ct-7 rose hill, site, (keene's retreat, strawberry hill)ct-7 rose hill, site, (keene's...
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CT-7
Rose Hill, site, (Keene's Retreat, Strawberry Hill)
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: 10-29-2003
MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST
INVENTORY FORM FOR STATE HISTORIC SITES SURVEY
UN AME HISTORIC
Jose :Iill \. C.:.\"Ji) , Keene's Retreat AND/OR COMMON
Strawberry Hill
llLOCATION STREET 8t NUMBER
CITY.10WN
Dnnkjrk
~ CONGRESIONAL DISTRICT
VICINITY OF
STATE
Maryland
DcLASSIFICATION
- . l>UA.Jc
COU NTY
Calvert
CATEGORY _ DISTRICT
-8UILDINGISI
_STRUCTURE
-SITE
OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE
-OBJECT
_ PUBLIC - OCCUPIED
_ PAIVA TE _UNOCCUPIED
_BOTH _ WORK IN PROGRESS
PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE _IN PROCESS -YES: RESTRICTED
- BEING CONSIDERED - YES· UNRESTRICTED
_ NO
DOWNER OF PROPERTY NAME
STREET 8t NUMBER
CITY TOWN
_ VICINITY OF
llLOCA TION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE. REGISTRY OF DEEDS.ETC.
STREET 8t NUMBER
CITY. TOWN
II REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE
DATE
-AGRICULTURE -MUSEUM
_COMMERCIAL _ PARK
-EDUCATIONAL _ PRIVATE RESIDENCI
_ENTERTAINMENT -RELIGIOUS
_GOVERNMENT _ SCIENTIFIC
_INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION
_ MILITARY _ OTHER
Telephone # :
STATE I zip code
Liber #: Folio #:
STATE
_FEDERAL -5TATE _COUNTY _LOCAL
DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS
CITY. TOWN STATE
II DESCRIPTION
_EXCELL£ NT
_GOOD
_ FAIR
CONDITION )A~ OU~
_ DETERIORATED
_ RUINS
_ UNEXPOSED
_UNALTERED
-ALTERED
JN CT-1
CHECK ONE
_ ORIGJ .. AL SITE
_ MOVED DATE'---
DESCRIBE THE PRESENT ANO ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
The main dwelling at Rose Hill (nov, called St~wberry Hill) was demolished in · and repl ced by a modern solit-level dweflui , makin it the third house
on that site. See CL T- 7,(Brinkman)for ~ormation on previous houses.
There are seven other bui:ldings on the property which are historically and architecturally ~ortant. This farm is the last in the area of old Smithville (Dunkirk) still in the possession of the Smi~h family. Besides the main houoc , there is
Building A. A stable measuring 20 ' x 30 '. The exterior iG board and batten. The interior contains ei ht atullo sep ratud by a center aisle on the first level and there is a ha loft above.
Buildin£ B. A tobacco barn n.easurin 40 ' x 48 ' and constructed 01' machine cut limber th t is nailed together. rt hss the :familiar three part plan with the center portion containing opposite a andard double doors measuring c. 92 x 121 •
Every fourth or fifth bonrd of t e vertical siding is mounted on butt-hinges.
Building c. This board and batten structure appears in a 1925 photograph in the Smith family papers. The boards average 9'2 inches in width und the battens ~ inches. There appear to have b ... en any alterations and repait·s although the south facade apnears to be in oriuina.1. condition.
Tne structure is built into the aide of a hill , t us it is like a German bank barn in that it is one storJ it;h on one side but two stor:.es on the other. The semi- subterannean level provides a concrete foundation 8 1 in height.
Building D. This may be the oldest structurqon the farm; its dates are at least t.ose of the second houve th twas built ufter the fire of 1780. It is constructed of overlapping clapbonrds no:i.led to a post- and- beam _rame which is made of hand-hewn timber~ joined via mortise- end- tenon with trwmels .
Exposed ro.fters ond size su est that this was a me t houoe and fa'lli.ly traditioJ supports this claim. The buildin • in 101 511 square with 6 ' walls.
_years Building E. L:rs . Mettan ho is~old and has spent r;ruch yeera of her life at
Rose Hill says th4l.t thio tennant house was built c. 1916. Some changes haYc taken place since then. In its present st te , it is T-shapcd in plan ~ i th the front (S) being three bays and one deep. The entrance is in the center of the front facade and a four posted porch runs the entire len th.
