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At the time this picture was taken, 9 N. Front Street is being rehabilitated and preserved as one of Baltimore’s original remaining specimens of Federal period architecture. Then Mayor William Donald Schaefer challenged the Women’s Civic League to move their headquarters from their Mulberry Street office to the present location depicted in this picture shot on September 28, 1977 (courtesy of the Baltimore Police Department).
The Women’s Civic League welcomed the mayor’s invitation and created the 9 N. Front Street Foundation to finance both the house’s restoration and provide for the care and maintenance of the historic building. One can observe that landscaping is in progress to prepare the grounds that will become Shot Tower Park. Front Street is recreated by laying granite cobblestones, and about fifteen years later, the police memorial is designed and constructed. Today, Shot Tower Park includes one of Baltimore’s most recognizable landmarks, the Shot Tower, the original dwelling on 9 N. Front St. of Baltimore’s second mayor, Thorowgood Smith, and the Police Memorial. |
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A History worth remembering...
Built about 1790, 9 N. Front Street is the only survivor of a group of homes in this area built to house merchants, artisans, and "gentlemen." Thorowgood Smith, Baltimore's second mayor from 1804-1808, lived here from 1802 until elected mayor in 1804.
During the years following his occupancy, the house served as a hotel, restaurant, apartment house, and second hand auto parts shop. The Women's Civic League rescued it from demolition and restoration began in 1972.
Now fully restored, the building serves as headquarters of the Women's Civic League and also as a tourist information center open to the public by appointment -- call 410-837-5424. |
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The Women's Civic League has a rich history in community service. Below are just some of the many accomplishments throughout the years!
♦ Planted 10,000 ornamental trees throughout the city ♦ Donated $5,000 to Department of Parks & Recreation for replanting Mt. Vernon Square ♦ Members have faithfully conducted tours both of Baltimore City Hall and the historic Shot Tower Park ♦ Introduced a mock city council into civics curricula of public schools ♦ In 1923, helped to get legislation passed that erected five incinerators in the city ♦ Paid for 61 shade trees to be planted in neighborhoods in the city ♦ Donated The Niaid bronze statue in the East Fountain in Mt. Vernon Square ♦ Aided in collection of toys for needy children ♦ Endorsed appointment of Negro School Board member in 1944 ♦ Pushed for legislation that 1) gave drunk drivers breath tests 2) prohibited smoking on buses 3) protected children who were laborers 4) established driver education ♦ |
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