1820 – Robert Oliver (1756 – 1834) was one of Baltimore’s first mercantile millionaires and a public-spirited man. He had the Oliver House built as a hunting lodge around 1820.

The First 30 years

1930 – The land was purchased by the Gassinger Brothers.

Dwellings were built and used as summer homes and later some homes became permanent residences. Sears kit houses were popular.

Gassinger Brothers donated seven pieces of land to give all property owners access to the Gunpowder River, and a large tract of land to build a meeting hall.

1932– The Oliver Beach Community was established by the Gassingers.

The Oliver Beach Improvement Association (OBIA) met monthly on various days of the week. Meetings were held in private homes, as well as the Oliver House and the Bengies-Chase Democratic Club.

1940 – In September, OBIA was incorporated for a fee of $10.00.

The first meeting of the Oliver Beach Improvement Association, Inc. was held on October 2, 1940 at 8 o’clock PM. Among those in attendance were John W. Frederick, August F. Gassinger, Gerard P. Gassinger, Charles Manner, and Louis Dankmeyer.

Membership fee was $1.00 for males over 21 years old.

1947 – The By-Laws were amended to allow women to attend meetings with their husbands, and later amended to give women full membership. This led to a Ladies’ Auxiliary.

1949 – The Gassinger Brothers officially deeded the eight parcels to the Oliver Beach Improvement Association, Inc.

1952 – The Community Hall was built. It was heated by coal stoves.

September 8, 1952 – OBIA held its first meeting at the Community Hall.

Permission was granted to keep a chain across the community building road provided a key is given to the fire department.

September 1952 – OBIA held its first meeting at the community hall. In the early years of the community building, the Association granted permission to other groups to use the building including: the Teen Group, Civil Defense, and homemakers.

July 1953 – The Ladies Auxiliary held the first carnival in Oliver Beach. That same year indoor plumbing and flush toilets were added to the facilities at the community hall. Sporadic appearances of “out houses” in the community kept the association busy reminding residents that indoor plumbing was necessary. Due to failing septic systems and the State Park proposing an overflow system for its sewage system, the community strongly opposed this system of sewage.

1950s - A new heating system was added to the community building and beach tags were available for purchase by residents.

Late 50s - Witnessed the water chestnut weed taking over the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers. It was thought that this was killing off fish and preventing waterfowl from using the rivers as a haven. It was a great hindrance to boating in the area.

Early 60s - The milfoil weed in the river was a problem for boaters and the community purchased and applied a chemical to rid the river of this “menace.” Unknown to us at that time was how essential the sea grasses are to the health of other aquatic life.

1960s - The association continued to be an active voice in the community. In July 1964, Baltimore County approved Oliver Beach to receive water and sewage systems. Residents were first able to hook up to the “city water” system in 1967. The State of Maryland purchased community property being used for recreational purposes, to be a bird sanctuary for the adjacent Gunpowder State Park. The 1960s focused positive attention to the start of many activities for the youth of the community. Parties at Halloween and Christmas, Easter Egg Hunts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Majorettes, Clown Club, Fun Center, and Drop-In Center were among these youth events.

1967 – Peggy Rupp was crowned Miss Oliver Beach. First runner up was Shirley Kent and second up went to Karen Huff. In addition to receiving beautiful trophies, the girls were awarded gowns, jewelry, flowers, savings bonds, hair sets, portraits, and other souvenirs. Ellen Jackson and her staff were event organizers.

1970s - The county paid for a part-time custodian for our community hall since many recreational programs were using our facilities. A basketball court was built on the south side of the community building and motor bike riding on the property became a problem. During this decade, major improvements were made to the hall including installation of bottled gas, blocking in the windows, new ceiling tiles and lights, remodeling the bathrooms and kitchen, new roof, additional heating ducts, emergency lights, and paneled walls. New round tables were purchased. The association expressed a need for continued bus service as the MTA took over the RPL (Rosedale Passenger Lines) bus service.

The Association researched and monitored many issues during the 1970s, including sand and gravel mining, a proposed pier for private club property, “X” rated movies at the Bengies Drive-In, the proposed development of Bay Country, sewage spillage into the river at Joppatowne, the proposed landfill at Day’s Cove, and the depositing of sludge at Hart-Miller Island. The county brought the municipal sewage system to both the State Park and Oliver Beach.

June 1972 - Hurricane Agnes struck the East Coast. Flooding and poor storm water drainage caused problems to waterfront properties. Beach erosion was a recurring community problem.

1973 – Rules and Regulations for Community Beaches were established. Among these rules: All bathers must have and display beach tags. All beaches and road ends will be patrolled by members of the association who will spot check those people using the community property for beach tags and keys. A local resident and former police officer patrolled the beaches – “carrying a gun.”

November 1978 - The Adult Recreation Center was formed. Originally, it was to be a Golden Age Club, but was changed to include any adult over the age of 18. This group enjoyed food, bingo and fellowship each Thursday.

1981 – The grand opening of Oliver Beach Elementary School.

1981 – Opening of Oliver Beach Elementary School. Oliver Beach Road was relocated to allow it to be straightened and make bus travel safer. Sidewalks were planned for the community; however, the residents rejected the idea preferring to retain a rural setting. Youth activities previously held at the Community Hall were moved to the new school.

June 1982 – Chase Fire Station opens at the site of the old Chase Railroad Station.

1980s – The Oliver Beach Improvement Association obtains a mailing address: PO Box 57 at the Chase Post Office. The association initiates the 120 Club Fundraiser.

January 1987, the community received national acclaim for its heroic response to the AMTRAK accident. The train crash occurred adjacent to the residential communities of Harewood Park and West Twin Rivers, where neighbors quickly assisted emergency crews and provided blankets and shelter to victims.

1990s - Saw the beginning of a recycling program, the semi-annual community yard sale, and Friday Game Nights, and Annual Bull & Oyster Roasts.

1990s - Saw the community unite to address the importance of the history of Oliver Beach. The community faced an important issue with the proposed development of “Oliver Landing.” The project included the construction of 12 homes on the remaining 4 acres of property surrounding the historic Oliver House. Facing the possibility of purchase of the Oliver House by the developer, the community rallied together. Already listed on the Maryland Historical Trust Inventory, the community sought listing of the Oliver House and property on the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission List to further protect it from demolition or neglect. The community organized a meeting to inform the public of the status of the project. One result of this meeting was the formation of the Friends of the Oliver House (FOTOH).” The purpose of the organization was to raise money for the preservation and restoration of the Oliver House and property. The Carriage House was demolished on November 2, 1991, and with it, the exterior window shutters belonging to the historic Oliver House.

September 1993 – First Annual End of Summer Party and Fishing Contest at Oliver Point. Fishing contest entry fee was $5.00 per adult. A separate youth contest was free for contestants under 13 years old. Festivities included food, games, and a dunking booth.

1995 – The First of the Concerts in the Park Summer Series, hosted by FOTOH.

1996 – Maryland Historical Society granted permission for water and an interior walkway to be added to The Robert Oliver Park property.

1997 – Updates were made to the Association property Rules and Regulations, as well as other governing documents. Revisions were approved at the June 1997 OBIA general meeting and mailed to all residents.

September 18-19, 2003 – Tropical Storm Isabel brought a tidal surge that ravaged waterfront properties in Essex, Middle River and Oliver Beach. Isabel blew up into the Chesapeake Bay overnight, pushing tides 8 – 10 feet above normal. Many homeowners were forced to evacuate. Some residents moved vehicles and other personal property to drier community association properties. Neighbors united to assist with lodging and clean-up. Several homes were destroyed in the storm and needed to be rebuilt.