7556 Main Street
McDougall's Pharmacy occupied 7556 Main Street from 1967-1989 as seen in this photograph.
7556 is not considered a contributing building within Sykesville's Historic District. For information, see: Sykesville Historic District
History
The structure at 7556 Main Street was built in 1950 to replace the house currently located at 732 Oklahoma Road. The site was originally the home of the late Mrs. Laura Barlow in 1922 ("Valuable Property for Sale," Sykesville Herald, August 10, 1922). In the early 1950s, the home was moved backwards, and turned to face St. Paul's Church, later moving again and turning 180 degrees to face the Interlocking Tower.
The current building at 7556 Main Street was purpose-built for the Cross and Rosensteel clothing company. In the 1970s, the building was updated to include colonial revival-style windows, reflecting Bicentennial affectations. At the time of renovation, it was serving as the site of McDougall's Pharmacy.
McDougall's Pharmacy opened in Sykesville across the street from this site in 1957, but moved into this address in 1967. They remained at this site until 1988, relocating to Sandosky Road.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
Awaiting updates from the SHDC.
Original Structure c. 1940
This photograph from a parade shows the original 7556 Main Street house (now located at 732 Oklahoma Road) at the upper Right Hand corner of the photograph.
1976
At the center of this photograph, the white rectangular facade with large windows (behind the telephone pole) show the building as it appeared c. 1950s-early 1970s prior to its colonial-revival renovation.
1983
This aerial photograph by, Sky Shots of Westminster, shows the intermediary location of the original house at 7556 at the center of the McElroy Parking Lot. It was later turned 180 degrees and moved South to Oklahoma Road.
1983
McDougall's Pharmacy has operated in several places throughout Sykesville, including on Sandusky Road. In 2025, the business operates in Eldersburg.
1996
This photograph shows Think Oak, a furniture business that occupied this location for many years. Main Street Cafe occupied the right side of the building at the time of this photo.
7556 Main Street Today
This photograph taken in April of 2025 by Gate House Staff shows current businesses, 7556 Bistro (left) and Dirty Gangster Dogs (right) sharing the main floor entrance. An apartment occupies the upper floor.
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 May 10, 2025:
??-1922: A home (original structure now at 723 Oklahoma Road) occupied by Mrs. Laura Barlow sits at this address. (see above citation)
c. 1950: Original home is moved backwards into the lot behind this address. A purpose-built structure for Cross and Rosensteel occupies the space. ("Sykesville Past and Present A Walking Tour," Greenberg, 2012)
1967-1989: McDougall Pharmacy, under Bernard C. McDougall, moved from across the street and occupies the left side of this building. During their tenure, the building is renovated with a colonial-revival facade. A Lunch counter operated as part of the overall business model. ("Obituary of Bernard C. McDougall 73, longtime Sykesville pharmacist," Baltimore Sun, August 28., 1998; Carroll County Times, June 1, 1989, p. A2)
1989: Bernard C. McDougall sells the building to Bernard C. and Bonnie L. Mullins ("Circuit Court," Carroll County Times, Sept. 24, 1989, p. A9.)
1989-1995: Sykesville Hardware Rental occupies more of the space along with Jackie's Luncheon Counter, run by Jackie Riley and operated in a back Right corner of the Sykesville Hardware and Rental Center, continuing what she referenced as a fifty year tradition of a lunch room here. ("Jackie's Is a Regular Place for Lunch," Carroll County Times, June 5, 1992; "Economy Takes Toll on Main Street Eatery." Carroll County Times July 10, 1993, A1.; "Sykesville Hardware and Rental Center [advertisement]" Carroll County Times, May 25, 1989. p. A5). ("Sykesville Past and Present A Walking Tour," Greenberg, 2012).
1993-????: Dixie's Lunchroom, run by Dixie Affeldt ("New Business Licenses" Carroll County Times, August 1, 1993, p. C4)
c. 1996: Main Street Cafe occupies the right side of the building (photo above)
c. 1996-2011: Think Oak Furniture, owned by Frank Davis, occupies the left side of the building (photo above)(2004 Centennial on the Tracks Walking Map)
c. 2015-2017: Salazon Chocolate Company (hosted under the business name of "Market Tavern"), by Jen and Pete Truby, occupies the left side of this space. The location served alcohol and sold chocolate and gourmet food goods. Later, they relocated to 7540 Main Street with a larger bar and market. (Baltimore Sun, Jan 30, 2016; Carroll County Times, May 3, 2017 p. A11)
2017-c.2019: Norwood Ice Cream and Candy Company (Carroll County Times, July 20, 2019, p. A5), owner Katie Johnson opens in January of 2017 at this address (norwoodicecream.com/ourstory), later moving to Eldersburg Exchange.
early 2019-2022: Dandelion Donuts and Pastries occupied the right side of the building, followed in December of 2021 by Dandelion Bakery Bistro, which rebranded as 7556 Main Street Cafe on the left side of the building which incorporated the desserts from the original Dandelion Donuts and Pastries business (Facebook post, 7556 Main Street Bistro, April 2, 2022).
c. 2023-present (2025): After the bakery's closure, 7556 Main Street Cafe rebrands as 7556 Main Street Bistro and occupies the site, still run by Keith Watson alongside his other restaurant, Dirty Gangster Dogs (hot dogs, opened 4/11/2023) on the right side of the building.