Dollies is named in loving memory of my grandmother.

Dollie was a very special lady. She lived in a nearby village called Big Pool. Her given name was Helen Luvene Martin. Her dad gave her the nickname “Dollie Dimples” because of her dimples and blonde curly hair but we called her Grammy. The nickname Dollie remained. She was born November 19, 1915 and went to be with the Lord on November 8, 2008. 

Grammy taught us many things including how to allow dough to rise and then how to roll the dough. Tea parties on the porch with sweet tea bread and jam were enjoyed by family and friends.

Dollie always enjoyed dressing up in costume. One of her favorite costume events was the special programs and reenactments held at Fort Frederick.

Many memorable days were passed on her porch visiting with family and friends.

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Our History

The structure that houses Dollies was built circa 1830 by David Ridenour. It was a general store and post office. In 1848 it was purchsed by Jonathan Loose, and a residential addition on the west side was added. The store remained and the family lived above and beside it. In the back yard is an original summer kitchen with a working beehive oven. John C. Downs purchased the property in 1913 and continued the hardware store and post office. It remained in the Downs family until 2008 when purchased for Dollies Tea Room.