The History of Oliver Beach
1952-1981

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

September 1952 – OBIA held its first meeting at the community hall. In the early years of the community building, the Association granted permission to other groups to use the building including: the Teen Group, Civil Defense, and homemakers.

July 1953 – The Ladies Auxiliary held the first carnival in Oliver Beach. That same year indoor plumbing and flush toilets were added to the facilities at the community hall. Sporadic appearances of “out houses” in the community kept the association busy reminding residents that indoor plumbing was necessary. Due to failing septic systems and the State Park proposing an overflow system for its sewage system, the community strongly opposed this system of sewage.

During the 1950s a new heating system was added to the community building and beach tags were available for purchase by residents.

The late 50s witnessed the water chestnut weed taking over the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers. It was thought that this was killing off fish and preventing waterfowl from using the rivers as a haven. It was a great hindrance to boating in the area.

In the early 60s, the milfoil weed in the river was a problem for boaters and the community purchased and applied a chemical to rid the river of this “menace.” Unknown to us at that time was how essential the sea grasses are to the health of other aquatic life.

During the 1960s, the association continued to be an active voice in the community. In July 1964, Baltimore County approved Oliver Beach to receive water and sewage systems. Residents were first able to hook up to the “city water” system in 1967. The State of Maryland purchased community property being used for recreational purposes, to be a bird sanctuary for the adjacent Gunpowder State Park.   The 1960s focused positive attention to the start of many activities for the youth of the community. Parties at Halloween and Christmas, Easter Egg Hunts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Majorettes, Clown Club, Fun Center, and Drop-In Center were among these youth events.

1967 – Peggy Rupp was crowned Miss Oliver Beach. First runner up was Shirley Kent and second up went to Karen Huff. In addition to receiving beautiful trophies, the girls were awarded gowns, jewelry, flowers, savings bonds, hair sets, portraits, and other souvenirs. Ellen Jackson and her staff were event organizers.

In the 1970s, the county paid for a part-time custodian for our community hall since many recreational programs were using our facilities. A basketball court was built on the south side of the community building and motor bike riding on the property became a problem. During this decade, major improvements were made to the hall including installation of bottled gas, blocking in the windows, new ceiling tiles and lights, remodeling the bathrooms and kitchen, new roof, additional heating ducts, emergency lights, and paneled walls. New round tables were purchased. The association expressed a need for continued bus service as the MTA took over the RPL (Rosedale Passenger Lines) bus service.

The Association researched and monitored many issues during the 1970s, including sand and gravel mining, a proposed pier for private club property, “X” rated movies at the Bengies Drive-In, the proposed development of Bay Country, sewage spillage into the river at Joppatowne, the proposed landfill at Day’s Cove, and the depositing of sludge at Hart-Miller Island. The county brought the municipal sewage system to both the State Park and Oliver Beach.

In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes struck the East Coast. Flooding and poor storm water drainage caused problems to waterfront properties. Beach erosion was a recurring community problem.

1973 – Rules and Regulations for Community Beaches were established. Among these rules: All bathers must have and display beach tags. All beaches and road ends will be patrolled by members of the association who will spot check those people using the community property for beach tags and keys. A local resident and former police officer patrolled the beaches – “carrying a gun.”

In November 1978, the Adult Recreation Center was formed. Originally, it was to be a Golden Age Club, but was changed to include any adult over the age of 18. This group enjoyed food, bingo and fellowship each Thursday.

1981 – The grand opening of Oliver Beach Elementary School.