Sunrise on the Bay

“Sunrise on the Bay” Barn Quilt Square, located in historic Chesapeake Beach, is Jan Ruttkay’s tribute to her husband, Chuck Ruttkay. It was designed and painted by Sue Mills. Chuck’s stylized business logo, in the center of the square, is Chuck’s initials with the colors of the sun and the bay radiating out. He was an interior designer for over 60 years specializing in architecture, space planning, start-up and renovations of restaurants, as well as large commercial enterprises. Daily sunrises on the bay back light Chesapeake Beach’s Veterans Memorial Park, a project spearheaded by then Town Councilman, Chuck Ruttkay. It was Chuck’s favorite design project. Now there is a plaque dedicated to him in the park. Chuck and Jan owned and ran 2 well-known businesses in town, Bayhill Accents and Bayhill Market. Both places were social gathering places in town. The Ruttkay’s 1930 home was once the family home of George and Mamie Klein. Several members of the Klein family were also entrepreneurs in 20th century Chesapeake Beach owning a bakery and general store.