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January 17, 2026

Centreville Spy

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00 Post to Chestertown Spy Arts Chesapeake Lens

Chesapeake Lens: “Incoming” By Cynthia Garrett Garmoe

January 17, 2026 by Chesapeake Lens Leave a Comment


A Breat Blue Heron glides home in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
“Incoming!” by Cynthia Garrett Garmoe.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Chesapeake Lens

Design with Jenn Martella: Small Changes Make a Big Impact

January 15, 2026 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Brick herringbone pathways and a gated hedge border add structure and privacy to the inviting front façade.

Five years ago, I featured this distinctive property in St. Michaels’ Historic District. The property now has a new Owner whom I met recently and she told me about her changes to the landscape and interiors. I was quite intrigued as her style differed from the previous Owners. 

Since many of you take advantage of the winter months to spruce up your homes or plan your landscape for spring, as I am doing, I thought this would be an interesting case study to offer you ideas how small changes in the landscape and interiors can make a big impact. 

On the day of my visit, I was quite relieved to see that the house’s exterior color palette whose earth tones I had admired remained unchanged. I walked up the new herringbone patterned brick walk with its border of brick stretchers between the new extensive landscaping of low plantings. A new “wall” of both a low hedge and a wood gate provide privacy for the front porch. 

Diagonal bluestone paired with a red brick border brings bold contrast and dimension to the updated terrace.

Before going inside, I reacquainted myself with the wonderful outdoor rooms of the terrace that wraps around the corner of the house. The former terrace was laid in gray random sized pavers that blended into the landscaping. Now bluestone laid on a diagonal with a border of red brick visually expands the space and adds color. 

Thoughtfully positioned garden beds soften hardscapes while enhancing texture and visual flow.

New landscaped areas were included in the terrace’s layout that both add color and texture to the terrace and break up the expanse of the solid surfaces. I especially admired the detailing of the brick at the 90 degree corner of the planting areas.   

A cozy firepit framed by brick and gravel anchors the outdoor gathering space, surrounded by layered greenery.

I discovered that the terrace now ends at a new outdoor room of a fire pit outlined by a brick border that encloses the gravel. The easy care iron seating with cushions set the scene for nocturnal gatherings around the firepit-Smores anyone? New trees and shrubbery were spaced along the wood fence to both break up the length of the fence and to add texture and color. 

Large pavers provide both utility and elegance as they guide visitors through a shaded garden oasis.

The existing sycamore tree now has stone cherubs for companions that are placed among the hostas who thrive in this shady area. New large pavers create a welcome path through this area that is slow to drain. The pavers end at the gate in the fence to the alley where there is guest parking in front of the two-car garage.

Coffered ceilings refreshed with white paint and modern lighting bring a brighter, timeless appeal to the living area.

When the Owner greeted me at the original magnificent pair of walnut doors with their beautiful mahogany stain, I could see the living room’s former coffered ceiling was now brighter with the simple switch from black to white housings for the recessed lighting and white semi-gloss paint on the ceiling. I had loved the former sleek modern living room but this Owner’s transitional style is equally appealing. The green and white color scheme and the reupholstery of several pieces gives this space a fresh look and I especially admired the floral fabric from Scalamadre. New window treatments of both drapes that span to the underside of the coffered ceiling and up/down translucent shades offer various degrees of privacy. I also noticed the interior solid cherry doors now have solid brass door hinges, knobs, locks and ball catches. 

French doors lead to a side garden fountain, blending interior elegance with soothing outdoor ambiance.

Full height drapes were also added to the dining area whose table is on axis with the pair of French doors to the fountain in the side garden. On warm nights when the doors are open, the gentle sound of water can join the dinner conversation. I admired the mix of the Chippendale chairs’ solid color cushions and the accent of the patterned wing chairs flanking the sideboard.  The stylized twig chandelier is the perfect size for this space.

A splash of personality finds its way into the kitchen through floral-cushioned bar stools and woven window shades

Sometimes the only thing one needs to change the look of a kitchen are the bar stools like these that have rattan frames and flowered cushions. The new woven shades add a touch of color to the trio of windows overlooking the terrace.

Bold red millwork and adjustable shelving balance practicality with a vibrant aesthetic in this adaptable space.

The main floor layout of this house contains this flexible space with an adjoining bath that could be a primary suite or an office as this Owner needs. The former black millwork with identical bays now has adjustable height shelves and bright coats of red as an accent for the room. I admired  the harmonious mix of the millwork, Chippendale chairs and the beautiful original craftsman style door to the adjacent bathroom.

Black cabinet doors, bronze hardware, and streamlined tile updates give the adjoining bathroom a cohesive, modern look.

Bathroom changes are easy to do when the arrangement of the fixtures and the floor tile remains the same as it does here. The Owner added red paint to echo the adjoining room’s millwork, replaced the white cabinet doors with black doors and bronze hardware, and retiled the shower wall to remove the former accent band of tile. 

Whimsical details and blue tones transform this compact powder room into a stylish and functional retreat.

Powder rooms or compact ones can be easily changed too. The former wall finish was a bead board white vertical board wainscot and beige painted walls. Now the  new blue and white scheme of wallpaper and a sleek blue lavatory cabinet creates a fresh and inviting look. The chrome pulls and legs that frame both the front and back faces of the shallow cabinet that is a perfect scale for this space and adds a splash of color.  I especially admired the mirror’s touches of whimsy of the striped bass/bluefish on the left side and blue fish on the right side that adorn the mirror’s frame. The new 5-1/4 “ walnut flooring was the finishing touch.

