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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Harshberger Log Cabin - Brown's Farm

You are looking at a painting done of old Elmer Brown's log cabin by Helen Price. She was a founding member of Allied Artists. And anyone that went to Bheam School, she was a friend of old Miss Paul (who looked like Lady Elaine) - my first art teacher who was also a member of that group.
This picture is hanging on the wall down at JAHA. Price painted a whole series of old log cabins thru out the area. This picture gives a great snapshot view at the lay of the land in and around the site.

The cabin was built in the early 1800's by William Harshberger - a free black man who brought his family over the mountain from Lancaster County and settled up Laurel Hill. If you look on the left hand side of the cabin (behind the tree) - that addition was called "The Ballroom". In the early days (before 1840) this was a stage coach stop on the way thru to Ohio. The family says that George Washington danced in that ballroom and I believe them. I think both sides of their family knew Washington (for a lot of different reasons).
Unfortuately the cabin burnt to the ground in the 1970's - a case of arson.
If you know anyone that has any pictures from up at Brown's - please let me know: cacicia@hotmail.com.
For even more information on Brown's click HERE.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I have a Helen Price that I got from my mother, who grew up on Edgehill Drive. Her mother, Helen Leppert, was a good friend of Helen Price. I've always wanted to find out more about her. Thanks for the post. The painting is of a rural scene, not sure if it is this cabin.