2016 Pictorial Review
Susquehanna Manor Inn Bed and Breakfast
3272 Maytown Road
As lovers of Lancaster County and its "old historical homes", the Pattersons were thrilled when they purchased the Susquehanna Manor Inn a little more than a year ago. This gracious mansion was built by Benjamin F. Heistand (1828-1919) in 1871 to replace an earlier residence which stood on the same site and which was destroyed by fire only months before. The Columbia Spy newspaper described the new house in their issue of October 28th of that year as one of "Three very neat and costly residences ...now receiving ...finishing touches....the last is that of Mr. Benj. Heistand". It remained in the Hiestand family, one of the dynasties of Marietta's lumber business, until 1955. In 1913, the Hiestands had employed noted Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban to design alterations to their home.
The mansion is set among majestic elm, chestnut and walnut trees. Exceptional interior features of this Victorian architectural treasure include leaded glass windows, mahogany paneling, a coffered ceiling in the dining room, tile fireplaces, hardwood floors in the living room and library and a fine chestnut staircase. The 14-foot ceilings in the formal downstairs rooms accent the spaciousness of the Manor. Period furnishings make a Victorian Christmas come to life. Traditional decorations welcome all comers to celebrate the holiday season in this beautiful setting.
3272 Maytown Road
As lovers of Lancaster County and its "old historical homes", the Pattersons were thrilled when they purchased the Susquehanna Manor Inn a little more than a year ago. This gracious mansion was built by Benjamin F. Heistand (1828-1919) in 1871 to replace an earlier residence which stood on the same site and which was destroyed by fire only months before. The Columbia Spy newspaper described the new house in their issue of October 28th of that year as one of "Three very neat and costly residences ...now receiving ...finishing touches....the last is that of Mr. Benj. Heistand". It remained in the Hiestand family, one of the dynasties of Marietta's lumber business, until 1955. In 1913, the Hiestands had employed noted Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban to design alterations to their home.
The mansion is set among majestic elm, chestnut and walnut trees. Exceptional interior features of this Victorian architectural treasure include leaded glass windows, mahogany paneling, a coffered ceiling in the dining room, tile fireplaces, hardwood floors in the living room and library and a fine chestnut staircase. The 14-foot ceilings in the formal downstairs rooms accent the spaciousness of the Manor. Period furnishings make a Victorian Christmas come to life. Traditional decorations welcome all comers to celebrate the holiday season in this beautiful setting.
Fletcher Brothers House
573 West Market Street
This large brick Victorian home is a landmark of the western end of Marietta known as Irishtown. It was built about 1873 by the Fletcher brothers who ran a thriving grocery business in the 1870's. In 1882, the house was sold to Henry S. Musser (1820-1901), one of Marietta’s well-to-do lumber merchants of the nineteenth century, and it remained in the Musser family until 1942. Restoration work was begun on the house about 1980, and the Boyles have continued that work since purchasing it in 2007. The exterior of this home is a visual delight with its mansard roof, decorative shake shingles, paired roof brackets, double front door and the two-and-a-half story bay addition.
The Boyles enjoy life in their home and welcome visitors to share the holiday atmosphere that is evident. Their tastes are traditional, and the welcoming interior will be decorated in a Williamsburg style and will feature multiple Christmas trees.
573 West Market Street
This large brick Victorian home is a landmark of the western end of Marietta known as Irishtown. It was built about 1873 by the Fletcher brothers who ran a thriving grocery business in the 1870's. In 1882, the house was sold to Henry S. Musser (1820-1901), one of Marietta’s well-to-do lumber merchants of the nineteenth century, and it remained in the Musser family until 1942. Restoration work was begun on the house about 1980, and the Boyles have continued that work since purchasing it in 2007. The exterior of this home is a visual delight with its mansard roof, decorative shake shingles, paired roof brackets, double front door and the two-and-a-half story bay addition.
The Boyles enjoy life in their home and welcome visitors to share the holiday atmosphere that is evident. Their tastes are traditional, and the welcoming interior will be decorated in a Williamsburg style and will feature multiple Christmas trees.
