Leonardtown, MD — A significant piece of Leonardtown’s history has found a new, permanent home. A 123-year-old Sohmer Grand piano, once gracing the lobby of the historic St. Mary’s Hotel, has been carefully preserved and placed on display at Tudor Hall, courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society. The grand instrument, dating back to 1901, now serves as a cultural artifact of Leonardtown’s storied past, honoring both the Abell family, who cared for it for generations, and the town itself.
Originally installed in the St. Mary’s Hotel at the corner of Washington Street and Park Avenue, the piano became a familiar fixture after the hotel was constructed in 1907 by prominent local figure William Bernard Duke. The hotel became a social hub, with the piano adding charm and a sense of sophistication to the lobby. Ownership of the hotel shifted in 1942 to Benjamin Kennedy Abell, Sr., and his wife, Adelaide Lynch Abell, who brought the piano with them. Under their stewardship, the piano became intertwined with the Abell family’s history, embodying their contributions to Leonardtown’s heritage.
The piano’s journey took a dramatic turn on June 8, 1956, when a fire ravaged the St. Mary’s Hotel in the early hours of the morning. Remarkably, the piano survived the blaze, escaping significant damage. Shortly thereafter, the Abell family relocated it to their Washington Street home, where it remained until recently. The piano continued to serve as a cherished heirloom and family memory until Kennedy Abell, Jr., the last family member responsible for its care, passed away in 2022 at the age of 93.
In September 2024, the Abell family decided to honor both the piano and their family’s legacy by donating it to the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, where it could serve as a public reminder of Leonardtown’s past. “We’re delighted that the piano will stay here in Leonardtown,” expressed Mrs. Jenny McCabe, the youngest of the Abell children. “This heirloom is a reminder of our family’s history and of the town’s past. Our dad would be thrilled and humbled that Leonardtown and the Historical Society will treasure this part of the town’s history as much as he did.”
After receiving the piano, the Historical Society, with the aid of a grant from the Leonardtown Arts & Entertainment Council, began the careful process of restoring it. Steve Winger, a professional piano technician, tuned and cleaned the instrument, noting that it was “in surprisingly good condition given its age and the challenges it has faced.” He added, “Its cabinet, strings, and action are all in good order.”
Admiring the historical and artistic significance of the piano, St. Mary’s County Historical Society President, retired Admiral Tim Heely, praised the Abell family’s generosity. “We are very grateful to the Abell family for allowing us to preserve such an important piece of local history,” he stated. “We also appreciate the support we received from the Leonardtown Arts & Entertainment Council to help us make this possible.”
Leonardtown’s Mayor Dan Burris also shared his pride in preserving the piano within the town, calling it “a symbol of Leonardtown’s love of both art and history.” He emphasized the town’s commitment to honoring its past and fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage.
To celebrate the piano’s new chapter, the St. Mary’s County Historical Society will host a special reception unveiling the instrument at Tudor Hall on November 21 at 4:00 p.m. Society members and invited guests will enjoy an afternoon of music and a chance to learn more about the piano’s history and its connection to the storied St. Mary’s Hotel.
The public can discover more about this historic piano and the legacy of the St. Mary’s Hotel by visiting the St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s website at www.stmaryshistory.org.
