East Towson Celebrates Opening of the Jacob House

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz joined members of the East Towson community at the official opening of the Jacob House, a restored historic log cabin that was home to freed slaves.

"Restoration of the Jacob House is a testament to the will, tenacity and pride of the citizens of East Towson," Kamenetz said. "Residents of East Towson forged a lasting and highly beneficial partnership with Baltimore County government and many other stakeholders in bringing this meaningful project to fruition."

East Towson was established in 1802, and settled in the mid-1800s by freed slaves from the plantation of Capt. Charles Ridgley of the Hampton Mansion after his death, as declared in his will. 

The Jacob House, originally located at 347 Pennsylvania Ave., was built around 1840. The house burned in 1999, but the log cabin portion survived. County and community efforts saved the house from demolition in 2001.

The house was deconstructed from its original location and rebuilt on the grounds of the Carver Center at 300 Lennox Ave. in 2010.

The Baltimore County Office of Planning, in collaboration with the North East Towson Improvement Association and its director Adelaide Bentley, who is also referred to as the "mayor of East Towson," played a leading role in restoration efforts. 

"The Jacob House is a landmark in the history of Towson," Bentley said. "Like the Jacob House, we have all been tested by fire. Time has surely proven that the Jacob House is not just a moment in history."

The project received financial support from the Maryland Historical Trust Inc., Metro Housing Inc., Black & Decker, Inc., Preservation Associates, Inc. and Baltimore County. 

The Jacob House is expected to serve as a museum, open by appointment, to allow visitors to see what life was like for freed slaves in East Towson. 

Ruth Hall, whose ancestors lived at the Jacob House, was present to witness the opening on Saturday.

"I pray that we never forget where we came from," Hall said.