About Lancaster's Historic Lancaster Homes

I was curious to see what I had posted a year ago, and I found this ~ one of my favorite posts! I decided to re-blog it, because I had learned so much the first time about C. Emlen Urban, the noted Lancaster architect.

Originally posted January 1, 2007:

C. Emlen Urban was a well-known and well-respected Lancaster native architect from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Not only did Urban work in the Lancaster area, but he was also commissioned to work in the surrounding areas. No mention of Lancaster architecture would be complete without reviewing the importance of what C. Emlen Urban has achieved with regard to shaping the look of Lancaster City.

His designs were not only varied, but touched on every aspect of Lancaster city life, from commercial buildings and banks, to schools and churches, industrial and hospitals, as well as apartment houses and private residences. His work bridged the gap between the Victorian Era and Modern Design.

At the time, his work would have been considered "cosmopolitan". Today, his work is considered "timeless".

Born in Conestoga Township in 1863, Urban's earliest design was of the Queen-Anne style Lancaster City Southern Market at the age of 25. He died in 1939, leaving behind a rich history in his 50+ year career.

Urban was also commissioned in 1903 to redesign the interior of the Fulton Theatre into a neo-classical style. This was one of many transformation the Fulton has undergone during it's more than 150 year history.

Southern Market, courtesy City of Lancaster

One of the other local areas where C. Emlen Urban's works are found is Hershey, PA; where Urban was hired by Milton Hershey to build his personal home, High Point. He was also responsible for other Milton Hershey construction, including the new Hershey factory, offices and other community buildings. Milton Hershey hired Urban to build the Hershey Theater. Still very popular today, the Hershey Theater was built between 1929 and 1933 with opulent materials such as lava rock and several types of marble, in addition to detailed mosaic work -- very common for C. Emlen Urban.
photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment

C. Emlen Urban was also commissioned by Franklin & Marshall College to build what is now known as Stager Hall, formerly the Science Building, Administration Building and Stahr Hall. Construction on this stately Colonial building began in 1900, and it was dedicated in 1902. Features include cornice and dentil detail, a vertical string course supported by limestone, and two large Palladian windows with keystone accents and recessed arches, a Doric post and lintel with pilasters.

photo courtesy of Franklin & Marshall College

As a bit of an ironic twist, I found out that the new building-salvage store, BUiLDiNG CHARACTER located at 342 N. Queen Street in Lancaster City, is operating out of a C. Emlen Urban building. How ironic that a haven for Lancaster City architectural gems such as beautiful glass doorknobs, entry doors and full entry facades, vintage windows and hardware, door knockers and intricate heating grates, can all be salvaged from the wrecking ball and re-used for generations to come. A true haven for history and architecture lovers, alike. I haven't personally been to this establishment yet, but am hoping to visit them soon!

According to the City of Lancaster , below is a list of the buildings C.Emlen Urban designed in Lancaster during his 50 year career:

Commercial and Office Buildings

• Southern Market, 106 South Queen Street (1888)
• Watt & Shand, 2 East King Street (1898)
• Bausman Building (Place Marie), 12-16 West Orange Street (1906)
• Fulton Market, 607 North Plum Street (1907)
• Fulton Hotel, 637 North Plum Street (1907)
• Beyer Store, 35-37 North Queen Street (1910)
• Reilly Brothers & Raub Building, 44-46 North Queen Street (1910-11)
• Hager Building, 25 West King Street (1910-11)
• Lancaster Trust Company Building, 37-41 North Market Street (1911)
• Kirk Johnson Building, 16-18 West King Street (1911-12)
• DeMuth's Tobacco Shop, 144-116 East King Street (1917 remodeling of 1771 storefront)
• Harold's, 4-6 West King Street (1921)
• Griest Building, 8 North Queen Street (1924-25)

Residential Buildings

• David Rose Mansion, 535 West Chestnut Street (1891)
• Rowhouses, 122-144 College Avenue (1892-93)
• 238 and 240 North Duke Street (1890-96)
• William Wohlsen Mansion, 537 West Chestnut Street (1893-84)
• John B. Oblinger Mansion, 342 North Duke Street (1894) and the
• Oblinger Carriage House, 339 North Christian Street (1894)
• Menno M. Fry House, 624 West Chestnut Street (1894-96)
• Apartment House, 212-212& ½ East King Street (remodeled 1896)
• 623-625 West Chestnut Street (1898)
• Elmer E. Stiegerwalt House, 632 West Chestnut Street (1894-96)
• Davidson Building, 11-17 West Chestnut Street (1898)
• Gunzenhauser Residence, 250 West Orange Street (1909)
• Apartment House, 129 East Lemon Street (1914-15)
• A.B. Rote House, 936 Buchanan Avenue (1926)

