Middletown in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Joshua Beckwith House
Circa 1867
This property (Lot 11-East Half) and one to the left were one lot when platted in 1768. They were separated in 1866.
During the battle of South Mountain in 1862, this site was used to triage casualties for care in the former Wesley Methodist Church, to the right, which served as a field hospital.
In 1867 Joshua Beckwith (1818-1910) purchased the lot and built this Greek revival residence. He operated a notions and millinery store on the first floor into the late 1800's. The Double Door entrance to the Old shop is still visible.
Russell Lighter (1868-19510 purchased this house from Beckwith's heirs in 1903 and lived here with his sisters; "Judge" Lighter served on the Orphan's Court for Frederick County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1768.
Location. 39° 26.642′ N, 77° 32.899′ W. Marker is in Middletown, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Old National Pike (Alternate U.S. 40) west of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 Old National Pike, Middletown MD 21769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Appleman's Tannery (within shouting distance of this marker); Middletown (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Middletown (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Middletown (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamar House (within shouting distance of this marker); 301 West Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Middletown in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Middletown (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
Regarding Joshua Beckwith House. Beckwith Millinery Store and Residence, 211 W. Main St. The two-story frame Italianate store-residence was built about 1867-68 by Joshua Beckwith. It has a three-bay south elevation with flush wood siding on the front and modillion cornices above the first story storefront and at the main roofline. On the exposed east elevation, the hipped standing seam metal roof has a cross gable with a semi-circular window above a second floor window and cantilevered balcony. The building is now used as a residence, but the storefront remains intact, with center double glazed panel doors am flanking 2/2 display windows. The original entrance to the upper level residence is at the southwest corner. A small one-story side projection extends to the west, perhaps containing a small parlor or reception area. This Building is a good example of the Italianate style in the commercial/residential combination type. -- National Register Nomination Form, Middletown Survey District, Survey No. F-4-39.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 3, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.