About
WELCOME TO KENWOOD BEACH, a waterside community of approximately 100 households situated on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. On these pages you’ll find general information about Kenwood Beach & the Kenwood Beach Citizens’ Association, news of community events, and other information relevant to the residents of our little community.
Kenwood Beach is located in Port Republic, Calvert County, MD. Membership in the home-owners association (Kenwood Beach Citizens’ Association, or KBCA) is voluntary; however, only KBCA members have access to the pier. Well located for full-time as well as part-time residents, Kenwood Beach is easily accessible from Washington, DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, and southern Maryland. Other benefits include the nearby Calvert Memorial Hospital and some of the most highly-rated schools in the state. Recreational opportunities abound in the area as well.
Kenwood Beach Citizens’ Association (KBCA): The Kenwood Beach Citizens Association is a voluntary organization that works to represent, and serve, all the residents of our community and strives to help make Kenwood Beach a pleasant, friendly, welcoming place to live and raise families. The association’s goals are simple: foster a strong sense of community; promote safety and security; support civic improvements; and protect and restore Kenwood’s beach.
- Building a Greater Sense of Community. In addition to two Association meetings each year (spring and fall), KBCA hosts family-friendly events during the year that are open to all residents – an Easter egg hunt, a Memorial Day cookout, the 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks Celebration, the September “Luau” with live bluegrass music, National Night Out (with visiting law enforcement and fire officials), and Halloween’s Haunted Trail hayride.
- Safety and Security. KCBA maintains cooperative relationships with elected officials, the county sheriff’s office, the state police, and the state Department of Natural Resources. The association addresses safety (establishing a three-way stop at the bottom of Calvert St., moving the school bus pick-up/drop-off site to the turnaround area); security (any illegal activities or disruptive behavior that may occur); road maintenance (patching holes, installing curbs and guardrails, and stabilizing hills); and public health (property maintenance issues, accumulated trash, and other unhealthy or unsafe living conditions.)
- Civic Improvements. KBCA coordinates trash-collection for Kenwood Beach and works with, and pays to participate in, the county’s Mosquito Control Program. Volunteers pick up litter along Kenwood’s streets and along Rt. 509. Following Hurricane Irene, KBCA worked with county officials to secure dumpsters for residents’ debris and to ensure that the community wasn’t forgotten by clean-up crews. Association members also carried out several major beach clean-ups last fall following tropical storm Lee, removing tons of trash and debris from the beach.
- Cliff and Beach Erosion. These are two of the most pressing matters facing Kenwood Beach. KBCA’s shore erosion committee has met with county and state officials to better understand these threats and how to address them. KBCA’s president represents the community as a member of the Calvert County Advisory Committee on Cliff Stabilization. Also, KBCA was instrumental in helping two cliffside residents secure hazard mitigation grants from FEMA, which has allowed them to sell their homes to the government before losing them a land slide.
- Maintenance of Pier and Beach Areas. The association owns, maintains and pays taxes on the community pier – making repairs large and small, replacing tattered flags, collecting trash, keeping the lights on and the gulls off, and undertaking reconstruction efforts whenever the pier suffers major storm damage. Members also maintain the beach and boat launch areas (which are privately owned), provide picnic tables and toilet facilities, keep the grass mowed, pick up trash, and rebuild/repair the finger pier and boat launch.
KBCA Membership and Organization. Membership is open to all Kenwood Beach homeowners and renters. Dues are $100 for the year (payable May 1). In addition to supporting the work of the association, membership also allows access to the KBCA pier for members and their guests. Member meetings are held in April and September to review the association’s work, solicit member input, and discuss issues of interest and concern to the community.
The association is managed by a board of directors comprised of five members (from which are selected officers for board president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer) and three alternate members.
- 2011-2012 KBCA Board officers: Tom Cratty (North Ave.), President; Rick Jacob (Third St.), Vice President; Martha Cratty (North Ave.), Treasurer; Tim Sullivan (Calvert St.), Secretary and member of the Shore Erosion Committee; Chris Kelly (Bayview St.), Board member and member of the Shore Erosion Committee. Alternates: Cindy Comproni – Woodridge Ave.; Vacant; Vacant. Board-appointed positions: Wanda May (Hillcrest St.), Chairman, Events Committee; Tom Sherman (Hillcrest St.), Chairman, Pier Committee; Rick Jacob, Chairman, Road Committee; Joanne Slifer, Chairman, Neighborhood Watch; Lili Sheeline (Calvert St.), Member, Shore Erosion Committee.
Where we are and how to get here:
- Map of Kenwood Beach, Port Republic, MD
From the Washington, DC area, traveling on I-495/the Capitol Beltway:
- Take Exit 11A, Rte. 4/Pennsylvania Ave. S/ [go 36.5 mi.]
Kenwood Beach, MD, from Washington, DC
- Several miles past Prince Frederick, turn left onto Rte. 509/Governor Run Rd. [go 0.1 mi.]