There is a rear (N) portion of the houoe 16 1 in length and 14' in .vid th. A porch, which has been enclosed occuoies the northeast corner of this ''~g and measure~7 ' x 9 '. Both front and back portions of the house are 2 stories high with A- frame gable-end roofs . l'here is no fire pl ce althou h there is a chiI:ll'l to f ciliate ~ood and co~ stoves .
Buildinf; F . A tonqcco ba..""!'! '!"e .~ar:!. 28 ' x 44 1 , three part in plan with
co3~IN1tieo~.,0sE:PA.RiTE scHEE~ ..;i~ "- iE:c~ssfu · c. 10' x 121
• The frame is machine
II SIGNIFICANCE cr-1
PERIOD AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE - CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW
_PREHISTORIC --ARCHEOLUl.iY·PREHISTORIC _COMMUNITY PL.ANNING -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE _ RELIGION
_1400-1499 --ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC _ CONSERVATION _ LAW _ SCIENCE • - 1500· 1599 --AGRICULTURE _ ECONOMICS _LITERATURE
- 1600-1699 -ARCHITECTURE - EDUCATION _MILITARY
, _ l 700· 1799 -ART _ENGINEERING _MUSIC
_ SCULPTURE
_ SOCIAUHUMANITARIAN
_ THEATER
_TRANSPORTATION
_ OTHER !SPECIFY)
_1800-1899 _COMMERCE -EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT _ PHILOSOPHY
_ 1900- _COMMUNICATIONS _ INDUSTRY _POUTICSIGOVERNMENT
_INVENTION
SPECIFIC DATES BUILDER/ARCHITECT
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
~'he deterioration an :JUbse .uent demolition of the mu.in dselling at •. os Hill certainly di'miniehed the effcctivenecs of the far. to act as a vi:mal document of' ... ocul. Ji stor;' and '"rinl:! eenth Cent-.r.) rw:al. l.Lte , buj; the farm is not totally voi d of this bil tJ . There re in f ct s ven other struct ... r,. ... re.:-.ai.'lbg to ~e::. ti.le story o:!' t • ...is th\.! 1 .. ,t1r:.Jperty in the Ticinity of old Smithville to remain in e o ith .fw..ily.
The :farm is on lond \, i<.;h ,o; s part of the oriuinal Smith gi:-ant .
CONTINUE ON SEPARATE SHEET IF NECESSARY
0 -l IJMAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
CONTINUE ON SEf ~TE SHEET IF NECESSARY
lllJGEOGRAPIDCAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY--------
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION
LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES
STATE COUNTY
STATE COUNTY
mroRM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE
ORGANIZATION DATE
STREET & NUMBER TELEPHONE
CITY OR TOWN STATE
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 The Shaw House, 21 State Circle Annapolis, Maryland 21401 (301) 267-1438
.... 1101
r
. r
CT-(
circulll' cut and nailed.
Building G. Al so a tobacco barn and appearc to be older than Building F, L"a-s . !iettam that the oldest barn on the property is on the hill "back t oward Adees" (Building H) and dotes from "early 19DO' s" . It is also the larg st and the addition on the south side makes it measure 40 ' x 60 1 in overall size.
Mrs. Mettam s ys thut he. father built another barn and t .. na.nt h us to the west of these buildings but they are no longer str:.nding. An unidentified photo in the Noyes Collection of Smith Family pppers may be that barn .
Building H. This building is repute.' to be slave quaters , although structural analysis ind~cat ed that it is not th~t ol • ~h~ luck o~ a hearth , t·-pes o! nails etc . su...;.;est that the cabir- w s not b: ilt to ho..ise ::.laves.
Nevertheless , the building may well be a l.te 19th Century structure . It is structurally divided into two pcrts, ou esting and a d_ ior. . The west ortion is the largest , it is ttu·ee b:.i.y:3 wide and one deep. "'--e ~oor is central. The The east portic.n io tr.o bays wide and one deep \":ith one _oor and one v:indo·:: on the fro~t (s) facade . Both portions ~oro a one-sto~y b~ildin, .easurine 38 1 611 in timbers are visible in the WC;)St portion, the wi ... down o.re 4/4 and the chi ;ney bricks f).pne <I' to be older than trioae on the east chi ne The wL dews in the cast portion "1"e 6/L; t er• is w~v· l ass in both.
