Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Harmon Hotel

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

1. The Harmon Hotel Marker

Inscription. The Harmon Hotel stood here, one of more than 40 properties owned by Walter Harmon (1869-1915), a local African-American businessman who amassed a fortune in real estate.

A McGaheysville, VA native, Harmon had 10 children and 20 grandchildren. Most worked here before pursuing careers in education, medicine and business. Harmon's widow, Florence Keys Harmon, a native of Williamsport, managed this property until her passing in 1953.

When segregation shut local apartment and hotel doors; the Harmon Hotel hosted back teachers, entertainers and travelers. Their most prestigious guest was Willie Mays. In June 1950 the 19 year rookie came to Hagerstown with the Trenton Giants, a New York Giants farm team, for a weekend series against the local Boston Braves farm team.

Erected by Each One Teach One African American Historical Association of Western Maryland.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1950.

Location. 39° 38.782′ N, 77° 43.203′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Jonathan Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Washington County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Retreat from Gettysburg (about 800 feet away); Jonathan Hager (about 800 feet away); Bloom Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Bronze Cannon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

More about this marker. On the center of the marker is a portrait of Walter Harmon, 1869-1915. On the right side is a depiction of the hotel.

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

2. The Harmon Hotel Marker

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

3. The Harmon Hotel Marker

The Harmon Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

4. The Harmon Hotel

Close-up of image on marker

Walter Harmon 1869-1915 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

5. Walter Harmon 1869-1915

Close-up of image on marker

Harmon Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 22, 2017

6. Harmon Avenue

Harmon Alley has become Harmon Avenue.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,425 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.