Hibernia House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hibernia House
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Back of Hibernia Mansion, August 2008
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of Wagontown off Pennsylvania Route 340, West Caln Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | c. 1798, 1821, 1895-1910 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001632 |
| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1975 |
Hibernia House is a really old and interesting home. It is located in Hibernia County Park, near Wagontown, Pennsylvania. This historic house was built in several stages. Its construction started in the late 1700s and continued into the early 1900s.
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The Story of Hibernia House
Hibernia House has a long and fascinating history. It started as a smaller home and grew over time. Many different families lived here, adding new parts to the house.
Early Days: The Van Leer Family
The very first part of Hibernia House was owned by Isaac Van Leer and his well-known Van Leer family. This original section was a two-story house made of stone. It measured about 18 feet by 24 feet. It was a cozy home for its time.
First Additions (1798)
In 1798, a new part was added to the house. This was a stone kitchen, about one and a half stories tall. It made the home bigger and more comfortable for the family.
The Mansion Takes Shape (1821)
A big change happened in 1821. The main "mansion house" was built. This new section was much larger. It had two and a half stories and was made of stone. It measured about 45 feet by 43 feet. The older parts of the house then became the west wing of this grand new mansion.
Later Changes (1895-1910)
Between 1895 and 1910, Hibernia House was updated again. A wide, fancy entrance called a "pedimented pavilion" was added. A large ballroom was also built, perfect for parties and gatherings. More additions were made to the west wing, making the house even bigger. These changes gave the house the look we see today.
A Place in History
Hibernia House is important because of its long history and unique architecture. It shows how homes changed over many years.
On the National Register of Historic Places
Because of its historical importance, Hibernia House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This is a special list of places in the United States that are worth preserving. Being on this list means the house is recognized as a valuable part of our country's heritage.
