729 Oklahoma Avenue
729 Oklahoma Avenue is a tower-like structure currently operating as part of Farm and Home Services (Southern States Cooperative Agency) photo by staff, 2025.
History
729 Oklahoma Avenue's structures are the last remnants of Sykesville's industrial history. The most recognizable part of this structure is a grain elevator, built in 1911 for the Maryland Milling and Supply Company. However, this structure has been used for many industrial purposes over the years, including a talc processing facility and was used as part of the Greenberg Publishing company.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
Awaiting details from SHDC.
1967
This image is one of several from a "Report on Liberty Talc Mines, Inc. Sykesville, Maryland," by, Benjamin A. Smith. The document describes the workings and dust systems of the talc processing facility at 729 Oklahoma Road over the previous two years as well as general history.
c. 1930-1940
This photograph shows a young Ted Barnes, with his dog "Goliath" in front of 729 Oklahoma Road. The photograph is undated, but appears to be from the 1930s or 40s. 034.01.5 gift of Puzz Brightwell.
Undated
This photograph shows no longer extant buildings of the bulk feed business at Southern States with the still-extant tower of 729 Oklahoma Road in the background.
1968
This photograph was taken July 16, 1968 at the back of the filling station next to the old post office (E.W. Beck's restaurant in 2025). Past the stop sign, you can see the tower of 729 Oklahoma Rd.
1973
In this photograph, the outbuildings of this address are visible behind the train station in the background and at the left of the train station, seen here showing damage from Hurricane Agnes.
2025
Today, the building stands as part of the working operations of Farm and Home (Southern States Cooperative Agency).
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 August 1, 2025:
c. 1911: operated by a grain and feed mill as part of the Maryland Milling and Supply Company. (Sanborn Fire Map, 1911; Report On Liberty Talc Mines, Inc. , Sykesville Maryland By Benjamin A. Smith, M.E., 1967)
1924: The 1924 Sanborn Fire Map of Sykesville shows a Grain Elevator at this location, with notation of "Built 1921"--it is unclear if the entire structure was rebuilt at that time, or if just the fire proof construction elements were added at that time.
1956-c. 1967: Liberty Talc Mines, a mineral talc processing facility ("Report On Liberty Talc Mines, Inc. , Sykesville Maryland" by, Benjamin A. Smith, M.E., 1967)
1983: Greenberg Publishing Company uses this address for a doll and toy show (unclear if the main use of the structure was related to the publishing house at the time) (Carroll County Times, 17 March 1983 p. 11 ; )
1991: South Carroll Contractors, Inc. is listed at this address under the name of Michael Leurs (Carroll County Times, 4 August 1991, p. 16)
2025: This site operates in tandem with 7625 Main Street under Farm and Home Services Inc. / Southern States