Churches

• St. James House (parish house), 119 North Duke Street (1903)
• Grace Lutheran Church, North Queen at East James Street (1906 remodeling)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, 538 West Chestnut Street (1908)
• St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 14 East Farnum Street (1914)

Industrial Buildings

• S.R. Moss Cigar Factory, 401 North Prince at West Lemon Streets (1896)
• Keppel's Wholesale Confectionery, 323-325 North Queen Street (1913)

Schools

• Strawberry Street School (Reigart School), East Strawberry Street (1895)
• Buehrle School, 426 East Clay Street (1895)
• Wharton School, North Mary at New Streets (1899)
• Stevens High School, North Charlotte at West Chestnut Streets (1904)
• Fulton School, 225 West Orange Street (1916-18)
• Reynolds Junior High School, West Walnut at Nevin Streets (1927-29)

Civic Buildings

• Lancaster Municipal Building (former Post Office), 120 North Duke Street (1891-92)
• Lancaster County Courthouse, East King at North Duke Streets (low front wings added 1923-26)

Lancaster history, Lancaster Historical Properties, and Lancaster's special architect, C. Emlen Urban, can also be researched at the Lancaster Historical Society .

Real Estate and Historic Properties in Lancaster can be found at
Homes in Lancaster - Real Estate in Lancaster County.

Have you ever wondered where the "Flatiron" style of architecture came from?

I never really thought about it, until I read this article in the Lancaster Newspapers. According to the article, the Flatiron styled buildings are named after antique household "irons".

Yes, the bane of every housewife in the world -- whether in by-gone eras or in today's modern Rowenta world -- was the influence for this triangular style of architecture. If you click on the link to the article, you can see some excellent photos of examples.

There are a number of "flatiron" buildings in Historic Lancaster City - many of them historic warehouses as well as a few apartment buildings. I always thought they were just "triangular" shaped buildings.

Who knew?

Which makes me wonder:

Will they ever come out with a "Permanent Press" architectural style?

Wash and Wear?

I guess those with rates that are adjusting are "hanging out to dry". (bad pun ~ I admit ~ but couldn't help myself!)

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For more information on Homes for Sale in Lancaster, or questions and/or concerns about buying or selling a home in Lancaster County PA, please contact Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.

All content Copyright ⓒ 2008 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

Food that soothes....

I love Greek food. Granted, I am a Greek girl and was raised on this delicious gastronomic cuisine of my forefathers (and foremothers to give credit where credit is due). I remember as a young girl thinking that the lasagne at my italian girlfriend's house tastes okay, but it didn't beat the creamy bechamel sauce and cinammony meat mixture of my mother's Pastichio. Now that was flavor!

In June '07, while in Greece with my husband and younger son for three weeks (before my 'accidental tourist' trip back for another several weeks in August were I lived like a true native) we had our fill of the delicious local cuisine. We made it a point to eat where the locals eat, and to pass on the touristy places. We ate at the "tavernas" where you order lamb chops by the kilo, cooked over a real charcoal grill. We ate at the local "psaro-tavernas" -- fish taverns -- where they grilled the catch of the day whole for you. The grilled octopus, hanging out to dry in the salty air, was always a treat. Mmmm..... anyway....

If you are a lover of Greek food and are in the Lancaster area this Saturday, November 1st, or Sunday, November 2nd, you have to make it a point to stop by the:

• Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster.

Okay, there is no grilled octopus at the Annunciation Greek Food Bazaar, but the menu does include the ever tasty "souvlaki" and Greek style baked chicken. There are also the staple side dishes, such as "dolmathakia" -- grape leaves stuffed with rice -- my all time favorite "pastichio" - and an array of extras and desserts, including "baklava" and "loukoumathes" or honey balls.

Rounding off the food bazaar are other cultural activities, such as Greek music and folk dancing. When my children were little, they participated in the folk dancing, practicing twice a week and travelling to perform in other communties and events. They were also helpers -- the honey ball runners -- as the young children had the task of delivering the fresh, hot loukoumathes from the fryer to the waiting customers. It was a wonder those honey balls made it without sticky fingers trying them out!

You can also shop at the bazaar, as there will be shops set up where you can purchase Greek delicacies to take home with you, Greek jewelry (a favorite!), as well as Greek Orthodox Icons. There will also be tours available of the Annunciation church for whoever might be interested.

