A group of people who carry with them lots of Crownsville history will be having a 5th anniversary cookout on June 27. The workers who created a home for the residents of Crownsville Hospital Center, employees and volunteers, along with their families will meet at the Severna Park Elks to reminisce over burgers and softball.
These are the people who remember Crownsville Hospital when it had a working farm, a laundry and a nail factory among many of the activities necessary to run a community. The patients had jobs including working the farm and driving the produce back to the main buildings. They had a sense of purpose. Unfortunately since they didn’t get paid, their activities were disallowed with reform of the mental health care system in the US. According to one retired employee, the patients went from have a sense of purpose to sitting and rocking in a corner. Then the hospital closed.
The cookout, though, will be a time to remember good times, too. The activities will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 6:00 p.m. Social hour will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The menu including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salad, dessert, and ice tea will be served from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. They’ll have music, softball, horseshoes, prizes, and a cash bar (no byob). The event goes on rain or shine since there’s a pavilion at the sites-shelter if it rains; shade if it doesn’t.
So-if you are a former Crownsville Hospital Center employee, volunteer, family, or friend, you’re invited. Admission is by ticket only — $11 for each adult and $6.50 for each child up to 14 years old.
To r.s.v.p. send your check payable to Beall along with your name and email address to Beall/Cookout, 520 Pinehurst Circle #102; Westminster, MD 21158 by June 19. If you have questions or would like more information, you can contact Shirley Russ by phone at 410-263-2644 or send an email to chcreunion@yahoo.com