The History of Oliver Beach
1981-2003

Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations. – Oliver Goldsmith

1981 – Opening of Oliver Beach Elementary School. Oliver Beach Road was relocated to allow it to be straightened and make bus travel safer. Sidewalks were planned for the community; however, the residents rejected the idea preferring to retain a rural setting. Youth activities previously held at the Community Hall were moved to the new school.

June 1982 – Chase Fire Station opens at the site of the old Chase Railroad Station.

During the 1980s – The Oliver Beach Improvement Association obtains a mailing address: PO Box 57 at the Chase Post Office. The association initiates the 120 Club Fundraiser.

January 1987, the community received national acclaim for its heroic response to the AMTRAK accident. The train crash occurred adjacent to the residential communities of Harewood Park and West Twin Rivers, where neighbors quickly assisted emergency crews and provided blankets and shelter to victims.

1990s saw the beginning of a recycling program, the semi-annual community yard sale, and Friday Game Nights, and Annual Bull & Oyster Roasts.

1990s saw the community unite to address the importance of the history of Oliver Beach. The community faced an important issue with the proposed development of “Oliver Landing.” The project included the construction of 12 homes on the remaining 4 acres of property surrounding the historic Oliver House. Facing the possibility of purchase of the Oliver House by the developer, the community rallied together. Already listed on the Maryland Historical Trust Inventory, the community sought listing of the Oliver House and property on the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission List to further protect it from demolition or neglect. The community organized a meeting to inform the public of the status of the project. One result of this meeting was the formation of the Friends of the Oliver House (FOTOH).” The purpose of the organization was to raise money for the preservation and restoration of the Oliver House and property. The Carriage House was demolished on November 2, 1991, and with it, the exterior window shutters belonging to the historic Oliver House.

September 1993 – First Annual End of Summer Party and Fishing Contest at Oliver Point. Fishing contest entry fee was $5.00 per adult. A separate youth contest was free for contestants under 13 years old. Festivities included food, games, and a dunking booth.

1995 – The First of the Concerts in the Park Summer Series, hosted by FOTOH.

1996 – Maryland Historical Society granted permission for water and an interior walkway to be added to The Robert Oliver Park property.

1997 – Updates were made to the Association property Rules and Regulations, as well as other governing documents. Revisions were approved at the June 1997 OBIA general meeting and mailed to all residents.

September 18-19, 2003 – Tropical Storm Isabel brought a tidal surge that ravaged waterfront properties in Essex, Middle River and Oliver Beach. Isabel blew up into the Chesapeake Bay overnight, pushing tides 8 – 10 feet above normal. Many homeowners were forced to evacuate. Some residents moved vehicles and other personal property to drier community association properties. Neighbors united to assist with lodging and clean-up.   Several homes were destroyed in the storm and needed to be rebuilt.