Cromwell Valley in Parkville in Baltimore County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Merrick Log House
Most of this original structure survives because the foundation and first floor were built with stone and this is not vulnerable to insect destruction. After lime production ceased at the kilns in the early 1900s, the log house was used as a residence by the farm managers of Long Island Farm.
Later, the log house was used as a rental property by the owners. The last tenant left the log house in 1992 when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources bought the property to be included in Cromwell Valley Park.
Where are the logs of the log house? During the 2013 stabilization work, all exposed logs were treated with a preservative and covered with cypress barn siding for protection from the elements.
The charred remains of the tractors and woodsheds in the foreground at Jenifer kiln are the result of a brush fire that started near Willow Grove Bridge on a windy day. Thankfully the brush fire did not reach the log house.
On the right front of the house, as picture in 1950, was a small, one story screened porch attached to the 1880s house addition. Today, you see instead the larger lean-to-style kitchen added in the early 1960s by William S. Merrick for his brother, Robert G. Merrick.
Study of the Merrick Log House presents the opportunity to reveal information to many categories of professionals, tradesmen and the general public. Such structures as this make a significant statement about historic construction and architectural style. They are the symbols of our cultural heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.
Location. 39° 25.115′ N, 76° 32.651′ W. Marker is in Parkville, Maryland, in Baltimore County. It is in Cromwell Valley. Marker can be reached from Cromwell Bridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2200 Cromwell Bridge Rd, Parkville MD 21234, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Jenifer Kiln (within shouting distance of this marker); Jenifer Lime Kiln (within shouting distance of this marker); Risteau Lime Kiln (within shouting distance of this marker); Risteau Kiln (within shouting distance of this marker); Shanklin Kiln (within shouting distance of this marker); The Balancing Reservoir (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Knettishall (approx. 2.2 miles away); Quarters #2 & 3 (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkville.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.