Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1937-04-29
Washington Grove
Meetings Recalled AS
Government Changes
CONTINUED from page y

eNAA0 q OAS a0fOA bloClllCllL IOI DIlc
Grove. The people were given an
opportunity to see the beautiful
woods of oak, cedar, pine, chestnut
and hickory, and the wild flowers
which grew in abundance thereabout.
Great enthusiasm was aroused and
when the first camp meeting was
held in August, 1872, the people
were eager to set up their tents.
About $50 tents were pitched on the
Circle and various avenue. Life
was very simple. In the Circle a
stand was erected for preachers and
singers. The congregations were
seated on benches made of rough
boards without backs. Clean straw
was kept scattered in front of the
mourners bench"
| The last camp meeting was held
at the Grove in August, 1924.
In 1874 the first charter was
granted by the Maryland Assembly,
and that charter with very few
changes is still in effect. The men
who founded Washington Grove have
shown themselves to be far-sighted
business men and only because of
the radical changes that have come
over the whole world since the War
have made it necessary to apply to
the Legislature for a change to an
Incorporated Town.
The Grove proved such a delight
full place to spend the summer that
those who came to the ten services
arranged to spend the entire month
of August instead of the usual ten
days allotted to the meetings. In
order to be more comfortable small
cottages were erected. Later better
houses were constructed and the en-
tire summer was spent on the
grounds which were being beautified
and laid out into walks and parks.
Still later a Hotel was built and
thrived for many years, in fact until
the common use of the automobile
brought the city so close to the
Grove that there was no demand
for hotel accommodations. Finally
some hardy person decided to stay
all winter and from that time on
the entire outlook of the Grove
began to change until now we have
a fine all-year-round community.
From primitive life intents, to
homes with every modern improve
ment; from coal oil street lamps,
that flickered out just as the "owl'
train came in, to a fine system of
electric street lighting; from the
public comfort station for men on
one side of the grounds and women
on the other side, to a modern up
to-the-minute system of water supply
and sewerage disposal the changes
have been made in easy stages.
We have been most fortunate in
the character and ability of the men
and women who have served us. The
Grove has had some rough spots to
travel but each time has emerged
without damage and with renewed
energy.
Space will not allow the mention
of the many who have served but
the names of Mr.. w. H. H. Smith
and DR.. Albert Osborn always come
to me when thinking of those render
ing greatest service, and then at the
head of the younger men stands Mr..
l. L. McCathran, full of ideas and
always in the forefront of every
good work. He is the father of the
new town.
i No statement of the Grove would
be complete without giving credit
to the Woman's Club for the really
wonderful work they are continuing
to do.
1t is a coincidence that my father,
the late George r. Cook, was one of
the original incorporators of the
Grove and his son is to be the last
president. He was a power in
Methodism in Washington, and at
the Grove, being a member of the
same congregation for 80 years.
When he passed away he was the
last of the original men who founded
this place.
Everything changes and the Grove
is no exception. The complexity of
government is nowhere better shown
than with us and so to overcome
some of our difficulties the stock
holders voted almost unanimously
(only one vote being against it,
to ask the Assembly to incorporate
us as Town and they have done
so. WASHINGTON GROVE us
GOING TO TOWN.