Calvert County
~~~~~ September 26, 2003 ~~~~~
Broomes Island: Wayne Clark reports damage to the Broomes Island Seafood Packing House, the source of a collection of packing industry artifacts previously donated to the Calvert Marine Museum. Structural damage includes collapse of two cinder block walls and undermining of a third. The building likely will be condemned and demolished.
Broomes Island: The C.J. Sewell Marine Supply Office has reportedly sustained flood damage, with 2 to 3 feet of water in the main story. The front receiving area lost wood siding and the roof sustained significant damage.
North Beach: An on-site review of damage reveals the worst damage occurred along Atlantic Avenue, particularly the 9100, 9200 and 9300 blocks. The decking from the boardwalk along this section of waterfront was destroyed and the timbers became battering rams as waves crashed into the first story of the adjacent houses. Most houses lost porches, windows, and had moderate to severe wall and roof damage. One significant historic structure, the Locker House (a pristine 1910 cottage) lost its front porch. Several historic cottages and bungalows in the 9300 block were washed off their foundations. With many demolitions pending, it is clear the historic character of the beachfront will be compromised. For photographs taken and posted by Bruce Wahl, see www.tccgi.com/Isabel.
 Countywide: By Monday, September 22, the Calvert County Historic District Commission had initiated a telephone survey of 70 locally listed properties across the county, seeking to identify any significant historic properties with serious damage concerns. Preservation planners Kirsti Uunila and Jenny Plummer focused on known problem areas, with particular attention to North Beach, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons, and Broome’s Island.
All Saints Church (CT-15): Kirsti Uunila reports a tree fell on the east (principal) façade causing minor damage to one of the circular windows and the fascia of the gable eave. Some roofing tiles are also missing. Repair estimates are being prepared by the vestry and MHT has provided sources for replacement glass.
Christ Church (CT-40): A large tree fell in the church yard but caused no damage to the building or the historic gravestones.
Cove Point Lighthouse (CT-65, NR): Doug Alves of Calvert Marine Museum reports water staining on the second floor of the duplex (from wind-driven spray), some windows broken in the lighthouse, and one or two bundles of shingles blown off the buildings. The most extensive damage was ruined fencing and the clean-up required to remove sand and muck deposited around the buildings.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum: Ed Chaney conducted a careful survey of shoreline erosion along St. Leonard’s Creek on September 23 and reports that archeological sites were not damaged, although they are more vulnerable to future erosion.
~~~~~ September 25, 2003 ~~~~~
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum: The reconstructed Algonquian circular house completed just last month was destroyed by tree fall.
~~~~~ September 23, 2003 ~~~~~
 The bay-front communities of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach were hit hard by the storm surge, complicated by the open bay frontage, which offered no protection from a record storm surge driven by high winds. Media footage indicates significant destruction to bay-front structures.
North Beach (CT-219): County preservation planners indicate the waterfront was decimated. Two early 20th century cottages were destroyed, five more are believed to be in similar condition. The Baltimore Sun (9/23) notes that town officials anticipate at least 10 waterfront houses will have to be demolished. County preservation planners are conducting assessments and will work with MHT staff to document historic structures that will be demolished.
Chesapeake Beach Railroad Museum (CT-100, NR, MHT Easement): Wayne Clark reports the storm surge did not reach the building and there is no visible wind or water damage.
 Calvert Marine Museum: The historic Lore Oyster House (CT-788, NR) took water at first floor level, but this is a pretty routine event. Museum staff evacuated collections materials prior to the storm and report no facility damage. The museum reopened to the public on Saturday, September 20.
Broome’s Island: Storm surge presumed to have inundated shorefront areas. No details available at this time.
 Cove Point Lighthouse (CT-65, NR): Storm surge breached the first floor of the early stone lighthouse and presumably the associated buildings. Awaiting report of conditions at this vulnerable and highly significant landmark.
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum: Park staff report roof damage to the Beverly Tenant House; emergency procurement for repairs is underway. Beach House flooded to window sills, and sustained damage to porch and siding. The pier and boardwalks at this site were destroyed. Upper Beverly Barn sustained minor damage to siding and roof. Kings Reach Tenant House will be without power for 7 days or more. Shoreline erosion was minimal along the Patuxent River but was significant along the south-facing shore at the mouth of St. Leonard’s Creek. The latter damage will likely affect Late Woodland pit features and a 19th century archeological site. Tree damage has been noted across the park.
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