The Rich History of Fishing Creek Farm
by Margo Speciale

 

The story of Fishing Creek Farm unfolds in the late 17th century, chronicling the lives of its inhabitants, pivotal events, and remarkable transformations. Originally called “The Fishing Creek and Thomas Point Farm,” this expansive farmland once spanned approximately 300 acres, encompassing what we now recognize as Oyster Harbor, Arundel-on-the-Bay, and the residences along Thomas Point Road. The farm’s name is a nod to Fishing Creek Cove, the body of water separating Thomas Point and Arundel-on-the-Bay.

The Origins and Early Years 
The origins of Fishing Creek Farm date back to 1666, when the land was initially granted to the Chase family. The property remained in the family for 250 years. The property was passed through generations until it belonged to Jeremiah Townley Chase. Interestingly, Jeremiah’s first cousin was Samuel Chase, a famous signer of the Declaration of Independence. When Jeremiah died, he left the property to his daughter, Frances T. Chase Lookerman. Frances’s daughter, Hester Ann Lookerman, married William Hammond. After the marriage, the property became known as the Chase-Hammond property.

 

In 1890, the Chesapeake and Columbia Investment Company purchased a portion of the Chase property with the vision of transforming it into a resort. It was advertised as the only saltwater resort accessible within an hour of Washington, D.C., and one hour from Baltimore. The company proposed building a first-class cottage city featuring beautiful drives, shady walks, pavilions, bathing and boat houses, a clubhouse and casino with bowling alleys, and an electric road connecting with Bay Ridge Station. They also planned to preserve and plant oysters, for which these shores were well adapted. Sea bathing with a clean, sandy bottom sea, fine fishing, and shooting were among the attractions.

 

While the grand vision of a sprawling resort never fully materialized, the company did establish a scaled-down version of its original plan, creating what we now know as “Arundel-on-the-Bay.” To facilitate access to the area, an hourly passenger train service connected Annapolis with Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, bringing travelers to the Bay Ridge resort. From there, the company’s “Blackberry Train,” featuring open summer cars, transported visitors along the beach to Arundel on the Bay from 1893 to the early 20th century.

A Hub for Fishing and Duck Hunting 
Following William Harwood’s death in 1900, the Harwood family listed the property for sale in 1905, with promises of prime hunting grounds and fertile oyster beds. The property caught the eye of Richard G. Chaney. Recognizing its potential, Chaney envisioned transforming the land into the county’s foremost agricultural estate.

 

Chaney swiftly transformed the land into a sportsman’s paradise. By the early 1900s, the farm was renowned nationwide for its exceptional duck hunting. A 1910 article in the Evening Capital raved about the area’s teeming waterfowl population and the influx of eager hunters.  To accommodate the growing number of visitors, modern bungalows equipped with contemporary amenities began springing up on the property by 1911, as reported in the same newspaper.

Community and Recreation 
Beyond hunting and fishing, Fishing Creek Farm was a site for community and recreation. In 1917, it hosted camps that provided locals and visitors a place to gather and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. These camps were a testament to the farm’s role in fostering a sense of community and providing a haven for outdoor activities.

 

Beyond the Surface 
In 1910, the Evening Capital reported a “man-eating shark” hauled from the farm’s waters, followed by another shark encounter in Cherry Tree Cove a decade later. These remarkable events cemented the area’s reputation for the unexpected.

A softer side emerged in the late 1940s when the property became a haven for equine beauty. A thriving horse breeding program took root, specializing in majestic Belgian draft horses. Among these magnificent creatures, one stood out: a stallion named Kami earned the coveted title of champion at a Pulling Competition show, bringing pride and acclaim to the farm.

Yet, shadows of mystery and tragedy also cast their long reach over the farm’s idyllic facade. In 1949, a mystery unfolded when a resident spotted an empty 24-foot cabin Cruiser drifting aimlessly in Duvall Creek, its origin unknown. The cruiser was found in good condition, with its fuel tanks two-thirds full, and a man’s suit containing his wallet and a woman’s clothing were on board. The mystery deepened until, days later, the tragic truth emerged: two bodies were recovered, victims of a violent storm that had swept in from Florida.

 

The farm was acquired by George W. Huguely, Jr., a lumber and real estate magnate from DC, sometime in the 1940s. Hugely was a dedicated collector and restorer of classic automobiles. His collection, housed in the estate’s garage, which still stands, showcased a diverse range of pre-World War II vehicles, many featuring unique, custom-made bodies. Prestigious brands like Duesenberg, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, and Bugatti were displayed alongside more everyday models. A 1963 Ferrari and a 1957 Thunderbird were also part of this impressive collection. While some restored cars were occasionally exhibited at auto shows, the majority remained private treasures. After Mr. Huguely’s passing, Edwin Nutwell meticulously maintained these prized possessions through regular low-mileage drives.

Huguely’s passion extended beyond automobiles. He was also the custodian of The Rafale V, a historic speedboat renowned for its Art Deco design and record-breaking speed. Surviving the ravages of World War II, the boat traveled from European waters to the heart of the United States, eventually finding a temporary home in Huguelys heated barn on the estate, where it spent some time on display in his private museum before being offered for sale in 1987.

Transition into Modern Times 
Fishing Creek Farm has evolved significantly. Today, it stands as a testament to both history and conservation, preserving approximately 190 acres of its original character.

In 1987, the estate of George W. Huguely, Jr. sold a significant portion of the property, encompassing roughly 192 acres. These lands, officially titled “the lands of Margaret E. Huguely and George W. Huguely, Jr.,” were purchased by Fishing Creek Farm Associates, Inc., and developed by Mark Vogel.

 

The 1990s ushered in a new era for the farm. Its transformation into a waterfront enclave brought custom-built homes and exclusive access to the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, nature remains at its heart. Pristine beaches on Cherry Tree Cove and the South River are nestled within the community’s 100 acres of protected open space, a sanctuary of woodlands and tranquil shores.

A beloved Annapolis landmark, Fishing Creek Farm is celebrated for its harmonious blend of history and natural beauty. Its journey from a working farm to a coveted residential community encapsulates the enduring charm of Maryland’s coastal landscapes.