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History of Conestoga Township: A rich cultural context that is reflected in its architecture and rural countryside
The Conestoga area retains a rich cultural context that is reflected in the period and style of its architecture and rural countryside. Conestoga Township was named for the Conestoga River, which in turn was named for a noted local tribe of Native Americans. In the earliest days of settlement, the term “Conestoga” was used as…
Read MoreC. Emlen Urban: John Reynolds Middle School on West Walnut Street
For more than 45 years, the prolific Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. In this post, we will examine Urban’s 1929 West Walnut Street structure. The John Reynolds Middle School, located at 605 West Walnut Street, may be the last complete building C. Emlen…
Read MoreLancaster County Architectural Styles: Germanic
Germanic circa 1710 – 1770 The house known as the Herr House was built by Christian Herr in 1719 as a home for his aging parents, Hans and Elizabeth, but also as a Mennonite meetinghouse. The home was erected on a hill, in a style that could be traced back to the Roman occupation of…
Read MoreHistory of Columbia: How roads, rivers and rails led to the architectural gem that is Historic Columbia
1726 – Present The history of Columbia Borough can be traced back to pre-historic times when Native Americans occupied the area known today as Columbia. The first European settlers in the area arrived in 1726. The families of three men, John Wright, Robert Barber, and Samuel Blunston, acquired tracts of land and established permanent homes.…
Read MoreWho was C. Emlen Urban?
For more than 45 years, the prolific Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. This naturally begs the question, who was C. Emlen Urban? Many Lancastrians are unaware of the life-long work of celebrated local architect C. Emlen Urban. His deft eye for design transformed…
Read MoreThe Trust’s Position on the Farmer’s Southern Market
The mission of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County is to advocate for the preservation of significant historic structures in Lancaster County. The Farmer’s Southern Market is a significant structure because of its unique architecture designed by C. Emlen Urban, Lancaster’s premier architect, and because the city government in 1986 believed it worthy of…
Read More2019 C. Emlen Urban Award Recipients
The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County would like to congratulate this year’s winners of the prestigious C. Emlen Urban Award. Please help us celebrate their accomplishments! LEADERSHIP AWARD Presented to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated the vision, wisdom and perseverance to incorporate historic preservation in their long-range plans. Mark Platts and the Susquehanna…
Read MoreColumbia Architectural Tour Featured in Lancaster Newspaper
The upcoming Columbia Architectural Tour presented by The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County caught the attention of Lancaster Newspaper’s Jack Brubaker. CLICK HERE to take a look at the article.
Read MoreColumbia Architectural Tour 2019
Join and Save! Members receive discounts on events like this one. Click to Join Registration Closed Online registration is closed but walk-ins are welcome at the Columbia Market House (15 S. 3rd Street in Columbia) from 9:30-2:00 pm or until tickets sell out. Columbia Architectural Tour September 28, 2019 (updated Sept 12, 2019) The Historic…
Read MoreThe Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Welcomes a New Executive Director and a Marketing and Events Manager, along with Two New Board Members
The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County would like to introduce the Lancaster County community to their two new part-time employees as well as their two new board members. Founded in 1966 to “stem the rapid destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County,” the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s mission is to encourage and…
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