2013 Pictorial Preview
Daniel Grosh House
426 East Front Street
This Federal style house was built in 1827 by Daniel Grosh (1774-1847) and is an example of the substantial type of home that was being built on Front Street by successful businessmen in the early 19th century. The Groshes were early settlers in Marietta, and this section of town was laid out by Daniel’s younger brother, Jacob, and was called “Grosh Town”. The home’s second owner was Jacob K. Stibgen (1801-1879), a prosperous lumber merchant, who built the almost identical house next door (another stop on this year’s tour). In 1853, Stibgen sold his residence to Abraham Summy (1827-1902), another lumber merchant, and Summy’s descendants lived here for the next 85 years. It was purchased in 2012 by Philip and Jenna Carroll.
The Carroll Family has lived in Marietta since 1830 and are devoted Mariettians. Philip and Jenna have furnished their home with antiques and heirlooms from the Carroll family. Their collections illustrate their interest in this area and nature. Their mounted duck specimens represent fifteen species known to be found in this area along the Susquehanna River. It is their pride and joy and is an unexpected treat for visitors to see. Their holiday decorations compliment their home that is so representative of early Marietta when it was a bustling river town.
426 East Front Street
This Federal style house was built in 1827 by Daniel Grosh (1774-1847) and is an example of the substantial type of home that was being built on Front Street by successful businessmen in the early 19th century. The Groshes were early settlers in Marietta, and this section of town was laid out by Daniel’s younger brother, Jacob, and was called “Grosh Town”. The home’s second owner was Jacob K. Stibgen (1801-1879), a prosperous lumber merchant, who built the almost identical house next door (another stop on this year’s tour). In 1853, Stibgen sold his residence to Abraham Summy (1827-1902), another lumber merchant, and Summy’s descendants lived here for the next 85 years. It was purchased in 2012 by Philip and Jenna Carroll.
The Carroll Family has lived in Marietta since 1830 and are devoted Mariettians. Philip and Jenna have furnished their home with antiques and heirlooms from the Carroll family. Their collections illustrate their interest in this area and nature. Their mounted duck specimens represent fifteen species known to be found in this area along the Susquehanna River. It is their pride and joy and is an unexpected treat for visitors to see. Their holiday decorations compliment their home that is so representative of early Marietta when it was a bustling river town.
Bayard Grosh House
422 East Front Street
Four generations of the Hostetter-Carroll family have called this Federal style house “home” since 1925 when Mrs. Hostetter’s grandfather, Joseph Carroll (1898-1986), purchased it. Dennis and Katie Carroll Hostetter raised their family here and have lovingly refurbished it over the last 28 years to highlight its present charm. The house was built in 1849 by Jacob K. Stibgen (1808-1879), a wealthy lumber merchant, for his son-in-law, James A. Bayard Gorsh (1816-1853). It is very similar to the house just to the right (another stop on this year’s tour). The history of both homes emphasizes the close family ties of Mariettians and the past and present generations occupying them.
From the original style shutters to the built-in kitchen cabinet, this home is a treasure-chest of Carroll family heirlooms, antiques, paintings and other artwork and Marietta memorabilia. Katie has interesting bits of history to tell such as the fact that the bread paddle hanging in the kitchen came from a commercial bakery that was once run from the house. She will show you where her “Grandma Carroll” marked the level to which the 1936 flood waters rose. Their home is the perfect place for Dennis and Katie to celebrate a traditional Christmas.
422 East Front Street
Four generations of the Hostetter-Carroll family have called this Federal style house “home” since 1925 when Mrs. Hostetter’s grandfather, Joseph Carroll (1898-1986), purchased it. Dennis and Katie Carroll Hostetter raised their family here and have lovingly refurbished it over the last 28 years to highlight its present charm. The house was built in 1849 by Jacob K. Stibgen (1808-1879), a wealthy lumber merchant, for his son-in-law, James A. Bayard Gorsh (1816-1853). It is very similar to the house just to the right (another stop on this year’s tour). The history of both homes emphasizes the close family ties of Mariettians and the past and present generations occupying them.
From the original style shutters to the built-in kitchen cabinet, this home is a treasure-chest of Carroll family heirlooms, antiques, paintings and other artwork and Marietta memorabilia. Katie has interesting bits of history to tell such as the fact that the bread paddle hanging in the kitchen came from a commercial bakery that was once run from the house. She will show you where her “Grandma Carroll” marked the level to which the 1936 flood waters rose. Their home is the perfect place for Dennis and Katie to celebrate a traditional Christmas.
