7610 Main Street
7610 Main Street is seen at the far left of this picture, c. 1920s.
History
Today's 7610 building has held a roofed structure since at least the late 1800s. The building is shown on a 1911 map of Sykesville as a "feed and salt warehouse," but is primarily remembered for its role as a fire house.
In 1905, Sykesville had formed its original volunteer fire department after the Great Fire of Baltimore (Feb 7, 1904). Wade H.D. Warfield served as president, and W. W. Ritter as the manager of the fire department. In May of 1905, the Democratic Advocate Newspaper of Baltimore announced that the department held a combination, chemical, engine and hook and ladder truck with a pump and hose attachment, built by the Whitelock company of Baltimore. A substantial parade welcomed the arrival of this equipment. However, this original Fire House was located at 7539 Norwood Road, which also served as a jail and stable.
Little is mentioned in periodicals to reflect the location or activities of the Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department between 1905 and 1933. However the building at 7610 was refitted at some point prior to the arrival of a modern fire engine in 1933. The building currently at this location is marked as "Fire Department" on a 1924 Fire Insurance Map of Downtown Sykesville.
In 1933, J. Marion Harris, offered the building to the Town. Volunteers undertook substantial repairs and the pouring of a concrete floor. The upper floor was renovated into meeting space. The site continued use as a fire house until 1939 when the company purchased a second engine and moved across the street to 7609 (see: 7609 Main Street).
After 1939 the businesses at this location varied from clubs and eateries to consignment stores. See the business index below.
Immediately to the right of the building, a B&O rail line is still visible from when a branch line served the Maryland Milling and Supply Company, which occupied numerous buildings throughout the parking areas behind this side of Main Street.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
(Awaiting from SHDC)
1911
This image is a selection from the 1911 Sanborn fire map of the Town of Sykesville. 7610 is seen as the small rectangular structure just below the B&O Railway siding.
c. 1920s
7610 Main Street is seen at the far left with two persons sitting in the doorway. The use of this building is unclear, although it was owned by J. Marion Harris, who at the time ran several stores.
1933
Sykesville Volunteer Fire Departments 1933 La France engine in front of the fire house at that time, at this address.
1983
Bill's Crab House was one of a few eateries at this location in its history
1996
A Cup Above Coffee Service is seen here in 1996 with a For Sale sign on the side of the building.
1924 Sanborn Map
This excerpt from the 1924 fire map of Sykesville reflects the use of this building as a fire department at the time. A high resolution image of the full map can be viewed at the Maryland State Archives here.
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:
c. 1880-1911: "Feed and salt warehouse" of J. Marion Harris. (Fire Map of Sykesville, Sanborn Insurance Co., 1911.)
c. 1924: "Fire Department" (Fire Map of Sykesville, Sanborn Insurance Co., 1924)
1933-1939: Engine House and Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department
c. early 1960s: Upstairs was the Crusaders Club, car repair and hangout (oral history of museum visitor, Oscar Dixon, 2022)
1977: Schatz Lawn Mower Service (Carroll County Times, Oct. 31, 1977, p. 13)
1983: Bill's Crab House (photo above)
1985: Porky Jo Karyout (Sykesville Historic District Tour, 1985, slide)
1987: Captain's Quarters Seafood Market (Carroll County Times, May 24, 1987, p. A6)
c. 1988-1990: Ted's Bug Shop (Volkswagen vehicle parts store) run by Frank (no last name listed) and Ted Parish, rented this building from Town Council President, Charles Mullins. Ultimately, the business outgrew the space and was forced by Council to move based on zoning violations. (Carroll County Times, July 16, 1990, p. A3).
c. 1996: A Cup Above Coffee (although marked in photograph as "For Sale by Owner") see photo above.
late 1990s/early 2000s: Finders Keepers consignment (2004 Centennial on the Tracks Walking Map)
(building was gutted immediately after occupancy of Finders Keepers)
2017-present: Firehouse Creamery; (Whistle Stop Deli and Bagels open c. 2020-; owners continue to run as:) DC Dills (purveyor of pickles) at the same address.