Gov. Larry Hogan’s daughter Jaymi Sterling (center) presents certificate to James and Virginia Tennyson (l) and Gwendolyn and Ronald Tennyson and their son Taylor (r) with former delegate John Wood (next to Sterling) looking on. Photo by Dick Myers.
Chaptico, MD – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has issued a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of Chaptico Market and Deli. The governor’s daughter, Jaymi Sterling presented the proclamation on behalf of her father Dec. 5 at the store, with three generations of the Tennyson family on hand.
James “Jackie” Tennyson and his wife Virginia ran the store until their son Ronald and his wife Gwendolyn recently took over the operation. Their son Taylor was also on hand for the photo opportunity along with Johnny Wood, a retired delegate and long-time store customer.
In addition to being a general store for the community, Chaptico Market is legendary for its deli that features its famous fried chicken. Sterling said she used to stop by on her way to and from her parent’s home in Edgewater.
The deli also features stuffed ham this time of year and also now has ice cream.
Sterling said that Gov. Hogan had intended to stop by the store on Thanksgiving Day to present the certificate himself, but the Tennysons suggested that it would be more appropriate for him to spend his time with his family. Sterling said the governor did come down to St. Mary’s County on Thanksgiving and would have gladly stopped, but appreciated the Tennysons concern for him.
The market officially celebrated its 50th anniversary with a big outdoor party Oct, 18, that included wine and beer tastings – and of course a lot of fried chicken.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com