7537 Main Street
Photograph of 7537 Main Street, taken by the Sykesville Historic District Commission in 2008.
7537 is not considered a contributing building within Sykesville's Historic District. For information, see: Sykesville Historic District
History
This property space began as a gas station, which served the community under various ownership until 1974. At that time, Alvin Howes purchased and substantially remodeled the space for use as his Insurance Agency offices, as it continues today (2025).
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
In 1975, owner A.L. Howes received permission to enclose the service doors of the facility and raise the floor of this structure. ("Sykesville Past and Present," Linda Greenberg, 2012).
Awaiting updates from the SHDC.
1924
This clipping from the Sanborn Fire Map of Sykesville shows a two-section filling station with a shop (S) and greasing area. The Gas pump (G) is also labeled in the front.
c. 1950
This photograph from an undated Gate House collection album shows the front of 7537 during its use as a Sinclair service station. (028.08)
1983
Photograph of 7537 Main Street as A.L. Howes Insurance Agency taken in 1983.
1996
7537 Main Street in use as the A.L. Howes Insurance Agency seen in 1996. Photograph by R. Berry.
2008
This photograph shows the same A.L. Howes Insurance Agency at Main Street in 2008. Photo from the Sykesville Historic District Commission.
2025
Photograph of 7537 Main Street as it still stands as A.L. Howes Insurance Agency (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 22, 2025:
1924: The Sanborn Fire Map of Sykesville for this date shows a filling station of two sections at this location (see above)
c. 1950: This address serves as Sinclair service station (see photograph above)
pre-1974: British Petroleum gas station operates at this address ("Sykesville Past and Present," Linda Greenberg, 2012)
1974-present: Alvin Howes purchases the gas station for use as office space. His business, A.L. Howes Insurance agency, which had originally opened elsewhere in 1953 opened at this location in 1976 ("Sykesville Past and Present," Linda Greenberg, 2012)
1978-1985: while continuing to house A.L. Howes Insurance Agency, The Sykesville Building Association is located at this address as part of the Maryland Savings-Share Insurance Corporation (Carroll County Times, 4 January 1978, p. 25; 7 February 1985 p. 14)
1994: The Springfield Cemetery Company (of Springfield Presbyterian Church) operates from this address along with the A.L. Howes Insurance Agency. (Carroll County Times, 6 October 1994, p. 2)
1976-Present (2025): A.L. Howes Insurance Agency continues to operate at this address