Academy and Armory
209 West Market Street
In 1848, renowned educator James P. Wickersham (1825-1891) built this building to serve as classrooms for his private academy that was headquartered next door. He educated students here until 1858 when he left Marietta to help found Millersville Normal School (now Millersville University). During the Civil War, one of Marietta's locally based militia groups set up an armory and meeting room here on the second floor. During the last days of June in 1863, the armory became a hub of intense activity as the Confederates skirmished with Union forces at Wrightsville in an effort to capture the bridge at Columbia. After the end of the war, the building was again used as classrooms by the Marietta Academy. It was later rented as a parsonage. In 1879, it was converted into a residence and has been a private home since that time.
The Heiseys moved to Marietta in 2011 and were drawn to the character of this home that they purchased in 2015. They enjoy making old things new and have furnished their home with "repurposed" furniture from local antiques stores. The walls are decorated with art by themselves and other artists. The first floor of the home has an open floor plan with a bathroom that features a stained glass window. The kitchen overlooks a neat secluded yard shaded by evergreen trees. It boasts a brick patio as well as an upper level patio off the side of the house. The Heiseys home features traditional Christmas décor with a rustic vintage flare.
209 West Market Street
In 1848, renowned educator James P. Wickersham (1825-1891) built this building to serve as classrooms for his private academy that was headquartered next door. He educated students here until 1858 when he left Marietta to help found Millersville Normal School (now Millersville University). During the Civil War, one of Marietta's locally based militia groups set up an armory and meeting room here on the second floor. During the last days of June in 1863, the armory became a hub of intense activity as the Confederates skirmished with Union forces at Wrightsville in an effort to capture the bridge at Columbia. After the end of the war, the building was again used as classrooms by the Marietta Academy. It was later rented as a parsonage. In 1879, it was converted into a residence and has been a private home since that time.
The Heiseys moved to Marietta in 2011 and were drawn to the character of this home that they purchased in 2015. They enjoy making old things new and have furnished their home with "repurposed" furniture from local antiques stores. The walls are decorated with art by themselves and other artists. The first floor of the home has an open floor plan with a bathroom that features a stained glass window. The kitchen overlooks a neat secluded yard shaded by evergreen trees. It boasts a brick patio as well as an upper level patio off the side of the house. The Heiseys home features traditional Christmas décor with a rustic vintage flare.
John Roberts Tavern
121 East Market Street
Robert and Lydia were attracted to Marietta because of the Waldorf School, the small town atmosphere and the "walk ability" of living here. In 2000, they purchased this Georgian-style home that was once part of a brick tavern built about 1815-16 by John Roberts (1769-1847), a prominent civic leader in the early decades of the Borough. After Roberts’ death, the tavern building was divided into two dwellings, and shortly before the Civil War, a third floor of this tenant home was removed reducing the house to its present two-story height. It is said that the building was once damaged by a fire that resulted in the loss of three of the original five fireplaces.
This interesting home features a stained glass window in the front door and restored nine-over-six window panes. There are wood floors throughout the house, pocket doors between the living room and kitchen and exposed brick in the kitchen, bathroom and back room. Additions to the home include the deck area off the back which affords easy outdoor living during summer months. There are also steps leading to a lower level deck with a pergola, stone wall, and pond. The owners have graciously offered to open both floors of the house for the tour. All of these points of interest can be seen in a setting of lovely furnishings, artwork by local artists and creative decorating with live greens and lights inside and out.
121 East Market Street
Robert and Lydia were attracted to Marietta because of the Waldorf School, the small town atmosphere and the "walk ability" of living here. In 2000, they purchased this Georgian-style home that was once part of a brick tavern built about 1815-16 by John Roberts (1769-1847), a prominent civic leader in the early decades of the Borough. After Roberts’ death, the tavern building was divided into two dwellings, and shortly before the Civil War, a third floor of this tenant home was removed reducing the house to its present two-story height. It is said that the building was once damaged by a fire that resulted in the loss of three of the original five fireplaces.
This interesting home features a stained glass window in the front door and restored nine-over-six window panes. There are wood floors throughout the house, pocket doors between the living room and kitchen and exposed brick in the kitchen, bathroom and back room. Additions to the home include the deck area off the back which affords easy outdoor living during summer months. There are also steps leading to a lower level deck with a pergola, stone wall, and pond. The owners have graciously offered to open both floors of the house for the tour. All of these points of interest can be seen in a setting of lovely furnishings, artwork by local artists and creative decorating with live greens and lights inside and out.
