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History of Columbia: 1738 Wright’s Ferry Mansion
38 South 2nd Street 1738 Wright’s Ferry Mansion, initially owned by the English Quaker, Susanna Wright, was built in 1738 on the 100-acre tract of land that she had purchased in 1726 when the area was isolated wilderness and still part of Chester County. It would be another three years before Lancaster County was formed.…
Lancaster Architecture 1719-1927: Queen Anne
Because Lancaster was founded nearly 300 years ago, it is often called a colonial town. However, less than ten percent of the city’s buildings that existed in 1800 now survive. Today, in both city and county, the overall visual character is one of contrast, with the numerous eclectic styles from the long Victorian period, lasting…
C. Emlen Urban: Watt & Shand Department Store Building at Penn Square
For more than 45 years, the prolific C. Emlen 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 1898 Watt & Shand Department Store Building. Located in the southeast corner of Penn Square, the facade of the former Watt &…
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Evan’s Mill
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Evan’s Mill In 2008, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County created a calendar series entitled “Gone, but not Forgotten” as a reminder of some things that aren’t here anymore. The Evan’s Mill was the featured image for September of that year and painted by J. Richard Shoemaker. Artist’s Notes Traveling…
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Midway Airport
Gone, But Not Forgotten: Midway Airport In 2008, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County created a calendar series entitled “Gone, but not Forgotten” as a reminder of some things that aren’t here anymore. The Midway Airport was the featured image for January of that year and painted by J. Richard Shoemaker. Artist’s Notes This…
C. Emlen Urban: West Chestnut Street Mansions
For more than 45 years, the prolific C. Emlen 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 pair of mansions on West Chestnut Street at 624 and 632. 624 & 632 West Chestnut Street This pair of homes built…
Conestoga Township: The Historic Village at Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor Village Drive Conestoga, PA 1929-1932 In 1846, Reeves Abbott & Company from Philadelphia selected the Safe Harbor area to build the Safe Harbor Iron Works. The location for the industry was ideal with the downriver navigation and canals on both the Susquehanna and Conestoga Rivers. Construction of the Historic Safe Harbor Village and…
C. Emlen Urban: Southern Market Center on South Queen Street
For more than 45 years, the prolific C. Emlen 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 1888 Southern Market Center located at 100 South Queen Street. Southern Market Emlen Urban’s first major commission was the Southern Market structure.…
White Chimneys, the Trust’s Oldest Easement, is Celebrating 300 Years of American History
White Chimneys in Gap, Pennsylvania is celebrating 300 years of American history. The earliest portion of the house was built in 1720 by Francis Jones with subsequent additions. Francis’ granddaughter, Faithful Richardson, married Lancaster judge, Henry Slaymaker. White Chimneys remained in the Slaymaker family until the end of the 20th century. Throughout the years, White…
Tribute to David P. Schuyler, former Trust Board Member and Long-time Preservationist
We were very saddened to learn of the recent passing of David P. Schuyler, former Board Member of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County from 1994-2001. David was a long-time preservationist and was an asset to our organization for many years. He had an intense interest in historic buildings and was always willing to…