Details
Creator Taylor, Frank H. (Frank Hamilton), 1846-1927
Title Delaware's Oldest Homestead and Block House
Date ca. 1922
Description Two-part composition of the oldest buildings in Delaware, just over the state line. The top part of the image shows the homestead of Col. Thomas Robinson, while the lower part shows a Swedish block-house built in 1654.
Notes About one mile to the southward of Marcus Hook and just beyond the Delaware State line, where Naaman's Creek is bridged, stands the homestead of Col. Thomas Robinson, an officer of the Revolution, who was born here. Still older, and upon the same property, is a Swedish block-house, a defensive refuge built in 1654 by John Ridsing, Lieutenant Governor under Printz. The soldiers of four successive nations have swarmed around this little structure and at least once it was captured by Indian assailants. Colonel Robinson worked a grist mill upon the creek and there is preserved one of the old mill stones, which was buried at the instance of Washington by General Harry Lee during the Revolution to prevent its use by the British. There is a suggestion of Mount Vernon in the design of the mansion, which is kept in excellent repair and contains much of the original furniture. It is conducted as a tea house by Mrs. Edna A. Robinson. Lately (in 1917) the property has been purchased by the Worth Steel Company. It is hoped that the old structures, soon to be environed by great industries, will be saved from destruction.
Taylor Catalog Number: 133
Is part of Frank H. Taylor Collection
Identifier Taylor - Case 4-11 [2717.F]