A BRIEF HISTORY OF SKY VALLEY
Originally Researched and Written by Philip Goodwin 1990. Updated by Bob Sutton in January 2021
Sky Valley is situated on land which at one time included parts of three separate tracts rather intriguingly named Ox Pasture, Modena and Much Ado about Nothing. Modena and some of Ox Pasture consisted of Military Lots. These were 50-acre parcels which the Maryland General Assembly in 1778 voted to offer soldiers in exchange for at least three years of service in the Continental Army. Most recipients were not interested in holding their grants and promptly sold them. The going rate at the time was about 25 cents an acre.
The Charles Harvey home, built before the lake existed, was probably the first dwelling constructed in or very close to what is now Sky Valley. The remains of a foundation near the launch ramp are those of the Harvey barn. A spring house rested on the old foundation at the mouth of the stream draining the pond.
In 1925, the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Corporation built Deep Creek Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. It is 12 miles in length with a shoreline of 65 miles covering nearly 3,900 acres. In 1930, Ray Beckman built what is now the Lodge. It was a simply constructed frame house with a "tin" roof and no foundation.
The major part of Sky Valley, a 251-acre parcel including all of the land west of Sky Valley Drive, the Lodge, outbuildings and surrounding "Green" area, Thomas, Lodge and Summit Circles and most of Bench Road, was sold in 1942 by the then current owner, S. Townsend Naylor, to Herbert H. Lipton for $4,000. Lipton installed a basement under the Lodge in the late 1940's, replaced the spring house behind it and in 1950 added the stone facing. He contemplated a pond at its present site but did not build it, and considered building an airstrip on top of the hill above the Lodge. He is also responsible for giving Sky Valley its name after rejecting "Sunny Side" because it had already been chosen elsewhere.
In 1942, Deep Creek Lake was purchased by the Pennsylvania Electric Company. Recreational use of the lake is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources under lease from the power company.
In 1965, Robert E. Harvey purchased the Lipton property for $100,000. Harvey, who changed the name to "Whispering Pines," contemplated a small development of lots directly abutting the Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec) line along the lake. This was the generally accepted practice around the Lake at the time since land more removed from the water was considered of little value. Harvey's plan explains the setback of the stretch of Sky Valley Drive extending southeastward of Piney Point from the buffer strip. Harvey approached the Thayer cousins, R. T. (Tom) Thayer, Jr. and Fred A. Thayer, to market the property for him. The Thayers urged retention of the name "Sky Valley" and recommended that the entire tract be developed instead of the small area along the buffer strip. The proposed development concept was unique at that time. Each lot owner, in addition to his own individual plot of ground, would have an undivided interest in certain common or "green areas" including the roadways and the land fronting the buffer strip, thus acquiring direct access to the Lake.
The proposed Thayer plan was agreed upon and in October 1965 Sky Valley, Inc., with Tom Thayer as president, was organized to undertake development and marketing. The project commenced, concentrating initially on the Sky Valley Subdivision (west of Sky Valley Drive). On January 17, 1966, Sky Valley, Inc. bought out Harvey for $150,000. Then on October 3, 1967, the Knott property, which was to form the remainder of the Sky Valley East Subdivision, was purchased for $15,000 completing the land acquisition for Sky Valley as it exists today, totaling 313 acres in all. (The 62-acre Knott property had been carved out of 107 acres sold to Byard Lohr at auction in 1927 for $700.)
A homeowner's association to be known as Sky Valley Association, Inc., distinct from Sky Valley, Inc., the development organization -- was chartered in January 1967, to provide for the maintenance of roads and common facilities, levy annual dues (set originally at $25), enforce restrictions and covenants, and advance the recreational, cultural and economic value of the community to the membership. Initially, the two Thayers and Harvey served as directors of the Association. Margaret Fulk subsequently replaced Harvey. Tom Thayer was designated President of the Association and Fred Thayer, Vice President.