Earthy tones and patterned curtains harmonize with deep salmon walls, creating a tranquil and sophisticated guest space.

The second floor guest bedroom’s new deep salmon colored walls inspired the  window treatments in a fabric with its vertical pattern and colors that complement the wall color.  The soft earth tones of the bedding enhances this serene space for relaxation and rest.

Light green walls and floral window treatments play off the white trusses to unify softness and architectural distinction.

I was relieved that the second floor’s primary ensuite’s interior architecture of the white exposed trusses and decking has remained. I loved the Owner’s selection of soothing light green walls and  the window treatments of large scale roses on a cream colored background. Her clever use of the same fabric to cover the existing window becomes a backdrop for the beautiful wood four-poster bed.

A gas fireplace and deep chairs invite comfort, while decorative accents add depth and visual interest to the chimney wall.

The wood-burning fireplace was replaced with a gas unit and the large cream colored upholstered chairs and an ottoman with accent pillows create a cozy spot for relaxing by the fire. I admired the painting with its perspective scene that adds depth to the chimney and the crisp white mantel and trim color accentuates the beauty of the wall color.

Dual mirrors and well-placed cabinetry redefine functionality in this elegant primary bathroom update.

The primary bath has also undergone a change to dual lavatories with a shared cabinet of drawers. Mirrors in thin frames with curved corners are a stylish touch. The shower alcove was enhanced by relocating the door to open into the shower from the lavatory area and new tile to wrap around the shower walls.  

A border of black and patterned tiles turns the soaking tub’s alcove into a striking focal point.

I had specified the same floor tile that the former Owners had selected for this tub alcove; but as it sometimes happens,  later renovations like this one cannot guarantee a color match. The new Owner cleverly solved the problem by adding a black border and tile with a subtle patterned color to create a “rug” for the alcove.

Compact cabinetry creates a functional mini-kitchen in this spacious guest retreat, complete with a loft bedroom.

The upper level of the garage is a spacious one-bedroom apartment for extended stay guests and is the now the domain of the Owner’s son. The Owner added the row of cabinets for a mini-kitchen that includes drawers for both the fridge and freezer, dishwasher, sink, and a pull-out trash cabinet. The half-circular open stair leads to the loft bedroom. 

A cleverly expanded bathroom balances blue cabinetry with sleek marble-like finishes for a refined guest experience.

The Owner cleverly incorporated space from the adjacent storage area next to the former half bath and the compact space is now a full bathroom. The veining of the shower surround complements the blue of the lavatory cabinet and the frameless mirror seems to float in the space.

It was a special treat for me to see how one house with great original interior architecture can easily adapt to another interior design style. I admired the current Owner’s design concept that hopefully will inspire those of you who want to refresh your own home.  Redesign and refurbishment involves many consultants, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers and the Owner graciously shared her primary sources:

Contractor: Marr Home Solutions: Ben Marr
Hardscape and Landscape Design: Bob L. Jackson Landscape Inc.
New Sprinkler System and Outdoor Lighting: Terra Nova 
Painter: Donnie L Gowe
Photographer: Brandon Manchion
The Lumberyard: Selected Custom Cabinetry
Ferguson Design Center, Annapolis:  Sconces, plumbing fittings for kitchen and baths, selected cabinets including the apartment mini-kitchen and its appliances.
Atlas Marble and Tile:  Bathroom tile and marble from a quarry in Tuscany, Italy
SolidTops LLC: Second Floor Primary Bath lavatory countertop
Fiona Weeks: All custom window treatments and fabrics for selected  reupholstered chairs
Conn Scott: Selected furnishings and lighting fixtures
Bruce Wilson: Leather reupholstery, Reupholster furniture fabrics & Antique & Classic Cars


Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Design with Jenn Martella

Chesapeake Lens: “Riley’s Lock” By Lee Goodwin

January 10, 2026 by Chesapeake Lens Leave a Comment

The Potomac River, one of the Bay’s major tributaries, flows on at dusk. “Riley’s Lock” by Lee Goodwin.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Chesapeake Lens

Looking at the Masters: Epiphany

January 8, 2026 by Beverly Hall Smith Leave a Comment

Epiphany was celebrated on Tuesday, January 6, this year. The King James Version of the Book of Matthew tells the story: “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews, for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him?” (2:1-2) Then “the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” (2: 9)

The Flemish painter Rogier van der Weyden (c.1400-1464) was commissioned to paint more than one version of the Nativity story and the Adoration of the Magi.

”Nativity” (1445-50)

This van der Weyden “Nativity’’ (1445-50) (8’x4’) is a triptych with two folding wings. The center Nativity scene takes place in a stable with a thatched roof. The brick walls and classical columns reference European and Roman structures. The three windows are symbols of the Trinity. The elderly Joseph kneels and holds a single lighted candle. Angels attend the birth. A white dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, perches on the roof beam. An ox and ass are part of the scene. At the left and in the distance, an angel appears to the shepherds.

The altarpiece is known as the Middleburg Altar and the Bladelin Altar. The new church in Middleburg was built by the commissioner of the altar, Pieter Bladelin (1410-1472), who served as treasurer for Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. Bladelin is the figure dressed in the fur-trimmed black tunic and kneeling in prayer. 

