Ghosts of Druid Hill Park

"Druid Hill Park"
Forgotten Landmarks in this popular park
All photos by Adam Paul
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As it has been since the middle of the 18th Century, Druid Hill Park in Northwest Baltimore remains a favorite leisure destination for people from all over the Baltimore area. The park draws people to it with it's Zoo, Lake, Arbetorium, and Pool, not to mention the leisurely driveways, plateaus and shady groves that abound within it.
Still, Druid Hill has seen a number of changes since its early days. In the 1870's the park was home to a steam railway "Dummy" line that ferried patrons from the gates inward to the natural oasis within. The park was also once home to boating lakes, springs, and ponds that no longer exist, or so one might think.

THE MAP:
BLUE LINES DENOTE ROADWAYS NOW CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
RED LINE DENOTES PRESENT BOUNDARIES OF THE BALTIMORE ZOO
INDIGO LINE SHOWS PATH ONCE TAKEN BY CARS ON THE DUMMY LINE
KEY TO ARTIFACTS:

A- Three Sisters Ponds I - Wagner Monument Q - "Turkish" Tower

B - Site of High Service Reservoir J - Skating Lake R - Granite Graveyard

C - Rogers - Buchannan Cemetery K - Novalux Fixtures S - Philosopher's Walk

D - Site of Morris Fountain L - St. Paul Cemetery T - Edmund's Well

E - Garrett Bridge M - Columbus Monument U - Crises Spring

F - Council Grove Dummy Station N - Orem's Dummy Station (reloc.) V - "Mystery" Spring

G - Site of Madison Fountain O - Rotunda Dummy Statiion (reloc.) W - Washington Statue

H- Mansion House P - Druid Lake Gate X - Wallace Monument

The most intersting part of the park for the Urban Archaeologist rests at the Northern end, where one can park the car, and head off onto the closed off driveways in search of forgotten artifacts of the Park's past. Finding these "ghosts" can be quite challenging, particularly in Summer months, when heavy growth and leaves make passage and views difficult. Still, with a bit of intuition, and lots of energy, the ghost hunter can find theirself immersed in what was once a pond with a fountain in the middle, and all by theirself, in the heart of a popular park in the middle of a large city.

Before the Druid Park Lake Drive was constructed, this gateway at Madison Avenue and Cloverdale Road was the entry to the park, greeting trolley riders on the Madison Avenue line. Note the emerged streetcar rail in the foreground.

ARTIFACTS:

The "Three Sisters":
One interesting ghost of Druid Hill is a trio of man-made ponds, that once served as the Sea Lion Pond for the park. Later, the creatures were moved inside the gates of the zoo, and the ponds were mostly drained, letting nature reclaim the area. The soothing look of the water, combined with the healthy shade, must have certainly been relaxing to the visitors who could enjoy this gem when it was in its former glory.

Near the entrance to what is now the Disc Golf Course, near the curve in the driveway, lies this overgrown pond enclosed behind iron railing. This is the "middle" of the "Three Sisters" pond, and is the only one still containing water.
Another view through the gate of the lost pond reveals that the water within is actually quite clear. The water flowed from this pond down a small stream off an embankment leading Northward. From within the gates, a distinct flowing water sound could be heard, but was unable to be pinpointed to the source.

At the Southern end, on the leg of this "Q" shaped pond, the pond rests on slightly higher, and dry ground. Within the gates could be seen another iron enclosure, likely once housing a fountain or drain of some sort. Note the concrete posts on the background revealing the narrow width of the pond at this point.
From the top of the pond comes this view of the center enclosure, which indeed seems to be either a drain or a fountain of some sort.

The "Forgotten" Fountain
Very close to the center "sister" to the West lies the "forgotten fountain", which rests directly in the center of the looping kink in the Disc Golf Course's main driveway, officially "The Crow's Nest Road". This elliptical watering hole is easily accessed by using one of the Stairways to Nowhere.

Near the center of the Forgotten Fountain lies the Fountainhead, partially decayed, but still reasonably sturdy.
Another view of the fountainhead. Note the shallow wall in the background of both photos, revealing the depth of this fountain to once be about 3 feet deep. This pond was the Westernmost, and smallest of the "Three Sisters"

Yet another drained pond is located East of the Center pond, as evidenced by the retaining wall. This was the largest of the "Three Sisters."

Stairways to Nowhere
Also residing in the park along the driveways of the Northern end lie these stairways to nowhere. These artifacts were actually quite helpful in searching the park, as it is only obvious that they once led to "somewhere," and have so far been of great help in finding other "ghosts" of the park, such as the "Three Sisters."