The green areas provided space for certain amenities as well as lake access. Tom Thayer felt a pond would make an attractive addition to the Valley. So virtually on the spur of the moment he with a friend, William W. Nace, poured the concrete box spillway on Armistice Day, 1965. An expenditure of about $1,200 was made for an earthen dam that completed the project and became identified as a trout pond. Today the involvement of regulatory authorities would likely forestall such an endeavor altogether. For a while, an attempt was made to keep the pond stocked with trout; however, the effort proved futile.
Several ski trails were developed across the road from the Lodge and a rope tow erected between Sky Valley Drive and Valley View at Hilltop Terrace. Though the rope required fairly frequent replacing, it was the rapidly escalating cost of insurance that eventually forced a decision to dismantle the rope tow facility.
The camping, swimming, and picnicking areas remain much as they were laid out. The two original swimming docks were large platforms mounted on discarded truck chassis with steel drums for flotation to provide additional support at the outboard ends. These structures served admirably for 17 or 18 years before they had to be replaced.
One other "amenity" of sorts was a second roof for the Lodge built above the original with asphalt shingles to deaden the din of the corrugated steel roof and probably correct a few leaks as well. This accounts for the double venting that can be observed in the gable ends. During the first few years of the development, the Lodge was available to members free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, for limited periods while their cottages were being built.
With active sales promotion during the latter half of the 1960's, cottages began to appear throughout the Sky Valley Subdivision in increasing numbers. First to be built was the Bailey A-frame on lot K-10, Sky Valley Drive, which was completed in 1966. The floor area of this cottage, as originally built, provided the basis for the 760 square foot minimum requirement as stated in the Association's by-laws. During this phase of development in 1969, then Governor Marvin Mandel with members of the Democratic State Committee, while on a tour of the lake, were guests of Sky Valley, Inc. at a box lunch served at the Lodge.
With much of the original Sky Valley Subdivision sold by the early 1970's, Sky Valley, Inc. began to focus attention on the eventual assumption of full responsibility for the management of Sky Valley by the Association. In 1972 an advisory committee was established consisting exclusively of members to assist Sky Valley, Inc. in the conduct of the development's affairs. By 1972, it was also time to consider the future of what is now the Sky Valley East Subdivision. In the fall of that year, Sky Valley, Inc. approached a small group of Association members with an offer to sell them the property. While some interest was sparked, there was not enough to consummate an arrangement. Sky Valley, Inc. then elected to proceed with the development of Sky Valley-East. By 1975 sales were well underway.
A few years later, with development completed and most lots sold throughout the entire project, the time was fast approaching for Sky Valley, Inc. to turn management over to the Association along with title to the 107 acres +/- of common area and improvements, equipment and facilities. To this end in the spring of 1978 an agreement was reached in which the Association would run the Valley on a one-year trial basis, and through its members' dues provide all required funding. The Advisory Committee would serve as an unofficial Board of Directors, while Sky Valley, Inc. would continue to collect dues, pay bills and perform other routine administrative tasks out of the Garrettland Realty office.
The year of transition proved to be a very busy one for the Advisory Committee and manager. A cash flow problem emerged, becoming serious enough that at one point, it took a temporary loan from a member to meet the weekly maintenance staff payroll. An excessively high rate of delinquency in dues payments was the principal culprit. This was substantially alleviated by tightening collection procedures. The threat of losing dock privileges appeared to have helped.
Two major changes in operating philosophy evolved during the transition period. One concerned boat slips. It had been the policy of Sky Valley, Inc. from inception of the project to provide dock space to each member desiring it. Consequently, each new owner sought a boat slip, whether needed at the time or not, so as to have it available should he ever want one in the future. Docks were being built (with untreated lumber at the time) only to sit in the water largely unused and slowly rotting away. To correct this situation, the dues structure was modified to include a separate fee for those wishing a boat slip. Upon implementation, demand promptly dropped from the 106 slip spaces that were ordinarily assembled, from the dockage then on hand, to 70, yielding a substantial reduction in costs. The second change dealt with snow removal. A decision was made to procure a snow plow blade to mount on a truck. The Association could then perform its own snow removal operations rather than rely on local contractors, whose abilities to meet demand inevitably became severely strained whenever a snow storm struck the area. Independence from the local snow removal market assured the community of more timely plowing during and after storms.
