John Welsh House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Welsh House
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1867, 1892 |
| Architect | Hickman, Louis C. |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001415 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1990 |
The John Welsh House, also known as "Rauhala," is a historic house located in Wyndmoor, within Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1867 and made larger in 1892. The house combines two styles: a Gothic Revival cottage at the front and a square-shaped Italianate cottage behind it. It is made from a type of stone called Wissahickon schist.
The house is on Stenton Avenue, which is a road that separates Wyndmoor from the Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia. This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Early Land History
The land where the John Welsh House stands was once owned by Hannah Callowhill Penn. She was the second wife of William Penn, who was the first owner of the Province of Pennsylvania. He was like the governor of the colony.
After her husband became ill in 1712, Hannah Penn took over as the acting leader of Pennsylvania. During this time, the King and Queen of England wanted her to give up the colony. They offered money to help the Penn family pay off their debts. But Hannah Penn was very smart and careful. She made difficult choices to keep the colony for her family.
Thanks to her good money management, the colony stayed with Hannah's family until the American Revolution. Hannah Penn later received a very special honor. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan made her the first woman to be an Honorary Citizen of the United States. This award recognized her dedication to peace and fairness.
The Washburn and Kelsey Families
Major General Washburn bought the John Welsh House and its land as a wedding gift. He gave it to his daughter, Jeannette Garr Washburn, and her husband, Albert Warren Kelsey. Even though Major General Washburn never lived in the house, his leadership and service to his country had a big impact on his family.
During the American Civil War, Washburn helped create the Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry for the Union Army. He earned the high rank of major general. Washburn came from a family of important political and business leaders. He served as the Governor of Wisconsin for one term. He was also a U.S. Congressman for ten years. He was one of seven famous Washburn brothers. Three of his brothers also served their country as governors, congressmen, or even a U.S. Secretary of State.
After moving into the John Welsh House in 1886, the newlyweds Albert and Jeannette Kelsey gave the home a new name. They called it “Rauhala,” which is a Finnish word meaning “peaceful place.”
Keystone House Today
Many years later, on September 27, 1997, the John Welsh House became home to Keystone House. It was the first special care home of its kind in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Today, Keystone House is run by KeystoneCare. This is a non-profit group that provides health and comfort care at home. Just like the people who lived in the house before, those who have stayed at Keystone House have their own amazing stories. People from all walks of life, like judges, teachers, artists, musicians, and business leaders, have found comfort in this special place.
Images for kids
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The John Welsh House in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.
