Heritage Conservancy Facilitates Listing to National Register

Some of the oldest buildings in our country are located right here in our region, and with that comes the responsibility to recognize and protect that architectural history.

Heritage Conservancy, a non-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization located in Doylestown, PA, is excited to share that it recently facilitated the listing of the John Wagner and Family Farmstead to our country's National Register of Historic Places. The farmstead is located along Meadows Road in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

Originally owned by John Wagner and dating back to about 1840, the John Wagner and Family Farmstead benefitted from its close proximity to the North Pennsylvania Railroad, which opened in 1855. The railroad made the transfer of agricultural products easier than the existing road network.

Because it is such an integral part of the farmstead, owners Jerry and Joanne Holum focused their restoration efforts on the barn when they purchased the farm in 1986, at times prioritizing it over the needs of the house itself.

Jerry grew up two blocks from the Farmstead and always admired it. In the early 1980s, it went up for sale and eventually fell into near disrepair. Jerry knew that the property could return to greatness once again with some work to save it.

When we mention responsibility, Jerry and Joanne became guardians and stewards of the Farmstead in every definition of the words.

As Jerry's brother-in-law carried his golf clubs into the house on move-in day, he prophetically commented, "Well Jerry, these are something you won't need; you have your hands full here." No truer statement could have been made. It was and continues to be a 24/7 job, but thankfully, Jerry is a talented handyman and has enjoyed taking on all of the challenges throughout the years.

Once the barn was restored, historic organizations began including the Farmstead on barn tours. It was during one such visit that a barn expert recommended that the Holums have the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To be deemed eligible for this designation, there is a long, detailed process of submission, but Jerry had never shied away from hard work to recognize the property's glory, so he was willing to put in the time and effort to have the John Wagner and Family Farmstead listed.

Its official listing on the National Register of Historic Places is a culmination of Jerry and Joanne's stewardship and care of the property, and it is a celebration of our country's agricultural history.

"The first time I saw this barn, I was blown away! As the past president of statewide and national barn preservation organizations, I have been to hundreds of barns, and when I think of quintessential Pennsylvania barns with great presence, proportions and ornamentation, this barn rises to the top of the list," said Jeff Marshall, President of Heritage Conservancy. "Heritage Conservancy is pleased to have played a part in its well-deserved recognition."

"I felt like I almost had a duty to have the Farmstead listed because of its many qualities of workmanship and history, the centerpiece being the barn. This chance for a listing would have passed if I had not made the effort. The Wagner Farm would have been forgotten in time," said Jerry Holum. "I think Jacob and John Wagner can now be assured that their farm has been recognized, heralded, saluted and memorialized."

We couldn't agree more.

Donations help Heritage Conservancy protect properties like this in your community. Please support the preservation of special places by clicking HERE to learn more and donate today!

About Heritage Conservancy
Heritage Conservancy's mission is to preserve and protect our natural and historic heritage. The organization has facilitated the preservation of over 15,000 acres of land, and it has produced over 40 successful nominations for historic districts and individual properties in this area to the National Register of Historic Places. Based in Doylestown, PA, Heritage Conservancy is committed to being the region's premier, nationally accredited conservator. The Conservancy is a community-based organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of significant open spaces, natural resources, and our historic heritage. A champion of conservation best practices, Heritage Conservancy believes that everyone is responsible for stewardship and seeks to enlighten, engage, and empower others to help achieve this mutual vision.

Media Contact:
Alexandra Dashkiwsky
Marketing and Communications Manager
Heritage Conservancy
adashkiwsky@heritageconservancy.org
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