Van Leer Cabin

Van Leer Cabin, is an historic cabin and one of the last historical dwellings in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.[2] It still stands on the grounds of Conestoga High School. The Cabin is also utilized as part of an American History Course.[3]

Van Leer Cabin
LocationTredyffrin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°03′48″N 75°22′14″W
Area6.8 acres (2.8 ha)
Builtc. 1759
ArchitectVan Leer Family
Architectural styleGerman Log Cabin
NRHP reference No.83002227[1]

History

The original structure belonged to several homes owned by the Van Leer family who immigrated from Prussia in 1759.[4] Dr. Bernardhus Van Leer a well known doctor bought 109 acres at the location of the Cabin the same year. Dr. Bernardhus Van Leer is considered notable for traveling on horseback until the age of 102,[5] and being one of the first medical doctors in New York. Dr. Van Leer also maintained an exclusive office practice, which was unique for the time.[6] Dr. Van Leer's son Captain Samuel Van Leer would later play an important role in American history as a revolutionary war soldier. Captain Samuel also married the "mad" general Anthony Wayne's sister Hannah Wayne. The cabin was used as a station for the Underground Railroad.[7] In the mid 1960s students and volunteers helped restore the cabin, located on Conestoga High School.[8]

Architecture

In the Pennsylvania coloney, log cabins play a significant part of architectural history.[9] The Van Leer Cabin appears to follow the German type, where logs are set tightly together and even at the corners.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. "Philadelphia Architects and Buildings".
  3. "Isaac Van Leer".
  4. "Dating the Van Leer Cabin".
  5. "Dr. Bernardhus Van Leer".
  6. Lansing, D. I. (1970). "The medical Van Leer family of Pennsylvania and New Jersey". Transactions & Studies of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. 38 (1): 44–6. PMID 4916432.
  7. "Historical Sites, Log Cabin". Gloucester County, New Jersey. Retrieved 2020-02-24.
  8. "Van Leer Cabin Restoration Project, 1960-circa 1965" (PDF).
  9. Priscilla L. Cox Southwell. "Dating the Van Leer Cabin".
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