Mouns Jones House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Swede's House
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Old Swede's House, March 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, Amity Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1716 |
| Architect | Jones, Mouns |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001751 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The Mouns Jones House, also known as the Old Swede's House, is a very old and important home. It is located in Douglassville, within Amity Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. This house was built a long time ago, in 1686. It is special because it is the oldest house still standing in Berks County. It also shows us what homes looked like for early Swedish settlers.
A Glimpse into History
The Mouns Jones House is a two-and-a-half-story building made of stone. It has three main sections, called "bays." The house is about 24 feet wide and 30 feet long. Inside, there is a large kitchen fireplace, about 9 feet wide, with a brick chimney.
This house is very important for understanding history. It is one of the few homes left from the time when Swedish people first settled in the area. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County helped restore the house. Today, you can visit it sometimes as part of the Morlatton Village historic site.
Who Built the House?
The Mouns Jones House was built by a man named Mans Mouce Jonasson. He was born in Philadelphia on November 10, 1663. Mans Mouce Jonasson later passed away in Amity Township on March 29, 1727. His wife was Ingeborg Lycan, who was born in Sweden.
Mans Mouce Jonasson's father was Jonas Nilsson. Jonas Nilsson was born in Sweden in 1620. He was an important person in the early history of New Sweden. New Sweden was a Swedish colony in North America.
A Family Connection
One of Mans Mouce Jonasson's descendants was Francis Duke. He was Mans's great-great-grandson. Francis Duke was born in Virginia in 1783. He became a speaker in the Virginia House of Delegates. This was a group of elected officials who made laws for Virginia. He served in this role from 1812 to 1816.
National Recognition
Because of its historical importance, the Mouns Jones House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the house for future generations.
