Emily visits Grandpa's old house |
I first learned of the home I'd always known as Seven Chimneys from my Dad who lived in this area when he was a boy. In fact, he lived in this house from 1951-1956 when he was about my daughter Emily's age in the photo. I've stopped by here years ago and even went inside once but I had no idea of the history otherwise. I did a little bit of research and found some interesting information that even my Dad did not know.
Located on Cincinnati-Columbus Road in West Chester Township OH, Seven Chimney had other names throughout the years, such as Shenstone Eagle Tavern, James D. Conrey House, and the Colonial Farm Restaurant. It was originally built in 1839 in a U-shape and had 14 rooms each with its own fireplace. It once had a courtyard which is now enclosed. You can see the U shape and the enclosure in the aerial photo along with all "seven chimneys" for the 14 fireplaces.
All seven chimneys, courtesy of Bing "birds eye" maps |
James D. Conrey, a Methodist minister who owned the house in the 1840s used the building as a stopover on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves fleeing the South. It also happens to be the stagecoach stop mentioned in Chapter 9 of the 1852 anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
The structure was placed on the National Historical Register of Historic Places in 2003.
"Spread Eagle Tavern"...Didn't I see a "Spread Eagle Tavern" in Reno, NV?
ReplyDeleteI suppose it could have been a brothel then which was something more common at that time than people think.
ReplyDeleteNice posting this is! I learn knowledge about West Chester Magazine.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
http://www.zpublication.com/
I own this property. Who was your grandfather?
ReplyDeleteCharles Marchmann. His son Bill, my Dad now lives in West Chester.
ReplyDelete14 rooms each with its own fireplace -- so that’s what the seven chimneys are for. Interesting. Your dad is lucky to have lived here. I wonder how it looks like inside, and who the current owner is. They must be so rich to be able to maintain such a huge property. Bob @ Garlock-French.com
ReplyDeleteI lived in Westchester from the age of five to the age of 20 that was always known as the underground railroad house to our family. I am glad that it was finally designated as historic landmark so that it is preserved for future generations.
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