York Town Square

One of York, Pa.’s, Dempwolf architectural firm’s lasting designs is the Schmidt House, at Springettsbury Avenue and South George Street. The large, architecturally significant structure, is being converted into three condominiums. (See additional photo below.) Also of interest: Dempwolf windmill graced north bank of York’s Codorus Creek in 1870s and Fawn Township’s magnificent Centre Presbyterian Church worthy of a looksee and Dempwolf architects built York’s skyline, history.

Fellow blogger Scott Butcher is also president of Historic York Inc., promoter of this weekend’s three-day tribute to York, Pa.’s, Victorian-era Dempwolf architectural firm.
He sent out a long e-mail detailing this ‘Discovering Dempwolf’ weekend. Even if you’re not able to make it to any of the York-area tours of Dempwolf designed houses and other buildings, you’ll enjoy the insights Butcher puts forth about this famous firm.
His excerpted e-mail follows:

Mike Johnson is managing partner of the York Preservation Partners. His group plans to preserve as much of the Schmidt House’s architecture as possible.

The J.A. Dempwolf firm was the most prolific and successful architectural practice in York County history, designing over 500 buildings during the 50 years that John Augustus Dempwolf was at the helm. Landmark buildings like York’s Central Market House and Gettysburg College’s Glatfelter Hall were designed by J.A. and brother Reinhardt Dempwolf, along with a talented staff of young architects who learned the professional under Dempwolf’s tutelage.
As you may know, I have a passion for historic buildings and thus I’m personally excited about his year’s event. But this is also a very important event for Historic York. Like most non-profit organizations out there, HYI has had a tough year. We continue to provide preservation consulting services and operate the Architectural Warehouse retail store. We press forward with our mission of preservation through education, ownership of the historic Schultz House, and a current archeological dig to learn more about the property and possibly connect it with the Revolutionary War POW camp known as Camp Security. This event is the largest fundraising event we do, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time. We’ve re-energized our membership efforts, refocused our marketing, and taken a lot of exciting steps this year: but we’re also counting on this event to be a big success, because at the end of the day we have to think about the bottom line!
That stated, I’m sure that you’ll want to participate because it really is a cool event! The Discovering Dempwolf event has three components:
Discovering Dempwolf Reception
Friday, October 9, 2009
York County Heritage Trust, 250 East Market Street, York
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This is the opening reception for the weekend. Displays will include an exhibit on Dempwolf’s work as well as a display of the featured Dempwolf-designed properties that will be open later that weekend. Ken Frew, author of the upcoming book, Building Harrisburg, will speak briefly about Dempwolf’s influence in Harrisburg (did you know that he was the architect for the Pennsylvania Lunatic Hospital, aka state hospital, for over 20 years?), and I’ll speak about Dempwolf’s work in York and Adams counties (several prominent buildings on the campus of Gettysburg College and the Lutheran Seminary were designed by the Dempwolf firm). Appetizers, wine, beer, great company and a perfect location will make this a wonderful event. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling Historic York, Inc. at 717-843-0320.
Discovering Dempwolf Downtown Walking Tour
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Downtown York
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Architect Mark Shermeyer will lead a walking tour that features prominent Dempwolf-designed buildings in downtown York – department stores, town houses, office buildings, and more. Mark authored an often-referenced study of the Dempwolf Public Schools and is recognized as a local expert on the Dempwolf architectural practice. For more information and to reserve tickets, contact Historic York, Inc. at 717-843-0320.
Discovering Dempwolf Tour
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Greater York Area
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic York’s annual tour, this year dedicated to properties designed by the Dempwolf practice. Eleven unique buildings that feature a diverse array of architectural styles will be part of the tour. How cool is this year’s tour? How about J.A Dempwolf’s own house? Or the ever-popular Hahn Home? Or the mansion where John Philip Sousa co-wrote “The White Rose March” and “The Fairy of the Codorus”? Or the home of the man who created Martin Carriage Works, Guardian Trust, and left money to start the Martin Library? Or Dempwolf’s last major church – with a nave that was designed as an upside-down ship? Or even the grand Boxhill and formal European-inspired gardens?
This year’s properties include:
John C. Schmidt House
900 South George Street
Currently being renovated for condominiums
Hahn Home
863 South George Street
Kuhner Funeral Home
J.A. Dempwolf Residence
701 South George Street
Private Residence
C.C. Frick House (aka, “White House”)
100 West Springettsbury Avenue
Private Residence
Noss House
142 East Springettsbury Avenue
Private Residence
Bayler Residence
29 North Queen Street
Private offices
Nathan Lehmayer Property
34 North Queen Street
Attorneys’ offices
Milton D. Martin House
145 East Market Street
Attorneys’ offices
Prospect Hill Cemetery “Gatehouse”
700 North George Street
Cemetery Offices
Union Lutheran Church
408 West Market Street
Historic Church
Boxhill
1190 Regents’ Glen Blvd.
Regents’ Glen Country Club
Yesterday I had a chance to review the final draft of the event guidebook, and I think that it alone is worth the cost of admission! In addition to profiles of the eleven featured properties you’ll find a list of over 50 buildings in the region designed by the Dempwolf practice – so you can conduct your own Dempwolf driving tour anytime!
Tickets may be purchased / reserved by calling Historic York at 717-843-0320 or sending an e-mail to info@historicyork.org. Cost per ticket is $15, and they may also be purchased the day of the tour at Kuhner Funeral Home, 863 South George Street, or Boxhill, 1190 Regents’ Glen Blvd.
A discount combination ticket including the reception and Sunday tour is also available for a cost of $40 if purchased prior to October 1.