Slifer House

Eli Slifer was born in Chester County in 1818. He was the third son of Abram and Mary Coulter Slifer. The family moved to Union County, during which time Mrs. Slifer died and Abram remarried. In 1831, Eli lost his father and stepmother, and was sent back to Chester County.

He returned to Lewisburg at age 16 and was an apprentice to a hat maker, but soon turned to the canal boats of the Susquehanna River. While working this trade he became acquainted with the Frick family, including Catherine who later became his wife, and William, who became his business partner in a canal boat building venture. Ultimately, he formed a successful company that manufactured farm equipment and machinery.

As his businesses prospered, Eli’s political interests grew. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from 1850 to 1851 and as a state senator from 1852 to 1854. In 1855, he was elected Treasurer of the Commonwealth; a second term beginning in 1860 was interrupted when Governor Andrew Curtin asked him to serve as Secretary of the Commonwealth for the duration of the Civil War.

During the early days of the war, a country home was completed on a property known as Delta Place, on the outskirts of Lewisburg. This remarkable Tuscan-style mansion was designed by eminent Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, and was featured in Godey’s Lady’s Book, a popular magazine of the day.

Eli lived in the house until his death in 1888, and his family continued to live there until 1908. The house was purchased by Dr. and Mrs. Lamont Ross, who in turn sold it to the Evangelical Association in 1916. The Evangelicals regarded the house as a perfect location for a home for the aged. Dormitory wings were added to the building, and in 1926, the Evangelical Hospital was founded within the confines of the structure. An orphanage was constructed on the property in 1921, and in time, residential and nursing care apartments were constructed, as well as a skilled care facility. Thus the complex now known as RiverWoods was begun.

Today, the museum is owned by Albright Care Services, and is overseen by a voluntary Advisory Board. It is staffed in part by residents of the retirement home community.

The Museum relies on public contributions, membership monies and donations of appropriate furnishings to continue its dual goals of preservation and education. We hope you will consider joining the Museum as a member. Please call (570) 524-2245 or e-mail us for information regarding membership or donation of items. You may also fill out this PDF or apply online for memberships.

Donations

Donation Levels:

Front Porch Society: $1.00 to 24.00
Drawing Room Society: $25.00 to $99.00
Master Bedroom Society: $100.00 to 249.00
Cupola Society: $250.00 to $1000.00

Donations are accepted securely through PayPal.

Admission Fees

Adults: $6.00
Seniors (60 years or more): $5.00
Children ages 10-16: $3.00
Members and Children under age 10: Free

Hours

Regular Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 1-4pm (April 16 – December 31)
Winter Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1-4pm (January 1 – April 15)

To learn more about the Slifer House, contact us by e-mail or call (570) 524-2245.