The Byers-Muma House was built in 1740 as a one and one half story stone residence by David Byers, a Scots-Irish Presbyterian. It is one of the earliest structures constructed in East Donegal Township and is one of nine remaining 18th century buildings still existing in the township. George Clingen, of German descent, purchased the farm in 1762 and changed the interior first floor plan to reflect his cultural heritage. The Muma family later owned the farm for over 100 years and enlarged the house to two and one half stories and added a kitchen wing, in c. 1805.

On visiting the Byers-Muma House, the owner will discuss its architectural development, special features, and the early owners' way of life including, hearth cooking, dying fabrics, and early paint colors and washes.

To reflect the early history of the house, a German foursquare garden was constructed in 2000, which contains quadrants of dye, medicinal, and culinary plants, along with flowers and vegetables. A small gift area of early American items and antiques will be available for your perusal and purchase.

Located in the heart of a village known as "Chickentown"…a suburb of Maytown, this plain and simple federal period, two and one half-story brick house was originally a one and one half-story house built around the 1830's. The rear first floor and the second floor were constructed around the 1850'2. The exterior bricks match perfectly even to the imbedded pieces of fieldstone. Maytown was the home to many brickyards during this time. Note the typical brick detail of a header course every 6-8 rows of brick. Exterior doors are a simple six panel with three lite transoms. Lintels with bulls eye corner blocks occur at the first floor doors and windows. Shutters are original to the house. The house is situated rather closely to the road, a common occurrence with early construction.

The present kitchen is a sensitive reproduction of a summer kitchen with a walk-in fireplace, hand-hewn beams and heart pine flooring. The exterior door is a 12 lite Indian door with 18th century glass. Note the kitchen fireplace chimney is constructed in a peach basket design.

The grounds include a modern-day garage designed to blend with the architectural features of the house and a fenced foursquare raised bed kitchen garden with vegetables and herbs.

The first parochial school stood near the church, but was dismantled prior to 1790. Many of these logs were reused to build the 2nd school just south of the present graveyard wall. The school stood near the Old Conoy Indian Trail, which is now Donegal Springs Road. The structure is a one and one half story, five bays, with six over six windows with simple frames probably installed in the 1840's. The large chimney on the west end is surrounded on the upper half story with six over six windows to give light to the early loft bedroom with its original wide-board floors.

The schoolhouse log walls are exposed and the room's original red paint trim has been carefully reproduced to complete the room's interior. The door and period hardware is of 18th century quality as are the furnishings.

Other additions to the early school have also been appropriately restored and furnished.

Historic Home means a place that…

• a private home not open to the public
• has been sensitively restored to the 1700's or early 1800's
• is of historical significance
• holds a collection of period antiques
• hosts wear early period attire

Tours are by reservation only. Larger groups can be accommodated. Full-day tours are also available.

• House tour $30 per person (only $10 per site!)
• Early American luncheon $18
• Luncheon $15
• Victorian Tea $16
• Group rates available for 13 or more people

Houses may be substituted due to scheduling difficulties. Because of the soft pine floors, please wear low-heeled shoes. In respect for the houses we would appreciate no smoking, pets or children under the age of 12. The houses are not handicapped accessible.

A special herbal tea or luncheon also can be experienced. Step back in time and relax with a Victorian tea with scones, cream, lemon curd, tea sandwiches and cream puffs served on fine china with sterling silver and antique linens. When arriving for the Victorian tea, enter the garden by the painted garden gate. Take a stroll through the English gardens where you will find a mixture of herbs, flowers and vegetables. The owner will be happy to do a pinch and smell demonstration and explain a Victorian “tussie mussie” to go along with the Victorian tea…all served in elegant surroundings.