Barclay House (West Chester, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Barclay House
|
|
Barclay House, January 2010
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 535 and 539 N. Church St., West Chester, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1866-1867, 1869, 1935-1936 |
| Architect | Hutton, Addison; et al. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000380 |
| Added to NRHP | April 18, 2002 |
The Barclay House is a historic building in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It is also known by other names like the Joshua Hartshorne Estate or The Barclay. This beautiful house has a long history, starting in the 1860s. It has changed over the years, growing bigger and changing its style. Today, it is recognized as an important historical place.
Contents
Discovering the Barclay House
The Barclay House is a special building with a rich past. It stands in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The house was first built between 1866 and 1867. Many people believe a famous architect named Addison Hutton helped design it.
What Does the Barclay House Look Like?
When it was first built, the Barclay House was a brick building. It had two and a half stories. Its style was called Italianate. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. Italianate homes often have low-pitched roofs and tall, narrow windows.
Over time, the house changed. Between 1935 and 1936, it was made taller. It became a three-story building. New parts were added, like a connecting section and a west block. A north block was also added. During this time, the house was updated in the Colonial Revival style. This style brings back ideas from early American homes. In 1998, the north block was made even bigger. It became two stories tall.
The Carriage House
On the same property, there is another old building. It is a carriage house built in 1869. A carriage house was a place to keep horses and carriages. In 1925, this building was changed. It became a home for people to live in.
How the House Was Used
The Barclay House was first built for a single family. But its purpose changed in 1935-1936. It became a special home for older people. This home was run by Quakers. It was a place where elderly people could live and be cared for. This boarding home stayed open until 1997.
A Special Historical Place
The Barclay House is very important. In 2002, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the house. It makes sure its history can be enjoyed for many years to come.
