Davies House (Berks County, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Davies House
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Berkley Rd., Ontelaunee Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1767-1772 |
| Built by | Parvin, William; Davies, Edward & Luke |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001530 |
| Added to NRHP | November 14, 1982 |
The Davies House, also known as "Twin Spruce," is a very old and special home. It is located in Ontelaunee Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. This historic house was built a long time ago, between 1767 and 1772. It is a two-and-a-half-story building made from fieldstone, which means it's built with stones found in fields. The house has a "gable roof," which is a common roof style that slopes down on two sides.
Later, by 1835, some parts were added to the house. These additions include a two-story section made of stone and wood on the west side, and a smaller, one-story section next to that. The Davies House shows off two classic styles of building: Georgian and Federal architecture. On the property, there is also an old stone smokehouse, which was used to preserve food, and a cold cellar for storage.
Contents
What Makes Davies House Special?
A Look at Its History
The Davies House was built over a few years, starting in 1767 and finishing in 1772. This means it was standing even before the United States became an independent country! The original builders were William Parvin, along with Edward and Luke Davies. They used strong fieldstone, which has helped the house last for centuries.
Architectural Styles Explained
The house combines two important architectural styles:
- Georgian style: This style was popular in the American colonies from the early 1700s to the late 1700s. Georgian homes are usually very symmetrical, meaning both sides look the same. They often have a simple, boxy shape and a grand, formal feel.
- Federal style: This style became popular after the American Revolution, from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Federal architecture often adds more decorative details than Georgian, like fancier doorways or windows. It still keeps a sense of balance and order.
The Davies House shows a mix of these two styles, which was common as building trends changed over time.
The National Register of Historic Places
The Davies House is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This is an official list kept by the United States government. When a building or place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of American history or culture. It helps protect these special places for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
