The Glick–Sower House is a historic residential building located in Union Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1990.
Overview Constructed circa 1820, the Glick–Sower House stands as a notable example of early 19th-century domestic architecture in rural Pennsylvania. The house is recognized for its architectural integrity and its historical association with the early settlement and development of the region. It embodies the building practices and living conditions prevalent during its period of construction, serving as a tangible link to the area's pioneer heritage and contributing to the preservation of local history.
Etymology/Origin The house derives its name from the Glick and Sower families, who were prominent early owners or occupants associated with the property and its surrounding land. Its location in Union Township, Jefferson County, places it within a region that experienced significant settlement and agricultural development in the early 19th century. The construction date of approximately 1820 situates the house among the older surviving structures in the county, reflecting the broader patterns of westward expansion and the establishment of communities in western Pennsylvania.
Characteristics
- Architectural Style: The Glick–Sower House is generally characterized as a vernacular farmhouse of the early 19th century. While it may incorporate elements reminiscent of Federal-period design, its primary defining feature is its adaptation to local building traditions, available materials, and the practical needs of a rural dwelling.
- Construction: The original core of the house is believed to have been constructed of logs, a common and practical building method for early settlers in the region. Over time, the log structure was clad with wood siding, altering its exterior appearance but preserving its historic framework. The house typically features a simple, rectangular plan, often two stories in height, consistent with common rural residential architecture of the era.
- NRHP Listing: The Glick–Sower House was formally added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1990. This designation acknowledges its significance for its architecture and its contribution to understanding the historical development of its locality and the wider region.
Related Topics
- National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): The official list maintained by the U.S. federal government of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural significance.
- Vernacular Architecture: Architectural styles that are traditional to a specific region or period, built using local materials and adapted to local needs without the direct influence of academically trained architects.
- History of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania: The broader historical context encompassing the settlement patterns, economic evolution, and cultural development of the county where the house is located.
- Historic Preservation: The endeavor to identify, protect, and maintain sites and structures of historical and architectural significance for future generations.