Hearts in the Highlands is ending the year with a look backward. Because the Highlands neighborhood experienced a residential building “heyday” coinciding with the development of Penn State, many “centenarians+” reside in the Highlands. Not humans, but homes.
Just as humans change as they grow older…some altering their appearances and life’s missions, residences built 100-plus years ago have also changed.
Homes have expanded in size. Homes have repurposed themselves from residential to commercial. One home even changed location (built in 1866 and moved by horse and wagon at the turn of the 20th century).
If you are interested in learning more about the Highlands Historic District, check out the walking tour available for download.
Also, look for a future Hearts in the Highlands article about Stevenson Fletcher who built his Highlands home in 1917. The home remained in his family until 2002 when another family purchased it, renovated it and hopes also to “keep it in the family.”
Thanks to all our neighbors (fraternities, residents, and business owners) who keep up these beautiful homes. A particular shout out to Sharon Herlocher who provided interesting information for this post.
Have fun identifying the homes photographed below. If this photo essay of eleven centenarians piques your curiosity and you want to share photos of other Highlands 100-plus homes, please send photos to peg.hambrick@gmail.com.