Philip Kiesy Homestead
232 East Market Street
Recent research has determined that this house is one of the oldest homes in Marietta having been built in 1806 by Philip Kiesey/Geesey/Keesey (1736-1811). His son, Christian Keesey, became a well-known tavern-keeper during the borough’s early years. But Philip evidently did not want any part of that seedy kind of enterprise, for, in his will, he forbade his family from ever using any part of his residence for a tavern. Another of the town’s better known residents who occupied this home was Samuel Oberlin (1795-1889) who owned and operated a large carriage-making business next door between 1831 and 1861. During the early 1900’s the parlor was used as a barber shop.
The Boswas purchased this house in 1999 and have spent considerable time and effort refurbishing it. Few people who own a restoration are fortunate enough to have a rendition of their property before the advent of photography, but the Boswas have a copy of an original charcoal drawing of their house and the adjacent carriage business about 1830 by an unknown artist. Live greens and lights add a warm, festive atmosphere to this early home that evokes the ghost of Christmases Past in early Marietta. The landscape at the rear of the property includes a small water garden and fish pond.
232 East Market Street
Recent research has determined that this house is one of the oldest homes in Marietta having been built in 1806 by Philip Kiesey/Geesey/Keesey (1736-1811). His son, Christian Keesey, became a well-known tavern-keeper during the borough’s early years. But Philip evidently did not want any part of that seedy kind of enterprise, for, in his will, he forbade his family from ever using any part of his residence for a tavern. Another of the town’s better known residents who occupied this home was Samuel Oberlin (1795-1889) who owned and operated a large carriage-making business next door between 1831 and 1861. During the early 1900’s the parlor was used as a barber shop.
The Boswas purchased this house in 1999 and have spent considerable time and effort refurbishing it. Few people who own a restoration are fortunate enough to have a rendition of their property before the advent of photography, but the Boswas have a copy of an original charcoal drawing of their house and the adjacent carriage business about 1830 by an unknown artist. Live greens and lights add a warm, festive atmosphere to this early home that evokes the ghost of Christmases Past in early Marietta. The landscape at the rear of the property includes a small water garden and fish pond.
Anna and Josephine Buchanan House
139 West Market Street
This house has been dubbed the Juliet Buchanan House in honor of the owner who made major changes that gave it the Queen Anne façade that it now shows. One can see evidence of how the stylish 1889 front was added to what was probably a simple frame building that was built about 75 years before. In 1836, the property was purchased for widow Catharine Buchanan (1792-1852), and over the next 112 years the property passed through four generations of the Buchanan family. Miss Juliet Buchanan (1815-1890) operated a grocery store from here during the Civil War. About 1889, she enlarged the home by adding the Queen Anne style brick front section to it.
The parlor with its bay window and window seats and its hardwood floor are in contrast to the plain floors and windows in the old section. Although the front of the house is at street level, a look out the kitchen window shows that it is a whole story above ground level. Eclectic is the word for the living room mantel and the Bibb Baltimore Heater, dated 1885, that was an ornate, state-of-the-art apparatus for heating the whole house. These presented a challenge for hanging stockings for little ones at Christmastime, but Frank and Rebecca have solved that problem. The collection of Madonna and Child pictures remind us that the Season of Advent precedes Christmas. The decorations reflect the Haas’s anticipation of a warm and Merry Christmas with their family.
139 West Market Street
This house has been dubbed the Juliet Buchanan House in honor of the owner who made major changes that gave it the Queen Anne façade that it now shows. One can see evidence of how the stylish 1889 front was added to what was probably a simple frame building that was built about 75 years before. In 1836, the property was purchased for widow Catharine Buchanan (1792-1852), and over the next 112 years the property passed through four generations of the Buchanan family. Miss Juliet Buchanan (1815-1890) operated a grocery store from here during the Civil War. About 1889, she enlarged the home by adding the Queen Anne style brick front section to it.
The parlor with its bay window and window seats and its hardwood floor are in contrast to the plain floors and windows in the old section. Although the front of the house is at street level, a look out the kitchen window shows that it is a whole story above ground level. Eclectic is the word for the living room mantel and the Bibb Baltimore Heater, dated 1885, that was an ornate, state-of-the-art apparatus for heating the whole house. These presented a challenge for hanging stockings for little ones at Christmastime, but Frank and Rebecca have solved that problem. The collection of Madonna and Child pictures remind us that the Season of Advent precedes Christmas. The decorations reflect the Haas’s anticipation of a warm and Merry Christmas with their family.