As the end of the transition year approached, much effort was expended defining and establishing an accounting system, making arrangements for banking, insurance, etc., and especially negotiating the terms of the transfer. This included the deed conveying the green areas and other property to the Association. Then at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of Sky Valley Association, Inc. on March 11, 1979, Tom Thayer, Fred Thayer and Margaret Fulk tendered their resignations as President and Director, Vice President and Director, and Director, respectively. To fill their unexpired terms, Phoebe Goodwin, Nick Cavarocchi, and Jim LaRue were elected to serve as Directors and as President, Vice President, and Secretary, respectively, with Ken Tosten named Treasurer, all on an interim basis until a new Board of Directors could be elected by the membership.
These individuals became the first officers of Sky Valley Association, Inc. operating on its own as an independent organization. Other members involved in the transition included Don Allen, Rudy Bothe, and Bob Sutton as Advisory committee members, and Phil Goodwin, who as interim manager, had now become his wife's employee.
Since then, many changes have occurred, growth being perhaps the most significant since it affects everything else. By the end of 1994 the number of homes had increased to 181, 13 of them year-round residences, making Sky Valley one of the larger communities in Garrett County. Retired boat docks have been replaced with larger and stronger commercial units in configurations designed to make better use of dock frontage and extend the capacity of the community's limited shore line. Among other changes, the old barn was razed in 1984 and replaced with a new structure on the same site, which contains office space for the manager. At the same time, a pavilion was added to the Lodge to provide a meeting place in inclement weather. The swimming docks were replaced and a new tractor was acquired. Understandably, such perennial concerns as roads and docks have assumed greater importance as Sky Valley has grown, demanding more and more managerial attention. So, after many years of part-time managers; (Tom Graham, Deb Gnegy, Jerry Thayer, Philip Goodwin, Tom Kierstead, Jim Hull, and Dan Hutson), the Association decided that a full-time manager was needed to run the day-to-day operations of Sky Valley. Tim Sausman was hired as our full-time manager in December 1988. In the fall of 1992, the Lodge became the full-time manger's residence.
In 1989, after several years of legal actions, followed by negotiations with the DNR, Federal Energy Regulatory Agency, and Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association, Sky Valley Association, Inc. was granted permits for an additional 50 boat sips, bringing our total slips to 154. This effort, spearheaded by Tom Lynch and Bob Sutton, utilized various experts including an ex-governor of Maryland. Additional dock space allowed greater use of the lake by our members as per the boat slip policy. In May 1996, the Association voted to purchase 0.5 acres of water front property adjoining the marina/launch ramp area.
Throughout all these developmental and operational stages of Sky Valley, we were most fortunate to have both Lewis Lohr and Luther Beckman as our maintenance staff. Luther retired in August 1991 and Lewis retired in April 1996
Determining ways and means to upgrade roads to counter a steadily increasing traffic load became a major challenge. In November of 1996, the Association purchased a new and larger truck to assist in maintaining the roads and services of the Valley. It also began an annual program of spraying a chemical bonding agent on the roads (that is EPA approved) to control dust and harden the surface. Over the last few years the Association has added a backhoe and various other pieces of equipment to its inventory to help the staff maintain the property.
A new employee, Joe Bowman, was hired in 1998 and moved in to the Lodge. In 2003, the "buy down" of the lake front property was complete after the membership voted to approve the purchase from the state. This offer was made for a limited time to all lakefront property owners after the state purchased the lake from the Pennsylvania Electric Company.
