The Daily Item from Sunbury, Pennsylvania • 28

AGE 2 FRIDAY, FEB, 27, 1976 THE DAILY ITEM. SUNBURY, PA. Beck home in National Register of Historic Places However, there is evidence that it wad built at two different periods between 177: and 1781 This is indicated by the more advances 4 erosion of masonry and wood in the bacl section, the different levels of constructions and the 22 inch interior -stone walls wheri the more spacious front was joined. 1773 acquisition Jacob Doutler acquired the land fcxmf the "Honorable Thomas Perm and Johri Peno, Proprietaries and Governor! in Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania' on March 25, 1773. a i hi The terms of the indenture stipulate ttta Mr.

Doutler "erect thereon, within threi years, one substantial Dwelling house of thi Dimensions of 20 square feet, at least with a good Chimney of Brick or Stone. I SUNBURY The bone of His. Basse A. Beck at 62 N. Front St.

has recently been accepted for the National Register of Historic Places. In April 1975, it was included by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in its Inventory of Historical Places. In Ms application for registry with the National Trust, the Commission described tile significance of the structure as follows: "The Beck House is significant as an example of vernacular adaptation of architectural style, and also because a great deal of its interior is still Intact. The house is also one of the earliest dwellings in the Sunbury area and as such is an important artifact of the area's early history. "An integrated wfcote" "The builder of the bouse combined customary classical detailing' with his own design elements to create an integrated whole.

The geometric designs ia the stonework are highly unusual, probably unique. Such detail is extreme ly remarkable, particularly since the medium is ieldstone. The classical elements fanlight window, pilasters, corniceblend weH with the dressed stone to form a distinctive piece of vernacular architecture. "The interior is notable because it con- tains many original features which are still intact and in use. Flooring, interior woodwork, fireplaces and stairways are Until the discovery of a 1773 deed from the Perm it was generally accepted that the bouse was built in 1791.

This original indenture is in the possession of the present owner. The front of the building was completed in 179 by John Simpson, who held thi office of Register and Recorder of Norl tftumberland County from 1777 to 179. The bouse has been in the possession of the Beck family since 1915 when was acquired by George W. Beck, fathel of the late Basse A. Beck, general T' Ti li nn-Tiii manager of the Sunbury Daily Rem.

ON THE COVER The library of thf Bau Bock homo, 42 N. Front Sunt bury, thwt th onclojed Mokcas and 22-indi ston interior wall. DINING ROOM A phol of th dining room of tht Beck horn Include th kf-foshkmod door and th framed origin! inocntur (or th land on whkh th Bats Bock homo it built at il N. Fnxft Sunbury. IF t'- i t'.

1 4 A i. "II If i mt bHP'V I. 1 m--- i ri i i 'V tional Roalttor of HUtorlc Plaoo and in 17S waa included by th Pomwylvanl torical and Minaom Comminlon in rt Invontory of Historical Placet. BECK HOME Tht homo at Mn. BatM A Back, 41 N.

Front Sunbury. howt a window that wai convtrtvd from a doorway. Th hem hat boon acoopttd tor th Na.