Arcade Row
205 West Market Street
This charming home is one of three identical row homes that were constructed just after the Civil War. They were originally known as Arcade Row, a name that was a carryover from the original one-story, wooden structure dating from the early 1830’s that occupied this corner of Centre Square. In 1866, two investors by the names of William H. Eagle (1832-1878) and Dr. James Cushman (1822-1877) purchased the old structure and tore it down. The present group of homes was built as rental properties which they continued to be until the 1930’s.
Susan Spiese has owned this home for the past decade. This house is covered with the original clap-board siding which has been removed from so many similar buildings. Quaint and charming are words that describe this house, its furnishings and Christmas decorations, both traditional and whimsical. Susan proudly displays her grandmother’s Christmas balls that evoke memories of Christmases Past in a homey setting.
205 West Market Street
This charming home is one of three identical row homes that were constructed just after the Civil War. They were originally known as Arcade Row, a name that was a carryover from the original one-story, wooden structure dating from the early 1830’s that occupied this corner of Centre Square. In 1866, two investors by the names of William H. Eagle (1832-1878) and Dr. James Cushman (1822-1877) purchased the old structure and tore it down. The present group of homes was built as rental properties which they continued to be until the 1930’s.
Susan Spiese has owned this home for the past decade. This house is covered with the original clap-board siding which has been removed from so many similar buildings. Quaint and charming are words that describe this house, its furnishings and Christmas decorations, both traditional and whimsical. Susan proudly displays her grandmother’s Christmas balls that evoke memories of Christmases Past in a homey setting.
Clark-Mehaffey Mansion
310 West Market Street
Considered one of the handsomest homes in Marietta, the Clark/Mehaffey Mansion was built in 1853 by Colonel John W. Clark (1819-1865). Clark and his brother-in-law, Thomas Zell, owned a lucrative lumber and coal business which afforded Clark the financial means to construct this grand residence. In 1864, Clark sold the house to George W. Mehaffey (1837-1910), a second generation member of one of the town’s wealthiest lumber baron families. He and his descendants occupied the mansion for almost a century. Noted architect John deVitry purchased the 16-room, out-dated residence in 1964 and updated the services while preserving most of the original elements. The mansion remained in the deVitry family until it was sold to its present owners in 2012.
The Snows are devoting much of their time to the ongoing project of returning this mansion to its original elegance. Because it is an exceptional example of Italianate architecture, visitors should note exterior features such as the iron grillwork on the front portico and the decorative lyre grills on the third-story windows and the brick cornices. Visitors enter the formal reception hall with its beautiful stairway. On the right is the formal parlor with its double marble mantels and an impressive neo baroque mirror that dates back at least to the tenancy of the Mehaffeys. The floors that have been newly restored to their original beauty are the Snow’s pride and joy. The Christmas decorations include live greens and lights and also feature a lot of snow inspired decorations to celebrate their name as well as the holiday.
310 West Market Street
Considered one of the handsomest homes in Marietta, the Clark/Mehaffey Mansion was built in 1853 by Colonel John W. Clark (1819-1865). Clark and his brother-in-law, Thomas Zell, owned a lucrative lumber and coal business which afforded Clark the financial means to construct this grand residence. In 1864, Clark sold the house to George W. Mehaffey (1837-1910), a second generation member of one of the town’s wealthiest lumber baron families. He and his descendants occupied the mansion for almost a century. Noted architect John deVitry purchased the 16-room, out-dated residence in 1964 and updated the services while preserving most of the original elements. The mansion remained in the deVitry family until it was sold to its present owners in 2012.
The Snows are devoting much of their time to the ongoing project of returning this mansion to its original elegance. Because it is an exceptional example of Italianate architecture, visitors should note exterior features such as the iron grillwork on the front portico and the decorative lyre grills on the third-story windows and the brick cornices. Visitors enter the formal reception hall with its beautiful stairway. On the right is the formal parlor with its double marble mantels and an impressive neo baroque mirror that dates back at least to the tenancy of the Mehaffeys. The floors that have been newly restored to their original beauty are the Snow’s pride and joy. The Christmas decorations include live greens and lights and also feature a lot of snow inspired decorations to celebrate their name as well as the holiday.
Jacob Thuma House
520 West Market Street
This Queen Anne Victorian Cottage was built in 1868 by Jacob Thuma (1845-1928) as his personal residence. Thuma erected several of the neighboring homes on this block for members of his immediate and extended family, but this particular home remained the home place for Jacob and his family for 65 years. After a succession of owners, David Haneman purchased the house 27 years ago. Over the years, various changes were made including the removal of a second front door and the addition of aluminum siding covering the original clapboard. The exterior wood trim has been painted in colors that accent this decorative aspect of Victorian architecture.
