When I first saw this building on my way to work at HomeGoods, I always wonder if this home dates back to the 1700s. At first, I look into the architecture of the building to determine the time period. But then I discover an actual history of this place I really want to share with all of you.
Architecture
Based on the features of this property, it's mostly Georgian. Originally, it was constructed by stone based on the 1916 map. It was later covered with stucco, which is pretty common on almost every historic property in Whitpain Township when the building begins to fall apart.
With little photographic analysis, I relied on Google Maps. Below I provided a list of what features this former mansion currently has:
Architectural features:
4 Gabled dormers
"5-Ranked" House
Unpedimented Door Surround with entablature
Side-Gabled Roof- "About 40 percent of surviving Georgian houses are of this type, which is the most common in the northern and middle colonies, but also occurs in the southern colonies." (McAlester, 201)
6/6 window sashes; double-hung (possibly added after the 18th century)
If this architectural style is Georgian, then this property must be built around the 18th century. I took a look at who owned the property from the maps provided below, and corresponding them from the 1850 census data, and matching their property with the building. Unfortunately I couldn't find any earlier owners of "Ellendale," but what I could find was a man named "Anthony Hallman."
A Tale of Two Lots
It was said that William Nanna built his home in the year 1770. He lived during the Revolutionary War era until he made a will in 1789, ordering his property to be sold. It was sold 14 years after his will was created. His land was divided into two equal portions.
The question is... Which of the two lots was where William Nanna's home built on?
The first half of the property, the Ellendale property, was sold to Baltzer Hoffman in 1812. Over time, the ownership of this property changed.
1832- Henry Still
1832- John Fetzer
1845- John Kibblehouse
1879- Jacob Tyson to Frederick G. Fitzmyer
1889- Albert Beck
1890- Thomas H. Bambrick
1894- Susan H. Fisher
1901- George Fisher
The property came into procession to John Gilbert as shown in the 1916 map below. The Ellendale property is now occupied by Frontline Pharmaceuticals.
It was said that the second half of the property was where William Nanna built his home. It was sold to David Mathias in 1813. It was later sold to Samuel McCool who then immediately sold it to George Hallman. George suddenly died in 1814, leaving behind his wife Sarah and his 4 children: Mary, Samuel, Anthony, and William.
One of his sons Anthony Hallman (1802-1891) came into procession of the home in 1832. He owned the property for over 60 years!
A year after Anthony died, his property was sold to Henry H. Stillwagon for $3,200. In 1900, J. Watson Craft purchased 15 acres of land from Stillwagon for $4,000. After Craft moved to Ambler to run his lumber and coal yard, some time later Emma A. Kopp came into procession of the property as shown in the 1916 map next to the Ellendale property.
Conclusions
Originally, I thought this whole time the Ellendale property was owned by Anthony Hallman, but I've been looking at the wrong owner this whole time!
After finding the Ambler Gazette's Local History Sketch column, I was amazed to discover this property was originally part of the 15 acres that was adjoining it.
After finding out that the William Nanna home was on the 15 acres, not the Ellendale property, I was a bit disappointed, but at the same time confused. The home on the 15 acres had a frame structure while the Ellendale property was a stone structure. With its colonial architectural features, I thought this might be the home of William Nanna.
Bibliography
Clemens, William Montgomery. Genealogy: A Journal of American Ancestry, Volumes 6. (New York: William M. Clemens, 1916): 169.
"Distance Calculator." DaftLogic. Accessed May 30, 2020. https://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm.
"Find A Grave." Find A Grave. Accessed May 30, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com.
"Local History Sketch. Interesting Local Matter Collected by 'E.M.' Hallman and Nanna Tracts, Whitpain--Early Owners--Broad Axe Hotel--First Tavernkeeper--The Sign." Ambler Gazette. December 12, 1901. Page 2. http://digitalcollections.powerlibrary.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/wivp-gazett/id/3882/rec/5.
McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2017): 201-214.
Morris, William E, and Smith & Wistar. Map of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania: from original surveys. [Philadelphia: Smith & Wistar, 1849] Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/2012590207/.
Mueller, A. H. Atlas of the North Penn Section of Montgomery County, Pa., Plate 28, 1916.
Scott, J. D. Montgomery County 1877, Whitpain, Rahn Sta., Grater's Ford, 1877.
Smith, J. L. Montgomery County 1893, Whitpain and Worcester Townships, Bethel Hill, Fairview, Cedar Hill, Washington Square, Broad Axe Left, 1893.