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Snyder's Willow Grove
Then and Now
When George "Bumps" Snyder and his wife "Sis"
opened the first "Willow Grove" in 1937, it was not
far removed from the peace and serenity of the clusters of weeping
willow trees which nestled along the banks of the Patapsco River.
Hence the name for the then neighborhood tavern and eating place
which was located across from the present restaurant, on the
east side of Hammonds Ferry Road.
On Palm Sunday of 1944, a fire completely destroyed the building
and some three months later, in the summer of the same year,
the new Willow Grove opened up across the road at its present
site. In 1964, the kitchen was enlarged and the still relatively
small eating area was completely remodeled. Major expansion was
undertaken in 1970 when the two main dining rooms were added
to the existing building.
June 22, 1972 is a date many Americans will long remember with
sadness. That was the day Hurricane Agnes ripped up the coast
of the Eastern United States in perhaps the worst natural disaster
in the country's history. Situated near the bed of the Patapsco
River, Snyder's was especially hard hit. The entire building
was inundated with seventeen feet of water, which completely
destroyed the banquet rooms and the interior furnishings of the
dining areas. Once again, however, the family overcame the adversity
and the refurbished Willow Grove reopened in mid-September.
Tragedy struck again in September of 1975 when Hurricane Eloise
unleashed her havoc on much of the area. Her wrath was not as
great as her predecessor Agnes, but the Willow Grove was still
almost entirely submerged in thirteen feet of water. Undaunted,
Snyder's reopened on December 4th with completely remodeled dining
and banquet areas and more elegant bar and lounge.
The present restaurant has a seating capacity of 150 persons
in the three dining rooms and can accommodate an additional 70
in the bar and lounge. Banquet facilities are also available
for up to 300 in an area which can be utilized as one large or
three smaller rooms.
Times have changed. The willow trees have long since succumed
to the path of progress. Today Willow Grove enjoys a reputation
as a quality family restaurant, drawing its clientele from a
large segment of the greater metropolitan area.
However, the warmth and friendliness of the Snyder family, which
have characterized the operation of the buisness from its earliest
days, are still very much present. Not only was "Sis"
very active, but her sons and grandchildren, Kimberly and Vernon
Jr., have added the enthusiasm and interest of a second and third
generation, while maintaining the personal contact with customers,
which has played so large a part in the restaurant's success.
Snyder's Willow Grove is totally committed to the philosophy
of serving you, the customer, in as friendly and accommodating
a manner as possible.
For Reservations or Banquet Information
Please call 410-789-1149 or 410-789-8244
Fax 410-789-3107
Gift Certificates Available
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