Fall into Fun with Recreation and Parks - Lern

Pfeiffer’s Corner Schoolhouse
Originally constructed about 1883, the Pfeiffer’s Corner Schoolhouse is one of
the very few remaining one-room schools in Howard County. Restoration is now
complete in its new location within Rockburn Branch Park, 6109 Rockburn Branch
Park Road, Elkridge. Children were educated within its walls for over 50 years until
it was converted into a residence in the 1940’s. It was almost demolished when new
homes were built on the property in the 1980’s, but was saved through the efforts of
local school children. They raised funds to have it moved in 1988 to county-owned
parkland along route 108 near Clarksville, where it stood for several years until a
permanent location could be found. In 2003, it was moved to Rockburn Branch Park
where it illustrates the changes a 100-year time span has brought to our schools;
serves as a historic exhibit in conjunction with the adjacent Clover Hill restoration;
and provides space for demonstration classes, interpretive tours, and small meetings.
Thomas Isaac Log Cabin
Named after its late 19 th century owner, this rustic structure was built circa 1780 as
a settler’s home of Ellicotts Mills. The cabin was reconstructed on the present site in
the late 20 th Century. Here, visitors can learn about the settlement and development
of the region and artisans. The cabin is located at the intersection of Main Street and
Ellicott Mills Drive in Historic Ellicott City, and is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 PM,
April through December. Private and group tours are available year-round, weather
permitting. Information: 410-313-5131.
Waverly Mansion
This property is associated with many of the “founding families” of Maryland and is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nathan Dorsey, son of Colonel John
Dorsey, built the main section of the mansion between 1756 and 1764. The property
was later sold to Revolutionary War Hero, Colonel John Eager Howard, governor of
Maryland from 1788 to 1790. Colonel Howard gave the house and land to his son,
George, who later served as governor of the state (1831-33). George Howard and
his wife, Prudence, a member of the Ridgeley family, named their estate after the
popular Sir Walter Scott novel, Waverley. The restored mansion, furnished with period
antiques, is open for special programs and for tours by appointment. It is also a
popular place for weddings, parties and meetings. Information: Catering by Uptown,
410-437-5711.
For a complete list of historic places to visit, go to
www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP/RAP_HistoricalSites.htm
12 Fall 2011 To register, visit howardcountymd.gov/RAP or call 410-313-PARK (410-313-7275)