In the 1990's black bears became a problem as the bear population in the county exploded. Bears were sighted almost daily and began to toss trash cans around for food. Various measures were taken to prevent the mess the bears were causing but none worked well. As a result in 2004 a centralized trash compactor was purchased and installed in a building near the lodge. Members are now required to take their trash to the compactor for disposal and the bear messes are a thing of the past. There are still many bears in the area but they are now living on their natural food sources. In 2002 a Gazeebo was added to the pond area and it makes a nice setting for a quiet drink or a wedding. Since 2002, there have been three weddings held at the pond and they all were very nice and blessed with good weather.
In 2004, Rick (Red) Broadwater was hired onto our crew. In December 2012, Tim Sausman retired as Manager after 24 years of service to Sky Valley. Rick took over as Manager effective January 1, 2013. Donnie O'Brien was hired in December 2012 to replace Rick on the crew.
On March 18, 2006 in the early morning hours an electrical fire destroyed Sky Valley's Office and Maintenance buildings. Everything was lost, vehicles included. Operations never ceased due to a dedicated staff and helpful friends from around the county. The Board of Directors rallied and replaced the buildings, vehicles, tools and equipment within 6 months. Thankfully, we had an excellent insurance policy. Sky Valley now has an extensive maintenance, repair and storage facility, and an office that will support Sky Valley operations for many years to come.
In 2007, Sky Valley resumed the tradition of a summer party for the membership. The annual picnic is now held at the beach on the first Saturday of August at 3pm. Various members volunteer to organize and host the fun occasion each year! In 2009 a tradition of a pig roast was added to this event and in 2015 Sky Valley began to roast the pig with volunteers staying up all night on the Friday before the party to get it done. It turned into a fun social event!
2008 was a bad year for the area with the gypsy moth infestation on the hardwood trees. Sky Valley participated with the state in aerial spraying of the entire development to kill these pests. Periodic spraying of areas that show significant egg masses continues to this day by the state. Sky Valley became a "Maryland FireWise Community" in 2008 through the efforts of our management. We were the second community in the state to be accepted into this program. Through it, Sky Valley can receive grant money for tree trimming to reduce the possibility of wildfires. We have received $5K per year as long as we show a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer work each year on tree/brush cleanup. Two cleanup days per year are scheduled - one at the end of April and one at the end of September. This program continues to be very successful. The after-cleanup BBQ lunch has also turned out to be a great social event for members.
Two additional pavilions were built at the beach area in 2009 to provide covered shelter for picnics. A program to rebuild the boat docks during the winter months was begun and continued for several winters. A record seasonal snowfall occurred in 2010, dropping over 270 inches on the county, with little melting. Our crew was challenged to keep the roads opened, but were able to come through over mother nature! In 2011, jet ski docks were added to the marina after permits were received from DNR. Also installed in 2011 was the new playground equipment, located in the field beside the Lodge. In 2012, two new swim floats were permitted and added to the swim area. Having a total of three floats provided better access to the lake. for folks using the beach.
On October 31, 2012, Sky Valley was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, or, as we all like to call it "Frankenstorm". As a result of Sandy's 30 inches of "thunder snow" accompanied by high winds, Garrett County and Sky Valley suffered significant damage and major power outages due to downed trees and fallen branches. Many lots were badly torn up and several homes were damaged. A huge effort was undertaken to clean up in November and December, but it took a good six months to remove all of the fallen timber.
In March of 2013, as a result of Storm Sandy in an effort to provide real time news to the owners Gary Rank became the Web Master and created the website and discussion board that could be updated from a remote location. In addition, he created mass email message capability.
In 2014, a single bay was added to the garage/shop to provide more storage space for equipment inside.
In 2015, Sky Valley purchased a new dump truck and plow to replace one that was worn out. We also installed an electronic radar-controlled speed sign in an attempt to control speed to 15 mph which has been a continuing problem. We also began a multi -year project to control shoreline erosion on the lakefront. A permit was obtained from the DNR to place rip/rap along most of our shore. The area around the launch ramp was completed in this first year.
