“In July 1923, William F. Matteson developed a subdivision called Edgewater Beach, one of the best communities to be found anywhere near our Nation’s Capital. It is located on the beautiful shores of South River about five miles from the Chesapeake Bay, free of swamps, stagnant water and commercial activities, far enough from the excitement and busy life of the city, yet within a short distance of stores, movies and places of interest. Whether we travel to Florida, California, Gulf of Mexico or Canada, we are forced to say no place is like Edgewater Beach – truly a restricted, quiet colony of permanent summer homes on the South River.

Prior to 1931, Mr. Matteson, who was interested in the promotion and sale of lots, cared for the roads, beaches and piers, which were his property. He arranged for someone to collect garbage and trash, helped owners in many ways and arranged for community sports and holiday events.

Financial difficulties and bad health forced him to abandon Edgewater in 1931. Before he left, he suggested forming some type of organization to whom he would deed the roads, beaches and piers. On June 20, 1931, a membership Corporation was formed by local residents known as ‘The Edgewater Beach Corporation,’ for Gentile persons owning, leasing or otherwise lawfully residing in Edgewater Beach, Maryland, (Section 1). To this Corporation all roads, piers and beaches have been deeded. This property must be kept in condition. This Corporation must have members and funds to provide for that upkeep and other necessities.”

Edgewater Beach Corporation was officially incorporated on the 20th of June, 1931. We are in possession of the original deed and the original document submitted for incorporation.

The Edgewater Beach Ladies Club (originally called the Edgewater Beachettes) was started well over 50 years ago. For many years this group of community women met monthly and held various fund raising projects. They also took lots of day trips to places like the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. Everyone enjoyed the pottery trips and it became so popular that large, luxury buses were reserved to take us on our trips.

Over the years, much has changed. More women are working full time and are busy raising families. We now meet four times a year in someone’s home ….September, October, December and May. We have one fund raiser a year which has enabled us to raise enough money to donate to several community projects that were in need of funds. We’ve also been able to donate to such worthy causes as Susan G. Komen, the Red Cross, Shanahan Children’s Clinic, Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department Building Fund, The Phoenix Center of Anne Arundel County, Hospice of the Chesapeake and many more.