Architecture Schenck House 1823

samuel schenck 1823 house - made local limestone , off centered front door

the exterior of schenck house in “pennsylvania german vernacular” (pgv) tradition pre-1830s due asymmetry of front door. noted “four on four” [four exterior bays on four] first used asymmetrical front entrance schenck house, , 1830s either pgv symmetrical (two matching doors) front entrance or english federal style single door central bay front entrance. green house example of vernacular style.

cooking in 1823 house have involved using fireplace , in case of schencks 10 plate stove , pipe. 5 plate stove or german jamb stove cast-iron free-standing stove developed in german speaking regions in 1550s a.d.. however, used heating sleeping , sitting areas of first floor of house. kitchen heated kitchen fireplace. once in america german immigrants developed 6 plate 6 plate stove (history) or closed stove cooked on 1740s. benjamin franklin inventor of coal burning stove in 1741, franklin stove. however, not free-standing , inserted fireplace.

items found in michael schenck s 1844 inventory relate food preparation included following: 1 ten plate stove & pipe, 1 kitchen cupboard & crockery, 1 table, settee (possibly pennsylvanian german style), elbow chair, ironware , hooks. inventory short , lacks personal items.

the inventory includes both ten plate stove allow enough space 2 pots , small oven. however, included ironware , hooks cooking on fireplace. in comparison susannah schenck lapp grew in schenck house , resided there husband john lapp in 1880s & 1890s. despite many changes in technology in 19th century, presence of lot of chains in kitchen may relate either still using fireplace cooking, or seasonal use when apple butter making in heavy kettles. following kitchen items inventoried @ schenck house , probated on march 15, 1895.

4 tables - $2.50
1 iron kettle - $1.00
a lot of chains - $0.50
2 brass kettles - $1.00
a lot of stone jars, jugs & butter - $0.25
3 oil cans - $0.50
1 churn - $0.25
1 scale , baking mould $0.50
1 copper kettle - $1.50
a lot of fruit jars/jams - $0.75
1 sink - $0.10
a lot of dishes, knives & forks - $0.50
1 coal stove - $2.00
1 bench - $0.10
1 old cupboard - $0.10
9 cans fruit - $0.45
6 old bags - $0.25
table spread - x




^ continental pennsylvania german house - phmc > pennsylvania agricultural history project . 
^ 4 on 4 house - phmc > pennsylvania agricultural history project .