The House is unique because so much of the original fabric has survived. The 1696 brick portion was built by Thomas Massey as an addition to the existing log or frame house. In 1731 his son, Mordecai, replaced the log or frame house with a stone section. During the restoration, evidence of a walk-in-fireplace and beehive oven was discovered. These features have been reconstructed and are in use today.Thomas Massey was born in the village of Marpoole (Marple) in Cheshire, England. Arriving in America at the age of twenty Thomas disembarked at Chester as an indentured servant to Francis Stanfield. Thomas fulfilled his indenture and received the promised 50 acres of ground from his master and 50 acres from William Penn. Arriving with Thomas on the “Endeavor” was a thirteen year old girl, Phebe Taylor, who came with her mother and seven siblings to join their father, Robert. In 1692 Thomas Massey married Phebe Taylor – he was twenty nine, she was twenty two.
America at the age of twenty Thomas disembarked at Chester as an indentured servant to Francis Stanfield. Thomas fulfilled his indenture and received the promised 50 acres of ground from his master and 50 acres from William Penn.
By 1696 Thomas had purchased three hundred acres of land and established his “plantation” in Marple Township.
In 1964 the Massey House was on the verge of demolition when a descendant, Lawrence M.C. Smith bought the house and one acre of ground, and gave it to the Township of Marple for restoration. Restoration was to be completed in ten years. Although the “plantation” is now only one acre, gardens of the period are maintained.
The Massey House is now furnished with appropriate late 17th and 18th century furniture.
Tours and Hours
Sunday from May through October between 1pm and 4pm with the exception of holiday weekends or by appointment.
For more information, call 610-353-3644, or visit thomasmasseyhouse.org/