From a loosely paved walkway rests this stairway to nowhere, which was likely used at one time to reach the area of the "Three Sisters" which lies well hidden behind the brush in the background.
Another stairway to nowhere, this two level walkway is of easy help to locate the "Three Sisters," located behind the camera. It is likely that at one time, a path with benches stretched along the neatly level area between the flights of steps.

Cemeteries

Just West of the Disc Golf Course, and North of the Reptile house lies this overgrown cemetery, the burial plot of the Rogers-Buchanan family. Sadly, this artifact has certainly seen better days.
In better state of preservation is the St. Paul Cemetery, located adjacent to "Traffic Safety City" in the Southern end of the park, near the Reservoir. This was origially called the Lutheran Graveyard.

Among the creepiest things to discover in the park is this storage lot where old stonework from areas since redeveloped winds up.
As you can see, it gets even sadder, and more eerie.

Grove of Remembrance Pavillion

Facing the Grove of Remembrance near the side Parking Lot of the Zoo is this handsome curved pavillion, now closed to visitors. This structure includes fascinating arches within its stone construction, and a steep wooden roof. No reason is known for its closure.

"Turkish" or "Moorish" Tower

One of the best views of the city can be had from this vantage point, the recently restored "Turkish" Tower on the Southeast edge of the Reservoir. The view of the Tower in and of itself is enjoyable as well!

Druid Lake Gate

Abutting Druid Park Lake Drive just West of the Jones Falls Bridges is this neat gateway, inscribed with a date of 1871 - certainly one of those things that catches you by suprise when riding past it!

Monuments

Being that this is the Monumental City, it is only natural that the park should contain a nice selection of commemorative statuary, such as this one, the Wagner Monument which stands proudly on the vast lawn sprading from the Mansion house.

A monument in honor of "Christophoro Columbo" lies within easy view of the main South Driveway, and looks out upon a leg of the reservoir.
Prominently placed at a major intersection near the Rotunda driveway is this statue of George Washington, a well loved part of the park statuary.

Easily the most dramatic of the Park's statues is the Wallace Monument, in honor of Scottish hero William Wallace. As seen here, he seems ready to take on whatever awaits him.
Unfortunately, the massiveness of the Wallace Monument is lost in this photo. From the ground to the top of the sword is at least 40 feet!

Mansion House

Perhaps it seems odd that the famous Mansion House is not the first item mentioned in this tribute to Druid Hill Park, but as one can see, it is by no means derelict or forgotten, although still fascinating.
Another view of the Mansion House, now in use as the Main Administration Building of the Baltimore Zoo.

Fountains and Springs

What may appear to be an impressive planter seems to in fact be the remnant of the Madison Fountain, a spring fed fountain that once rested along side the Mansion House.
Visible only by peeking through the fence on the approach road to the Mansion is Crises Spring. Though inactive for years, this fountain stone remains intact, and lies behind "Employees Only" areas of the Zoo.

It looks like a spring, but there's no documentation whatsoever for this 1896 dated fountain stone located just off the Southern Driveway, East of the Washington Statue. It MIGHT (emphasize MIGHT) be the old stone of Hooper's Spring, once located in a valley in the Southeast portion of the park. For the meantime, we'll just have to be content to call it the "Mystery Spring!"

Other Treasures

An early photograph is often seen of Druid Hill Park showing a 1920's car rounding a curve on a steep hill in the park. The hill and the curve are both still there as this panoramic view from the bend attests.

Among the roads closed off to traffic, and largely ignored is The Forest Road, which spans off of The Crows Nest Road. A carpet of ivy has reclaimed much of the paving.
Along the Northern periphery of the Zoo property can be spotted this level grade walk, once known as "The Philosopher's Walk." It's entirety is submerged within Zoo property.

Among the first man made bodies of water in the Park rested in a perfectly circular area now occupied by the Reptile House and several athletic fields. This was once called "The High Service Reservoir."
Streetlight fans can also find a lot of interest in these forlorn fixtures of the park, called "Novaluxes," emulated by the modern reproduction found in the background.

It is said that this Osage Tree is among the oldest in the park, supposedly dating back 350 years.
Perhaps it is most fitting to close this section with this photo, offering a lovely glimpse at some of the park's former glory. This view of the Skating pond and pavillion could have easily been taken 100 years ago, and the look would have been much the same.