- At stop sign, turn right onto Rte. 765/St. Leonard Rd. [go 0.06 mi]
- Almost immediately (at Port Republic Post Office) turn left to continue on Rte. 509/Governor Run Rd. [0.8 mi]
- Take 1st right onto Kenwood Beach Rd. to enter the Kenwood Beach community.
TO SEARCH BY COMPUTER FOR DIRECTIONS TO KENWOOD BEACH without a specific street address, use the Port Republic Post Office, 3000 St. Leonard Rd., Port Republic, MD 20676.
Kenwood Beach 
So glad to come across your site.
My family vacationed at Kenwood Beach from probably sometime in the 1920s until 1959. I was born in 1948 and spent part of each summer at Kenwood between 1948 and 1959 with the exception of 1957. My great uncle and great aunt owned for many years a cottage near the end of Cliff Road (is that the right name?) overlooking the bay. Their cottage was next door to Trails End and has been gone now since the early ’60s. During my lifetime my family rented Trails End, which in the 1940s and ’50s was owned by the late Helen Orth.
I know I’ve got pictures taken at Kenwood in the 1950s. When I get a chance I’ll try to dig some out and post them.
That’s wonderful – thank you so much for sharing this! We’ve been a bit tardy in updating this site – your response is the encouragement we needed! And any photos you’d like to share would be greatly appreciated – thanks very much for the offer. Please come back for another visit some time…
Glen Dodd, Hi my name is John Woodward and I have a place at Kenwood Beach, Its the old house across from the pier on the hill. I was wondering if you had any old pictures of the house and any information you could share with me… Thanks…John
Hey, John.
Regrettably I have no pictures, so far as I know, taken in your vicinity. To the extent I am likely to have pictures of Kenwood they are more than likely going to be at the top of the hill (Cliff Road or Trail) in the vicinity of Trail’s End, which is the former Orth cottage and which, the last time I was there in 1985, was owned, I think, by a family named Lisee.
I recognize the name Woodward. Are you related to Ralph Woodward whose cottage back in the 1950s was located at the main beach near the artisian well? As I recall the road took a bend at that cottage to ascend the steep hill which went up past “Pal’O’Mine” and other cottages.
Hi, I have been looking at the website and decided to see if you remember me. I’m Harry Brenner my family and I had a place across from Malone’s until the late 80’s. Do you remember me? Is Billy still in the area?
Hi Harry, thanks so much for your post! I myself have only lived here for about 8.5 years – coincidentally, my husband and I bought what had been the Malones’ house – but there are many people still here who you would know from back then. I’ll ask around and get back to you – thank you! Lili S.
Gene, Yes, Ralph was my father, he died in 1984. The small cottage was ours and also the big old farm house overlooking the beach. I have been slowly working on the old house and hope to live in it someday. If you do run across any old pictures please e-mail them to me, that would be great! My E-mail is johnw2148@hotmail.com Thanks…..John Woodward.
So glad I found your site! Trying to think of a fun “getaway” for tomorrow for my husband and myself. When I was a child -ages four to ten I’d say – Kenwood Beach was our family getaway. I loved it there and have fondest memories of staying at the hotel there, right on the water, the name of which escapes me. If it is still there would you please let me know and its name also. I think we may drive there tomorrow if it doesn’t take too very long. We’ll see. Again, so many wonderful memories of Kenwood Beach in my growing-up years 🙂 We do have photos but they’e at my sister’s home in Maryland and we live in Virginia. When we visit her I’ll get the photos, scan them and post them here on your site. Most sincerely, Meredith Proctor Arneson. jonmere@ntelos.net.
Greetings, I live at 2049 Chestnut here in Kenwood Beach and am involved in an environmental cause trying to stymie the process of the Liquefied Natural Gas plant expansion at Cove Point as this will adversely effect all those who live near the bay or use it for recreation. Time is of the essence. I would appreciate it if anyone interested, including the HOA president pay me a visit to discuss the environmental concerns and preservation of our little beach community. Many Calvert residents are concerned. I’d be glad to discuss as well. The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) have been a key player in education: http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=3797:calvert-town-hall&Itemid=29
Harry Brenner, Hi, how have you been? Do you ever come to Kenwood anymore? John Woodward
Hi John, we haven’t been down in close to 20 years, the last time were there they had just started putting numbers on houses. Our friends, Doug & Joan Butts purchased several lots from Garnett and built houses. They now live in Western Shores across from Dinkey Norris. The last time I talked to you I believe you were living down by Tommy’s Crab House. We are now living about a block off the Potomac River near Mount Vernon in Northern VA.
Harry, So nice to hear from you. We still live in Saint Leonard. Where has all the time gone? I’m going to retire from Dominion Cove Point soon and plan to fix up the old house at Kenwood. Do you still work? Remember the time we set fire to your house? My E-mail is Johnw2148@hotmail.com keep in touch! John
I am interested to know if anyone remembers my Uncle who along with his mother and brothers had a few homes in Kenwood Beach back in the late 1940’s- 1950’s. His mother, I just remember as Granny Rodda . His name was Richard Rodda and unfortunately accidentally electrocuted himself at kenwood while sanding his boat about 1954-55? I, along with my brother and sister would visit our cousins every summer for a week or more and a few times rented the cottage up the hill on the left. granny Rodda lived at the V of the big hill. Her sons lived to the right of the V.
