Highland Beach in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Millard R. "Buddy" Dean
The story of the original pavilion at Highland Beach cannot be told without recognizing the huge contributions of Dr. Millard R. "Buddy" Dean, affectionately known to the young people as "Uncle Buddy." He was a prominent dentist in Washington, D.C. for nearly 50 years.
For many summers beginning in the 1950s, Dr. Dean conducted a series of first-run movies that filled the pavilion every Saturday night. The pavilion was a place for residents to meet, play cards, show first run and home movies, dance to the music of the day, and hold talent shows.
Dr. Dean's home moviestreasured by residents and families alikeare now part of the Black historical movies collection at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. His family members still reside in the family home at Highland Beach.
The original pavilion was designed in 1925 by Dr. John E. Washington, a notable dentist in Washington, D.C., and the author of They Knew Lincoln. The design was described as unique. It was an eight-sided wooden structure with large, screened windows. The pavilion was demolished in the 1970s due to steady beachfront erosion and structural integrity issues, after having been moved back from the beachfront years prior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
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Location. 38° 55.782′ N, 76° 27.84′ W. Marker is in Highland Beach, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is on Wayman Avenue north of Douglass Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3203 Wayman Ave, Annapolis MD 21403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Mary Church Terrell (a few steps from this marker); Highland Beach Maryland (within shouting distance of this marker); Twin Oaks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Twin Oaks (within shouting distance of this marker); Major Charles and Laura Douglass Town Hall at Highland Beach (approx. Ό mile away); Highland Beach (approx. Ό mile away); Venice Beach (approx. Ό mile away); Arundel-on-the-Bay (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 16, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
