Lawrence Cabin facts for kids
The Lawrence Cabin is a historic log cabin located in Powder Mill Valley Park in Havertown, Pennsylvania. You can find it near Cobbs Creek and another important historical site called Nitre Hall. This old cabin offers a peek into what life was like long ago in Pennsylvania.
Building a New Life: The Cabin's Beginnings
The Lawrence Cabin was built by Henry Lawrence and his family around the year 1710. They built it on land that Henry's father, David Lawrence, had bought from William Penn in 1709. The cabin was designed to look like the log homes built by early Swedish settlers in the area.
David Lawrence was one of the first Welsh settlers in Haverford Township. He came to America with his wife Elinor Ellis in 1684. His son, Henry Lawrence, later bought about 209 acres of land along Darby Creek. The cabin was one of the first homes built by these early families.
Around 1730, a two-and-a-half-story stone addition was built onto the cabin. Later, a summer kitchen made of clapboard was also added. Because it stayed in the same family for so long, it became known as the "Three Generation House." The Lawrence family owned the cabin until 1942. Inside Henry Lawrence's original cabin, there's a large fireplace. A ladder leads up to a sleeping area, called a loft.
Moving a Historic Home: Saving the Cabin
The Lawrence Cabin was originally located along Darby Creek. In 1961, it was in danger of being torn down. To save this important piece of history, the Haverford Township Park Commission decided to move it. They carefully took the cabin apart and rebuilt it at its current spot on Karakung Drive in Powder Mill Valley.
The rebuilt cabin was officially opened on October 7, 1961. Throughout the 1960s, many tours and events were held to raise money. These funds helped to continue fixing up and restoring the old building. In 1966, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission even donated a colonial wool-spinning wheel to the cabin. This was a gift from the Landis Valley Museum.
Learning from the Past: Modern Uses
Today, the Lawrence Cabin is used for educational programs. The Haverford Township Historical Society offers a "Colonial Living Experience" for elementary school students. Inside, the house is furnished with items from before 1750, showing how people lived back then.
Both the Lawrence Cabin and Nitre Hall are open for people to visit. You can see them during the Haverford Heritage Festival. This festival started in 1965 and is a great way to learn about local history. Local sellers also offer food and crafts during the event.