My uncle Richard was married to Melver and they had three children, Rita, Bucky and Barbara? Their uncles were Tommy and Ralph Rodda.
Such fond memories of leaving from Arlington Virginia with Uncle Richard and driving down to the beach while waiting to see the road that led to the pier. The thrill of buying a bag of candy cigarettes at the local store . 5 cents for a bagfull! Swimming, walking the beach and sitting on the pier. All innocent, joyful times except for the sea nettles!!!
my sister Honor lives in Annandale, Va. My brother Bud died in 1993 and I now live in Avon, Ct.
my sister and I have recently discovered the website and talk about taking a drive down to see all the changes the next time I am in Virginia? I am going to look for some old pictures from the beach and try to scan them. I am sure it looks very different, except for the pier. no more all dirt roads!
Lynn Peterson St. Amant
I posted some remarks on a Kenwood Beach site but don’t see where it’s listed.
I came across your site after my sister and I were talking about our days back in the late 40’s early 50’s when we would visit our aunt ,uncle and cousins. They, along with grandparents and uncles had several homes at the beach. our uncle was Richard Rodda, who unfortunately accidentally electrocuted himself while sanding his boat in his mothers yard.i just knew her as Granny Rodda. There was also a Ralph and Tommy Rodda.
We spent many summers with them, and a few summers we rented the cottage up the big hill on the left. granny had the cottage at the V before the hill and the others to the right of the V. All dirt roads back then.
our cousins were Rita, Bucky and Barbara Rodda. My mother was the sister of Melver Rodda who was married to Richard.
interested to see if anyone remembers them? we had such fun going to the general store, a big treat, swimming and walking out on the pier? nice to see the pictures. Still numerous sea nettles?
Lynn Peterson St.Amant
lynnsaint, have you ever received a reply from the “about Kenwood Beach” blog? It appears that it is no longer operational.
John, I was recently at Kenwood Beach and loved seeing your old house. Have moved into it yet? Roland
John, I was recently at Kenwood Beach (6/2015) and was very taken by your home on the hill. Has the house been renovated yet? If you would consider selling it, we would love to know. We have been looking for a home on the beach and have never seen anything that we loved so much. Roland
Roland, The old beach house hasn’t been renovated yet. I have thought about selling it, but not a hole lot. I guess if I had an offer that I couldn’t refuse I would let it go. John Woodward
In all honesty, I have no clue what the house is worth if it has been vacant for so many years and not renovated. I was hoping that you had the house renovated inside and it was occupied. All we thought about was new siding and a new solar tin roof. I bet the place would look good with a windmill behind the house and a garage resembling a barn. You and I both want to make a killing. If you have the house valued by an expert, send me a price and we will work from there. Having not been in the house, I would be afraid to insult you and only an expert evaluation would satisfy the both of us. I understand the sentimental value. The house is a piece of history and really should be lived in. As years pass, the next interested party may have it bulldozed for the lot. I am 62 years old, retired and had 2 spinal surgeries. I could not do the renovations myself. The only house I will not consider is a home with a septic holding tank that must be emptied weekly. I do understand that there are some homes there with that problem. My email is fishbowl@hughes.net. Thank you so much for your response and please keep me in mind when you have a price. Roland Fish
John, You and I both want to make a killing. If the house has not been lived in or renovated, I would suggest that you have it evaluated and valued by an expert and contact me with a price. The next interested party might just bulldoze the house for the lot and that would hurt us both. My email is fishbowl@hughes.net and I am anxious to hear from you. Roland
Hello –
Our apologies, Roland is correct. This site is no longer maintained. Thank you for your interest, it remains a great community!
Roland, I just retired and plan to start working on the old house, if I decide to sell I’ll give you a call. Thanks for the interest…John
We are very interested and we can wait until you decide. I will stay in touch . It would be nice if you could send pictures once in awhile. I live in Carroll County and only get to Calvert on occasion. In the past, I have used a real estate agent named Gail Spiegel. She lives in Long Beach and specializes in beach property. I used to vacation next door to her. She is helpful and very patient. Her number is 301-752-0507. Tell her that I asked about the house and your plans. She can give you a lot of good advise especially if she knows that I am interested. Her beach home was destroyed in a storm and she had it rebuilt. Although, you are 90 miles away, I would love to see the inside of the house. If you were interested in a metal solar roof or windmill, the state offers grants. Historical Societies also help altho they are frequently too demanding. Too often these homes end up in auction and resold. Thanks, Roland
I have copied a photo of the Kenwood Beach Hotel from the Maryland Archives. Merry Stinson March 1980 is written on the photo.