The painting on the panel on the left side is a scene in which the Roman Emperor Augustus, while consulting the Tiberian Sibyl as to who was the most powerful man, saw a vision of Mary and Christ. The stain glass panels in the window include the Hapsburg double-headed eagles. Augustus, like King Philip the Good of Flanders, recognized Christ as King. 

The panel on the right side contains the scene of the Magi, kneeling and looking up at the Star. Van der Weyden added the figure of the Christ child in the center of the star. The Magi are dressed in rich brocades, fur, and satins typical of Flemish dress of the time. They represent the three ages of man. 

Magi, the old Persian name for the priests of Zoroaster, meant they were not kings, but wise men with knowledge of astronomy, medicine, and divination. They were gentiles. They brought three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and therefore were numbered as three. The names Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar first appeared in the 6th Century CE. By the 12th Century they represented the three ages of man. In the 15th Century, wider trade led to their being thought of as travelers from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Eventually Melchior was depicted as old, Balthasar as African and middle aged, and Caspar as European and the youngest. 

“The Three Kings Altar’’ (1450-56)

 

“The Three Kings Altar’’ (1450-56) (54’’x60’’) was painted near the end of van der Weyden’s life for the Church of St Columba in Cologne. The stable has no walls and is in disrepair. The thatched roof is in shambles. One interesting addition is the small crucifix hung on the central stone column. It forecasts what was to come. The Gospel of Matthew describes the event: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Melchior, having removed his hat, kneels at Mary’s side, holding the Christ child’s feet and kissing his hand as if he were a King. Balthasar, not represented as an African, holds a gold container of frankincense and begins to kneel.  Caspar removes his hat and waits his turn. All are lavishly dressed. Joseph, holding his cane, looks on from the left. The three-legged stool, symbol of the Trinity, perhaps holds the gift of gold from Melchior. Behind Joseph, the donor kneels outside the stable, rosary in hand. The ox and the ass look on. The panoramic scene set behind the stable presumably represents Cologne. A number of citizens already have reached the stable. Many others walk down a distant path to the stable. 

The left panel contains a scene of the beginning of the Christmas story, the annunciation to Mary.  The right panel contains a scene of Mary and Joseph taking Christ to the temple to be blessed. As was the custom, they bring with them a basket containing two doves that will be offered to buy back their son. 

The Venerable Bede (673-735) described the gifts Christ was given as both practical and symbolic. Gold represented His royalty; frankincense, used in religious services, His divinity; and myrrh, used in burials, His mortality. In the 12th Century, St Bernard suggested a more practical reason for each gift. Gold would be useful for their life in Egypt, frankincense would help with the smells of the stable, myrrh that would drive out worms.  

Shrine of the Three Kings (1180-1225)

Shrine of the Three Kings (1180-1225) (43” wide x 60” high x 87” long) is a reliquary that holds the bones of the Three Wise Men created by Nicholas of Verdun (c.1130-1205), a Mosan goldsmith, metalworker, and enamellist. The shrine is placed behind the high altar of the Cathedral of Cologne. Nicholas was from Verdun, France, on the Meuse River. Mosan refers to the architecture, sculpture, stone carving, metal work, and manuscript style of the first golden age of Netherlands art.  

The bones of the Magi were found by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine I, and she brought them to Constantinople. In 314 she gave them to Bishop Eustorgius of Milan. Helena was known to have found many relics. The city of Milan was conquered by Cologne, and the bones were taken there as spoils of war. Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV gave the three crowns of the Magi to Cologne and donated material to complete the shrine. 

Shrine of the Three Kings (close view)

Nicholas constructed the shrine in the shape of a basilica covered with gold and silver. It is decorated with seventy-four high-relief figures that represent the prophets, apostles, evangelists, and the Three Kings. Scenes include the Adoration of the Magi, Mary Enthroned with Christ, Baptism of Christ, and the Last Judgment. Filigree designs, enamels, and more than 1000 jewels and beads decorate the exterior. The shrine holds the skulls of the Magi, wearing their crowns, and their bones. The Shrine was considered so magnificent and important that the cathedral was rebuilt in 1248 to be worthy of it. 


Beverly Hall Smith was a professor of art history for 40 years. Since retiring to Chestertown with her husband Kurt in 2014, she has taught art history classes at WC-ALL and the Institute of Adult Learning, Centreville. An artist, she sometimes exhibits work at River Arts. She also paints sets for the Garfield Theater in Chestertown.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Looking at the Masters

Design with Jenn Martella: Old and New in Rock Hall

January 8, 2026 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

An inviting property nestled in the heart of Rock Hall, where waterfront charm meets vibrant village life.

When I first moved to the Eastern Shore, I worked part time for another architect in Wilmington until I could establish my own practice. One of my colleagues had a weekend cottage in Rock Hall and encouraged me to discover this charming village that is known as the “Pearl of the Chesapeake”. After that first visit,  I have returned many times to enjoy window shopping in the retail area, setting up my beach chair on the sandy beach to enjoy the parade of boats on the Bay or to hear live music at The Mainstay. Today’s feature is located in the heart of town, so Rock Hall’s attractions are just a few blocks away. 

The bold Victorian façade features stacked box bays, angled porch details, and intricate “Painted Lady” trim to elevate its architectural appeal.

