Rescued Structures

Kolb House (circa 1804)

During the brutal winter of 2002-2003, the Rescue Team braved the elements and saved this significant house located in Rahns, PA. We would like to personally thank Gary Skyrm of Boyertown, PA who was kind enough to donate this structure to the Foundation and to David Erb Contractors for their patience during the dismantling process. Working under less than ideal conditions, the Rescue Team carefully dismantled, documented and tagged the building. The main structure was originally built in 1804, with a later addition put on soon after in 1806. A summer kitchen with a beehive oven was added on the rear of the house sometime later. An even later Victorian portion was added off the front of the 1806 side of the building. Our primary goal was to save the original 1804 portion of the building and retain as many of its original features as possible.

A Bible Cupboard was located in the "Great Room", typical to early Germanic homes in this area- although not many extant examples still remain. We also discovered decorative paint treatments on the walls in this room. Another great feature was the beautiful fireplace mantle that remained in the upstairs bedroom. The bedroom also had terrific exposed quarter-sawn oak beams in the ceiling. During the dismantling process we even stumbled on some early coins that were hidden behind the baseboards. Our big finds included a 1806 half penny along with two 1826 large cents and an Indian Head penny dated 1881.

Kolb House (1804 portion) & Springhouse/Smokehouse- January 2003.


Kolb Bible cupboard- Unfortunately, this wonderful piece was stolen one night by antique thieves. Shame on you!


1804 date plaque from gable end of house.


An example of the decorative paint treatment located near the bible cupboard.


Fireplace from Bedroom in Kolb House.


Coins found during the dismantling process.

Back to Rescued Structures