Van Leer Pleasant Hill Plantation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pleasant Hill Plantation
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Little Conestoga Road near Glenmoore, West Nantmeal Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 6.8 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | c. 1780 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002227 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
Pleasant Hill Plantation, also known as Van Leer Place, is an old stone farmhouse with a lot of history. It is located near Glen Moore in West Nantmeal Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. This special house has seen many changes and families over the centuries.
Contents
A Look Back: The Early Years of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill Plantation was built a long time ago, probably before the American Revolution. It was originally a two-story stone house with three sections, called bays.
Who Built Pleasant Hill?
The first owner was Matthew Robinson or Robertson. He likely built the house around 1780. After he passed away in 1792, his son David inherited the property.
New Owners and Big Changes
Around 1800, the house was sold to two brothers, John and Samuel Lewis. They added two more sections to the west side of the house, making it bigger. People in the area used to say the house might have been a tavern, a place where travelers could stop. However, it was never officially licensed to sell drinks. Besides possibly running a tavern, the Lewis brothers also started an iron mine on the farm.
Unfortunately, the Lewis brothers lost the property in 1824. It was sold by the sheriff to a new owner, Isaac Wayne Van Leer.
The Van Leer Family and Modern Updates
Isaac Wayne Van Leer was a very interesting person. He was related to famous people, including Anthony Wayne, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. Isaac's grandfather, Samuel Van Leer, was also a captain in that war.
Isaac Wayne Van Leer: A Visionary Farmer
Isaac Wayne Van Leer was known for being a forward-thinking farmer and gardener. He loved trying new things to make his farm better. Soon after buying Pleasant Hill, he made an existing building into a larger barn. In 1843, he replaced the old log kitchen with a brand new addition to the house.
Isaac also added fancy touches to the house, like gilt paint, which made it look very stylish for its time. He planted rare and beautiful plants in his gardens, making them special.
A Future Governor's Birthplace
In 1890, Isaac Wayne Van Leer's grandnephew, George Howard Earle III, was born at Pleasant Hill. George Howard Earle III later became the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Restoring a Historic Home
After Isaac Van Leer passed away in 1896, the house started to show its age. It became even more run-down when it was rented out during the 1930s. Luckily, in 1948, Pleasant Hill was carefully restored. Today, it is still a private home.
A Place in History
Pleasant Hill Plantation is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1983. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
Images for kids
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Pleasant Hill Plantation, a historic stone farmhouse.