Sheidley-Mack Brewery
137 East Market Street
Few homes in Marietta can boast of a more varied and interesting history than this one. Tax records indicate there was a brewery elsewhere on this lot as early as 1814. Following a catastrophic fire in 1832, Jacob Sheidley built this building from which he operated one of Marietta's two commercial breweries. The brewery business passed through several owners until it ceased in the 1880's. In 1891, the building became an amusement center named Park Hill that featured bowling and billiards. After a fire around the turn of the century, it was converted into a roller rink. Its last commercial use, that ceased in 1971, was as a sewing factory. The building housed an antiques shop, a gift shop and a photography studio from 1975 until 1990 when it was finally converted into a residence. The building is 140' X 25', has a brick floor covered by 2 feet of packed dirt, a brick lined catacomb and a passage to the brew master's house next door.
Rodney and Gwen say the wide open-space kitchen was an attraction for purchasing their home in 1998. The house lends itself to their eclectic mix of old barn wood furniture, quilts made by Gwen, local art, children's art and a spinning wheel used by their daughters. Holiday decorations include live green, and many handmade felt and crocheted ornaments, and paper Moravian stars. The backyard includes a small kitchen garden enclosed by a fence. Not to be missed is the advertisement painted on the front side wall:CocaCola--Relieves Fatigue.
137 East Market Street
Few homes in Marietta can boast of a more varied and interesting history than this one. Tax records indicate there was a brewery elsewhere on this lot as early as 1814. Following a catastrophic fire in 1832, Jacob Sheidley built this building from which he operated one of Marietta's two commercial breweries. The brewery business passed through several owners until it ceased in the 1880's. In 1891, the building became an amusement center named Park Hill that featured bowling and billiards. After a fire around the turn of the century, it was converted into a roller rink. Its last commercial use, that ceased in 1971, was as a sewing factory. The building housed an antiques shop, a gift shop and a photography studio from 1975 until 1990 when it was finally converted into a residence. The building is 140' X 25', has a brick floor covered by 2 feet of packed dirt, a brick lined catacomb and a passage to the brew master's house next door.
Rodney and Gwen say the wide open-space kitchen was an attraction for purchasing their home in 1998. The house lends itself to their eclectic mix of old barn wood furniture, quilts made by Gwen, local art, children's art and a spinning wheel used by their daughters. Holiday decorations include live green, and many handmade felt and crocheted ornaments, and paper Moravian stars. The backyard includes a small kitchen garden enclosed by a fence. Not to be missed is the advertisement painted on the front side wall:CocaCola--Relieves Fatigue.
Lawrence/Hipple Rental House
13 South Pine Street
This house is half of a duplex dwelling, built in 1899, consisting of two side-by-side rental homes. After being damaged in the flood of 1972 (Agnes), it was renovated and given a more contemporary design with open living spaces and exposed brick walls. From the exposed brick walls, to the fireplace that had been converted to gas, to the lift door in the dining room that leads to the basement, Vicki envisioned this as home and a place to display her collections, and she moved in – December 2005.
Outside, live greens decorations invite the visitor to come in to celebrate the season. Vicki enjoys living with her antique furniture. She has displayed her collections of interesting knick-knacks and Native American collectibles, as well as prints and works by local artists. Added to the charm of the home is the sunken courtyard with raised flower beds. Vicki's talent for decorating make her home a treat to see at Christmastime--and all year round.
13 South Pine Street
This house is half of a duplex dwelling, built in 1899, consisting of two side-by-side rental homes. After being damaged in the flood of 1972 (Agnes), it was renovated and given a more contemporary design with open living spaces and exposed brick walls. From the exposed brick walls, to the fireplace that had been converted to gas, to the lift door in the dining room that leads to the basement, Vicki envisioned this as home and a place to display her collections, and she moved in – December 2005.
Outside, live greens decorations invite the visitor to come in to celebrate the season. Vicki enjoys living with her antique furniture. She has displayed her collections of interesting knick-knacks and Native American collectibles, as well as prints and works by local artists. Added to the charm of the home is the sunken courtyard with raised flower beds. Vicki's talent for decorating make her home a treat to see at Christmastime--and all year round.