In 2015, one of our employee's moved out of the Lodge. After inspecting the building, the Board of Directors decided to renovate it and rent it to long term renters. It was in bad condition and either needed to be torn down or repaired. Using our crew plus a lot of volunteer labor it was renovated over the winter. Interior walls were torn out and the building was insulated. New walls, electrical system, plumbing, flooring, new kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, new lighting, and other repairs were completed. Later, the carport was rebuilt to correct structural problems. Sky Valley has been fortunate so far to find good long term renters to occupy the building.
In 2015 we began to apply and receive various grants from Keep Maryland Beautiful programs and also from state and national FireWise programs. These funds have been and will continue to be used for runoff control/erosion control and fuel reduction/fire prevention.
A 35 hp turbine leaf blower was purchased in 2016 to keep the ditches clear of leaves. Drainage impairment is a major cause of road damage and this blower is great to keep water free flowing.
2017 was the 50th anniversary of Sky Valley Association, Inc. Clothing with a special logo was made available and a party was held for the event at the annual pig roast with 275 people attending for the celebration. During this year, the swim beach retaining wall was rebuilt and rip/rap completed along the beach shoreline. A new double-sided overhead sign was placed at the gate and solar powered lights were added to it. A Polaris UTV was purchased for the crew to use while doing projects around the valley. This saves mileage on the dump truck and has proven to be very useful.
In 2018, Brian Resh was hired to be the third member of our crew. The compactor building and compactor machine were rebuilt during the fall since both were showing their age. A project was begun with the DNR to designate the Sky Valley Cove as a minimum wake zone. This rule would reduce dock damage caused by large wakes and improve safety for everyone using the cove. A committee was formed by the POA and PRB which developed criteria, gathered public comments, and ultimately recommended that the request be approved. As of late 2020, the request was approved by the DNR Boat Act Advisory Committee and has been sent to the Secretary of DNR for final approval.
2019 was a very busy year. Stone steps were installed to replace the old wood steps to the various boat docks. Solar LED lights and sturdy railings were added to each set of steps. About 750 feet of rip/rap was completed in the fall all along the marina and on the launch ramp side of the stream coming into the lake. Stone steps were added to the docks and also to give access for launching of kayaks, etc. Sky Valley applied for a $10,000 state grant to help pay for the project. Speeding is a continual problem so speed bumps were installed at several locations to see if they help slow folks down. Two swim floats were resurfaced with a synthetic wood and were found to be better than the wood surface previously used. Stone work was also completed on the back of the lodge where some had come off the foundation. A deer culling was planned by the Board of Directors which caused concern by some members. After a poll was taken that showed favor to the idea, details were published and some deer were taken out to thin the overpopulated herd.
In 2020, the last of the three swim floats was surfaced with synthetic lumber. The "big ditch" which channeled water from Valley View to Sky Valley Drive down the steep hill was dug out and filled with large boulders to slow the water down and reduce sediment going into the lake. A DNR grant for $5000 help to pay for this project. Also, the shoreline erosion project was finally finished resulting in about 2500 ft. of rip/rap being installed. Sky Valley received a $10,000 grant from DNR to help pay for this project. During the last few days of the year, the 32-year-old concrete launch ramp was replaced with a new heavy duty concrete plank ramp by our crew. The new ramp will eliminate some of the problems with pulling boats out in low water conditions. This year also saw Covid 19 hit Garrett County and the rest of the country. A lot of owners and renters stayed in our development to avoid being in the cities in order to stay safe. Our great crew continued to work thru the pandemic and as usual did a great job.
Sky Valley continues to be one of the premier properties on Deep Creek Lake. Financially, the Association is very stable and sound. The bylaws and rules of governance provide for a strong Association for its members. Volunteer directors who are elected for two-year terms along with the full-time manager and two full time employees maintain the Association and the property. The privacy and beauty of the wooded community, along with the extensive green areas make this an ideal setting in which to live and play in. As of 2020, there are 235 homes in the Association. Every year, more members make Sky Valley their full-time residence!
