HMD’s Historic Site Scavenger Hunt

A Hunt for History

On Saturday, May 11, the Historic Medley District, Inc. led adults and children on its first Scavenger Hunt through five historic locations in the Poolesville area.

Everyone was given a list of clues to aid them in their hunt. Starting at the Darby Store and House in Beallsville, Julie Mueller and Don Housley of Montgomery County’s Department of Parks recited the history of this site. Originally, the store and blacksmith shop were at the location of the Darby Store at the intersection of Beallsville Road and Darnestown Road. In 1908, H.C. Darby bought the land, and in 1910, he built a two-story general store. He later built the large white house to the left of the store for his family. Excavation work unearthed many artifacts, many dating back to the Civil War.

After a short drive, the “hunters” arrived at Edwards Ferry, Lock 25. Two period-dressed volunteers gave an interesting talk about its significant Civil War tie when it was used as a river crossing for the Union Army, as well as for many civilians.

A winding drive down the back roads led to the third site, the St. Paul Community Church in Sugarland. Gwen Hebron-Reese, founder and president of the Sugarland Ethno-History Project, was on hand to speak to the group about the history of the church and its importance to the Sugarland Community.

 Miss Darby (Julie Shapiro) was at her Seneca Schoolhouse on River Road to lead the adults and children through an “average” school day, including a difficult spelling bee and a Hot Potato game.

The last stop of the day was at the Rocklands Farm Winery on Montevideo Road. Owner Janis Glenn walked the group around the farm with its beautiful fields and barns. They all then gathered around picnic tables for cookies, lemonade, and wine and talked about the adventures of their day as scavenger hunters.