Historic Small Reward c.1726

Welcome to “Small Reward” (c. 1726), an extraordinary historic sanctuary documented under the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT Record CT-225). Rooted in an original 1688 land grant from Lord Baltimore to Captain Richard Smith, Maryland’s first Attorney General, the property derives its name from a reduced bounty awarded after a harrowing colonial voyage. The original dwelling was constructed around 1726 by George Lawrence as a post-and-beam farmhouse and later expanded in the 1850s with a formal Federal-style wing. Today, this rare estate blends over three centuries of preserved Maryland heritage with refined, modern luxury.

Architectural Mastery & Colonial Detail

Flooded with natural light through expansive windows, the interior showcases rare early-American craftsmanship alongside seamless 19th-century refinement:

The Grounds & Outbuildings

Set amidst 2.44 private, picturesque acres framed by mature trees and sweeping lawns, the setting offers total tranquility and room to breathe.

In addition to the main residence, the grounds feature a 2-story, 2-car contemporary garage. Designed for maximum flexibility, the upper level offers an ideal space for an executive home office, creative studio, workshop, or private guest quarters.

SELECT IMPROVEMENTS ($79,000+)

A remarkable restoration/renovation that maintains Small Reward’s historic detailing while including modern amenities.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Small Reward provides a rare, tangible record of the transition from late 18th-century vernacular housing to more technically advanced mid-19th-century construction. The residence consists of a single-story, late 18th-century frame section seamlessly connected to a larger two-story addition built around 1830. The earlier structure displays early adoption of the side-hall floor plan paired with traditional heavy-hewn framing. In contrast, the 1830s wing features exquisite, highly intact Federal-period woodwork, including elaborate mantels with Greek ovolo moldings, custom six-panel doors, a carved staircase with a delicate rounded newel post, and machine-cut nail framing. Together, the home’s unique layout, surviving period craftsmanship, and preserved outbuildings make Small Reward an extraordinary showcase of early Maryland architectural evolution.

HISTORIC OUTBUILDINGS

Meat House c.1830

Construction & Architecture: Measuring $4\text{ ft} \times 10\text{ ft} \times 12\text{ ft}$ , this small gable-roofed outbuilding features an unusual “horizontal” wall framing system that sets it apart from traditional period structures. Four heavy corner posts hold horizontal side rails spaced four inches apart, crossed by interior diagonal angle braces. The rafter feet rest on flat false plates supported by ceiling joists, with collar beams composed of three tiers half-lapped and triple-nailed using machine-cut nails.
Function & Significance: Used for hanging meats after smoking, the structure likely represents an architectural transition between horizontal log/plank construction and vertical stud framing. Dating to circa 1830, it retains original rough-sawn vertical siding, wide plank flooring, and intact framing.

Tobacco Barn c.1830

Construction & Architecture: The core structure is a $24\text{ ft} \times 32\text{ ft}$ , circa 1830’s frame barn that has been extended with sheds on all four sides. Its framing is built from hewn and rough-sawn timbers—including re-used and replacement members—with horizontal rails half-lapped over main posts and secured by wrought spikes. Mortised and pegged angle braces anchor the corner posts, while three tiers of collar beams support the rafter system.
Function & Significance: The barn served as a functional hub for Maryland’s historic tobacco agricultural economy. It features an intact historic tobacco prize (used for packing cured tobacco into barrels) preserved under the east shed, constructed with cast-iron mechanical gears and a circular-sawn wooden frame.

PARTIAL CHAIN OF TITLE

Land Grant

c. 1688: Richard Smith – Granted 111 acres known as “Small Reward”.

19th Century

Pre-1867: Robert Harrison – Passed away; estate totaled 630 acres.
Nov 22, 1879: Martha Harrison Mannar (widow of Robert Harrison, remarried to Claiborn Mannar) – Granted 182 acres from Robert Harrison’s estate.
Dec 11, 1867 (Equity Partition): Robert S. Harrison – Obtained the 182-acre portion in the estate partition of his father, Robert Harrison.
Through Will: Sallie M. Burch & Frank T. Harrison – Acquired property through the will of Robert S. Harrison.

20th Century

Apr 13, 1909: Frank T. Harrison transferred his $1/2$ interest to William R. Burch (husband of Frank’s sister, Sallie M. Burch).
May 27, 1920s: Sallie M. Burch passed away.
- William R. Burch, Jr.’s share transferred to Mabel S. Coleman.
- Oscar L. Burch’s share transferred to his heirs, Elsie & Robert Burch.
- $4/5$ interest held jointly by William R. Burch, Jr., Oscar L. Burch, Martha S. Burch, Oliver H. Burch, and Robert O. Burch.
Joint Tenancy: Martha S. Burch, Oliver H. Burch, and Robert O. Burch held joint ownership.
Aug 4, 1966 (JLB 84:267): Israel M. & Mary M. Joblin – Acquired $3/4$ interest in 2 lots.
Aug 4, 1966 (JLB 84:269): Mabel S. Coleman – Held $1/4$ interest in 2 lots.
May 4, 1971 (Liber 128 / Folio 704): Page C. Jett – Acquired 2 lots (Parcel #1: 182 acres; Parcel #2: 30 acres located between Parcel #1 and Plum Point/Huntingtown Road) from Robert O. Burch.
Oct 6, 1971 (Liber 134 / Folio 518): Mr. & Mrs. Robert Page Jett – Transferred from Page C. Jett.