The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1905-06-10

Mr. Middendorfs Green Spring Valley
Home.-"That's Banker Middendorfs place,
said man on Green Spring Valley train the
other day as it drew into q little station on
| which the signboard read "Lystra, says the
Baltimore NeacS HE lives there, but his
brother-in.law. Mr.. Norman Stump, is the far
mer." Mr.. Middendorf's, or Mr.. Stump's-it
seems to be pretty much the same-ls one OF
most picturesque of the homesteads In the
picturesque valley of which its residents are so
justly prond. It is within hundred yards of
Lystra and bears the same name. In fact, the
station was called after the estate, which is one
of the oldest in Baltimore county. 1t has been
in possession of the Stump family for years,
and came down to them through the Stones,
who were Revolutionary people. Mrs. Mid
father was Capt. Reuben Stump brother of
Alexander Hamilton Stump. and they were
grandsons of Capt. William Stone.
Mr.. Middendorf lives in Green Spring Valley
all the year around and revelsin the life. Some
of his friends dub him Farmer Middendorf."
but as a matter of fact Mr.. Stump is genuine
farmer and looks after the management of the
place. While the banker is interested in every
thing from how much the clover grows each
day to the development Of the young pigs, he
never butts in" He loves the country and
enjoys rural life, but his business is banking,
while Mr.. Stump's is farming: The place con-
tains $50 acres and is in one OF the most fertile
parts of the valley.
Lystra is beautifully situated in one of the
many little valleys of the big Green Spring
Valley. The house presents an inviting pic
ture, surrounded by green lawns and splendid
shade trees. It was built some years ago, and
has has been added to since. There are broad
porches with comfortable rockers and ham,
mocks for those who would be indulgent. No
prettier view can be found anywhere than that
enjoyed from the veranda. Across the rail-
road tall hills, green and fresh looking in their
spring verdure, rise to the height OF miniature
mountains Mrs. Middendorf has an interest
in one of them, and has been offered fatter-
ing price for building site, but no inducement
would be sufficient for her to part with any of
the land. In the first place, the Stumps, like
the Cradocks and some other Green Spring
Valley people, have q strong attachment for
the family, estate. and secondly, the splendid
tingent nature is more beautiful than art, and
they would not exchange their green fields and
woods for anything that man could provide.
Sold comfort is the dominant feature within
the house. A coy little apartment on the
right ispsed as sitting-room, and the library
several oIher fine paintings in addition to
Peale portrait of Captain Stone. The dining
room is finished in mahogany, and lovers of
the antique would enthuse over the old-fash-
Toned sideboard and the table with its carved
legs. Hardwood floors highly polished add to
the arllSLlC elecL OF the interior, anu the mousse
is supplied throughout with running water and
gas manufactured on the place. There is also
a thorough and complete sewerage and drain
age system.
Mr.. and Mrs. Middendorf have an interesting
family of five children. The bankers friends
often refer to them as full hand-three kings
aud pair of queensland for constant com.
panion and faithful friend they have Max, the
setter. All of the children have family names.
They are Henry Stump, John William, Reu-
ben Stump, Margaret Wilson and Alice Stump
Middendorf. Thesecond boy is named after his
father and the youngest girl after her mother.
Their ages range from about IL to three years.
Mrs. Middendorf takes an interest in the social
affairs Of the neighborhood--o of the most
delightful around Baltimore-but her first
thought is for home and making it attractive.
She is fond of flowers, and has them in all the
rooms, and, in fact, the Undesirable feminine
touch is to be seen on every side. Her moth
er. Mrs. Margaret Stump, is another member
of united and contented household. If you
should be going Lystra-way at any time of
late afternoon or evening, or on Sunday, stop
off and see Banker Middendorf at home. He
will give you cordial welcome, and if he
can't tell you everything worth knowing about
farming, his brother-in-law, Mr.. Norman
SfumD can.