7530 Main Street
Photograph of 7530 Main Street, taken by Gate House Staff, 2025.
Odd Fellows Hall
History
For much of its early history, the second floor of this building was the meeting place of the fraternal organization of the Odd Fellows. Although the international organization is slightly older, the first lodge in America was in Baltimore, Maryland in 1819. This site was purchased in 1889 and the building purpose-built for the organization.
The first floor of this building was used for a variety of businesses before being converted into apartments.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
Awaiting updates from the SHDC.
1911 Sanborn Fire Map
This clipped image from the Sanborn Fire Map of Sykesville shows 7530 Main Street in use in 1911 as a Bowling Alley with a Lodge Hall on the 2nd floor.
1924 Sanborn Fire Map
This clipped image from the Sanborn Fire Map of Sykesville shows 7530 Main Street in use in 1924 as a store.
1985
Photograph of the apartments at 7530 Main Street.
1985
This image shows 7530 Main Street in use as apartments in 1985.
1996
This photograph shows the apartment building at 7530 Main Street in 1996. Photograph by R. Berry.
2025
Photograph of the apartments at 7530 Main Street (photo by Gate House staff, 2025)
Site Use
Research is ongoing to confirm the historical use of this property. If you see any errors or have additional information, please contact the Museum through the methods at the bottom of the page
Confirmed Use as of October 3, 2025:
1889-c. 1930s: The site is purchased from George Schrade and the building is immediately purpose-built for use as the Lodge of the Odd Fellows(Democratic Advocate, Westminster, 21 Dec 1889, p.3)
1911: The Sanborn Fire Map (see above) shows the main floor of the building in use as a bowling alley with the upper floor in use as a "Lodge Hall."
prior to 1922: The first floor of the Odd Fellows Hall is used as a store room by H.R. DeVries (whose main operation was further south on Main Street) (Sykesville Herald, 16 February 1922)
1922: R. Kenneth Barnes Jewelry and Confectionery Store operates on the first floor of this location briefly before moving next door to 7532 Main Street. (Sykesville Herald, 30 November 1922)
1924: The Sanborn Fire Map (see above) shows the main floor of this building in use as a carpenter's shop, with the upper floor still in use as the "Lodge Hall."
c.1985-2012: Carrollton Apartments operate at this site, in 2012 this building was owned by Robert Chapman ("Sykesville Past and Present," Linda Greenberg)
present (2025): Building continues as apartments