Historical Photo Location Revealed: Jacob Vogdes House

Last week, we mentioned that there was something different about the historical photo challenge. Here it is: This was the first historical photo—in our series, that is—of a building in Willistown.

Thanks to our two commenters last week—jay and Version—for weighing in. Their confidence notwithstanding, their assertions that it was the old Three Tuns Tavern at Route 352 and West King Road are incorrect.

In fact, it's the Jacob Vogdes House located on Providence Road in Willistown, not far from Willistown Conservation Trust. The building was constructed in 1795, and the undated image was pulled from the Library of Congress, which has a few other images, including interior shots.

An 1866 real estate listing found in an Department of Interior historical narrative (PDF) for the property shows that real estate salesmanship was already a refined science at the time. Replace "natural fertility" with "high-speed internet wiring" and it's not far off from something you'd see today:

The well known character of this property for general conveniences natural fertility and high state of productiveness, together with its proximity to schools, post office, mills and places of worship, and its location in one of the most agreeable neighborhoods in the county, have justly secured for it the reputation of being one of the most desirable farms, for either grazing or dairy purposes, in Chester county.

Thanks to everyone who read and guessed last week!