History Began Here

The front of The Manor house, April 2011

Over the past two centuries, progress has changed the Frederick countryside. However carefully guarded by Horning Brothers, The Manor has preserved its historic tradition. The oak trees that now tower over the property were saplings when the foundation was laid in 1775 by Colonel Charles Beatty. The original 390 acre tract was then referred to as "The Three Partners". The property was deeded to Charles Beatty by Robert Eden, the last Colonial Governor of Maryland, on July 20, 1771.  The Three partners was eventually sold to raise funds for the Continental Army. Thomas Neil completed construction of the house and surrounding buildings and retained ownership of the farm until 1832.

The new owner was Nimrod Owings, who was infamously known for his love of hunting, gambling, and practical jokes. He owned 52 hounds, one for each card in a deck. He was a neighborhood legend because of his eccentricities.

As Frederick changed so did the ownership of  The Manor house. It passed through a succession of owners that included John Thomas, Christian Smith, Rebecca Kemp, and Grafton Claggett. In 1863 The Gouverneur's took title to the farm. Samuel Gouverneaur was the grandson of President James Monroe. During this time the farm saw a plethora of colorful and influential guests.

Finally, the home was deeded to Holmes Baker. Mr. Baker added the backyard swimming pool, the first of it's kind in Frederick. The pool was the source of many fond memories for Frederick natives who enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Baker. The farm was then given to Gerald Baker in 1951.                                   

Baker Park, a 35 acre linear park running through the heart of downtown Frederick along Carroll Creek was founded in honor of The Baker family.  Joseph Baker founded the park in 1926, with the help of Lloyd C. Culler, both were Frederick citizens. When the old Zentz Mill on Bentz Street burned to the ground on the morning of June 24, 1926, Joseph Baker started planning a city park that would serve the citizens of Frederick for years to come. His generous donation of land made the park possible. Culler Lake, formerly named Kidwiler Pond, was transformed by the Works Progress Administration and dedicated in 1940, renamed for the former Frederick Mayor Lloyd C. Culler. It was the site of skating in the winter and fishing in the summer.