Oldest House, Laceyville PA

Laceyville History  |  Oldest House  |  Octagon House

A welcome sight to travelers on the old North Branch Canal boats on the Old North Branch Canal boats, over a hundred years ago was the house, which is still standing and known as  "The Oldest House", where passengers could enjoy a cool drink, or stock up on tobacco and food for the remaining portion of their journey.

This scene, however, did not occur until nearly a hundred years after the house was built, for it was in 1781 that Eliha Hall, the areas first carpenter, completed the house for the James Smith Family.

Wonderfully preserved "The Oldest House" stands erect today with every chink and corner revealing a story of the simple living of the past and legends of history.

The house is built around a large fireplace measuring 8 x 12 feet in the basement keeping room, with two openings on that level and three on the main floor. The original hanging irons, as well as hardware elsewhere in the house were forged by a local blacksmith shop.

The house was built to face the river. It has been occupied by many families through the years, among them the Lacey's for whom the town is named. The last family was the Gordon Morrison's, who restored the house in the late 1940's much as you see it today, except for the porch, which "The Oldest House Historical Society" had done along with quite a bit of other work in 1990.

Regarded as the oldest frame house in four counties (Wyoming, Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna), The Oldest House remains a well preserved monument to the pioneer days of this region's past and its people.

The Oldest House is located on E. Main St., Laceyville, Pa.

Tours for 2006 are: June 15 through September 15, Thursday through Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Contact us early to schedule your tour for next year. Arrangements may also be made for clubs and small groups to tour the home by calling 570-869-1245 or 570-869-1540.

Laceyville History  |  Oldest House  |  Octagon House