Historic Maple Manor Homestead

One of several simple log structures built near the confluence of the Casselman River and Flaugherty Creek, Borntrager's Mill consisted of 189 1/2 acres of land and various structures belonging to Andrew Borntrager. The property was transferred to Jonathan and Dolly Harry, and in June 1792, it was purchased from the Harry family by Michael Beeghley.

Three years later, the property was once again transferred to John and Susanna Beeghley, who sold it to Jacob Meyers, Sr., in May 1805. His son, Jacob Jr., and his wife, Barbara, moved into the home and developed a tannery, grist mill, woolen mill, distillery, foundry and cattle barns. They also built the first major addition to the house--a rear room with a second floor over the kitchen. Today these rooms are the downstairs man's study and three upstairs bedrooms.

In 1828, Jacob's son Peter took possession of the grounds known then as Meyers' Mill. Peter and his wife added a northern wing to the home in 1839. That addition is now the downstairs Victorian living room and upstairs master bedroom and sitting room. The main entrance to the house was changed from the southern side to the west side, and the present wooden clapboard siding was installed. For nearly a half century, Peter Meyers was recognized as one of the leading citizens in the area. He and his brother, William, established a mercantile business. On April 13, 1869, he deeded to the Pittsburgh and Connellsville Railroad Company for $1, a strip of land for the laying of railroad tracks through the community. Peter Meyers died one year later in a typhoid epidemic.

In 1874, the town and railroad depot became known as Meyersdale in Peter Meyers' honor. His son, Dr. William Meyers, assumed responsibility of the house, and when he died in 1910, his son, Charles and wife, Annie, took over the family estate. Upon the deaths of the Meyers', the house was sold to Louis Weld in the late 1930's. In 1968, it was acquired by the Pennsylvania Maple Festival and named "Maple Manor."

Over the years, Meyers Manor has played host to some famous people. The most famous, however, probably was former President and General, Ulysses S. Grant, who stayed overnight in house while traveling through the area.

The house now known as the Historic Meyers Homestead is recognized as a historical landmark. Visitors to the homestead can see part of the original structure including its first kitchen with the large stone fireplace and log walls. Thousands of people tour the homestead each year during the Maple Festival and other occasions throughout the year.