When I saw this house’s front elevation during my online search for today’s feature, I was hooked by the massing and symmetry of what I surmised had once been a simple three-bay Victorian with a full front porch. 

The façade was enlivened by the exuberant symmetry of the stacked box bays crowned with articulated gable roofs that penetrate the “T” shape massing of the house and the porch’s angled bay projection.  The roof over the new part of the porch wraps around the angled foyer and creates a welcoming entry.

When I walked up the stone path to the porch, I admired the vibrant colors of this “Painted Lady” included light blue siding and light purple trim around the box bays, darker purple trim around the box bay windows on both floors, the purple cap rail of both the porch’s balustrade and around the corners of the columns. Scallop Hardiplank siding infills the attic gables for texture and contrasts with lap siding below. 

I was also impressed with the mature landscaping around the porch; even though they are dormant now, I could well imagine how colorful the hydrangeas, butterfly bush, viburnum and a rhododendron must be in the spring!    

 

This second-floor screened porch feels like a secluded perch, offering serene views of the private yard below.

When I walked around the house, I discovered this fab screened porch at the second floor overlooking the rear yard-what a great open air bonus room for bird’s eye views of the lawn and landscaping!

Mature trees and a handy storage shed frame the sunny and private backyard oasis with plenty of potential.

The large storage shed in the rear yard would contain all the lawn and garden maintenance items the next gardener would need. On this sunny day, the mature trees filtered shade onto the lawn. The rear wall of the building behind the house provides privacy for this property’s yard.

A graceful transition from the foyer through French doors offers sightlines to stained woodwork and bright spaces beyond.

My tour of the interiors began at the angled foyer that ends at a pair of stained wood French doors. The doors  open flat against the side walls for a wide view of the stair with its original stained wood balustrade. The hall by the stair offers a vista through the adjacent dining room to the kitchen at the rear of the house. Another pair of painted French doors leads to the living room opposite the wide wall opening that leads to the family room. I admired the simple palette of light wood engineered floors, gray walls, white trim and white ceilings. 

A Gothic arched opening and thoughtfully curated antiques add both architectural and personal character to this inviting living space.

The living room’s focal points are both the box bay and the Gothic arched top wall opening to the stair hall. I admired the eclectic look of the furnishings of antiques, upholstered sofa, trunk coffee table and the bookcase. The listing agent told me the stylish Adirondack style chairs were two of the many repurposed items in the house that give this space an appealing eclectic look.

The box bay nook is designed for quiet mornings, natural light streaming through original fluted trim windows.

I love cozy snugs and this one in the box bay would be the perfect spot to relax in the stylish rocker and read a book by the light of the ornate crystal light fixture that was the perfect size for this diminutive space. I also noted the original trim of both the windows’ and doors’ fluted jambs with rosettes on the corners, crown molding and baseboard.  

Exposed brick, layered textures, and antique accents lend warmth and depth to an already light-filled corner room.

The living room’s windows at the corner of the room and the Gothic arched opening give this space transparency that makes the room seem larger than it is. I have used antique iceboxes several times in designing a sitting room for clients since they are great storage units for myriad uses. I also liked the color and texture  of the exposed brick chimney with uneven mortar joints that is a great accent.  

A multi-functional family space made cozy by exposed brick, repurposed furnishings, and a charming bay snug.

On the other side of the hall stair is the family room with another exposed brick chimney and a box bay snug. The snug is a perfect spot for breakfast, puzzles or board games. I also admired other repurposed pieces of the long bench that has a new life as a stylish coffee table and the slanted wood piece below the TV opposite the sofa that could hold books or magazines. At the rear wall opposite the snug is another repurposed piece, a wood mantel that had been mostly stripped of its white paint. Adding a gas fireplace would be the perfect finishing touch for this space. 

The dining area’s warm mix of antique woods and a modern light fixture illustrates an effortless blend of old and new.

The stair hall blends into the open plan dining-kitchen. The antique wood table and chairs are a stylish counterpoint to the contemporary translucent pendant light fixture. The column is another repurposed quirky accent with its texture of residual white paint and bare wood. 

Vaulted wood ceilings and natural textures make this bright kitchen expansion a stand-out architectural feature.

The kitchen’s neutral color scheme of the white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, variegated granite countertop, travertine stone flooring, stained wood slat ceiling that blends into the exposed roof rafters and decking of the kitchen expansion. Adding to the  appealing eclectic look is the clever table of pipe supports, wood top, wood stools for a breakfast or informal dining area.

Practical design meets style with expansive workspace, clean lines, and French doors for easy outdoor access.

The long side wall of the kitchen provides ample work surfaces and I liked how the railroaded tile backsplash goes around the window over the sink to the underside of the wood ceiling. The pair of French doors leads to the driveway for off-street parking.

This vintage oven-range adds whimsy and history, proving every kitchen benefits from a playful design moment.

I have written before that every house should have a touch of whimsey like this vintage oven-range combo; or, as William Morris so wisely said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” 

Behind the side interior wall of the kitchen is a short hall, past a full bath and a laundry, that leads to an exterior door to the rear yard. 

An antique dresser-turned-vanity pairs effortlessly with sleek modern details for a charming powder room contrast.

Dressers or small chests are great ways to repurpose them as lavatories. I admired the juxtaposition of the chest with its antique look and the sleek porcelain vessel, sconces and mirror.   

