Prehistoric pottery and Native American oyster shell dumping sites unearthed during home building prove that Turkey Point Island (TPI) has been occupied for a very long time.
In the mid 1800’s, Sarah Bland Mayo and her husband, Commodore Isaac Mayo, owned both the “Big” and “Little” Islands which were then known as Mayo Island. In his will dated 12/26/1860 Commodore Mayo bequeathed the Island to his wife, his daughter Sophia, and her husband Thomas H. Gaither, Sr. On 7/15/1890 the Gaithers deeded the property to their children, Geogianna and Thomas, Jr.
On May 31, 1892 Big Island was sold back to Thomas, Sr. for $2,000.00 and Little Island was sold for $20.00 an acre for a total of approximately $840.00.
The Gaither family owned and farmed the land until 5/17/1923 when Harry Busick, an owner and operator of hotels in Baltimore, purchased both Islands.
On 9/5/24 a four acre tract with dwelling was purchased by Mr. James Bowie Martines and his wife, Gertrude. Mr. Martines, a gristmill worker, was offered and accepted the job of manager of Mr. Buick’s farm. Around this time Mr. Busick built a home at the point of the Big Island.
In 1924, Mr Busick sold a dwelling (which was subsequently turned into a speakeasy) and a portion of Little Island located on the Selby Bay side to Rapheal G. Grillo. In 1950, this property was sold to Selby Bay Yacht Club.
On May 19, 1936 Harry Busick sold all of Big Island and the remaining portion of Little Island to William A. and Gertrude E. Tuerke for $35,000.00.
On 3/16/1941 the land was sold for $40,000.00 to developer Charles F. Lee who incorporated Waterfront Estates. Waterfront Estates subdivided the land into 200 waterfront and 350 inland lots which were then sold. All lots included access at the time to three sandy beaches for the private use of residents and guests.
Turkey Point Property Owners Association (TPPOA) was formed in 1979. Over time the TPPOA took over the maintenance and protection of all the common property areas and ceded all roads to the County.
Today Turkey Point is an oasis of a community comprised of approximatly 175 homes. TPI is a neighbor friendly enclave surrounded by The South River, Ramsey Lake, and Selby Bay.