About Lancaster's Historic Lancaster Homes

I've collected several photos over the past few years of historic homes in Lancaster that I have either had listed for sale or assisted a buyer in purchasing. I thought I would put together a brief slideshow of some of my favorite photos from these homes.

Included in this slideshow are photos of federal homes, victorian homes, log homes, farmettes and row homes or townhouses. Each one has had its own special character, whether it was unique inlaid flooring, or exposed brick and/or beams. Photos of a lovely bank barn on 2 acres are some of my favorites.

The music you hear while this is playing is a little ditty my husband wrote. He wants royalties. Yea, right.

It seems like the homeowners and residents of Lancaster City's northwest neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief - for now. Mayor Gray has stepped up and announced that he has withdrawn as a supporter of the proposed zoning plan that would group Franklin and Marshall students in local neighborhood rowhomes.

A developer has teamed up with Franklin and Marshall and has proposed to renovate existing rowhomes in the Northwest Lancaster City area to create additional off-campus housing. Living quarters in these newly renovated homes would be awarded to students via lottery. A winning lottery meant that the student can choose which classmates he/she would want as housemates -- clearly an invitation for a bad scene as far as the local neighbors are concerned.

This doesn't mean the proposal is over. The college apparently plans to modify it and resubmit it to the Lancaster City Planning Commission. Of the 125 residents who showed up for the recent meeting to voice their concerns, not one was in favor of the proposal, according to the Lancaster News article. That alone speaks for itself.

On a personal note, I have a college student (and luckily he and his friends don't live next door to me!) I can't imagine what it would be like to own a home next to a slew of college kids. College kids aren't bad, I know that firsthand. But there comes a time when they do have parties, they do come home late, they can be loud. I thought that's what the new F&M dorms and apartments were for, anyway.

Just my .02 cents worth, anyway.

I had an opportunity this past weekend to take a drive with my Wells Realty Group partner, Rick Brown. Rick, who is also known as "Conestoga Rick", knows just about everyone in the Manor Township and Conestoga Township area -- and I do mean everyone! When he heard that I have several buyers looking for specific historic homes for sale, he knew just who to call and invited me along!


We visited a Lancaster County historic farmhouse in Manor Township that simply took my breath away! As we sat listening to the owner's historical review of the farmhouse and surrounding land, Rick told me that he could just see my mind already getting my next blog ready! He was so right! Even though it was a very chilly Lancaster winter day, I was warm and cozy by the fire in the tenant house, listening to the history of the land I was visiting. Listening to the property owner tell of how he enjoys walking this historic property and searching for Indian relics, I could almost imagine what the property was like a mere 200 years ago. Rich with history, here is a little historical review of this Lancaster County area nestled on the Conestoga River, bordering Manor and Conestoga Townships.

The owner of this Manor Township farmhouse and the surrounding 58+ acres purchased it a few years ago, as it had sentimental value to him. While growing up, he was friends with the previous owner's sons, and spent many days roaming the land and hanging out at "the point".

The Point is the peninsula where this property ends, where the Little Conestoga Creek joins the Conestoga River. The area of The Point is also home to the historical Logan's Trading Post -- where James Logan, right-hand man to William Penn, set up and operated a trading post with the local Conestoga and Susquehannock Indians. Logan's land was right across the river, in Conestoga Township, although there is a stone foundation of some sort of structure, and evident on the historical maps, on the Manor Township side where this property is located that might also have something to do with the trading post.



It was in Conestoga Township, where the famous Conestoga Wagon was invented, and used by James Logan to freight his trade goods that were traded at Logan's Trading Post. It was easy for the Indian tribes to row their canoes to The Point, from just about anywhere in Lancaster County since most creeks and rivers were tributaries of the Conestoga River, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, as well. Where the Conestoga River meets the Susquehanna River, just below the Safe Harbor Dam, historical evidence of the local Indians that lived in these parts is found in the stunning petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the river.

Records show that the same family owned this farmland since the 1700s - 1800s -- known as the Lefever Farm according to the Conestoga Area Historical Society records and historical maps. It remained in the Lefever family in one form or another, until it was sold to the previous owner in the 1950's. From what I learned, he was quite happy to see that one of his own son's friends now owns this beautiful Lancaster County farm.

