Finally: July 27 Barn raising at the Nicholas Stoltzfus House
Since the ceremonial groundbreaking, May 9, 2008, supporters of the preservation have asked, “when?”
It took the zeal of Alberta Stolfus, inviting friends to the Stoltzfus Restaurant in Intercourse
on her 90th birthday, to reach the goal David Esh, builder, had set to take the first step.
Actual excavation began on May 10 in time for footers to be laid before the May 14 auction this year. May 30 the Borough of Wyomissing extended approval allowing a barn raising which is set for July 27. Several details for the fire alarm system are being resolved.
Volunteers helping with the barn should call David Esh at 717-951-0166. Work begins at 8:00 AM, Wednesday, July 27. Food will be available and the public is invited. The Stoltzfus House will be open for visitors.
Alberta and her late husband Jerome from Kansas attended Flying Farmers conventions, including one held in Wyomissing at which time they were accompanied by then historian Abner Beiler to see the Stoltzfus House. Alberta descends from the Union County Deacon Christian Stoltzfus. Her grandfather condensed the spelling to Stolfus because his business partner couldn’t handle the “tz”.
Many contributors and volunteer help enable this first step. To complete the barn, including the caretaker apartment and the heritage room, will require more donations of time, materials, and funds. Vivian Beiler, treasurer, can be contacted at 243 W Fulton, New Holland, PA 17557.