Ammendale Normal Institute

The Ammendale Normal Institute is a U.S. historic location in Beltsville, Maryland. Bought in 1880, it was a school and novitiate operated by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.[2][3] The Ammendale area is named after the previous owner, Daniel Ammen.[2]

Ammendale Normal Institute
Ruins of the main building before it was demolished
Ammendale Normal Institute is located in Maryland
Ammendale Normal Institute
Ammendale Normal Institute is located in the United States
Ammendale Normal Institute
LocationJct. of Ammendale Rd. and U.S. 1, Beltsville, Maryland
Coordinates39°3′8″N 76°54′5″W
Built1880
Architectural styleItalianate, Queen Anne
NRHP reference No.75002081 [1]
Added to NRHPApril 14, 1975

Construction of the main building began in 1883 and was completed in 1884 with Thomas C. Kennedy as the leading architect.[2]

Religious use

Also known as "Christian Brothers" and "Ammen Institute," the building had seen several uses over its lifetime. Though it last served as a sort of "retirement home" for aging or retired Brothers; in recent history, it was also used as an active monastery.[2] Peter Boyle is a notable alumnus of what has been described as the monastery's 'boot-camp'.[4][5]

The main building suffered a devastating fire in April, 1998.[2] Its ruins stood until late 2006 when what was left of the building was demolished. Ammendale was one of many historical buildings in the region with valuable real estate that was developed after a fire set to the structure, including Troy Hill (1990), Avondale Mill (1991), St. Mary's College (1997), Henryton State Hospital (2007), (2011)[6] In 2014, NAI Michael placed 8 acres containing the foundation of the Normal Institute and the remaining historic brick barn up for sale.[7] The nearby St. Joseph's Catholic Chapel is a recognized historic site. There is also a parish cemetery and one for the Brothers.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Chapel

St. Joseph's Catholic Chapel, built in 1880, on 20 acres of land for a novitiate plus five acres for the church donated by Admiral Daniel Ammen, from whom the Ammendale name is derived. It is a front-gabled brick chapel with ornate Queen Anne detail. Jigsawn vergeboards adorn the eaves of the principal gable front, the gothic-arch windows are filled with stained glass, and the interior walls and ceilings are sheathed with pressed tin in a pattern of fleurs-de-lis, palmettes, and a rich, multicourse cornice. A large cemetery adjoins the chapel.[8][9]

Buildings at the Ammendale Normal Institute
  • Front of the main building at Ammendale Normal Institute
    Front of the main building at Ammendale Normal Institute
  • File:Spire on Main Building at Ammendale Normal Institute.jpg
    Spire on the Main Building at Ammendale Normal Institute
  • Interior St. Joseph's Chapel, Ammendale Normal Institute
    The interior of St. Joseph's Chapel, Ammendale Normal Institute.
  • Exterior of St. Joseph's Chapel - Ammendale Normal Institute.jpg
    The exterior of St. Joseph's Chapel at the Ammendale Normal Institute

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. Christopher Owen (January 1973). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Ammendale Normal Institute" (PDF). Maryland Historical Trust. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  3. Fuchs, Tom (October 15, 2007). "Ammendale Normal Institute". The Historical Marker Database. Retrieved March 31, 2013.
  4. "Actor studied to be a monk". The Courier Mail. Australia. December 16, 2006. p. 92.
  5. Ronan Sims, Gayle (December 24, 2006). "Peter Boyle: Off screen, actor was opposite of his character on Raymond". The Calgary Herald. Alberta. pp. B13.
  6. Pearce, Brett. "Yet Another Fire at Henryton State Hospital". Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
  7. "6031 Ammendale Blvd". Archived from the original on July 24, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  8. "National Register Listings in Maryland". Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  9. "HABS MD 17 BELTV -2" (PDF). Retrieved June 20, 2014.
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