The b •• ildings is in a a-.:o.te f near ruin:; and 'the numerouo patch_.::i etc . result in various types of siding , owev r , the olde t appeJ s to be butt joined. Some square head nails are visible amon~ the i:::any t. pes us d. Evidence of ~hitewash around the sophing sug.~eots that ut one point the c~bin was painted.
Llrs . Metta.m remembers two other build .. n...,s at Rose Hill which were called ;;lave quate s . One was "directly left of (the) Maple tr eby (the) strawbc:::ries (where there is now an 11b0Ye t>TOil.'ld swimm. n.; po 1.) It had huge cbimncy-open hearth (with) cupboards on either side. All clothes (w~re) stored in trunks there. "
Another building was "by peach tr~es ove ~· by the tenant hoJse (Building E)" and it had "huge ste s , three doors and chi.mne:/s (on) both ends and middle. " These excer~ts taken fro~ L'irs . Met~am to Mrs. Hoyes on ~ay , 1976 in response to questions asked by this surve./or •
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1. STATE r0/Iar
1ylantd HISTORIC AME~~~~t~~~~~DINGS SURVEY
couNTY a ver ·. I rnwN Dunkirk v1c1NJTY .... ~· 2. NAME Rose Hill or Keene's Retreat ,
STREET NO. (T-J! DA TE oR PERIOD Mainhouse ca. 1800 I sTYLECountry late colonial or earltf ORIGINAL owNER Mr. Richard Keene ARCHITECT /Federal BUILDER
ORIGINAL USE Dwelling PRESENT OWNER mrs. Mettam p RESENT USE Dwelling WALL CONSTRUCTION clapboarding NO. OF STORIES 2 1/2 .
3. FOR LIBRARY OF CONGRESS USE
4. NOTABLE FEATURES, HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AN[1 DESCRIPTION OPEN TO PUBLIC no This is a two storey clapboarded house 3 bays long. There is
a central door with an overlight and an exterior chimney on either end of the house. The clapboarding is 19th C. and narrow on the main house. The windows are 9/9. The mantels are early Federal, decorated with oval recessed designs, and slender reeded columns on the side. The door and window frames are pedimented, cut in flat boards in a very simple Greek Revival style. The staircase is early 19th Century. The balusters are simple round ones, but the newel post is an overblovvn Victorian one. The present owner, :Mrs. Mettam, a descendant of the original owner (who obtained the land from the original Smith grant) stales that an older house on the site burned around 1780, and this one was built 10-20 years later. The 2 one storey connecting additioh~ older, 1760 at least, originally a kitchen and small room. The windows are 6/6 and very old bubbly glass. The pitch of the roof is steep • Originally a huge walk-in fireplace was on one end, but this is now gone. This section has vertical beaded panelling on the / interior divider walls and horizontal panelling on the outer wall~ 1
The ceiling has all exposed beams. There is a very small staircase in one corner which leads to the
The boxwood planting on the property was listed as 230 years old in 1930 by the Towson Nurseries. There is a slave cemetery with approximately 50 graves on a hill behind the house. The slaves never.left the house after the Civil War but stayed on. A meathouse behind the house is said to be approx. 150 years old, although it has largely been rebuilt. Mainhouse also has a small Victor;f.an addition. All of the wood used in the house is black walnut which was cut on the property.
5. PHYSICAL CONDITION OF ~TRUCTURE Endangered Interior Exterior
House is deteriorating rapidly - has no central heat and is only occupied during the summer. Owner has no money to repair house and plans to tear down the older one storey section of the house •
~ 6. LOCATION MAP (Pion Qptio.,af)
0. PUBLISHED SOURCES (Author, Title, Pages)
INTERVIEWS, RECORDS, PHOTOS, ETC
7. PHOTOGRAPH 9. NAME, ADDRESS AND TITLE OF RECORDER
Paul A. Brinkman
DATE OF RECORD July ~8, 1967
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CT-7 Rose Hill, site (Keene's Retreat, Strwberry Hill) Lower Marlboro Quad
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