Mt. Airy was established in 1830 and continued to develop throughout the decade, beginning with the construction of house settlements along Parr's Ridge. A man named Henry Bussard built the first of these houses. This town was known for its train station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) at Parr's Ridge. The railroad ran from Baltimore to Frederick, cities to the east and west, respectively, of Mt. Airy. Following 1830, the town received its official name after the suggestion of "Mount Airy" from an Irish B&O worker who complained about his freezing ears on a windy work day.[citation needed] Over the years, milling, canning and sewing industries initially helped support Mt. Airy's economy.
The city's proximity to the National Road contributed to its growth. The National Road ran west from Baltimore to Illinois. By the 1890s, the city's growth had increased significantly and three new churches were built (one Episcopal and two Methodist), along with a very important bridge, still standing and known by residents as the Twin Arch, that helped with railroad transportation. Four great fires (1903, 1914,1925 and more recently 2007) burned though the downtown district, but the town rebuilt every time.
The Mount Airy Historic District that includes the railroad station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Currently, Mt. Airy is no longer economically dependent on the railroad, as citizens work a variety of different jobs. Many of its citizens work in Washington, DC or Baltimore; the city is a part of both of those cities' metropolitan areas. Mt. Airy is a neighborhood community for these job centers. Mt. Airy is similar to back in the day with the national road but now with Interstate 70 bordering the southern end of town with an interchange with MD-27. In the last few decades Mount Airy has had a lot of growth with the town which was part of the Residential project of the Mount Airy Master Plan from the 1994 to 2003 update.
(from http://www.elkrun.com/about/)
Elk Run Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of Frederick County surrounded by dairy and horse farms, fields of wheat and corn. The name “Elk Run” was chosen for a stream. The deed name to the property is the “Resurvey of Cold Friday.” It was a land grant from the King of England to Lord Baltimore. The winemaker’s home is circa 1756. Since 1983 Fred and Carol Wilson and Neill Bassford, family and friends, have made Elk Run a shining star among American wine producers.
For the past 5 years Julian Wilson has taken on greater responsibility for field management, wine making as well as the most knowledgeable in new marking technology. Lauren Wilson, Julian’s wife, a former Technical Director for WHAG in Hagerstown, has taken on marketing & event work for the winery.
Using new world research and technology while maintaining the traditions and values of old world practices, Elk Run’s focus is on producing high quality wine from high quality grapes. Practicing sustainable agriculture, on 25 acres, dense planted and controlled crop is heightened by the soils of schist and shale which allow for deep roots and good drainage. Eight hundred foot elevations help keep the vineyard safe from frost danger. Warm days and cool nights preserve the fruity character in the wines. Practicing sustainable agriculture, close spacing with great attention to crop levels allow the wine maker to create wines of varietal character, structure, balance and good color.
While a few wines are augmented by additional fruit, Elk Run Grows all the varieties it makes. Elk Run is the sole grower, producer of Gewurztraminer, the first and one of two who grow Pinot Noir ( 4 time Gold medal winner in 2012 for our 2010.
Did I mention OHO, at Elk Run Vineyards, Sunday, September 21 at 3PM for 'Sippin Sunday'? . . .
What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html
OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak
My latest solo release, '2014' of original, instrumental piano music, can be downloaded digitally at:
(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak4)
Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
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