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McConkey Ferry

Sitting at the edge of the Delaware River, this simple Bucks County fieldstone inn played one of the most significant roles in our country's history. As many of you know, it served as General Washington's headquarters prior to his crossing of the river on Christmas night 1776. The result was not only a military victory over the Hessian troops in Trenton, but even more important, it lifted the morale of the Americans which was at it lowest ebb during the war. With renewed spirit and captured supplies, it enabled the patriots to continue to Princeton and sustained them throughout their struggle.

Today we view McConkey's as part of this great event but its historical significance spans a longer period. The inn also was the beginning of what would become a river village that would serve the surrounding farming area and prosper from the river and later the Delaware Canal. Originally it was the site of a ferry crossing to New Jersey, established by Samuel Baker in the 18th century. A tavern was built in 1752 and sold to Samuel McConkey in 1774. 

 The Inn itself evolved and grew with the changing times. The inn we see today is actually three structures that were built in different time periods. Oldest is the west side of the building which would have had two rooms on the main floor and three bedrooms upstairs.

The room facing Route 532 was likely the public room where travelers would dine. The rear room would have served as a kitchen or hall for the innkeeper's family or an overnight traveler.

McConkey leased the Inn to James Brown who was probably the innkeeper on the Christmas evening when Washington dined.

The age of the original section has not been universally accepted. In 1859 in an interview with a Philadelphia newspaper, an elder Taylor recalled that a log house stood on the site in 1776. Edwin Brumbaugh, an architect who had worked on many historic structures including the Inn, also believed a log structure was on this site. (Any of you that have seen the film "The Crossing" might recall that the Inn is shown as a wood frame structure. Did Hollywood know something?)

McConkey's ownership was brief. In 1777 Benjamin Taylor purchased the Inn and it was expanded to serve as a temporary residence for his sons Mahlon and Bernard. Originally it was believed that he had added the second section, but recent evidence indicates that it was his son Mahlon who built it around 1810.

Mahlon used it as a store, office and residence while waiting for his permanent home across the road to be completed.

Brother Bernard and his family occupied the original section of the Inn. They were also constructing a home next door which today houses the Washington Crossing Inn. Mahlon duplicated the first building with no attempt to change the entry. He simply added another door. As in the original section, there were two rooms, front and back.

The new building had a dormer, and in the interest of symmetry, Mahlon added one to the original section as well. A few years later, he stuccoed the entire Inn in order to match the other neighboring buildings in what would become Taylorsville.

"The Upper Makefield Historian" - Donald I. Sparks

Over the span of time from June, 1987, through October, 1991, the Society distributed a series of six essays written by Donald I. Sparks, the ”Upper Makefield Historian.” 

Donald Sparks was a Dolington, Upper Makefield Township, resident for many years and served the Historical Society as an officer of the Board of Directors on several occasions.  His keen and inquisitive mind took him into unlimited areas of interest, not the least of which was the history of Upper Makefield.

The first of his writings discusses the geological formation of this area and the materials used for construction of the early homes.

The second tells the stories of Mary Tomlinson, who brought information to Washington as he planned his attack on Trenton, and Kate Dillon whose son was wounded in the Civil War.

Dolington as the cultural center of Upper Makefield  in the 1800’s  is the subject of his third essay.   The Meeting House existed then and the school house was built during this time.

Dolington’s history continues in his fourth article, picking up with the Dolington Hall Association in 1890.

These pamphlets were sent along with our earlier Newsletters from time to time.  No.3 was sent out over a year ago – and No.4 is enclosed with this Newsletter.

There are three more which will be sent out with future issues of the Newsletter.

Donald Sparks’ fifth essay deals with the planning, building and operation of the Delaware Canal.

His sixth essay (but seventh issue) tells the story of the ownership of his home.

The sixth issue of the series was prepared by Marybelle and Robert Eggert who were members of the Upper Makefield Historical Society for many years and served in various positions on the Board during that time.  They tell the story of their home, “Hayhurst” which was used by Major General John Sullivan  during the days leading up to General George Washington’s surprise attack on Trenton.

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Echo Farm

Upper Makefield Speaks .  .  .

                Bucks County Recollections

                        an oral history

In 1981 the Upper Makefield Historical Society published Volume I of “Upper Makefield Speaks” under the chairmanship of Jane Kearney, with the help of a hardworking committee composed of  Marcia Averre, Ruth Burton, Carolyn Ely, Midge Marshall and Peg Tuthill.  Many others who provided assistance in hundreds of ways are acknowledged in the opening pages of Volume I. 

Today, interviews continue with Janice Slack serving as chairman of the Oral History Committee and a new committee of volunteers transcribing and editing the many pages of information.  Janice has submitted the following excerpt from an interview with a long time resident of Upper Makefield Township, Elizabeth Wells, which will be included in “Upper Makefield Speaks, Volume II.”

Interviewer:   What is the name of your farm?

Mrs. Wells:   “Echo Farm”

Interviewer:    How did it get it’s name?

Mrs. Wells:   Well, my husband didn’t want his name on the mailbox, and in those days there were no numbers, but we did want some sort of identification.  While thinking about it, he remembered a story that he had read, concerning the one spot on our property where everything echoes back to you.  The story said that this little valley was where Washington’s troops kept their cattle for a food supply.  Because of the echo they were able to easily keep track of their whereabouts.  Thus, the name of the farm.

Echo  Farm was originally part of William Penn’s land – it was included in the Walking Purchase.  The John Knolls family is recorded as living here in 1731.  John was a farmer and a miller.  Stoneybrook, which runs through the property, was at one time known as Knolls Mill Road and the remains of the Knolls Mill can still be found along the brook .   .   .   .   .   .

Echo Farm is located at 436 Stoneybrook Road and is the home of Charles Wells, sculptor, and his family.  Elizabeth Wells, his mother, is now deceased.

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