The spacious primary bedroom is flooded with light from a double window and features direct access to the screened porch.

The second floor contains three bedroom ensuites. This spacious primary ensuite’s bedroom and bath spans across the full width of the house.  The double unit window and the half glass, half paneled door to the adjacent screened porch provides ample daylight.

A potential summer sleeping porch, this airy second-floor retreat balances privacy with openness to the outdoors.

The screened porch that spans across the full width of the house could be a fab summer sleeping porch for the primary bedroom since the solid wall provides seated or sleeping privacy. All this delightful space needs is paint for the exposed rafters and decking and beadboard on the wall. 

Earth-tone finishes and curved cabinetry soften the space, pairing function with timeless design elements.

The primary bath’ earth tones are very pleasing and I liked the bowfront of both the wood lavatory cabinet and the shower curtain. Replacing the solid color shower curtain with a clear shower curtain would be an inexpensive way to visually expand the space. 

A serene guest room with dual-aspect bay windows, soft colors, and a cozy mix of quilted textures.

The guest bedrooms are quite spacious since they are located over the living and dining rooms so each bedroom has a box bay. The bay depth easily accommodates a chest like this space has or you could add drawers below a window seat with a cushion for the family pet. Dual aspect rooms like this one  are so much better since they provide more daylight. I loved the serenity of this room with the pale aqua wall color and the quilt of several colors that takes its cue from the wall color and the accent of the exposed brick of the chimney. 

Sliding barn doors and an oversized layout make this guest suite ideal for both relaxation and practicality.

The other guest bedroom also accommodate both sleeping and sitting areas. Barn doors like this one for the closet are great space savers.

This property is zoned for either residential or commercial uses; since each bedroom has a dedicated bathroom, one use could be a B&B. The property also includes a side parcel so there is space for a circular drive for easier access to the street. This spacious house dating from 1910 has been lovingly maintained over the years and its current Owner’s new roof  and low maintenance exterior materials, kitchen and bath upgrades, materials of engineered hardwood flooring, etc. make it move-in ready. The Owner’s interior design including curated antiques and clever use of repurposed pieces showcases this house’ interior architecture. The front porch and the second floor screened porch are delightful outdoor rooms.  Great location in the heart of downtown Rock Hall with walking distance to its restaurants, shops, marina and Rock Hall beach along the Chesapeake Bay-Bravo!

 


For more information about this property, contact Lynn Hilfiker at Gunther McClary Real Estate, Rock Hall, 410-639-2118 (o), 443-480-1163 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit     www.rockhallrealestate.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Steve Buchanan Photography, 301-996-7295, http://www.buchananphotography.com .

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Design with Jenn Martella

Chesapeake Lens: ”Tundra Swans” by Geoffrey S. Baker

January 3, 2026 by Chesapeake Lens Leave a Comment

On a winter'a day, a pair of tundra swans descend out of a gray sky.”Tundra Swans” by Geoffrey S. Baker

On a winter’a day, a pair of tundra swans descend out of a gray sky.”Tundra Swans” by Geoffrey S. Baker

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Chesapeake Lens

Looking at the Masters: The Feast of Stephen 

January 1, 2026 by Beverly Hall Smith Leave a Comment

The Feast of Stephen occurs each year on December 26. The feast day may be familiar; it is mentioned in the carol “Good King Wenceslas” (1853). There was in fact a St Stephen and a good King Wenceslas. Boxing Day also is on December 26. 

 

“St Stephen Martyrdom” (1324)

St Stephen (c. 5-36 CE) was one of the seven deacons of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. He was known for caring for poor, often forgotten people by giving them gifts of food and other necessities.  He was a Hellenistic Jew, and he preached about the synagogues’ slight of Hellenistic Jews and favor toward Hebrew Jews. The Sanhedrin, the supreme legislative and judicial council in ancient Israel, accused Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. “St Stephen Martyrdom” (1324) (10’’x20’’), by Bernardo Daddi (c.1290-1348) of Florence, is one of eight panels from an altarpiece in the church of Santa Croce. On the left side of the panel is a depiction of the trial before the Sanhedrin. St Stephen prays as he is found guilty. On the right side is a depiction of his stoning. He is acknowledged as the first Christian martyr.

Bernardo Daddi was a follower of Giotto who introduced greater realism in his painting. The human figures have more natural proportions, gestures, and expressions. His use of shadow gives them weight and mass. Fabrics drape naturally around their bodies. Their feet appear to be flat on the ground. Although faces are similar, he attempted to represent distinct individuals. His settings begin to have perspective. He attempted to paint a usable space. Although the leader of the Sanhedrin is too tall to stand up in the room, the door to the outside is tall enough to accommodate St Stephen and the others. Outside, a green lawn and a deep blue sky replace traditional solid gold as a background. 

“The Martyrdom of St Stephen” (1671)

“The Martyrdom of St Stephen” (1671) (172”x109’’), by Flemish Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), offers a striking comparison between the early attempts at realism in the Early Renaissance in Italy and the full-blown realism of the 17th Century. On the left panel, Stephen preaches to the people about his concerns. He stands on the steps of a classical Roman building. Three of those around him listen intently. Perhaps the elderly figure in white with the elegant blue and gold on his robe is a member of the opposition. He listens intently, but with a hand held behind his back.

