Original watercolor by Tom Freeman, research by Ben Tinsley, owners of the Old Banking Mansion, Williamsport
Just a few doors south of Tony’s Italian Restaurant at 17 S Conococheague Street sat a beautiful brick, 5 bay, 1 1/2 story Federal Style house. The home was quite rare in its form for Williamsport and the region, looking like it almost belonged on Cape Cod rather than western Maryland.
Captain John Langley signed a lease with the Estate of Otho Holland Williams in 1811 with the stipulation that he would build a good house of stone, brick, log or frame by 1814. John Langley was a Revolutionary War Veteran who eventually earned the rank of Captain. He is listed among the roster of Frederick County men who enlisted (Washington County was still Frederick County until 1776). Cap. Langley owned a tavern in his later years in or near Williamsport at “the crossroads”. The tavern was used as an early polling place. John was appointed a Washington County Justice of the Peace in February of 1805.
The home was sold in 1817 to young Martin Ensminger for $505, a healthy sum proving substantial improvements. Martin was born in Cocalico, Pa. northeast of Lancaster in 1788. He and the family of his bride-to-be moved to bustling Williamsport about 1817 to scout a new life for himself and his sweetheart, Margaret Smith. They were wed November 28, 1821 here in Williamsport once Margaret came of age. Martin was a blacksmith. Martin passed in 1860 and Margaret in 1879. Margaret would have watched the Civil War from the front door of this house. The property was sold to Thomas and Ann Baker of Virginia in 1879 just after Margaret’s passing. It appears difficulties may have plagued the Baker family. The property deeds bounce around a bit but Thomas and Ann did stay at the home until sadly Thomas was found dead in the woodshed under sad circumstances in 1932 at the age of 68.
The property changed hands several times since and was surveyed in the historic registry documents in 1980 pointing it out as an early and important building. In the years following, demolition was requested and sadly granted. This signaled the death knell for the historic old home. The demolition of this rare, and charming house was a real loss to the historic fabric of our town.
Photo 2022
It must be noted that many of the homes featured in this series were lost due to the lack of oversight by a Historic District Commission and demolition by neglect. It is with great pleasure and excitement that we can officially say that is changing. Williamsport’s Town Council voted to instate an Investigative Committee to get the HDC back up and running so that Williamsport’s invaluable heritage will be better protected. Williamsport is leading by example.