Remaining Artifacts to be found
Considering its impressive size and the elaborate winding network of roads, both open and closed, "ghost" hunting in Druid Hill Park can be a daunting task indeed. The park was impressively built, and was more grand in terms of its construction and maintenance years ago. News clippings relate the presence of many more interesting tidbits within the park, many of which are obviously difficult to locate as a result of roadway closures, the Zoo enclosure, and most importantly, the massiveness of the parklands themselves.
With continued research, planning, and searching, it is hoped and expected that more artifacts of the park can be located and photographed, although some are obviously lost to time. Among items not yet covered are:

Morris Fountain - One of the City's Natural Springs which was a magnet of the park well through the 1940's. Located in the Northwest confines of the zoo, a reference of a few decades ago related that the base of the fountain was still in existence, although new Zoo construction in the area may have killed it. Will hope to definitively relate its survival after forking the 10 bucks to visit the Zoo.

Garrett Bridge - Located at some point along Crow's Nest Road, this handsome bridge also rests within the area of the Zoo, and hopefully survives.

Other ponds, fountains, springs, statuary, and similarly interesting "ghosts" and artifacts.

Do You know where one of these ghosts can be found, please CONTACT US!!!

Near the entrance to what is now the Disc Golf Course, near the curve in the driveway, lies this overgrown pond enclosed behind iron railing. This is the "middle" of the "Three Sisters" pond, and is the only one still containing water.	Another view through the gate of the lost pond reveals that the water within is actually quite clear. The water flowed from this pond down a small stream off an embankment leading Northward. From within the gates, a distinct flowing water sound could be heard, but was unable to be pinpointed to the source.
At the Southern end, on the leg of this "Q" shaped pond, the pond rests on slightly higher, and dry ground. Within the gates could be seen another iron enclosure, likely once housing a fountain or drain of some sort. Note the concrete posts on the background revealing the narrow width of the pond at this point.	From the top of the pond comes this view of the center enclosure, which indeed seems to be either a drain or a fountain of some sort.

Near the center of the Forgotten Fountain lies the Fountainhead, partially decayed, but still reasonably sturdy.	Another view of the fountainhead. Note the shallow wall in the background of both photos, revealing the depth of this fountain to once be about 3 feet deep. This pond was the Westernmost, and smallest of the "Three Sisters"
Yet another drained pond is located East of the Center pond, as evidenced by the retaining wall. This was the largest of the "Three Sisters."

Just West of the Disc Golf Course, and North of the Reptile house lies this overgrown cemetery, the burial plot of the Rogers-Buchanan family. Sadly, this artifact has certainly seen better days.	In better state of preservation is the St. Paul Cemetery, located adjacent to "Traffic Safety City" in the Southern end of the park, near the Reservoir. This was origially called the Lutheran Graveyard.
Among the creepiest things to discover in the park is this storage lot where old stonework from areas since redeveloped winds up.	As you can see, it gets even sadder, and more eerie.

What may appear to be an impressive planter seems to in fact be the remnant of the Madison Fountain, a spring fed fountain that once rested along side the Mansion House.	Visible only by peeking through the fence on the approach road to the Mansion is Crises Spring. Though inactive for years, this fountain stone remains intact, and lies behind "Employees Only" areas of the Zoo.
It looks like a spring, but there's no documentation whatsoever for this 1896 dated fountain stone located just off the Southern Driveway, East of the Washington Statue. It MIGHT (emphasize MIGHT) be the old stone of Hooper's Spring, once located in a valley in the Southeast portion of the park. For the meantime, we'll just have to be content to call it the "Mystery Spring!"

Among the roads closed off to traffic, and largely ignored is The Forest Road, which spans off of The Crows Nest Road. A carpet of ivy has reclaimed much of the paving.	Along the Northern periphery of the Zoo property can be spotted this level grade walk, once known as "The Philosopher's Walk." It's entirety is submerged within Zoo property.
Among the first man made bodies of water in the Park rested in a perfectly circular area now occupied by the Reptile House and several athletic fields. This was once called "The High Service Reservoir."	Streetlight fans can also find a lot of interest in these forlorn fixtures of the park, called "Novaluxes," emulated by the modern reproduction found in the background.
It is said that this Osage Tree is among the oldest in the park, supposedly dating back 350 years.	Perhaps it is most fitting to close this section with this photo, offering a lovely glimpse at some of the park's former glory. This view of the Skating pond and pavillion could have easily been taken 100 years ago, and the look would have been much the same.