This is the 50th Anniversary of the Greek Food Bazaar being held at Annunciation Church. The first Greek Christians came to Lancaster in 1921, and purchased their first church building about 20 years later. They held their first bazaar in 1958, and it has become a favorite annual event ever since.

-- Can't make it to the Greek Food bazaar?? --

Then you might want to try the Red Rose Restaurant, located at 101 E King Street, Lancaster City, PA.

The last Friday of every month is dedicated to Greek Night, with real authentic Greek cuisine. I'm not talkin' just a gyro like you can find in any corner diner (although there are several in Lancaster and I will post about those one day). I am talking about authentic Roast Leg of Lamb, Moussaka, Kokinisto, and a variety of other selections and desserts.

Interested in some of the Annunciation Church Greek Food bazaar recipes? You can find some in this Lancaster Newspaper article.

Kali Oreksi (Bon Apetite!)

(and yassou to my new Greek A/R friend, Meli!)

The Origin of the Cape Cod style home -- Part 3 of "The Origin of Home Styles Series".

I’ve written previously about:
The Origin of the Tudor home, and

The Origin of the Stick Style Victorian

...and I thought I would continue this series with:

The Origin of the Cape Cod style home.

The Cape Cod style is as popular today as it was when it was first introduced to America in the 17th century by English Colonists.

These early settlers of Colonial New England were the first to build these steep gabled homes, mimicking their homes back in England. Homes during those early years included the half-timbering construction, such as the Tudor style home, that was popular in their homeland of England.

Through the years, these homes were re-styled to weather the stormy Nor’Eastern climate. This is how those famous shutters, cozy dormers and the steep pitched roofs became a discerning quality of the Cape Cod style home. According to This Old House, 17th-century settlers "drew on a shipwright's skills to build a tight house that was almost a ship upon land, able to withstand the fiercest Nor'easter."

From these original designs, the term “Cape Cod” home was invented. During the Colonial Revival period in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, these economical, tidy homes sprouted throughout the nation in suburban settings. It was during this Post WW2 housing boom, that neighborhoods such as in Levittown, NY - built by Levitt & Sons - became the epitome of life in the suburbs.


Discerning Features of the Cape Cod style home:

• Steep Roof with Overhang

• Side Gables

• Usually 1 1/2 stories (early homes were only 1 story)

• Small in Scale (usually 1,000 SF +/-) and Low to the Ground to conserve heat

• Wide clapboard or shingle siding

• Symmetrical in style with a centered door

• 2nd Floor Dormers - providing light and ventilation (usually later styles only

• Shutters

• Plain Exterior

• First Floor Master Bedroom
  
• Hardwood Floors
  

As Realtors, I'm sure we've all had our share of sales of the Cape Cod homes that dot the countryside, from the East Coast to the West Coast. They are the perfect starter home, and an ideal empty nester home. It's no wonder their popularity has *weathered* every storm.

The Cape Cod style home is still popular with today’s home buyers, although new construction has taken some liberties with the original designs of those early Colonial Settlers. Still popular though, are the First Floor Master Bedrooms and 2nd Floor Dormer Windows, although today’s newer Cape Cod homes are much larger in scale and offer more exterior ornamentation than the original designs ever would have featured.

For lovers of Cape Cod homes, you need to look no further than 19 Gable Park Road in Millersville, PA. This particular Cape Cod style home is built of stone, unlike the early wooden styles, and features not only the 2nd story Dormer Windows and steep pitch roofs that Capes are known for, but the hardwood flooring and plaster walls throughout each room, as well.

This lovely Lancaster County home for sale offers the choice of either a first floor Master Bedroom or use of the spacious second story Master Bedroom. Unlike the smaller Cape Cod homes of the past, it features 5 bedrooms and over 3,500 square feet. Yet, it is cozy and the epitome of what "hearth and home" stands for.

It is located just minutes from Downtown Lancaster City and is just outside of Millersville Boro. It is convenient to both, Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College for faculty and staff.

Details: 19 Gable Park Road - Stone Cape Cod Home

• $369,000
• 5 Bedrooms
• 2 Full Baths
• 2 Half Baths
• 2 Stone Fireplaces
• First Floor Master
• 2nd Floor Master
• 3,542 Square Feet
• Penn Manor School District

Learn more about 19 Gable Park Road, or search the MLS for additional Cape Cod Homes for Sale and all Lancaster Real Estate.

Jeannie Kontis, Realtor
The Bob Wells Realty Group
Long & Foster Real Estate
717-330-5137 direct
email: Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com

or visit: www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com