Recent renovations preserved original interior woodwork such as the kitchen cupboards that replicate the original tongue-in groove cabinets. Dave Haneman is a noted local artist, and visitors will be treated to seeing examples of his work, many of which feature places in and around Marietta. Sherry’s talent for displaying items that they have collected compliments his artwork. Their combined talents blend throughout the house in the furnishings that include antiques and their holiday decorations.
520 West Market Street
This Queen Anne Victorian Cottage was built in 1868 by Jacob Thuma (1845-1928) as his personal residence. Thuma erected several of the neighboring homes on this block for members of his immediate and extended family, but this particular home remained the home place for Jacob and his family for 65 years. After a succession of owners, David Haneman purchased the house 27 years ago. Over the years, various changes were made including the removal of a second front door and the addition of aluminum siding covering the original clapboard. The exterior wood trim has been painted in colors that accent this decorative aspect of Victorian architecture.
Recent renovations preserved original interior woodwork such as the kitchen cupboards that replicate the original tongue-in groove cabinets. Dave Haneman is a noted local artist, and visitors will be treated to seeing examples of his work, many of which feature places in and around Marietta. Sherry’s talent for displaying items that they have collected compliments his artwork. Their combined talents blend throughout the house in the furnishings that include antiques and their holiday decorations.
Brill Family Residence
606 West Market Street
The west end of Marietta, traditionally known as Irishtown, is notable for examples of Queen Anne Victorian homes, many of which were built about the time of the Civil War or shortly thereafter. This one was built as a rental property in 1874 by Calvin A. Schaffner (1826-1891), a prosperous coal and lumber dealer who also engaged in real estate development. Jacob Brill and his wife were living here before 1880, and Brill family descendants occupied it until 1976.
The Gohns purchased the house in 2011. Some original elements remain on the interior such as the kitchen cabinets, an original window and door frame that once led to a porch, and an interesting curved wall at the top of the stairway. Seasonal decorations are varied and include original uses for fabric and lights and Lauren’s unique “crafty” ideas for decorating. (They may even include a 1970’s aluminum Christmas tree.) There is a brick patio off of the kitchen and a river chestnut tree in the backyard that is about 100 years old.
606 West Market Street
The west end of Marietta, traditionally known as Irishtown, is notable for examples of Queen Anne Victorian homes, many of which were built about the time of the Civil War or shortly thereafter. This one was built as a rental property in 1874 by Calvin A. Schaffner (1826-1891), a prosperous coal and lumber dealer who also engaged in real estate development. Jacob Brill and his wife were living here before 1880, and Brill family descendants occupied it until 1976.
The Gohns purchased the house in 2011. Some original elements remain on the interior such as the kitchen cabinets, an original window and door frame that once led to a porch, and an interesting curved wall at the top of the stairway. Seasonal decorations are varied and include original uses for fabric and lights and Lauren’s unique “crafty” ideas for decorating. (They may even include a 1970’s aluminum Christmas tree.) There is a brick patio off of the kitchen and a river chestnut tree in the backyard that is about 100 years old.
Musselman Vesta Iron
Furnace Center
27 Furnace Road
(Located in the Chickies Rock County Park)
The Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center is the most recent successful restoration project of Marietta Restoration Associates, Inc. (MRA). The project was undertaken in 2003 when MRA signed a 99-year lease with the County of Lancaster for the purpose of saving and restoring this historic building. Of the eight iron furnaces that once existed in the two-mile stretch along the Susquehanna River between Marietta and Columbia, this is the only remaining office building.
Built in 1868 by Henry Musselman and Henry Miller Watts, this stucco-on-stone structure housed the offices of their adjacent furnace, the eighth and last anthracite iron furnace to be built in this area. Its Italianate Victorian architectural style was popular for residences but was rare in industrial settings. For that reason, architectural historians regard this application as a unique gem of Lancaster County history. The beautiful arched windows are an outstanding feature as are the grain-painted wainscoting in the main office room and the iron portico brackets. The Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center Committee, led by Lenny Droege, oversaw this decade- long project with support from Rivertownes PA USA. Because the building is located in the Chickies Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the extensive restoration work was done adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Grants from the County of Lancaster, contributions from donors, a grant from the Eater Family Foundation and annual fundraising efforts by dedicated volunteers united to make this restoration a reality.
At this new center, visitors can learn about the anthracite iron industry that flourished here in the second half of the 19th century and that ended about 1930. Photographs, artifacts and informative displays tell the local story of iron production, ironmasters and the workers. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions about this area of Lancaster County that was once known as “Little Pittsburgh”.
