Visitors seeking a profound journey into regional heritage are invited to experience The Hermitage, a unique spiritual center nestled in rural Eldred Township, Pennsylvania. This annual open house offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the vibrant Mahantongo Valley history, showcasing authentic structures and artifacts that transport attendees back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a living history experience designed to illuminate the daily lives of early Pennsylvania pioneers and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
A highlight of the event is the meticulously preserved Haas Post Office and General Store, a remarkable relic from 1884 that The Hermitage acquired locally. Stepping inside, guests will discover an array of period-accurate items, from antique canned goods and spices to a coffee mill and a flour barrel. Curated to reflect a genuine establishment of over a century ago, the store also features an original ledger, a testament to the proprietor’s role in assisting often-illiterate local farmers, providing an intimate glimpse into historical commerce.
Another significant stop on the tour is the former Pitman Church School, a quintessential one-room schoolhouse where generations of local children, and even some adults, received their education. Historical records, including a 1924 school picture, reveal surnames like Hepler, Stehr, and Morgan, families whose descendants continue to thrive in the Mahantongo Valley today. Co-founder Johannes Zinzendorf offers fascinating insights into the era’s educational landscape, including the initial reluctance of local German families to embrace state-mandated public education due to the new concept of taxes funding schools.
Adding to the immersive experience, Zephram de Colebi guides visitors through the 1757 Gemeinehaus, or community house, where he has meticulously curated an exhibit of vintage women’s costumes. De Colebi eloquently details the dramatic shifts in fashion, particularly highlighting the transformative period from pre-World War I styles to the revolutionary flapper culture of the 1920s, underscoring how social movements profoundly influenced attire and personal expression.
The extensive 64-acre property also hosts the Mahantongo Heritage Center, a barn thoughtfully converted into a comprehensive collection of regional artifacts. This center houses an impressive display of area furniture, pottery, and historic photographs, alongside other antique items, collectively illustrating the ingenuity and artistry of past generations. It serves as a vital repository for the material culture of the Mahantongo Valley.
At its core, The Hermitage operates as a spiritual center, deeply rooted in a Harmonist society. This community is loosely inspired by the Moravian traditions from which its founders, Zephram de Colebi and Johannes Zinzendorf, diverged in Bethlehem. Their profound mission revolves around fostering harmony and a profound union with the earth and its spirit, a philosophy that has guided their stewardship of the property since their settlement in the late 1980s.
This annual open house not only presents a fascinating historical showcase but also embodies a dedication to historic preservation and cultural understanding. It’s an opportunity to connect with the authentic spirit of the region’s past, offering a unique and educational living history adventure for all ages. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and witness the compelling narrative of the Mahantongo Valley come alive at The Hermitage.
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