In 1924, the Maryland State Police set up their police barracks in LaVale MD right here at our very location. The foundation and much of the internal structure of the building is the same now as it was back then. The basement has a concrete-walled room which sort of reminds us of a jail cell. I'm not sure if it was ever used as a jail, but it certainly make you wonder. There may have been some interesting characters pass through these walls decades ago. We think the building in the back of the property was a horse stable for the police officers. Horseshoes were found 6 feet beneath the present macadam parking area while excavating for underground utilities in 1979. The inside of the back building has the feel of a stable with low ceilings and wood-beamed supporting structures.
In 1956, the LaVale Public Library (Allegany County Library branch) was located here. Currently the library is located directly across the street...which is very convenient for families visiting out practice. But back then, LaVale's library was right inside this building. You can see the original library ceiling tiles with 1950's style stainless steel light fixtures beneath the current ceilings tiles. If you turn off all our dental equipment and music, you can imagine that this place would have made a great library...it's quite peaceful. We've tried to maintain that peaceful library-like atmosphere by having lots of interesting coffee-table type books to leaf through in our lobby. Some people have even commented that our lobby is so relaxing and quiet it feels like they are still in the library.
