Shelter House

The Shelter House is a two-story colonial log cabin with eight rooms built from oak and chestnut wood on the northern slope of South Mountain. The structure displays the traditional Germanic building methods with substantial wooden walls and a practical room layout.

Built in 1734 by German settlers from Pennsylvania, the house followed a medieval Germanic design tradition. A second story and a two-story addition were added in 1741 as the family's needs grew over time.

The name comes from the German word 'zufluchtshaus', meaning shelter house, which connects to the Pennsylvania German settlers who built their lives in this region during colonial times.

The house is located in Emmaus and open only by appointment, so visitors should arrange a visit in advance. Planning ahead ensures access to the property and makes for a better guided experience.

The walls are filled with a mixture of mud, straw, and horse hair between the logs, showing how colonial builders used local materials creatively. This filling technique was common in Germanic building traditions and provides a rare glimpse into period construction methods.

Location: Emmaus

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.53056,-75.48500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40