The stoning of Stephen is depicted on the central panel. Well-muscled men throw the stones with power. Stephen has begun to turn the ashen color of death. He looks up and cries out, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54-60) Before he died Stephen forgave his persecutors. In the right corner is Saul of Tarsus, keeping the discarded robes of those stoning Stephen. This act shows his consent to the stoning. Saul would become a major persecutor of Christians until his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. He was known from that time as St Paul the Apostle. The right panel is a depiction of the burial of St Stephen.

“St Stephen” (1330-35)

St Stephen was depicted as a young man wearing a deacon’s dalmatic robe. “St Stephen” (1330-35) (33”x22’’) is an early image by the famous Florentine artist Giotto (c.1267-1337). Giotto tried to give Stephen a compassionate expression because he was known to be compassionate. His dalmatic is decorated with elaborately woven bands of gold embroidery. He holds a book as tribute to his faith and his teaching. Giotto attempted to depict realistically Stephen’s fingers holding the book. 

The two rocks on his head are symbols of his martyrdom, one of the things all artists had trouble integrating into their paintings. Stephen is the patron saint of deacons, bricklayers, and stonemasons.

In portraits of this period, the golden background was influenced by Byzantine painting. Gold ingots were pounded into thin leaves and applied onto a layer of bole, wet red clay.  It could then be incised into elaborate patterns as seen in this work. 

 

“St Stephen” (1476)

“St Stephen” (1476) (24’’x16”), painted by Carlo Crevelli (1435-1495), was commissioned by the Dominicans in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy. They believed Stephen provided an excellent example of teaching and preaching to non-believers. Cervelli was trained in Venice, painted in the elaborate and highly decorative style of Venice, and was known for his extensive use of gold. The dalmatic decorations are an example of the richness of Venetian gold embroidery.  The gold would gleam in the candle light of church services. Stephen holds a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom, also of triumph, peace, and eternal life. Waving palm branches were part of the celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The stones on his head and shoulders are necessary to identify Stephen. 

 

“Wenceslaus fleeing from his brother” (c. 1006)

 

Wenceslas (907-935) (Vaclav the Good) was not a king, but he was the beloved Duke of Bohemia. He was raised as a Catholic by his grandmother Ludmilla. He was known for his concern and care for widows, orphans, and even prisoners. He spread the Christian faith throughout his kingdom, much to the displeasure of his mother and brother Boleslaus the Cruel. “Wenceslaus fleeing from his brother” (1006) is an illuminated manuscript from the Gumpold Codex, commissioned in 980 CE by the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II and his wife. It is a depiction of the murder of Wenceslaus on September 28, 905 by his brother and others on his way to pray in the chapel. The final blow was delivered by his brother. In the illustration, Wenceslaus tries to escape into the chapel, but the priest closes the door. September 28 was declared his feast day and is celebrated in the Czech Republic, Bohemia, and Slovakia. Wenceslas was declared a saint by the people of Bohemia immediately after his death, and the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto I, declared him be a king. 

 

“St Wenceslas Chapel” (14th Century)

 

The St Wenceslas Chapel was built in the 14th Century by King Charles IV, and it is the main chapel in the Cathedral of St Vitus in Prague.  His tomb and relics are decorated lavishly.  Over 1,300 Bohemian gemstones set in gold decorate the lower wall. The 275 square yards of Gothic frescoes on the upper wall depict scenes of his life and the life of Christ. 

 

“Good King Wenceslas” (1879)

John Mason Neale (1818-1866), an English Anglican priest, scholar, and hymn writer wrote the carol “Good King Wenceslas” in 1853. His scholarship included an interest in medieval literature and music. He wrote the lyrics to fit the music of the 13th Century Spring carol “The Blooming Time is Here” that he and his partner Thomas Helmore found in a Finnish song book from 1582. The carol was published first in a children’s book in 1849 and then in his “Carols for Christmastide” in 1853.

“Good King Wenceslas” (1879) is an engraving by the Brothers Dalziel. Their engraving company, founded in London in 1839, worked with such artists as Whistler, Rossetti, and Lewis Carol. The engraving was included in a hymn book published by Henry Ramsden in 1879. King Wenceslas and his page are shown trudging through the snow carrying food and aid to the poor people of Bohemia. In verse four, the page, about to collapse, says:  

‘Sire, the night is darker now

And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.’

Wenceslas responds:  

‘Mark my footsteps, good my page,
Tread thou in them boldly:

Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.’

Boxing Day, generally considered an English holiday, is also celebrated on December 26. In Victorian Britain the wealthy gave their servants the day after Christmas off to visit their families. After all they had worked hard preparing and serving the Christmas dinner. When they left, they were given a Christmas box which held food, small gifts, and money. Churches put boxes out for parishioners to leave donations for the poor. The connection between St Stephen and Boxing Day encouraged people to give gifts to those in need, as St Stephen had done. 


Beverly Hall Smith was a professor of art history for 40 years. Since retiring to Chestertown with her husband Kurt in 2014, she has taught art history classes at WC-ALL and the Institute of Adult Learning, Centreville. An artist, she sometimes exhibits work at River Arts. She also paints sets for the Garfield Theater in Chestertown.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Looking at the Masters

Design with Jenn Martella: New Year-New Duplex

January 1, 2026 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Distinctive gable roofs and a refined color palette integrate the duplex seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood.

