A rare peek behind the doors of a treasured historic home, the McKinney-Graybeal House, is available next Sunday, February 10. The Historical Society of Harford County (HSHC) arranged the tour to raise funds for essential updates of their headquarters, the former Bel Air Post Office.
About McKinney-Graybeal House
John McKinney, who ran the Union Tavern for the influential town lawyer Thomas Hays, completed construction on the home in 1835. McKinney also edited one of the town’s weekly papers, the Independent Citizen.
Later the house and grounds were sold to Dr. Howard Kelly, physician and professor at Johns Hopkins Hospital, who lived in the home while his country home Liriodendron was constructed next door.
About the Historical Society of Harford County’s Headquarters
This tour is the first in a series of fundraisers for renovations at the Historical Society of Harford County’s Headquarters at 143 N. Main St., the site of the former Bel Air Post Office.
Completed in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration project, the then-new Post Office included many state-of-the-art technological features as well a mural painted by Mr. Maxwell Simpson.
The last available pieces of Beaver Dam marble were used for wainscoting. Extreme care was used in placing every piece. If one was broken, it could not be replaced. According to the Society, it is a testament to the designers and builders of the time that it is still in use. However, 75 years have taken a toll. The Historical Society has launched a capital program to restore the building and make needed repairs to the roof, windows and interior walls and ceilings. Planned tours of private homes are one of many events expected over the next two years to help raise $500,000.
McKinney-Graybeal House Tour Details
The home will be open February 10 between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is self-guided; however, Society members with a thorough knowledge of the home, its history and architecture will be available to answer questions. Others on hand include:
- Ginger Holloway, who was born in the home, and her husband Walter, an HSHC Board Member.
- James T. ‘Jim’ Wollon, AIA, an HSHC Board Member, and historic architect with knowledge of architectural styles and details.
- Ed Garono, ReMax American Dream, listing agent for this home and associated property.
Pre-register by calling 410-838-7691. A suggested donation of $5 can be pre-paid or paid at the door.
The McKinney Graybeal House is located at 501 W. Gordon St. Follow signs to Liriodendron through the gates at the end of Gordon St. Veer left at the “For Sale” sign.
The next tour will be on March 24th, at the historic Elkridge-Harford Hunting Club. Additional tours will be posted to the Historical Society website as scheduled.
