Friendsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Walnut Street and First Avenue – F.G. Fox & Sons
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2019
When David A. Custer built a flour mill next to the Fox complex, a second hub of activity was established. The large foundation stones of the mill can still be viewed in the basement of the buildings now used as a hardware store and motel (Northeast corner of Walnut Street and First Ave.)
George Savage built the home beside the small church across from the motel. Phil Garlitz purchased the home when his mill was flooded along the Mill Run during the construction of the Youghiogheny Reservoir. Mr. Garlitz placed the mill stone from his mill in the sidewalk in 1945.
The small chapel was originally Bill Bowers Shoe Repair. Charlie Barr lived there and in 1970 Reverend H.B. Rittenhouse bought the property and created the small Church which was used primarily as a wedding chapel. The reclusive Reverend Rittenhouse recorded gospel radio shows in a small recording studio on site and leased airtime on nine radio stations. His wife Betty Rittenhouse was the last occupant of the home and died in 2007 at the age of 81. Truck drivers would sometimes hear the radio program in far-flung places and residents returning to town would know they were close when they heard his program on area and national radio stations.
The house with the columns on the SW corner is where August Neil offered photography, clock repair and worked as a jeweler. His second shop and home moved to Maple Street, where he also began selling newspapers and comic books. Thomas and Priscilla Gary built the house on the NW corner (pictured right and still standing) which then became shopkeeper Henry Wolfe's. He sold his home and main street business to Evelyn and Olin Friend who turned his shop into the Clover Farm Store, now the S & S Market on Maple Street.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area Authority. (Marker Number 18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Friendsville History Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 39° 39.873′ N, 79° 24.256′ W. Marker is in Friendsville, Maryland, in Garrett County. Marker is on Walnut Street west of
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2019
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Yough Motors, Confectionary and Bandstand (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Unique Milling Company (about 500 feet away); Bear Creek Lumber and Meat Market (about 500 feet away); Vietnam Memorial (about 500 feet away); First National Bank, Leslie Friend Store & Military Honors (about 500 feet away); Friendsville Honor Roll (about 500 feet away); Morris Avenue and Maple Street (about 700 feet away); The Railroad Era and Hotels (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Friendsville.
More about this marker.
[Captions:]
F.G. Fox's Hardware.
Gary Home
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.