Since today is the first House of the Week for the new year, it is fitting that a new house rings in this new year. As an architect who has designed houses for several urban design projects, I know how important it is to infill older neighborhoods’ vacant lots with new housing that blends seamlessly with the architectural style of the older housing. Vacant lots at corners are especially vexing for they begin to erode two streetscapes; this stylish duplex infills its corner site by using the same floor plan for both units by flipping the original plan for the other unit. 

Thoughtful design details, from deep eaves to interlocked paver parking, enhance the home’s modern functionality.

 

At each end of the duplex, gable roofs with deep eaves take their cue from the neighboring historic houses and a center gable breaks up the long side elevation facing another street. Shed roofs offer protection for the entry doors and a sidewalk wraps around the duplex to the streets at each end of the property. The combination of the luxury vinyl shake siding, parged concrete block foundations with an exterior color palette of the yellow siding white trim and the blue accent of the entry doors create great curb appeal. Instead of concrete pads for parking, both units have parking areas of individual interlocked pavers. Each parking area is outfitted with an electric car charger.   

Fences with lattice detailing enclose private outdoor spaces, creating cozy yet open terrace areas.

One side yard has been transformed into private outdoor rooms for both units enclosed by high fences. I especially liked how the wood fence was detailed with bays of both lower solid panels for seated privacy, topped with lattice panels to soften the enclosure.  The grass stops short of the fence so future plantings can add color and texture. Along with the same hardscape pavers used for the parking areas, the demising fence wall defines the terrace area for each unit. 

A balustrade stair enhances the airy feel of the open plan living area accented by sleek vinyl plank flooring.

The entry door opens into an open plan living-kitchen-dining area. The stair has a balustrade on one side to expand the spatial volume of the living area. The white ceilings and off-white walls makes the space seem even larger than it is and accentuates the beautiful high-end luxury vinyl plank flooring.

The layout optimizes seating with ample natural light from multiple windows framing outdoor views.

The sitting area of the open plan layout easily accommodates a full size sofa and loveseat that are positioned across from both the TV and also the two front windows and one side window for views of the neighborhood. 

Quartz countertops and modern pendant lighting provide a practical yet stylish kitchen workspace.

The “U” shaped kitchen’s quartz countertop’s overhang accommodates four bar stools for breakfast, informal meals or a surface for homework. The custom large pendant lights with their transparent globes adds task lighting and texture.

The cook-friendly kitchen offers spacious countertops and a bright window with scenic views.

The kitchen with white cabinets, appliances of stainless steel with black accents and the wide window for views would please any cook. 

Clever floor plan offsets define an inviting dining space for gatherings of any size.

The stair’s location creates an offset in the floor plan to define the dining area’s  ample space for a table and six chairs.

Sliding doors connect the dining area to the terrace, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

The length of the dining area has space for an armoire for storage of china and glassware, serving pieces, placemats, napkins, etc. The pair of sliding doors expands the space for al-fresco dining on the adjacent terrace with its privacy fence.

A farmhouse sink, warm cabinetry tones, and bronze accents make this powder room polished yet functional.

The dining area blends into a short hall leading to this powder room and the laundry. The window, custom cabinet with the white farmhouse sink, the earth tones of the cabinetry and the large round mirror create a stylish powder room. 

Smart shelving and workspace create a practical setup for laundry and storage needs.

The laundry’s stack washer dryer is next to a counter for folding clothes.  Hampers on the open shelves below are handy for sorting clothes and storage of supplies.

The upper landing provides a functional yet elegant space for décor or practical use.

The stair leads to the second floor landing and hall with space for a shallow table. The second floor contains the primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath. 

Generous windows and tailored storage provide a serene retreat in the primary bedroom.

The spacious primary bedroom is located at one corner of each unit. The bedroom’s shape creates space for a chest of drawers next to the walk-in closet and a high chest next to the window for ample storage of clothes. The upholstered chair on the other side of  the window creates a cozy spot for reading. 

Crisp white finishes and black accents create a balanced backdrop ready for personal touches.

The primary bath’s white interior design with accents of black hardware is a pleasing backdrop for one’s color accents of towels, accessories or art.

A glass-enclosed shower with recessed shelving elevates the bath’s simple yet modern design.

The primary bath’s large shower has easy-care wall to wall solid surfaces with a recessed space for shampoo, etc. The shower’s glass front panel and door expands the space. 

The flexible guest room offers the perfect balance of functionality and relaxation.

The middle guest bedroom is a flexible space that could also be an office with a daybed for guests. 

Corner placement and triple windows flood this carpeted bedroom with natural light

Another guest bedroom is located at a corner of the unit so it has three windows on two walls for abundant daylight. All of the bedrooms are carpeted for quiet. 

The hall bath’s design blends white cabinetry, bronze hardware, and a tub with glass doors for timeless appeal.

The compact hall bath’s interior design of white cabinets, warm bronze hardware and fittings creates an inviting space. The combination tub/shower has sliding glass doors with a deeper bronze frame to complete the sleek look. 

This custom built duplex is brand new and move-in ready for either investors seeking turn-key rental property or homeowners who would live in one unit and rent the other unit; it is also available as a furnished rental. The architecture blends very well with the surrounding houses in the  heart of Easton’s Historic District and close by the property is the Rails to Trails. The first floor plan layout combines the open plan living-dining-kitchen that today’s homeowners seek with the second floor’s primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath. Contemporary materials and finishes give this duplex great style and I look forward to the Olde School Builders next project-Bravo!


