Embedded Files
Property Sale
Property Sale
William D. Hunsicker sold his father’s property to his fourth cousin, Samuel W. Pennypacker (a judge from Philadelphia), on October 10, 1900. Pennypacker began renovations on the home to make it into a "country gentleman's estate." It was also a working dairy farm at the time, and Samuel Pennypacker hired William Hunsicker to run the day-to-day tasks of the farm.
Survey map in color with boundaries and features of the Pennypacker Mills property.
Real Estate flyer for the sale of Pennypacker Mills and the surrounding property by William D. Hunsicker.
Renovations: 1900-1902
Renovations: 1900-1902
William D. Hunsicker sold his father’s property to Samuel W. Pennypacker on October 10, 1900 for $9,208.74. Samuel hired the prestigious firm of Thomas Meehan & Sons to landscape the property. The Road to Salfordville—which is now our outer driveway—was relocated to the upper part of the property, creating what is today Dieber Road. Around the house, 15 acres were enclosed by a five wire fence. Within the 15 acres, 2,000 trees and shrubs were planted to create an English natural landscape.
Architect Arthur Brockie renovated the house, turning it into a mansion. Samuel spent his first summer here in 1902. When the residents of Schwenksville heard of his nomination for governor, a party was held on the property. After his term as governor (1903-1907), he resided here until his death on September 2, 1916.
Pennypacker Mills under construction, 1901.
Pennypacker Mills with completed renovations, 1902. Notice the rubbish pile on the right side of the photo.
Renovation Blueprints
Renovation Blueprints
Arthur Brockie, a young architect just six years out of college, drew up detailed plans to totally renovate, update, and enlarge the house. He worked closely with the contractor, F.L. Hoover & Son, to meet the satisfaction of the owner. The renovations included enlarging rooms and putting in all new floors, windows, woodwork, fireplaces, and stairways. Two additions would more than double the size of the house. The kitchen had hot and cold running water as did the two and a half bathrooms. Although electricity and telephones were in existence, none were installed at this time.
Exterior Elevations
Interior Plans
Landscaping
Landscaping
Thomas Meehan & Sons
Thomas Meehan & Sons
Nurseryman J. Franklin Meehan of the prestigious firm Thomas Meehan & Sons, designed a natural garden consisting of more than 2,000 trees and shrubs with emphasis on the lawn. With the lawn as a backdrop, Meehan dramatized the residence, by placing it in sharp contrast to the smooth turf and allowing sunlight and shadow to produce constantly changing patterns on its gentle surface.
From Pennypacker Mills Landscape History and Preliminary Master Plan by Doell and Doell.
Pannepacker and Bromer General Store
Pannepacker and Bromer General Store
Pannepacker and Bromer—the general store in Schwenksville—was given permission by Samuel Pennypacker to use pictures of the mansion and surrounding farmland on souvenir items such as plates, teacups, saucers, and postcards. This general store was run by Jonas Pannepacker, Samuel W. Pennypacker's fourth cousin once removed.
Postcard
Souvenir Plate
Teacup with matching saucer
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