Berwyn Heights in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Berwyn Heights Company
Historic Berwyn Heights
This house was built ca. 1910 by Fred Benson (1867-1923), a U.S. Treasury Department employee, and his wife Margaret (1868-1958). From 1922-1950, it served as the local office of the Berwyn Heights Company. This real estate and community development company was incorporated in Delaware in November 1919 by six citizens of Berwyn Heights after they purchased at auction 140 acres of land in Town. Fred Benson was President, Elwood Taylor Vice President, William Willard Secretary, John McNitt Treasurer and John Gardiner General Counsel.
In 1922, Clarence Benson (1891-1951), a U.S. Cavalry officer, succeeded his father Fred as President. By 1928, all original partners had resigned. The Company was managed by Clarence, his mother Margaret, and briefly his brother Howard (1890-1938) until 1951. His son William took over in 1952, followed by the trio of Clarence's wife Helen, his daughter Mildred with her husband Robert Tobin. The Company's holdings were mostly sold off by 1960 before it was disbanded in 1975. Today, its footprint is visible in several 1920s kit homes and post-war subdivisions.
Erected 2019 by The Berwyn Heights Historical Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1919.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington Spa Spring & Gretta Railroad (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Berwyn Heights Association (approx. ¼ mile away); Waugh Avenue (approx. ¼ mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Origins of Lake Artemesia (approx. ¼ mile away); Charlton Avenue (approx. 0.3 miles away); Family, Church and Community in Lakeland (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lakeland at the Beginning (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn Heights.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