For more information about this property, contact Jana Meredith, Associate Broker with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-522-4663 (o), 443-235-3404 (c), [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.  

Design and Construction by Olde School Builders LLC, 410-690-3221,  [email protected]. 

Photography by TruPlace, www.truplace.com , (301) 972-3201

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Design with Jenn Martella

The Story of the Oysterman at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum By Anke Van Wagenberg, PhD

December 31, 2025 by Anke Van Wagenberg Leave a Comment

 The sculpture of the Oysterman today takes centerstage in front of the newest CBMM building. Many may be unfamiliar with the story behind the sculpture, or its “provenance,” as we call the history of ownership of an artwork. 

A few years back, when I was still Senior Curator at the Academy Art Museum (AAM) in Easton, MD, I frequently surveyed and reorganized the storage of its modest collection. In the courtyard stood the Oysterman. an impressive sculpture by Kenneth Herlihy, a talented sculptor living and working at the time in Rock Hall, MD, not far from Chestertown. The AAM sculpture was placed on the north side of the courtyard, surrounded by shrubbery and the tongs were overgrown; the waterman was placed in such a way that he seemed to be staring into the ground. The AAM was planning to reconstruct the courtyard, and the sculptures were to be reinstalled. And next the Oysterman disappeared into the basement storage while reconsidering new placement post-construction.
I contacted the artist Ken Herlihy (1929 – 2021). The Massachusetts-born Herhily had graduated from Harvard College Harvard Business School and made a career as fund manager in Philadelphia, before moving to Georgetown, MD, where he worked as a sculptor in marble and bronze.
Bronze is not an easy art medium, and the technique to create a sculpture in bronze is complex. The oldest method that is still in use is called lost-wax casting (also known by the French term cire perdue), see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_sculpture. The mold an artist creates in bronze casting can be re-used and as such the artist can make a small number of multiples, each considered an original. Herlihy became quite accomplished in bronze; he worked with John Phillips Foundry of Phillips Casting in Germantown, PA. (see Ken Herlihy’s Sculptures by John T. Guthrie, produced by Chestertown RiverArts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf81NdK__xA )

Ken Herlihy made his Oysterman which – since 1996 – stands as a landmark in Rock Hall, the town he called home for so long. It stands as a monument to the oystermen that were so important to the area. Herlihy modeled his bronze sculpture after a real living person: Captain Stanley Vanant, who was an oysterman and boat builder for 81 years. Kate Livie dedicated an article to him, “A Kent County Boatbuilder of Chesapeake’s Golden Age” (The Chesapeake Log, Winter 2023).
Herhily’s CBMM Oysterman, proudly dedicated to the watermen of the Chesapeake Bay is shown bent over his oyster tongs with oyster shells scattered at his feet. It was made in 1989 and measures 16 x 5 x 4 feet. After consideration and consultation with the artist, who had donated the sculpture to the AAM, the artwork was transferred to the CBMM in 2021, a much better and fitting home, where it serves as a tribute to the watermen of the Chesapeake Bay.


Anke Van Wagenberg, PhD, is Senior Curator & Head of International Collaborations at the American Federation of Arts in New York and lives in Talbot County, MD.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Arts

Spy Poetry:  In This Brief World by Deidra Greenleaf Allan

December 27, 2025 by Spy Poetry Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: In the spirit of the approaching new year and its opportunity for resolutions and personal change, this poem explores the poet’s journey toward self-acceptance and happiness.

This is the last poem from Spy Poetry for the foreseeable future until more funding is available. Thank you for being such careful and appreciative readers. I wish you joy in the year ahead and hope that your purse is always full.

In This Brief World

The last time I saw you, you were leaning on a pasture fence
as the sun went down, watching the Angus
gather for the night.

Were you storing up earthly images, as the Pharaohs stored food,
jewelry, and perfumes to take with them into the afterlife?
I, too, had been collecting.

My purse was heavy with life’s stones—sadness and guilt, the regret
of things undone, unspoken, the cumulative sorrows
of consequence. But I am not the person

I was, who thought that living was a quid pro quo—one ounce
of happiness for every pound of sorrow. Now I see
what one carries

is a matter of choice. I choose to carry things that are light—
the relief of self-acceptance, the feathery down of forgiveness,
whispy cirrus clouds

of momentary joy. I’ll walk through what’s left of my earthly time
spreading seeds of solace in sorrow’s soil, hoping they take root
and grow. You asked me, once,

when you knew you were dying, what it takes to be happy
in this brief world. A purse that’s full, I said,
but weighs nothing.

Deidra Greenleaf Allan has been published in American Poetry Review, Quartet Journal, Puerto del Sol, Poet Lore, Plume, and West Branch, among other print and online journals. In 2001 she was selected by Robert Hass as Montgomery County (PA) Poet Laureate. She has received a Leeway Emerging Artist Award and was a finalist for a Pew Fellowship in poetry. Her poem, “Apostrophe to the Living,” was selected in 2012 by Musehouse as its Poem of Hope poster. Allan holds an MFA in Poetry from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her chapbook, Each the Other’s Echo, will be published in early 2026 by Seven Kitchens Press.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 00 Post to Chestertown Spy, Spy Poetry

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