Douglass Summer House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Douglass Summer House
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Douglass Summer House, December 2009
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3200 Wayman Ave., Highland Beach, Maryland |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1894 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000069 |
| Added to NRHP | February 20, 1992 |
The Douglass Summer House is a special historic home located in Highland Beach, Maryland. This house was built a long time ago, between 1894 and 1895. It's one of the very first homes built in Highland Beach and is the oldest building still standing there today.
This house is important because it was built by Major Charles Douglass. He was the son of the famous American leader, Frederick Douglass. The house is a great example of the Queen Anne architectural style. It has a unique look with a porch that wraps around the house and a cool corner tower. In 1987, the house was carefully fixed up, making sure to keep most of its original parts.
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A Home with History
The Douglass Summer House is more than just an old building. It tells a story about an important time in American history. It was a place where the Douglass family could relax and enjoy the summer.
Who Was Frederick Douglass?
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an amazing person. He was born into slavery but escaped and became a powerful writer, speaker, and leader. He fought for freedom and equal rights for African Americans. He believed everyone should be treated fairly, no matter their skin color.
Frederick Douglass was a very important voice in the fight against slavery. He also supported women's rights. His work helped change America for the better.
Highland Beach: A Special Place
Highland Beach itself is a very unique community. It was one of the first towns in the United States founded by and for African Americans. This happened at a time when many places were segregated, meaning Black people were not allowed to live or visit certain areas.
Frederick Douglass wanted a place where his family and other African Americans could enjoy the beach freely. His son, Charles Douglass, helped make this dream come true by buying land and creating Highland Beach. The Douglass Summer House was one of the first homes built in this special community.
The House's Design
The Douglass Summer House is a 2+1⁄2-story building. This means it has two full floors and a smaller half-story, often in the attic. It's built in the Queen Anne style, which was popular in the late 1800s.
What is Queen Anne Style?
Queen Anne style homes are known for being fancy and detailed. They often have:
- Different textures on the outside, like shingles and decorative wood.
- Towers or turrets, like the one on the Douglass Summer House.
- Wrap-around porches, perfect for relaxing on a summer day.
- Asymmetrical shapes, meaning one side doesn't perfectly mirror the other.
This style makes the Douglass Summer House look grand and inviting.
Protecting This Important Place
In 1992, the Douglass Summer House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural importance. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them.
Being on the National Register helps people understand why the Douglass Summer House is so valuable. It reminds us of the history of Frederick Douglass, his family, and the special community of Highland Beach.
