Fact Friday- Lukens Pierce House

What we've learned over these last two months is that Ercildoun's history doesn't exist only on pictures and paper, but architecture as well.

In this area, we have one of the rarest houses in the United States. It is commonly known as the "octagonal house". You can drive past it on Wilmington Road and it's just a hop, skip, and jump from Triple Fresh. The official name of this house is the "Lukens Pierce" house, due to Pierce and his family residing there. Lukens Pierce is related to Gideon Pierce, a prominent member of Ercildoun who pops up in its history very frequently.

The Lukens Pierce house

Orson Squire Fowler of New York popularized the octagon house. They popped up all over the country, with several still in existence. These types of houses were popular starting in the 1850's and ending in the early 1900's. These houses can be seen in Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and New York. It is believed that the Lukens Pierce house is the only one of its kind in southeastern Pennsylvania. 

The house was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on March 14, 1973 which is 45 years ago this week! 

The Lukens Pierce house is NOT open to the public. However, there are houses in the states we've mentioned above and ones in Mississippi that are. If you're ever in those areas, it could be worth checking out. 

Source used: www.livingplaces.com