From its auspicious beginning as a combination gas station, general store, post office and tackle shop to a renowned sporting goods store, Anglers Sport Center has been a long-time fixture to the local community and for travelers on their way to Sandy Point State Park and the Eastern Shore. I recently sat down with Charlie Ebersberger in his office above the store to discuss the history of Anglers. His desk was cluttered with paperwork, and as we talked, Charlie peered down onto the main floor, anxious to keep an eye on the activity.
Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital Owner Charlie Ebersberger stands outside Anglers Sports Center off of Route 50. The store is celebrating its 50th year of selling fishing, hunting and outdoors gear.
When Sandy Point State Park opened in June 1952 and with the first span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge opening a month later, Joe Habel had a vision. He recognized there would be a need for bait, tackle and assorted sundries. The original owner, Habel started the business as a gas station, sporting goods and small grocery store. In the early years, he sold everything from fishing tackle and sporting goods to basic groceries, camping trailers and RVs. There was even a small post office in the store then, complete with a classic metal bar postmaster’s window.
In 1961, Anglers Sporting Goods, as it was then called, became incorporated. It was located on Revell Highway now Whitehall Road, a service road which parallels Route 50. People never could simply pull off Route 50 to get to the store and still can’t. There was a traffic light nearby at one time but it was removed due to congestion. Even with an inconvenient turn, business was and still is good. Location, location, location applies as the tired but true cliche.
Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales 