Presenting Historic Unity Farm
Take a step back in time to the simple pleasures and memories of yesteryear with this phenomenal historic property.
On July 29, 1762, the Province (later Commonwealth) of Pennsylvania gave 189 acres and 156 perches of land to Robert Sturgeon, whose brother, Samuel owned the adjoining land. This may be why Robert chose to name his farm “Unity.”
Parts and parcels of the land were bought or transferred to other owners, at times, for currency of the Commonwealth because there was no Federal currency yet. Pieces of the foundation of the original house have been found within a small mound off the current patio. The current home was built in 1813 by owner Ulrich A. Rumbaugh, as shown by the stone placed in the gable end on the east side of the home.
In 1962, the home was renovated. Hand blown glass windows were kept and wide board floors were preserved, beautifully maintaining the integrity of the home.
.jpg)
Entrance and Front Porch
Stately elegance is evident in the Colonial styling, a brick exterior and sprawling front porch, graced by formal white columns, wrought iron and wide plank boards. Enjoy sun-brightened mornings and lazy afternoons with a cup of fragrant herbal tea or a tall glass of iced lemonade. At dusk, it’s not uncommon to see deer in the adjacent field quietly foraging among woody plants and grasses for their evening meal.
.jpg)
Foyer/Center Hall
With lustrous hardwood flooring and solid wood raised-panel wainscoting, the foyer welcomes visitors, family and friends alike. A Palladian window and sidelights surround the door, dusting walls of toasted honey with a gentle infusion of natural light. Framed deed transfers, dating back to the 18th century line the walls on either side. These have been translated from the original English and convey with the property, providing the new owner with documentation on the rich history of Unity Farm. True of early Colonial homes, the center hall extends from the front to the rear, creating an airy passageway when doors are open to capture the breeze.
Formal Living Room/Parlor
Step into this room and it’s easy to imagine ladies in hooped skirts visited by gentleman callers in top hats. Pine green blends with cameo-white accents, crown molding and wainscoting, heightening the polished gleam of the hardwood floor. A large brick fireplace with painted wooden mantle creates an eye-catching focal point while adding cozy warmth on brisk autumn nights.
Family Room
A beamed ceiling, soft champagne walls, natural wood and a brick fireplace with working gas logs make this room pleasant and inviting. A large bow window, windowed door, and side window flood the interior with sun-drenched light. Just outside, a beautiful brick terrace is a step away from a lazily meandering footpath that winds around the front and side of the home, watched over by large shade trees.
Dining Room
Simply stunning, this room is loaded with character! The fireplace features a painted wood mantle with inlays and Delph tile. Solid wood wainscoting, chair rail, crown molding and two built-in cupboards add to the whimsy and charm of a bygone century. Walls of pale celadon and cameo-white accents artfully embellish the hardwood floor and yesteryear-style craftsmanship.
Kitchen
Like the heart of any home, this room resonates with warmth. It’s easy to imagine the enticing aroma of fruit pies or hearty grain breads baking in the oven. A blend of old-fashioned ambiance and modern conveniences, this visually striking room features a gas stove top and electric wall oven, just a year old, a custom fit fan/vent, dishwasher, utility closet and built-in pantry. Hardwood floor, a beamed ceiling, built-in spice rack, breakfast bar and chestnut cabinetry further enhance the beguiling aesthetics of this welcoming room.
Bedrooms
With a total of four bedrooms, this captivating home has room to spare! Three of the bedrooms, including the master, have fireplaces, while the fourth has a built-in writing desk - - perfect for penning a letter in longhand. The master bedroom and fourth bedroom enjoy plush wall-to-wall carpeting, while bedrooms No.2 and 3 still have the original wide plank chestnut floors, as does the second level hallway. Pocket doors add yesteryear styling to the master bedroom closet for yet another echo of the past.
Additional
Outside, the grounds are idyllic and picturesque, graced by rolling fields and green pastures. With several outbuildings, including a bank barn, this exceptional country estate resonates with storybook appeal and historic charm. Escape to the whimsy of tranquil surroundings and the lingering echoes of bygone eras. Over the passage of 245 years, there have only been seven owners of this remarkable property. The last family has held it for 50 years.
At a Glance
Stunning 3200 SF historic home. Not on the National Historic Registry, but can be
4 Bedrooms/2 baths, full basement and large walk-in attic
Formal living room, formal dining room, family room, den and kitchen
6 Fireplaces, all working, one with gas logs
Sprawling covered front porch, terrace, covered side porch, ornamental rear balcony
Roof 7 years old
Oil hot water baseboard heat with high efficiency burner
80’ x 44’ Bank Barn with milkhouse, chicken house, peep house,
2 Detached garages
19.5 Rolling country acres
Location
Located in Millerstown, PA just over 30 miles by interstate from Harrisburg, an hour from Harrisburg International Airport, an hour from Penn State University at State College
History of Unity Farm (Timeline)
Various parts and parcels
July 29, 1762: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Robert Sturgeon (farm named Unity)
April 29, 1768: Robert Sturgeon (yeoman) to Robert Thomson (a weaver)
June 18, 1770: Robert Thomson to John Thomson
May 10, 1775: John Thomson to Isaac & William Thomson
July 22, 1779: Isaac Thomson to William Thomson
April 23, 1785: William Thomson to Jacob Accor (name later spelled Auker)
May 14, 1790: Land divided between Jacob Auker and Casper Auker
June 2, 1795: Robert Sturgeon property to Jacob Auker
May 27, 1797: Commonwealth to Jacob Auker (farm named Unity), (Governor Mifflin)
August 12, 1799: Jacob and Ann Auker to George Rumbaugh (original house on hill)
April 15, 1812: George Rumbaugh & wife to Ulrich A. Rumbaugh
1813: Brick house built by Ulrich A. Rumbaugh
April 12, 1831: John & Mary Reynolds to Ulrich A. Rumbaugh (Perry County)
1831: Ulrich A. Rumbaugh to Ulrich H. Rumbaugh
October 8, 1859: Ulrich A. & Magdalena Rumbaugh to Ulrich H. Rumbaugh
March 26, 1873: Ulrich A. Rumbaugh (estate, David Rumbaugh, administrator) to Ulrich H. Rumbaugh
March 31, 1900: Ulrich H. Rumbaugh to William & Maggie (Rumbaugh) Ward (6/7 of property)
March 31, 1900: Ulrich H. Rumbaugh to daughter, Maggie Ward
February 8, 1903: Maggie Ward dies
July 26, 1904: Dinah Stahl (deceased) left her 1/7 of Ulrich Rumbaugh's bequest to William H. Ward
November 15, 1929: William H. Ward (deceased) left farm to his sons, Albert I. and Ulrich D. Ward
December 31, 1929: Ulrich D. & Margaret Ward (Milwaukee, WI) sold his share to Albert I. & Minnie Ward
December 2, 1931: Albert I. & Minnie C. Ward to Dorothy Mutzabaugh (Bloomfield)
December 2, 1931: Dorothy E. Mutzbaugh (Bloomfield) to Albert I. & Minnie C. Ward (property traded)
August 31, 1937: Albert I. Ward to Earl & Lulu M. Ferguson (daughter, Albert Ward)
July 31, 1943: Earl & Lulu M. Ferguson to Dewey Long
November 22, 1945: Dewey Long to Jay Benner
May 6, 1957: Jay Benner to Dr. William S. & Irene W. Brodisch
July 19, 1982: Irene W. Brodisch to William S. Jr. & Joan Brodisch
December 27, 1996: Irene W. Brodisch to William S., Jr. & Joan Brodisch (additional acreage)
|
.jpg)
