The highly anticipated Made in Maryland Festival will be taking place this Sunday, September 13, at Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena, Maryland. To celebrate all things Maryland-made and the end-of-summer season, the chosen location couldn’t be more fitting. This is especially true given the significant role Kurtz’s Beach has played in Maryland State history as a beloved tourist destination for nearly a century. From pioneering the early swim scene before the Bay Bridge’s construction to serving as a scenic waterfront venue renowned for hosting countless festivals and elaborate events, for this Flashblack Friday Feature, I’m reviewing the fascinating backstory behind Kurtz’s Beach.
A Beachy Keen Establishment
Kurtz’s Beach was established in 1933 by Austrian immigrant brothers Sam and Gustav Kurtz, who originally settled in Baltimore and worked as bakers. While they earned praise and recognition for their contributions to the Baltimore Market scene, the Great Depression-induced shortages of sugar, flour, and butter led to financial struggles and an increasing need to provide for their families and their own livelihoods through alternate means. This inspired them to open what was then called “Kurtz’s Pleasure.” Spanning 64 acres of land overlooking a serene waterfront, this newer family-founded venture would prove to be one of the state’s most popular swim-season suggestions.
The new destination premiered in May 1933, offering beach and bathing services for just one quarter a day for adults and a nickel for children.
Many folks flocked to Kurtz’s Pleasure immediately following Sunday church services. Baltimore folks in particular were accustomed to taking the streetcar to Curtis Bay, then boarding Cooks bus over to Riviera Beach. From there, the remainder of the journey was completed on foot. Other state residents would carpool, or load families and children into the back of a huge wagon by which to make the journey.
This was long before the convenience of backyard swimming pools and even community swim holes were a thing. Therefore, folks relied on escaping to waterfront beach venues. Before the Bay Bridge was constructed, a pilgrimage to Ocean City required much more time and effort. That’s why Anne Arundel County-based beaches were so sensationalized during the first half of the 20th century.
Additional Developments
Adapting to the needs of a thriving, ever-increasing population, consequential developments continued at Kurtz’s Pleasure over the years. The most adored additions included 750 picnic tables available for public use, a bathhouse, a glass-enclosed octagonal dance hall (which is today’s Bay Room), and many other onsite amenities.
The legalization of slot machines in 1943 added to the already stellar perks as well. Slots remained big here until 1968, when they became illegal and had to be removed.
Changing Tides
The good times remained in full swing through the end of the 1960s. While benefiting those navigating to the Ocean City scene, construction of the westbound portion of the Bay Bridge in 1969 proved to be Kurtz’s ultimate undoing. Business inadvertently slowed down around this time in combination with various other factors.
Of course, things never ceased entirely here, not even with the inevitable tides of change. After floating through the 1970s and early 1980s, the tough decision was made to close the beach to the public in 1985 on a quest to find “alternative uses.” The site was reopened between 1986 and 1989 to host private events. The pavilions remained, and organized swimming and catered cruises around the premises were part of the deal.
Changes continued throughout the next several years. Renovations got underway throughout the 1990s, and historical preservation practices followed suit. Now Kurtz’s is the site of both public and private events, catering to an all-new generation of beachgoing fans.
Kurtz’s Beach in Modern Times
Kurtz’s Beach now plays host to several events and special occasions. As previously stated, the Made in Maryland Festival will be taking place here this Sunday, September 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Consider coming out to enjoy myriad Maryland contributions in the way of small-business makers and other awesome callouts. Find out more on the website.
Kurtz’s Beach is located at 2070 Kurtz Avenue, Pasadena, Maryland 21122. To learn more about the beach and all of its events, visit the website at www.kurtzsbeach.com.