August, 1908 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



3 2 3 



Chases, Johnsons, Pacas, Carrolls, Chal- 

 mers, Jennings, Ogles, Hammonds, Pink- 

 neys, Ridouts, Gibsons, etc., lived in at- 

 tractive homes, appointed and furnished 

 with every luxury of the time, including 

 numbers of slaves to serve and wait upon 

 them. They followed the English fash- 

 ions and imported, or had made to order 

 by the local cabinet makers, the latest and 

 the newest styles in furniture and uphol- 

 stery. The sideboards, china closets, cup- 

 boards and cabinets were bright with hand- 

 some plate and choice porcelain and china. 

 The cellars were well stocked with wine 

 and spirits, and the black cooks in the dis- 

 tant kitchens knew full well how to pre- 

 pare the wild ducks, turkeys, terrapin, 

 sheep's head and other "delicacies of the 

 Chesapeake," not to speak of the pastries, 

 cakes and innumerable kinds of breads, 

 from "corn pone," "butter bread," "butter 

 cakes" and waffles to the famous "Mary- 

 land beaten biscuit." 



A few of these typical Maryland homes 

 are shown in the accompanying illustrations. 



X— Ca 



Hall 



during the winter. "All the good things 

 of a plentiful country decorated the table 

 of our magnificent host; the wines were ex- 

 cellent and various, and cheerful, blazing 

 fires, with enlivening conversation, exhilar- 

 ated the spirits and rendered us totally re- 

 gardless of the rigor of an American winter. 

 On the ensuing day, the whole company 

 proceeded to Rousby Hall, where we con- 

 tinued in the full enjoyment of genuine hos- 

 pitality till the third month, and it was with 

 the utmost reluctance we were then per- 

 mitted to take our departure." 



They also visited "most of the principal 

 families in Calvert, St. Mary's, Charles, 

 Prince George's and Anne Arundel Coun- 

 ties, and were everywhere received with the 

 most obliging proofs of regard and atten- 

 tion. From the severity of the weather," 

 our informant continued, "we occasionally 

 encountered some hardships and inconven- 

 iences, but we were amply compensated at 

 the end of every stage by excellent accom- 

 modations and sumptuous fare." 



The period immediately preceding the 

 American Revolution was the most brilliant for Annapolis. "The first that we shall examine is the "Chase House," 

 To the famous balls, Washington frequently drove from the which has been described as "the most stately house in An- 

 not far distant Mount Vernon, and during the races, which napolis." It stands on Maryland Avenue and was built 

 always lasted four days and attracted many guests, assem- in 1770 by Judge Samuel Chase, one of the signers of the 

 blies and theatrical and social entertainments afforded varied Declaration of Independence. However, before looking at 

 pleasures. Such families as the Bordleys, Bladens, Dulanys, the house, we may pause to note something about its owners. 



XI — Chase House 



