Grange Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Grange
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The Grange Estate
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 143 Myrtle Avenue, Havertown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Area | 9.9 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Built by | Henry Lewis |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Website | https://thegrangeestate.net/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001636 |
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1976 |
The Grange Estate, also known as Maen-Coch and Clifton Hall, is a historic mansion in Havertown, Pennsylvania. It's located close to the big city of Philadelphia. This amazing old house was first built by Henry Lewis Jr. way back in the 1700s. You can still see parts of the original home in what is now the carriage house.
Contents
A Look Back at The Grange Estate
How The Grange Began
The land where The Grange stands was first sold by William Penn in 1682. This was a very long time ago! Later, in 1750, Captain John Wilcox bought the land. He quickly sold it to Charles Cruikshank in 1761.
The main house was built around 1750. Over the years, especially until the 1850s, it grew much larger. The Cruikshank family added many parts to the house. They also created the beautiful terraces and gardens that face Cobbs Creek. Charles Cruikshank's son-in-law, John Ross, was the one who gave the property its famous name: 'the Grange'. In 1976, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site.
A Special Style and Famous Visitors
The mansion shows off the Gothic Revival style, which was popular for its grand and dramatic look. Today, it looks much like it did around the year 1900. The grounds also have lovely Victorian gardens.
In the late 1700s, a patriot and merchant from Philadelphia named John Ross owned the house. He named his country home after the estate of Lafayette, a French hero who helped America. Many important people visited Ross's house, including George Washington and Lafayette himself! Imagine them walking through these very rooms.
New Owners and Its Use Today
In 1815, Manuel Eyre Jr. bought the house. His father, Manuel Eyre, was an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution. The Eyre family owned The Grange for a very long time. They had it from 1815 to 1846. Then, through their cousins, the Ashhurst family, they owned it again from 1848 to 1911.
The last family to live in the mansion moved in during 1913. They stayed until 1974. That year, Haverford Township bought the estate. It was purchased under the care of the Haverford Historical Society.
Today, The Grange mansion is a museum and a community center. You can take tours from April to October. They also offer special tours during the December holidays. It's a great place to learn about history!
