Charles J. Ramsburg

From History of Frederick County. p. 1171-1172:

Charles J. Ramsburg, the genial proprietor of the celebrated Lake View Park Hotel and Casino, located nine miles from Frederick City, at the foot of the beautiful Catoctin Mountain on the W. F. and G. R. R., is one of Frederick County’s best known and most prominent citizens. He was born on a farm in Lewistown District, Frederick County, April 24, 1861. He is a son of Nelson D. and Elizabeth (Harmon) Ramsburg.

The Ramsburg family is of ancient and honorable lineage, and is of German origin. Members of the family are found settled in Virginia at a very early date. Henry Ramsburg, the great-grandfather of Charles J. Ramsburg, was a native of Virginia. He resided in Berkeley County, where he owned a large and valuable plantation. He was accidentally killed by cutting himself while butchering.

Jacob Ramsburg, son of Henry Ramsburg, was but an infant at the time of his father’s death and he was brought to Lewistown District, Frederick County, where he was raised by relatives. He died at the age of sixty-five years. He was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the wealthy and influential citizens of the county. In politics, he was a Democrat, and very active in his support, but the only public position ever held by him was that of judge of elections. Mr. Ramsburg was married to Elizabeth Snook, daughter of Henry Snook, a farmer and miller of Frederick County. She lived to be ninety-one years old. They were the parents of these children: Lewis P., was born July 5, 1830, and died in December, 1908, was a farmer, married Julia Catharine Putman; Eliza, deceased, was the wife of Ezra Michael; Henry, died aged eighteen years; Nelson D.; Alexander (see his sketch); and Thomas C, of Creagerstown District.

Nelson D. Ramsburg, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Snook) Ramsburg, was born in Lewistown District, Frederick County, May 21, 1836. He spent his active life in agricultural pursuits, and is now living retired in his native district. Mr. Ramsburg was married to Elizabeth Harmon. They were the parents of two children: Mary, the wife of John A. P. Garner; and Charles J.

Charles J. Ramsburg, son of Nelson D. and Elizabeth (Harmon) Ramsburg, was reared on his father’s farm in Lewistown District. While a boy he pursued studies in the public schools and was employed on the home farm. He afterwards entered Eaton & Burnett’s Business College of Baltimore, Md., from which he was graduated in 1884. He then returned to Frederick County, and began farming. He also embarked in the propagation of gold fish and has for the last fifteen years been one of the largest shippers of gold fish in Maryland. He sends about a million fish yearly to various parts of the country.

Mr. Ramsburg is best known through his erection recently of the splendid Lake View Hotel. This hotel is four stories in height, with a roof garden. It is a magnificent building and is equipped with all modern conveniences, having accommodations for a hundred guests. Adjacent to the hotel is the Casino, situated on the W. F. and G. R. R. This is a two-story building, 116 by 90 feet, with a first class skating rink and beautiful dance hall. On the first floor are located four bowling alleys, a pool room, and cloak and toilet rooms. Close to these two buildings, Mr. Ramsburg has built a large lake, which is utilized for bathing and boating. This spot Mr. Ramsburg has named Lake View, and it is one of the most picturesque and pleasant places in Western Maryland. This resort is widely and favorably known among pleasure seekers.

Mr. Ramsburg is a thorough business man. This he has demonstrated in the management of his summer resort, where he has displayed much executive ability. He is industrious and progressive in his methods, and his personality has contributed much to his success. Mr. Ramsburg is interested in the W. F. and G. Railroad, in which he is a large stockholder and a member of the board of directors. Mr. Ramsburg possesses a wide acquaintance and is held in high esteem by all who have come in contact with him.

Politically, Mr. Ramsburg is a supporter of the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a member of Mountain City Lodge, No. 29, Knights of Pythias, of Frederick.

Mr. Ramsburg was married June 3, 1903, to Mayme E. Pitzer, of Martinsburg, W. Va. She is a daughter of George D. Pitzer, of Martinsburg, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsburg have two children: Catharine Pitzer and Charles Garrett.

On May 24, 1910, at 3 :30 a. m., fire was discovered at the southwest corner of the Casino which caused a total loss of Casino and contents. The loss was fully $20,000. Insurance, $8,100.