Silver Run, Carroll County, Maryland

Silver Run, Maryland

Silver Run is an unincorporated community located in Carroll County, Maryland, United States. It is situated in District 1 of Carroll County, nestled between the historic village of Union Mills, Maryland, and Littlestown, Pennsylvania, just south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The community is known for its rural charm and historical significance (1, 7).

Geography

Silver Run is positioned within the northern part of Carroll County, approximately 8 miles north of the city of Westminster, Maryland, and about 10 miles southeast of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The region is characterized by rolling farmlands, preserved forests, and historic sites, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere (3, 5).

History

Silver Run has deep historical roots, with many structures and properties dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The village played a role in the agricultural and industrial growth of Carroll County during this period (4, 8). While it remains an unincorporated community, Silver Run boasts a tight-knit community that has historically maintained and managed local affairs. In the 1920s, Arthur Willis Feeser, the founder of the A.W. Feeser Cannery, installed antique streetlights to ensure the safety of his employees traveling to and from work. Residents took pride in maintaining these lights and continued to pay for their upkeep, resisting efforts by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) to replace them with modern LED lights (2, 4). This tradition of local governance and community involvement continues today, with residents stepping up to address local needs and initiatives.

A community webpage is currently in development to foster communication and engagement among the residents of Silver Run and neighboring Union Mills. This page is also planned to include subpages for homeowners to document the historical significance of their properties, encouraging them to organize and contribute to the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (1, 2).

Additionally, Silver Run has its own community center, established on the site of the original Charles Carroll Elementary School, serving as a hub for local gatherings and activities (9).

A.W. Feeser Cannery

In the early 20th century, Silver Run became home to the A.W. Feeser Cannery, founded by Arthur Willis Feeser. This cannery played a crucial role in the local economy, processing vegetables and fruits grown in the surrounding farmlands. The A.W. Feeser Cannery operated for several decades, helping to shape the community’s agricultural identity and employing many local residents (4, 6). It was a significant competitor to other regional operations, including the Shriver Company in nearby Union Mills. Feeser's cannery products were known for their quality, and its presence underscored Silver Run’s role in Carroll County's industrial and agricultural history (7).

Arthur Willis Feeser Estate

Arthur Willis Feeser, the founder of the A.W. Feeser Cannery, also left a lasting architectural legacy in the community. His estate, known as the Arthur Willis Feeser House, is a historic mansion located in Silver Run. Built during the early 20th century, this estate reflects the prosperity of the Feeser family and their contribution to the region’s economy. The mansion features period architectural details and is part of ongoing restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance after years of deterioration (2, 4). The estate serves as a local landmark, reflecting the intersection of industry and community life in Silver Run during the early 1900s.

Charles Carroll Elementary School

Charles Carroll Elementary School was established in 1921 as the first consolidated school in Carroll County, named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a prominent figure in Maryland's history and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (9, 10). The school was originally built in 1921 but suffered a fire in 1928, leading to the construction of a new building in 1929. Throughout its operation, the school played a significant role in the community's educational development, providing a vital place for local children to receive a quality education and fostering a strong sense of community among families.

The auditorium of Charles Carroll Elementary was named after Arthur Willis Feeser, who not only contributed to the school community as a benefactor but also served as one of the earliest school board members (9, 8). The school emphasized both academic excellence and character education, reflecting the values of the time.

However, as demographics shifted and educational needs changed, the school eventually closed in 2016, with the building demolished in 2018. Despite its closure, the legacy of Charles Carroll Elementary School continues through its former students and the community programs held at the site of the original building, which has since become a community center. The history of the school is cherished by residents, symbolizing a time when education was central to the community's identity (10, 12).

