Londonderry Retirement Community in Easton, MD, one of several cooperative retirement communities nationwide, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an open house on October 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at its Community Center following the planting of a time capsule by its residents. The reception will feature decadent desserts, champagne and tours of the community. All are welcome to attend.

In 1992, Londonderry Retirement Community was built on 24-acres at the head of the Tred Avon Creek, originally part of a 1664 land grant known as Westmoreland that was granted to Irish immigrant Francis Armstrong. As the property changed hands over the next 100 years, it became known as London Derry, and eventually Londonderry, as it is called today.

In addition to 88 cottages and 26 apartments, Londonderry Retirement Community owns a Gothic Revival manor house, which was built at the end of the Civil War for a surgeon in the U.S. Navy, and an associated working windmill. The house, listed on the Maryland Historical Trust’s (MHT) Historic Sites Inventory, was designed by prominent architect Richard Upjohn. Upjohn, a founding member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), also designed Trinity Church and the Church of the Ascension in New York City. Locally, he designed the Christ Church Rectory and the Trippe-Beale House in Easton.

On September 28, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. Brigette vanden Hove-Smith from England will present a talk about her great-great grandfather Rear Admiral John Febinger who lived in the Londonderry Manor House. The public is invited to attend this event in the Londonderry Community Center Living Room.

For further information about these anniversary events, contact Michelle Burgoon, Director of Marketing at 410-820-8732.

In photo: Londonderry Manor House was purchased in 2004 as part of 7.5 acres to accommodate Londonderry’s plan to build additional cottages. (Photo courtesy of Londonderry Retirement Community)