News and Upcoming Events
News Update
Historic Ellicott City Inc. is establishing a fund to help those properties in the historic district who were severely impacted by the flood waters. The funds will be set aside, in part, from the proceeds of HEC’s Annual Decorator Show House, which is set to open next month.
Past Event
Would you like to see what an Historic Ellicott City Decorator Show House looks like before our designers work their magic? Then put on your construction boots and overalls and join us at Avoca for an exclusive insiders peek at our 2016 Decorator Show House “Dirty Work” party. We will serve wine, beer and light casual fare and offer the opportunity to meet our designers and check out the decorating vision for this year’s Show House. Click here to read the article about the event that appeared in the Howard County Times.
Past Event
On Sunday, May 22, 2016, in celebration of the 186th anniversary of railroading in America, HEC invited community members to enjoy a fun-filled day for model train enthusiasts of all ages. On display was a model of the New Windsor 1.5” Scale Group and displays and sales by the B&O Historical Society, the B&O Railroad Museum and the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society. Click here to read more from The Baltimore Sun article. Tours of the historic Mt. Ida Mansion were also available.
News Update
On Sunday, April 17, HEC held its Annual Membership Meeting. HEC celebrated its 2015 successes and introduced some of what is planned for 2016. HEC also welcomed Howard County Council Member, Jon Weinstein, who presented an Honorary Resolution to HEC in memory of Roland Bounds and his over 50 years of service to historic preservation, the Historic Ellicott City community and HEC as a Past President.
News Update
In 2015, HEC made a $2,500 donation to the B&O Railroad Museum for the restoration of a 927 Class I-5d Caboose built in the B & O shop at Washington, Indiana in 1927. HEC’s donation made it possible for the Station to get a matching grant from the Modern Woodmen of America toward the restoration.
Mt. Ida
Have you always been curious about the yellow stucco mansion on the hill high above Ellicott City and next to the Courthouse? It’s called Mt. Ida and its the home of the administrative offices of both Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and the Friends of the Patapsco Female Institute.
The story of of this lovely home begins in 1833. Architect Robert Carey Long, Jr and Charles Timanus, Jr., the Principal builder of the Patapsco Female Institute, erected this yellow-stucco house of rubble stone for William Ellicott, grandson of Andrew Ellicott, a founder of Ellicott’s Mills. Mt.Ida’s style was gleaned from the Greek Revival and Italianate periods, reminiscent of that which pervaded the South during its Ante-bellum Period. It was the last Ellicott home built within the Historic District, a magnificent specimen of architectural excellence, and remains for us a living monument to the history and lifestyle we call our heritage.
Tours can be booked by request and the home can be rented for certain approved events, not to exceed 60 guests, again by request. Email: Historicec@hotmail.com or leave a message at: 410-461-6908.