Research indicates that the Town of Oxford would have standing to intervene in the Robert Morris Inn Chapter 11 bankruptcy Case No. 25-00039 (In re: Morris Street Development LLC) currently pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. The pleadings describe the RMI as “…a property whose storied history predates the Republic itself – was built circa 1710 and is widely recognized as the oldest full-service inn in America.” The inn is certainly the most historic structure in Oxford, and its preservation is critical to our town; reputation once lost is hard to regain.
The foreclosure proceeding initiated by the first mortgage lender has been stayed by the filing of the bankruptcy proceeding. However, there has been very little activity in the bankruptcy court. Although the court approved a motion of the Debtor to incur up to $15,000 in post-petition borrowing from the first mortgage lender to address and remediate certain failures in the inn’s roof and other damages, there has been nothing done since that other than filing an Operating Report for the period ended 6/30/26. Meanwhile, the building continues to deteriorate.
The bankruptcy proceeding should not become a demolition event. In short, if time is depleting, and it is, the Town should seek to accelerate the change in ownership. Parties, the debtor and lender, have different incentives. The Town’s goal (incentive) should be to preserve, to the extent possible, so that a new owner faces a plausible opportunity to rehabilitate and operate.
Please make this letter a part of the public record. Also, let us know what our Friends of the RMI group can do to help this process.
Al Sikes, Dick Deerin, Steve Tull, Cameron Mactavish
9 Responses
I would think that everyone in the County would support this suggestion. The Inn must be preserved.
Questions more than answers; could lead to some possibilities.
1. Is the RMI on the State or National Historic Registers? If not, why not? This could open up some possibilities such as grant monies.
2. Have our Annapolis State Senators and Representatives been made aware of the historic importance of the RMI? It’s condition?
The financial situation?
3. Are Senators Van Hollen, and Alsobrook aware of all the above? Representative Harris?
4. There is a Historic Preservation Society which seeks to save important landmarks and historic Buildings. Has anyone contacted them, seeking advice, direction, and possible aid?
5. A final thought: Invite Governor Moore and our First Lady to come see the RMI; with some of the Govenor’s Staff.
Well those are my questions? I truly hope they help and get people thinking.
It’s a beautiful historic bldg in an incredible site, drawing us into our State and National history.
Peace,
Rev Julia Hart
Great ideas!! I worked at RMI a year ago and although I knew the building needed massive work, it was a place tourists came from all over the world to eat and enjoy. Not only serving the Eastern shore. PLEASE save the RMI! It doesn’t matter what political party one leans, or one’s religion, let’s come together and do whatever it takes to save the RMI!!!
Incredibly sad to see such a storied site fall to the wayside. I recall early on having dinner at the Inn on multiple occasions and as a town resident running a monthly tab ( circa 2000). And the Inn seemed always full of life.
The back and forth in the courts most certainly will see the Inn demolished . Surely there must be some way to save and preserve this historic gem.
Where is the state elected official in seeking perhaps some state funding? Other options like hotel group IG H creating a boutique property. It’s such a great get away even in the winter time.
R Steeg former resident
To quote Joni Mitchell: Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Surely we can gather enough resources to save this piece of history!
As a Talbot resident….i agree that we should pull in every resource to save the Robert Morris Inn. I was unaware of its full history. But that history certainly makes it part of the draw for history tourists. Let’s get this done somehow!
As a member of an organization that raises funds for historic restoration and renovation throughout the state of Maryland, I support this letter and encourage the town of Oxford, the county and the state to take immediate action to stabilize the Robert Morris Inn. The Inn has demonstrated a significant economic contribution over the years and the structure serves as a monument reminder to the men and women who dedicated so much to Maryland’s pre Revolutionary War history. Paige Tilghman, Chair, Central Committee, MHGP
The Town of Oxford has neither the money, resources etc. to “ stabilize” the Robert Morris Inn. This is something that should be handled by a non-profit group of interested citizens who can apply for grants and solicit donations. Many people commenting here want to save the RMI. I suggest they dig into their pockets, not the pockets of taxpayers, to do so by donating or helping find grants.
So sad, my father managed the RMI in the mid 60s to 1970. I remember the stately maitre’d Mr Burgess and watching Jackie Gleason hold court at the bar! Plus enjoying a fantastic Lobster Newburg! I hope like The Phoenix, RMI rises from the ashes!