It took more than 20 years, but he upgraded from a $40-a-month garden apartment in suburban Middle River to the White House.
Now, historical advocates are calling on a Baltimore County commission to preserve the onetime home of former President Richard Nixon, apartment D at 900 Wilson Point Road. Nixon lived in the modest apartment for several months in 1946 during his final naval assignment and, from there, moved to California to run for Congress.
Few people know Nixon lived in the Stansbury Manor complex, a still-leased community built by the Martin Co. and then rented for $39.50 to $65 a month, advocates said.
“It?s unusual,” said Patricia Bentz, executive director of the Baltimore County Historical Trust. “We?re hearing people say ?Nixon lived here? Really? In Middle River?? ”
The trust is requesting a commission to “landmark” the single building containing Nixon?s former apartment, a designation that would bar the apartment?s owner from ever razing the structure. The apartment is currently leased to a private citizen, and officials from the complex?s management, Maryland Management Co., did not return requests for comment.
Bentz said it is her understanding the firm intends to oppose historical designation. A hearing date is scheduled before the county commission Feb. 14, and designation also requires county council approval.
Essex-Middle River archivist Paul Blitz said there are “unconfirmed reports” that former Vice President and Baltimore County Executive Spiro T. Agnew also lived in Stansbury Manor during the same time as Nixon. Neither man knew each other then, but fate would land them as running mates in 1968 and 1972. Both resigned amid corruption charges.
Built in 1929, Stansbury Manor is a classic example of wartime housing that attracted many college graduates and their families, including Lt. Nixon, who settled Martin contracts for the Navy.
Much of Middle River?s wartime and industrial housing is being replaced, said David Marks, vice chair of the trust.
“We?re trying to be proactive,” he said. “Middle River is an area that is rapidly changing, and we don?t want to wait for a demolition permit to be issued.”
