The Brumbaugh House, ca. 1870, is in historic Elkridge, MD - Howard County's first settlement. Thanks to the efforts of the Elkridge Heritage Society, this Victorian with its characteristic turret and front porch has been well preserved.
It was the home and workplace of Dr. Benjamin Bruce Brumbaugh who took up residence in 1919 and operated a medical practice on the main floor for six decades. Dr. B., as he was known, was quite the local legend. I have a neighbor who remembers him making house calls in the Elkridge community, even after he retired. Dr. B. only charged his patients $2 per visit which he didn't increase until 1969 and only by $1.
"I'd rather treat them for free of charge than have them think I'm overcharging. I work just to keep alive, not for what I can get out of it."
What a great man!
In 1986, a year after Dr. Brumbaugh's death, the Victorian was bought by the Elkridge Heritage Society and the local Rotary Club which worked to preserve the doctor's office, waiting room, and Dr. B.'s legacy. The upstairs was converted into an apartment to help fund the preservation efforts.
*Alan Gibson and Eli Pousson, “The Brumbaugh House,” Explore Baltimore Heritage, https://explore.baltimoreheritage.org/items/show/669
Sadly, the Main Street it sits on, is not much of a Main Street, unlike neighboring Ellicott City with its thriving boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Elkridge's Main Street was cut in half by railroad tracks that once had a pedestrian tunnel to connect the two parts but it's long been blocked off, allowing no foot traffic to "the other side". There sits Elkridge's Main Street saving grace, The Rathskeller, a German restaurant. The only one of its kind in Howard County that is as authentic as it gets. You can take my word for it.. I am German.
The Brumbaugh House and The Rathskeller prove how preservation efforts can pay off. Let's hope Howard County will direct more resources into this part of the county.. it is its oldest settlement after all.
♥ It's always been the vintage, the old house charm, and the original details that I adore the most, that draw me in, make my [REALTOR®] heart flutter, and prompt me to pause, to listen, and then to retell their stories. I specialize in finding and marketing charming homes that are unique and rich in character, history, or both. I believe in preservation, second chances, saving the pink bathrooms, and front porch living. In this series, I highlight charming homes that I am listing to find just the right buyer for or that I am admiring with my special clients; or that have simply caught my eye while exploring the [historic] communities of Maryland and [far] beyond. Adore charming homes as much as I do? Then I'd love it if you'd follow me on Instagram, @onceuponahaus is where I grow my curated collection. ♥
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