For the Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — Community leaders, elected officials and local business representatives recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Deer Park Inn.
Owned and operated by Pascal and Nadine “Sandy” Fontaine since 1996, the inn offers elegant dining and guest accommodations inside the historic Pennington Cottage, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn is known for Pascal Fontaine’s French cuisine, which is influenced by his international travels and incorporates locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. During his culinary career, he has prepared meals for presidential administrations, including those of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
In addition to welcoming guests to the Deer Park Inn, the Fontaines provide full-service catering for weddings, private homes, corporate functions and special events throughout the region.
Connor Norman of the Garrett County Department of Business Development and chair of the Garrett County Diplomats led the ceremony and read an official citation from U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney recognizing inn’s accomplishments. Commissioner Paul Edwards read a commendation on behalf of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners commemorating the occasion.
Attendees were treated to an array of French hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Fontaines.
Originally constructed in 1889 as the Pennington Cottage, the late-19th-century Shingle Style mansion was built as part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Deer Park Hotel complex and served as the summer home of prominent Baltimore architect Josias Pennington. It is one of the few remaining structures associated with an era when Deer Park attracted presidents, prominent national figures, elaborate social gatherings and visitors from across the country.
Many original features remain within the home, including a portrait of Josias Pennington and numerous pieces of furniture left behind by the Pennington family. National Register documentation notes that the family stopped returning to Deer Park around 1919 and that the hotel and most associated buildings were abandoned following its closure in 1929. The cottage was later restored and preserved as one of the finest surviving structures from the former resort complex.
“It is important to note that this building is 137 years old and represents an important part of Garrett County’s history,” said Norman. “The Fontaines have been committed to caring for this historic resource, and as they move forward with its long-term preservation, our department is committed to assisting them. However, preserving this landmark will require a community-wide effort to ensure it remains an asset for future generations to come.”
The Fontaines are pursuing initiatives to secure funding and community support for future restoration projects, helping ensure the Deer Park Inn remains an important part of Garrett County’s heritage for generations to come.
Garrett County Diplomats Kim Carter, Crystal Dayton, Patty Manown Mash, Kristin Skeweris and Dave Stephens presented the Fontaine family with a Milestone Certificate of Recognition.
The Deer Park Inn is located at 65 Hotel Road. For more information, visit the Deer Park Inn’s website or call 301-334-2308.