Beginning in the summer of 2013, the Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center was opened to the public on Sundays. In 2014, it will be open Sundays from 1 to 3 PM beginning April 1st to October 31st. The Center is an anticipated stop on the Northwest River Trail that is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2014.
Furnace Center
27 Furnace Road
(Located in the Chickies Rock County Park)
The Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center is the most recent successful restoration project of Marietta Restoration Associates, Inc. (MRA). The project was undertaken in 2003 when MRA signed a 99-year lease with the County of Lancaster for the purpose of saving and restoring this historic building. Of the eight iron furnaces that once existed in the two-mile stretch along the Susquehanna River between Marietta and Columbia, this is the only remaining office building.
Built in 1868 by Henry Musselman and Henry Miller Watts, this stucco-on-stone structure housed the offices of their adjacent furnace, the eighth and last anthracite iron furnace to be built in this area. Its Italianate Victorian architectural style was popular for residences but was rare in industrial settings. For that reason, architectural historians regard this application as a unique gem of Lancaster County history. The beautiful arched windows are an outstanding feature as are the grain-painted wainscoting in the main office room and the iron portico brackets. The Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center Committee, led by Lenny Droege, oversaw this decade- long project with support from Rivertownes PA USA. Because the building is located in the Chickies Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the extensive restoration work was done adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Grants from the County of Lancaster, contributions from donors, a grant from the Eater Family Foundation and annual fundraising efforts by dedicated volunteers united to make this restoration a reality.
At this new center, visitors can learn about the anthracite iron industry that flourished here in the second half of the 19th century and that ended about 1930. Photographs, artifacts and informative displays tell the local story of iron production, ironmasters and the workers. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions about this area of Lancaster County that was once known as “Little Pittsburgh”.
Beginning in the summer of 2013, the Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Center was opened to the public on Sundays. In 2014, it will be open Sundays from 1 to 3 PM beginning April 1st to October 31st. The Center is an anticipated stop on the Northwest River Trail that is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2014.
With special guests to mark the
150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Campaign
Kay Winters was a classroom teacher, reading specialist and college instructor, as well as a language arts consultant for the American International Schools. In 1992, she left this successful career to follow her dream of writing children’s books. She has since published 18 books becoming an award winning children’s author who is especially noted for her historical titles. In 2003, Simon and Schuster published her book Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, for which she received honorary acclaim from the Scholastic Book Club and PBS and was featured on C-Span 2, Book TV. She was invited to present a Lincoln program at Ford’s Theater with book signings at the American History Museum, Smithsonian Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial bookstore. Other historical titles include, Colonial Voices: Hear them Speak, Voices of Ancient Egypt, and the newest one, Voices of the Oregon Trail, which will be released in February 2014. Visit her website at www.kaywinters.com.
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Chris DeRose is a native of Illinois with a deep interest in politics that compelled him at age 15 to volunteer for his first political campaign. He has since served in a variety of roles for candidates up and down the ballot across five different states. After graduating from Pepperdine University’s School of Law, Chris moved to Phoenix and has practiced law extensively in Arizona. He is presently an adjunct professor of law, teaching legal research and writing and election law. His first book, Founding Rivals: Madison vs. Monroe, the Bill of Rights, and the Election that Saved a Nation, was named by The Washington Post as one of the “Best Political Books of 2011.” In 2012, Mr. DeRose wrote the cover story of the History Channel magazine for their series on “The Men Who Built America.” His latest book is Congressman Lincoln: The Making of America’s Greatest President. It is a biography of the early years and personal struggles of the famous frontier politician who led the United States during its darkest hours, centering on his little-known congressional years–the story of an Abraham Lincoln with whom many Americans are not at all familiar.
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Ralph C. Lincoln is a resident of Somerset County, PA, and an 11th generation Lincoln descendant in the United States. He shares the same ancestry with one of America’s greatest Presidents from the immigrant Samuel Lincoln of Hingham, MA, down to Mordecai Lincoln (1686-1736) of Berks County, PA. Mordecai is the great-great-grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln and is Ralph’s 5th-great-grandfather. As their common ancestor, Mordecai connects Ralph and the President as third cousins four times removed. Bearing a remarkable resemblance to his famous relative, Ralph Lincoln is a member of two highly distinguished groups – The Association of Lincoln Presenters and The Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia – both of which are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. He has presented Lincoln (with the special perspective that comes from family ties) at various events in Pennsylvania and Ohio and at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.
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