In 1929, President Herbert Hoover’s administration started searching for a location for a summer White House. President Calvin Coolidge had recommended Mount Weather, near Bluemont, Va. But Herbert Hoover wanted an area accessible by both car and the presidential yacht. He also favored a place where good fishing and other outdoor recreation could be enjoyed.
The Eastern Shore Association had several; suggestions; one was the Kitty Knight House on the Sassafras River in Georgetown. It provided convenient access to the presidential yacht and excellent fishing.
In Elkton, business interests pitched “Creswell Hall.” It was once the home of Postmaster General John Creswell and was offered to the national government as the summer home. The current owner, William Selby, met with government officials in Washington to interest them in taking over the property built in 1840, the Morning News reported on April 3, 1929. The Cecil Whig favored the idea, noting that the selection of Elkton would be a great advantage to the town.
Another location was eventually selected to serve as the summer white house.
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