In June of 1931, the Conrad family bought the 15 acre peninsula from a Mr. Samuel Bass. Mr. Bass had rented out summer cottages located on the property and named it “Ruth” Villa, after his favorite granddaughter. After purchasing the property "Conrad's" was added to create the name that we know today.
In addition to catering the Conrads cultivated a portion of the property and raised chickens. The family home housed a bar in the basement, and there was a covered screened porch where guests could enjoy meals and purchase cold lunches on their way to and from work. In 1933, the area suffered “a 100-year flood.” Bowleys Quarters was water, from peninsula-to-peninsula.” When the water receded the Conrad family rebuilt and shifted all of thier focus on the catering business.
By 1939, the business had outgrown the family’s porch and basement, so a roomy catering hall and kitchen was built at the tip of the peninsula.
Then came the Second World War, and Fred Conrad Sr. went to work at the Maryland Dry Dock Shipyard. With the war's end, opportunity knocked, Maryland Dry Dock needed a place for a company picnic, and Conrad’s was chosen as the location to host the event. Over the past 90 years Conrad’s Ruth Villa has continued to expand our client base, and offerings to become the premier waterfront catering venue we are today.
Our passion and vision remain rooted in our core values that strive to deliver the most positive and memorable experience to each client, while preserving the heritage and rich history of
our past here at Conrad's Ruth Villa.
