Reflecting on these living links to by-gone days reminds us of the countless treasures of our national heritage and the contributions made by generations who have gone before us.  In that spirit, we want to share with you a bit of history on "ye ole stone house":

John A. Swineford was born in 1758 to German immigrant Albright Swineford and his wife Margaret. John eventually left the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, area when he grew up and settled in Snyder County. Seeing the region as having great potential for development, Swineford purchased a large tract of land, including the "Stone House" property, north of Middle Creek near the site of an early Indian settlement.

In 1800, John had his land surveyed and laid out the town of Swinefordstettle (Swinefordtown). "The Stone House" property, where he built an impressive residence, was designated as lot number one on the town map. Years later the town was renamed Middleburg because of its central location in the county. Middleburg is the county seat of Snyder County, Pennsylvania.

John died in 1810 and the property passed to his son, Albright Swineford, who owned it for 40 years. He and his wife, Mary, then conveyed the home to D. W. Pellman and his wife, Matilda.

The landmark known widely and simply as the Stone House continues to grace the old main road in town. Steve bought the Stone House in l986. He spent the first year working to get it to the point where he could move into it. Steve and Noreen continue to restore the house to its original condition.