Timing really is everything.
This column comes out every other week and the last column I turned in was delivered to my editor about an hour before the flood that inundated Ellicott City's historic district Sept. 7.
I drove home from an appointment that morning along Route 40 near Chatham Mall — the driving rain and rising water made me more than relieved to get home. Like many people, I was glued to my computer and then the television, watching the normally calm and pokey Tiber River rage. One building that showed up over and over in the footage was my old office space, Architecture Collaborative, on the corner of Main Street and Court Avenue.
The building's owner, Dave Robbins, had completed an award-winning restoration of it a decade ago and believe me, the lower level where I worked was absolutely beautiful, with magnificent stone walls — and a view of the Tiber. I was advised to keep my computer tower on top of my desk, as the space had flooded a few inches in the past.
Well, again, timing is everything because my former employer, Historic Ellicott City, Inc., relinquished the space just a couple of weeks before this disaster. I hate to think of the irreplaceable artifacts that would have been lost had they still occupied the space.
True to form, Dave had workmen repairing the place in just a few days. And he isn't alone — the historic district is truly open for business. Even the Farmers Market took place on the Sunday after the flood, lining the parking lot where the dumpsters had been floating.
The businesses in the historic district need your support now more than ever. They have cleaned out their basements and replenished their stocks and they need to see you. Why not start with First Friday, Oct 7, when the shops stay open until 9 p.m. and many have special sales and promotions. Follow that up with the Farmers Market Oct. 9. Now is a good time to get that pumpkin for your porch and some of Nathan's bread for your tailgate party.
Mt. Ida picnic
This is a lovely time of year for a picnic, and a great place to have one is the Mt. Ida Visitors Center of the Patapsco Female Institute. They are holding a free gathering Saturday, Oct. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Docents will be offering tours and there will be archaeology digs, demonstrations and hands-on events for kids and adults. Bring your picnic lunch and join the fun. For information, call 410-465-8500.
Decorator Show House
Historic Ellicott City, Inc.'s Decorator Show House, Holly Manor, is in full swing. The Maple Lawn house is open daily except Mondays through Oct. 23. The house features more than design areas which honor the house's historic roots while exploring 21st century possibilities. The house is open Thursday evenings as well, and on those evenings they are offering "events in the tent." On Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., professionals will be offering tips on organizing homes and offices. For more information, call 410-461-6908 or go to http://www.historicec.com.
'Our Town'
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Theater is back at the Ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute, this time performing "Our Town," by Thornton Wilder. Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. from Oct. 7 to 30. Call 410-313-8661 for more information.
Walking tour
A historic walking tour will be offered in town Oct. 8. It concentrates on the town's '5 Rs' — railroad, river, road, rocks and rebuild. Sounds like very timely subject matter, doesn't it? To register, go to http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HCT/HCT_HistoricWalkTours.htm