2022 Investitures of Certified SOBs 

Here are the 2022 investitures, in the order they were earned:
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"The Wye Oak"

Edith Pounden – February 12, 2022

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Declared the Maryland State Tree in 1941, the Wye Oak was the largest White Oak in the

United States at the time it toppled in 2002 during a thunderstorm. Measuring nearly 32 feet in

circumference for its trunk, 96 feet high and a crown spread covering nearly 120 feet. A

working biologist, Edith has spent years researching trees and has authored a few publications on

tree reproductive ecology. While the Wye Oak is a deciduous tree, Edith generally prefers

conifers.​
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"The Shot Tower"

Ray Betzner – May 21, 2022

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The Shot Tower was the tallest building in the United States when constructed in 1828 and

remained so until 1846. Producing “drop shot” for muskets by dropping molten lead from the top

of the tower through a sieve into cold water, approximately 100,000 25-pound bags of shot were

produced annually until they closed in 1898. Nearly razed in 1921 to become a gas station, it was

saved by community activism and was one of the first examples of local preservation in

Baltimore. Ray chose this as his investiture because he became confused when he heard “shots.”​​

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"Fell’s Point Cove"

James O'Leary – May 21, 2022

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Established in 1763 and combining with three other towns in 1797 to form the city of Baltimore,

Fell’s Point was noted for its deep-water harbor and would become known for the over 150

Baltimore Clipper ships built during the War of 1812. Afterwards, it settled into a neighborhood

of immigrants that nearly found itself nearly destroyed when plans were unveiled to have

interstate highways coming through in the mid-1960s. James is also a history buff who

appreciates the charms of Fells Point.​