1936: Matapeake Club House opened.
This wasn't just the location of the ferry's that came across the bay it was where the 'Islanders', as well as the western shore visitors, would bring their families on Sunday's for picnics. The state provided picnic tables which were positioned at the edge of the hill overlooking the ferry slips, ships, sail boats & other small craft. Folks would come early to get one of the tables under the several large trees. On the opposite side of the slips there was another picnic area & beach where people would swim & build bonfires.
1952: Matapeake Ferry Terminal closes.
The once beautiful vibrant club house was closed & left to the elements & to fade away into the journals of history.
1997: A glimmer of light.
A small breath of life lingered in the old club house. The spirit & soul not yet ready to let go. Just waiting. The state, coming to their senses, decided to aide in bringing life back into the ol' girl. Restoration began, only to come to halt long before it was completed. It was discovered that there was lead in the soil & so could not be completed until that was taken care of.
2007: Not opened, but can be seen. The restoration continues however the club house is not yet completed, nor are the grounds. It isn't being used but it can be looked at.(If you get lucky there might be workman there to let you walk through the inside). It is accessible to the public to walk the grounds.
Imagine what it must have been like back then. Look out over the bay. Maybe there will linger the whisper of the people & music.
May 2009: The Clubhouse as it looks today.
Take a few mins to walk around & take some photos for the gallery. Be PART of documenting the rebirth of a great piece of history but most of all ENJOY!
*******The entrance is off of Rt 8, Sonny Schulz Blvd. Parking is free & you can go through the gates to the CH or down to the beach area which is a public beach.*******
Proud member of the Military Association of GeoCachers
The cache is ON Club House grounds, inside of the fence line, not far from the flag pole. Please be VERY careful of the environment. Also please put back in original location to preserve it's life. Hopefully this cache will live longer.
The Club House is now open as well so stop in & see the beautiful job that was done on the restoration or just have a seat at the bistro tables or umbrella tables & ENJOY!
*****FTF on new location goes to m4a2rOc. WTC****