Abraham N. Cassel Mansion
590 East Market Street
This mansion was the residence of Abraham N. Cassel (1810-1895), son of Henry Cassel builder of the Linden House on the opposite corner. Cassel was a second-generation lumber baron whose large lumber yard was located directly across East Market Street. He built this house in 1852. A major remodeling in 1895 included the addition of a porch with Ionic order columns extending across the first story and a bay window with a large pediment on the second story above the front entrance. Cassel descendants retained ownership of the house until 1938, when they sold it to Bernard R. "Barney" McDevitt (1911-1989) and his wife, Kathryn. When the McDevitts purchased the home, it had been condemned. Barney performed extensive restoration work, much of which he did himself, both inside and out. He removed the old porch and added elements to give the house its present Greek Revival appearance. (Barney McDevitt served as mayor of Marietta and was a recognized equestrian and ringmaster at horse shows. He had worked in Hollywood as a stunt rider in movies such as National Velvet.)
Ms. Ross first saw the house on a Marietta Candlelight Tour. She fell in love with it and purchased it in March 2000. The 2½-story brick home features a center hall that runs from the front to the rear of the property. The living room features wood paneling and a plaster ceiling medallion. From the floors to the fireplaces, there are fine architectural features throughout the house. There is an old safe in the dining room. A collection of old bottles dug up in the backyard are remnants left by former owners. The new kitchen adds to the aura of gracious living presented by this home. Live greens and lights decorate this beautiful home for the holidays.
590 East Market Street
This mansion was the residence of Abraham N. Cassel (1810-1895), son of Henry Cassel builder of the Linden House on the opposite corner. Cassel was a second-generation lumber baron whose large lumber yard was located directly across East Market Street. He built this house in 1852. A major remodeling in 1895 included the addition of a porch with Ionic order columns extending across the first story and a bay window with a large pediment on the second story above the front entrance. Cassel descendants retained ownership of the house until 1938, when they sold it to Bernard R. "Barney" McDevitt (1911-1989) and his wife, Kathryn. When the McDevitts purchased the home, it had been condemned. Barney performed extensive restoration work, much of which he did himself, both inside and out. He removed the old porch and added elements to give the house its present Greek Revival appearance. (Barney McDevitt served as mayor of Marietta and was a recognized equestrian and ringmaster at horse shows. He had worked in Hollywood as a stunt rider in movies such as National Velvet.)
Ms. Ross first saw the house on a Marietta Candlelight Tour. She fell in love with it and purchased it in March 2000. The 2½-story brick home features a center hall that runs from the front to the rear of the property. The living room features wood paneling and a plaster ceiling medallion. From the floors to the fireplaces, there are fine architectural features throughout the house. There is an old safe in the dining room. A collection of old bottles dug up in the backyard are remnants left by former owners. The new kitchen adds to the aura of gracious living presented by this home. Live greens and lights decorate this beautiful home for the holidays.
Joseph and Elizabeth Schmidt House
659 East Market Street
This quaint residence was built in 1865 by Joseph Schmidt/Smith and his wife Elizabeth, German immigrants who arrived in the United States about 1850. They eventually settled in Marietta where they become part of a large number of German-born residents within the borough. In 1862, Joseph “Smith” purchased the building lot for $150, but it was three years before the Smiths erected their home. Part of the house served as a shop in which Joseph plied his trade as a carpet weaver. The Smith family lived here until 1912.
The Darlings purchased their home at auction in 2014. Like many Marietta homeowners, they enjoy the atmosphere of the town and the warmth and charm of old houses like theirs. Interesting features of the house are the exposed beams in the front room ceiling and the copper countertop in the kitchen. Susan is an artist, and the home is filled with may original paintings and art collections. Susan's "Christmas Collection" is a highlight not to be missed. Holiday decorations on the front porch welcome visitors to enter and prepare to enjoy the holiday mood within.
659 East Market Street
This quaint residence was built in 1865 by Joseph Schmidt/Smith and his wife Elizabeth, German immigrants who arrived in the United States about 1850. They eventually settled in Marietta where they become part of a large number of German-born residents within the borough. In 1862, Joseph “Smith” purchased the building lot for $150, but it was three years before the Smiths erected their home. Part of the house served as a shop in which Joseph plied his trade as a carpet weaver. The Smith family lived here until 1912.
The Darlings purchased their home at auction in 2014. Like many Marietta homeowners, they enjoy the atmosphere of the town and the warmth and charm of old houses like theirs. Interesting features of the house are the exposed beams in the front room ceiling and the copper countertop in the kitchen. Susan is an artist, and the home is filled with may original paintings and art collections. Susan's "Christmas Collection" is a highlight not to be missed. Holiday decorations on the front porch welcome visitors to enter and prepare to enjoy the holiday mood within.