Dear LOVERS of the TULPEHOCKEN

Tulpehocken Plantation from a postcard ca 1960s. Aerial photograph by Jim E. Hess,  provided by Esther Nissly

and all those concerned with Lebanon Valley history, family heritage and historic preservation . . .

A beloved and historic Lebanon County landmark, The Tulpehocken Manor Inn and Plantation has sold for the second time in just over a year.

UPDATE!

Although attempts by several Lebanon and Berks county area trusts, conservancies and historical societies failed to secure the property, the efforts successfully drew attention to its endangered status. Reliable reports say the new owners, a local family, are working to restore their portion of the former estate. The 7-acre plot the family acquired includes the manor and the most significant structures and a few remaining outbuildings. The farm land, which is separately owned, still appears to be slated for development and includes the quarry lake and the bank barn. (However, a rumored golf course is not a terribly bad alternative to open space.)

The Manor House, 1999.  The first two family eras of the plantation are represented clearly in this photo.
The Swiss Bank house, ca 1769 surrounded by the Victorian renovation decor, 1880s.

A rich history of the region is told through the perspective of the manor and its people. George Washington actually slept here and so did Cyrus Sherk*. The manor is listed on the State and National Historic Registers. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lebanon County has resolved to preserve and protect this "important historical and architectural monument and landscape".
Please lend your support by contacting:

The Michael Lei Mansion in 1769 before Sherk family expansion. On postcard from a sketch by Doris Ross, provided by Esther Nissly

The Auction: May 2nd & 3rd, 1997 -- Buyer/owners of artifacts original to the estate are urged to contact this author
The Historic Preservation Trust of Lebanon County
The Lebanon County Historical Society
History of Tulpehocken Manor, courtesy John Hower
The Lebanon Valley, courtesy John Hower
The Lebanon Valley, courtesy Lebanon County Historical Society
Photographs, courtesy John Hower (currently not available)
Photographs, courtesy George Bechtold & Colonial Realty (currently not available)
 

Work in Progress:
Native Tulpehocken
The Valley of the Turtles
William Penn & Caspar Wistar
From whom the State of Pennsylvania and Wistaria,
the adopted Light Family flower, derive their names
Lei Family Patriots (1732-1834)
George Washington and the Revolution
The Schürch Family (1834-1960)
Including forbear Conrad Loos and descendant Samuel Urich
The Bed & Breakfast (1960-present)

A preliminary genealogical survey of the families at Tulpehocken
and related families of Lebanon and West Myerstown,
including Light, Groh, Sherk, Immel and allied lines.

* This "alert" is authored by John Light of California, a direct descendant of Cyrus Sherk. For over two hundred years the mansion and farm were owned by Lei and Sherk Family ancestors and descendants. A building known as the "Cyrus Sherk Pipe Smoking House" still stands beside the mansion. Cyrus would go there for a smoke on his corn cob pipe and to meet his friends to play checkers.

John is compiling a history of the families of Tulpehocken Manor through the years. He is eager to hear from families - and friends, neighbors or anyone with stories and history to tell or photographs to share.  For an update, or to submit an update, please email:

John Light