to the hotel was devastating. However, there were still many cottages and boarding houses. Day-trippers continued to flock to the park by automobile or the convenient, inexpensive trolley. The popularity of the park seemed not to diminish.

Scott: In its heyday, how popular was Braddock Heights?

Bob: The park remained open and viable through the Great Depression and other economic ups and downs. With easy and inexpensive access via the trolley, most visitors came from the surrounding towns and cities. The park’s administrators were available and helpful to patrons.

Scott: Are there any remaining remnants of the resort community?

Bob: Many of the beautiful homes that served as cottages or boarding houses remain today and are privately owned. Visitors driving through the town can get an extraordinary sense of what the resort was like in its glory days. The trolley station in what was the old park serves today as a convenience store. With some local guidance, curious travelers can find the foundation of the observatory and some of the steps of the Hotel Braddock. A later version of the swimming pool is still used. The remnants of an unsuccessful ski venture can be found near the building which served as its lodge.

Scott: How has Braddock Heights evolved?

Bob:  In the post-World War II years, traffic on the National Road leading to Braddock Heights and beyond was significantly reduced when the modern U.S. 40 was built several miles north of the town. The trolley closed in 1947 and Braddock Heights declined as a large amusement area. While the old Braddock lives on in local lore, the town has been reinvented as a charming and vibrant residential community.

Bob Savitt lectures and writes on a variety of historical subjects. He holds a doctoral degree from Georgetown University, has served in the federal departments of Defense and State, and was a legislative director in the U.S. Senate. He has authored several books, including his latest, Camp David. Scott Grove is the owner of Grove Public Relations, LLC., a marketing and advertising firm. His work also includes interpretive planning and exhibit design for museums and historic sites. For more info, visit www.scottrgrove.com.