Eps 2 Chesapeake Hotel and the Monkey

Funny Stories, Historic Buildings

Gary Grubb with his sister, Joyce, and the monkey, “Banana Girl”

The Chesapeake Hotel …

Has a long, colorful history. But the ‘monkey story’ is a bit unique from its racetrack day stories and the likes of Al Capone.

Chesapeake Hotel

… now known as Backfin Blues: Creole de Graw, was a hot spot in town, especially during the days of “The Graw” (our Havre de Grace Race Track).

We’ll have more to say in the coming videos about this establishment’s history.

But today, we’re sharing a lesser-known story about the Grubb family and their pet monkey, “Banana Girl.”

Be Careful What You Asked For!!!

The Chesapeake Hotel and “Banana Girl” – the monkey!

Gary Grubb with “Banana Girl”

Gary not only found a local woman who also owned a monkey to teach him how to care for “Banana Girl.” But he definitely had the entrepreneurial spirit. He add a pretty collar and leash and charged kids a nickel to see his monkey.

(We also love the cowboy outfit!)

We hope you’re enjoying our efforts to share the stories as well as the memorabilia of ‘the casual historian’s’ Havre de Grace history memorabilia! Be sure to SHARE and also SUBSCRIBE to our youtube channel.

LAFAYETTE TRAIL

Brochure pdf download

DISTRIX - mobile app
The Lafayette Trail App narrates the history of the City through the voices of famous citizens as you view their homes and businesses.  Meet residents from the past and see current and historic photos.  The tour is approximately 3 miles long, with 37 stops covering 57 properties.

  1. Download the Distrx app from your phone’s app store (Distx for Android / Distrx for iPhone) or access the QR code on the rack card (available at the Visitor Center at 450 Pennington Ave.)
  2. Ensure your Bluetooth and Location are turned on by checking under Settings at the 3 bars.
  3. Open the Distrx app which should take you directly to Havre de Grace.  If not, tap on 3 bars and “DISTRICTS.”
  4. Tap “Tours” and then “Lafayette Trail” to get started.

The Lafayette Trail is a self-guided tour of Historic Havre de Grace. The trail is a continuous 3-mile loop through the City indicated by sidewalk markings and “Walk the Lafayette Trail” signs posted along the way. You will see blue numbered medallions embedded in the sidewalk. These denote properties in the Lafayette trail brochure available at the Visitor Center, 450 Pennington Ave.

 

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