GREAT MILLS, Md. — Dyson Building Center, a family-owned hardware and lumber store located at 20375 Point Lookout Rd, has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century. But it’s not just their vast inventory or expertise that draws attention—after a year-long stint as Bluey, their iconic SpongeBob is back on the hill outside, a charming landmark beloved by locals and visitors alike.
“This year we made new eyes and mouth designs for SpongeBob. We still have some fine tuning to do with the design but we wanted something new instead of the bucket lids we’ve had for the past 10 years,” said Melanie Dyson.
The store’s iconic SpongeBob debuted in 1999, the same year the cartoon premiered. Originally built out of straw bales by J.C. Dyson, the character became an enduring symbol of the business. J.C.’s daughter, Melanie, explained the origins: “My sister Hillary and I were obsessed with the show and always made my dad, J.C., watch it with us. He wanted to build something fun out on the hill at Dysons and liked our idea of SpongeBob, so the first design was his.”
Initially made of straw, SpongeBob transitioned to a permanent wooden structure after four or five years. This version allowed for elaborate costumes, which Melanie began crafting regularly in 2013 to mark Halloween.
A Creative Family Tradition
Melanie took inspiration from Mr. Potato Head to make SpongeBob’s costumes easy to change, designing interchangeable pieces for the 8-foot-tall figure. “My favorite part is figuring out the designs for the costumes,” she shared. “I pick an idea and then have to figure out how to make it 8 feet tall and fit a square. It can be quite a challenge!”
Over the years, Melanie has created a variety of costumes for SpongeBob, including:
2013: Pirate
2014: Frankenstein
2015: Vampire
2016: Lego Batman
2017: Mario
2018: Skeleton (Melanie’s favorite)
2019: Spiderman
2020: Sponge-Bob Ross
2021: The Headless Horseman
2022: Top Sponge (Top Gun)
2023: Bluey (stayed up for a year due to popularity)
2024: BeetleBob (Beetlejuice-inspired)
Creating these costumes is a collaborative effort. “My cousin Ben Dalmas started helping me in 2019 with Spiderman and has helped every year since,” Melanie said. “Another big helper is Steven Tippet, who works in the lumber yard. He has helped install costumes and rebuild SpongeBob as long as I’ve been making them. Other employees have also pitched in over the years, but Ben and Steven have been the biggest help.”
A Community Landmark
SpongeBob isn’t just a family tradition; he’s a cherished part of the community. “Everyone at the store loves to see people come to take pictures with SpongeBob on the hill,” Melanie noted. “We’ve heard it’s become quite a tradition for a lot of families, and they come every year.”
Even during the pandemic, SpongeBob adapted to the times, donning a face mask in early 2020 to promote social distancing.
A Legacy of Family and Service
Dyson Building Center traces its roots to the 1920s when Samuel Dyson operated a sawmill. In 1954, Samuel’s son LeRoy and his wife Marie expanded the business by opening Dyson Lumber Company. The business, now a 12,000-square-foot operation, is still owned by the Dyson family. All 16 of LeRoy and Marie’s grandchildren have worked at the store.
As Dyson Building Center celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, the beloved SpongeBob on the hill stands as a testament to the family’s creativity, community spirit, and commitment to their roots.
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