Historic Sites

Silver Run features several properties listed on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP), reflecting its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Notable sites include:

• Arthur Willis Feeser Estate (MIHP No. CARR-1665): The estate is significant for its association with the Feeser family, who were influential in local agriculture and business. The architectural style reflects the period's residential designs, featuring elements of Colonial Revival architecture (1, 2).
• Christopher Erb House (MIHP No. CARR-825): Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this house is an excellent example of 19th-century architecture. It represents the typical rural home of its time, showcasing the lifestyle and craftsmanship of the era (4, 8).
• Silver Run Restaurant (Brick Restaurant) (MIHP No. CARR-1195): This historic establishment has served the community for decades and is known for its local cuisine and hospitality. The building itself reflects the architectural styles popular in the early 1900s and has been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike (1, 4).
• A.W. Feeser Cannery: Dating back to the early 1900s, the cannery played a significant role in the area’s agricultural history. Although it currently does not have an assigned MIHP number, it was crucial for food processing and preservation, supporting local farmers and contributing to the region's economy (6, 7).
• St. Mary’s Chapel (MIHP No. CARR-69): A historic site known for its architectural significance and role in the local community, St. Mary’s Chapel reflects the spiritual heritage of the area (1, 2).
• St. Mary’s Lutheran Church (MIHP No. CARR-173): This church serves as a significant place of worship within the community, showcasing Gothic Revival architecture and reflecting the area’s religious history (1, 2).
• St. Mary’s Evangelical Reformed Church (MIHP No. CARR-174): A notable historic church that embodies the architectural and cultural traditions of the early 20th century, contributing to the area's diverse religious landscape (1, 2).

In addition to these recognized sites, there are many more historic homes and properties in Silver Run that have not yet been entered into the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. These structures contribute to the community’s rich historical tapestry and reflect its agricultural and industrial heritage.

Silver Run Cemetery

The Silver Run Cemetery is a significant historical site located within the community, dating back to the 1700s. It serves as the final resting place for many local residents, including early settlers and prominent figures from the region. The cemetery features a variety of grave markers, predominantly made of stone, including granite and marble, which reflect the different eras of burial practices and the community's history. Efforts to maintain and preserve the cemetery are ongoing, as it holds significant historical value for Silver Run and its surrounding areas (10, 11).

Preservation Efforts

Silver Run has seen concerted efforts to preserve its historic buildings and landscapes, both by local homeowners and organizations. The preservation of the Arthur Willis Feeser Estate and the continued care for historic sites like the Christopher Erb House are part of broader initiatives to maintain the rural charm and architectural heritage that define the community. Silver Run remains a draw for visitors and history enthusiasts interested in exploring Maryland’s cultural past (8, 4).

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References:

1. Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP): Maryland Inventory.
2. National Register of Historic Places, Listing for Silver Run Historic Properties, 2023 Edition.
3. Carroll County Historical Society, Historic Properties of Carroll County, accessed October 2024.
4. Carroll County Times, "The A.W. Feeser Cannery and its Impact on Local Agriculture," accessed October 2024.
5. Maryland History and Culture: An Overview of Silver Run, Maryland State Archives, 2023.
6. Historic Preservation in Carroll County, Maryland Department of Planning, 2022.
7. The History of Silver Run and its Communities, published by the Carroll County Historical Society, 2023.
8. Maryland State Library, Agricultural Industry and Historic Sites of Carroll County, 2022.
9. Exploring Carroll County’s Past: Historic Sites and Their Stories, Carroll County Government, 2023.
10. Silver Run Cemetery Records, Carroll County Genealogy Society, accessed October 2024.
11. Preserving Silver Run Cemetery, community preservation efforts document, 2023.
12. History of Charles Carroll Elementary School, Carroll County Public Schools Archives, accessed October 2024.
13. "Charles Carroll Elementary School: A Legacy of Education," Carroll County Public Schools, accessed October 2024.
14. "The Role of Schools in Rural Communities," Maryland Education Journal, 2022.
15. "History of Carroll County Schools," Carroll County Historical Society, 2023.
16. "Historic Preservation in Carroll County," Maryland State Department of Planning,