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Scroll down to take the photo tour
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Photos copyright 2003, Ray Hester, Naamans Heritage
Association and |
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1905 |
1936 |
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1955 |
1960s |
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2002 |
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Summary of the House's History The c.1723 Robinson House, located just yards below the Pennsylvania state line on the "Kings Highway" of the Revolutionary War period, has had a most illustrious past, including visits by Generals George Washington, Lafayette, "Mad" Anthony Wayne (a relative of Mrs. Robinson), "Light Horse" Harry Lee, and many members of the Continental Congress (meeting 20 miles up the highway in Philadelphia). They visited for refreshment & friendship as they traversed the Highway and Caesar Rodney changed horses there as he rode to Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. In the 1900's the Robinson House was home to several Howard Pyle art students, 1912-1917. From 1914 until the late 1960's, as The Naamans Tea House, it was a favorite restaurant and place to host an event. The State of Delaware acquired the house in 1976 and did some renovations. The Naamans Kill Questers were "caretakers" of the house until July of 2002. In September, 2002, the Claymont Historical Society signed a lease with the State to become the caretakers, assisted by the Darley Society and the Naamans Heritage Association. |
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Future of the House Jointly, the Societies plan to preserve the house for future generations to enjoy, to make it available to the greater community as a Claymont Museum, a Felix Darley mini-library & exhibit, or a place to "just stop by" for a cup of tea. The Societies host interpretive tours of the house's past, conduct programs about history, and offer "entertainment" programs & dinners reminiscent of the Tea House days. The House is also available for organizations and groups to rent for meetings and events. For the Societies to succeed, they need members, whose dues can assist with the operating costs. Membership information may be reviewed by clicking this link: xxxxx ("coming soon") |
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Click on a photo to view larger image
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The rear of the house, |
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Come, in; let us show you around ! |
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Click on a photo to view larger image
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| Upon entering, you are in the
Colonel Robinson Foyer (photo on the left). (Photo Credit, John Lewis Architectural Photography, Newark, Delaware) |
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Turn left and
you are in the Washington Parlor ... THE
feature of the house. Generals Washington, Lafayette, Lee, and Wayne
met in this room at least once together; likely many more times
separately. While some renovations were made over the years, this part
of the house is 280 years old: 1723. |
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To
the right of the foyer is the Lafayette Room. Originally two rooms, it
now is one big double room, set as a front parlor with fireplace and dining room to the rear. |
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The table was donated to the Questers by the 2nd Robinson family (c. 1907-1935) |
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Note the paneling ... this is typical of 1700's Colonial Homes |
Second Floor Room
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Behind the scenes office space under the eaves
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Display cases donated by the Claymont Business Owners Association |
Files donated by Rep. Wayne & Lisa Smith |
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A computer system was donated by SIGNSCAPE of Claymont |
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Now, let's go outdoors to the Block House
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Block House is building at left; small building in center is Spring House |
Inside the Block House |
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| Block House Fireplace | ||
The Block House was reportedly constructed c.1654 by early Swedish settlers to defend against Indians ... but in 1976 doubt was placed on that ... it "may" have been built at the time of the house (c.1723). We hope that our research will tell us. The house consists of a one room first and second level. The lower level has a large cooking fireplace. The upstairs (not shown here) is a single room where the cook lived. Herbert Moore, a Howard Pyle art student, also lived here in the early 1900's. The room is in great condition. |
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Thanks for taking the tour!
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