Historic Pottstown Walking Tour

Local residents have long admired this beautiful mansion built in 1888 by Jacob Fegely, which since 1913 has served as the home of the B.P.O.E. Pottstown Lodge No. 814. This was not the first mansion on the site, however. The original structure belonged to a much esteemed native family, the Van Buskirks, their home having been said to have dated to the 1700's.

Dr. George Van Buskirk practiced medicine locally prior to the 1840's, with his son William A. following in his footsteps in 1846. William was an accomplished practitioner and much sought after. He and his wife Sarah lived in the mansion. William died in 1874 at the age of forty-nine; and in 1887, his widow sold the property to Jacob Fegely for $10,000. Jacob started in the coal business and later in hardware across High Street from this property. He was also president of the Iron Bank and owner of the Merchant's Hotel.

In June of 1887, while he and his son Calvin were demolishing the Van Buskirk Mansion, they uncovered three stove plates dating from 1863 with Colebrookdale Furnace on them. Construction of the new mansion at 61 High Street was completed by 1888. After Jacob died in 1901, other members of the family lived in the mansion for several years; but upon the death of his son Calvin in 1913, the estate sold the property to the Elks.

On November 26, 1902, at 8:00 pm., No. 814, Fraternal Order of Elks was instituted in the Odd Fellows Hall with thirty-six members. The first exalted ruler was A.H. Hendricks. The Elks first met at the Taylor Building at 254 High Street.
—David R. Kerns

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Pottstown, PA  |  Montgomery County  |  19464  |  Pennsylvania  |  United States of America

First Iron Bridge
The Shuler House
Reading Passenger Station
Weitzenkorn's Clothiers
The Security Trust Building
Pottstown Brewing Co.
The Pottstown News
St. Clair Mansion
The PECO Building
Freight Station - AAA East Penn

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.