August 21-27: Scenes Around Marple Newtown Patch

BROOMALL–The is a monument to the American dream–the home of an indentured servant who became a landowner, and like the American dream, the house has endured over 300 years.

The Thomas Massey House, one of the oldest English Quaker homes in Pennsylvania, was built in 1696 by Thomas Massey. It was a log home. In 1731, his son, Mordecai, replaced the log or frame house with a stone section. On the National Register of Historical Places and the Historical American Building Survey, the house retains much of its original character inside and out.

Thomas Massey came to the Colonies as an indentured servant. He fulfilled his indenture (a copy can be seen within the home). Massey received 50 acres of land from his master and another 50 acres from William Penn. He married in *1692 at the age of 29, and over time added another 300 acres to his property which is in off Lawrence Road.

The Massey House is presently furnished with appropriate late 17th and 18th century furniture. The house is open for tours each Sunday from the last Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October between 1pm and 4pm with the exception of holiday weekends or by appointment.

Editor's note: This version has been edited. The original version of this article incorrectly stated that Thomas Massey married in 1992.