The current owner does not live on the farm, nor does he have any plans to do so. Instead, he has lovingly restored not only the farmhouse, but the tenant house, as well. The huge stone and frame bank barn, as well as the tobacco barn, are all still in relatively good condition, considering their age. The Conestoga River flows along the entire length of the property, and is visible from most rooms of the home.

The tenant house, which was at some point the old smokehouse on the property, has been carefully secured structurally and renovated into an adorable and very efficient guest house. The first floor features the original fireplace and brick oven in the well-equipped kitchen, as well as the original barnsiding walls and original floors throughout. A bathroom and bedroom have been added to the attic area, creating a unique and very special get-a-way.

This Lancaster County farmhouse, centuries old, has also been lovingly restored. The kitchen has been retrofitted with antique furniture, customized into a one-of-a-kind kitchen sink and kitchen island. The pictures I took of this special home speak for themselves!


This has truly been not only a labor of love, but also a sort of hobby for the current owner and a tribute to the Manor Township farm where he spent much of his days while growing up and digging for Indian artifacts along "The Point".

I am sure the previous owners of this historical Lancaster County farm would never think they deserve such a grand place, nor could they have ever pictured their home in this fashion. It deserves to be this loved, though.

In search of a Historical Property for Sale in Lancaster County?
Feel you could love such a special home such as this?
Contact Jeannie Kontis, Realtor at
www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com
or call direct 717-330-5137

Lancaster City landlords -- listen up! Realtors need cooperative tenants and cooperative landlords in order to sell your listed Lancaster City investment properties.

I was showing some multi-unit investment properties today in Lancaster City. Some were kept in fairly good condition considering these properties are well over a century old. Others are clearly in need of some maintenance. These were mid-priced investment properties in popular areas of downtown Lancaster City.

Landlords, my question to some of you is: Do you do anything to maintain these homes?

I know that Lancaster City is stomping down on "slumlords" and Mayor Gray has a hard-at-work rental taskforce, that we are all going to be very appreciative of. I have to admit that the properties I viewed today are not ones that I would consider slums, but some are just missing some basic components of proper property maintenance (now there's a tongue twister!)

It appears that many landlords think that their investment property will sell based solely on "the numbers" and without any regard to property maintenance issues -- how about that leaky roof and missing shingles? How about that loose railing? What would happen if a tenant fell because the railing gave way?

One of the properties viewed today didn't look half bad until we got to one of the apartments, where the tenant began immediately to complain about the leak and flood that happened from the apartment above him. There has been a 2x3 foot hole in his ceiling for the past 4 months because of this leak. It fell and leaked all over his bedroom: his dresser and clothes were soaked from the water and filthy from the plaster. So he now has plastic sheeting covering up his stuff in his bedroom to keep the plaster dust from settling on his belongings -- for 4 months. Granted, his was far from the most "clutter free" apartment we've seen, but still, don't tenants deserve to live without a 3 foot long hole in their bedroom ceiling?

Speaking with the tenant in the upstairs apartment prior to viewing the apartment with the hole in the ceiling, we were told that they have no water pressure in their bathroom sink. Well, now I know how well this 'leak' was repaired. "Let's just shut off the water. There, it's fixed now."

I think we'll be passing on submitting an offer on that particular place. If something so obvious hasn't been fixed prior to putting the home on the market for sale, imagine what lurks elsewhere?

Other rental investment properties that we've seen were in surprisingly good condition. The apartments were clean and well kept, thanks to those quality tenants. Clearly, some were long-term tenants and took pride in their little piece of the world. And the fact that they were not at home when we viewed the properties was an unexpected surprise, as many tenants cause a problem by not answering the door and not cooperating with showings.

Lancaster landlords, I know how you can make your tenants cooperate: Offer them a small monthly refund on their rent if they cooperate and promise to vacate the apartment during showings and keep their premesis neat and orderly. I promise you it will make a world of difference, and your investment property will sell quicker than a similar property with messy, difficult to deal with tenants. In the long run, you win. Try it!

Visit www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com for
Investment Properties in Lancaster City,
Homes for Sale in Downtown Lancaster, or any Lancaster County Real Estate.
Contact Jeannie Kontis directly at 717-330-5137
Email Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com

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.
Jeanie Kontis is a Lancaster Real Estate Agent assisting Buyers and Sellers of Lancaster City and Lancaster County and can be reached at 717-330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com .