Original watercolor by Tom Freeman, research by Ben Tinsley, owners of the Old Banking Mansion, Williamsport
This post was a lot of fun to research, but also made me a little sad to write, this was a special property. Not just because of its age, but because of the interesting and kind people that lived there. Another of Williamsport’s very early homes sat just to the west of the Long House that we featured last week at 134 W Potomac street, now replaced by a parking lot. The property, Williamsport’s original lot 5 was again one of the more desirable locations due to its proximity to the original town square. Built of log, the house was built in the Georgian Style about 1790/1791. Like the Long home it had two front doors, popular in homes built by German immigrants in the 18th and 19th century.
Brothers John and Conrad Strickler/Strickle left York County, Pa in the late 1780s and set out for opportunity in newly formed Williamsport with their wives Elizabeth and Anna. Both brothers were well into their 50s and 60s. John signed a lease with Otho Holland Williams in 1788 and a new home was begun. In 1795 Conrad passed away leaving his rather substantial fortune to his children and a nephew Christopher, who had served in the Revolutionary War.
Deed records were difficult to trace following the Strickler Family as it was passed to children including daughters, whom of which no last names were given. What is known is that by the 1820s the property belonged to the wealthy Van Lear Family of Mount Tammany Farm just outside of town. The Van Lears were major landowners in Washington County and invested in the first bank in town (Conococheague Bank), as well as other civic projects. Likely the property was used as a tenant home or some type of business during the Van Lear ownership. In 1870 the property was sold to a Mr. Ardinger and his business partners who started a brewery. On the 1877 plot map of Williamsport it is indeed listed as a brewery.
The Tice Family bought the home in 1890 Owning it until 1965/6. John “Cap” (short for captain) Tice was a canal boatman based out of Williamsport. Born in 1876 “Cap” Tice was a local celebrity. His obituary stated “his boat and team were the finest appearing outfit on the canal”. He and his wife Lelia were involved in the community until well into their 80s. John and his wife Lelia (née Snyder) ran a Confectionery and Candy Store from at least 1918 until their retirement. In addition to the candy shop they raised animals, and had an enormous garden that was well known throughout town.
After Lelia passed in 1965 the home was sold to back to the Ardinger Family. The years following saw the old homestead slowly decline. The large collection of outbuildings were demolished, the beautiful garden turned into a parking lot, and eventually around 2000 demolition was approved for the house. Just after it’s 210th birthday the historic home was smashed into kindling to make way for yet another parking lot. A sad ending to a home that held an incredible amount of Williamsport’s history. We as a community are proud of our history and our architectural heritage must be protected. It’s been said that if we lose our past, what becomes of our future?
Many thanks to Debra Robinson, a relative of John and Lelia Tice for her photos and information on this wonderful old property.
