Historical Sites of the Historical Society of Perry County

“The Historical Society of Perry County owns and maintains these sites”

 

“Click on pictures to view lager image”

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Blue Ball Tavern

Blue Ball Tavern

     The Blue Ball Tavern Museum is located in Little Buffalo State Park just outside of Newport, PA.  The Historical Society maintains the museum along with its many exhibits which include Indian artifacts, blacksmith tools, cobbler items, and much more including items from the railroads of Perry County. 

     The tavern itself, with history from 1811 to 1841, is located in the basement and is slowly being restored with assistance from Little Buffalo State Park.  The tavern was located on the old Carlisle Kishacoquillas road which was constructed in 1765.  This was the first North-South road to be built in Perry County.  Part of this history of the tavern is that military messengers would stop over at the tavern on their way to Washington City to Fort Niagara during the war of 1812. 

     The Blue Ball Tavern Museum is open to the public Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

 

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Cochran-Anspach House

Cochran Anspach House

     The Cochran-Anspach House is located on North Market Street in Millerstown, PA.  This stone mansion was built in 1821.  On the first Floor of this house tbere are four large rooms, each with its own fireplace.  The center hall boasts a spacious suspended stairway that curves its way to the second floor.  There you will find four large rooms, three of which also have fireplaces. 

     The basement of the Cochran-Anspach has been set up as an archaeology lab for the Hands of History Project in co-operation with the West Perry School District.  It has assisted them in their quest to discover more Perry County History. 

     Visitors will be pleasantly surprised with the way the house has been restored and the furnishings will take you back in time.  This property was donated to the Historical Society in 1981 at the death of Kauffman Anspach. 

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Fetter House

Fetter House

     The Fetter house is situated just off the square in Landisburg, PA.  This old brick house was built in 1848 by Henry Fetter, a local merchant who was doing business when the county was first formed.  The interior of this house contains beautiful mill-work, paneling, and a charming, wide stairway which goes up to the third floor.  There is a grand piano and other furnishings from the mid 1800’s.  Legend has it that the house was used as part of the Underground Railroad, although that claim is disputed.  Henry Fetter died in December of 1863 and is buried in the Landisburg cemetery.  Marjorie Goosens, the great, great granddaughter of Henry Fetter, deeded the house to the Historical Society in 1974. 

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Greenpark School House

Green Park School House

     The one room school at Green Park was donated to the Historical Society in 1970 after it had stood empty for several years.  The West Perry School District had discontinued using it in 1953 when the new elementary school was built. 

     This little red schoolhouse was built in the 1800’s.  Many a child learned his three R’s inside and played tag and ball on the playground.  You will find yourself transported back in time in an atmosphere of various sized desks, blackboards, and many old school books.  When the school bell rang, it summoned pupils of all ages – all 12 grades - to come and learn.  As many as 60 childern of all ages were in attendance at a time. 

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Ludolph Church

Ludolph Church

     In Little Germany Village near Elliottsburg, PA is the Ludolph Church.  This Stone church was a joint church, used and built by two different congregations, the Lutherans and the Reformed.  Construction was started in 1841 with the Consecration Service, conducted by Rev. John William Heim in German, held in November of 1842.  Both faiths worshipped in this church until 1869 when the Lutheran congregation built another building.  Just three years later, the Reformed Congregation also built in nearby Elliottsburg.  The Historical Society received the deed to this church in May 1954.  

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Fairview Church

Fairview Church

     West of New Germantown, PA on Route 274 is the Fairview Church.  This quaint Little church was built in 1857 with material coming from the surrounding area.  The stones for the foundation came from the surrounding mountains.  Clay for the bricks was obtained from the bank of the Sherman’s Creek and baked in the field across the road from the church.  This church is located in one of the historic areas of Perry County.  Nearby are the Hemlocks and Big Spring area. 

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