Forgotten Seasons | The Homestead | Joanna's Well | Ressler Mill | Tradesman's Dwelling | Winwick

David and Jenna Goodling
255 Strasburg Pike
Lancaster

Case Study: The Homestead

David Goodling and Jenna Hershey purchased “The Homestead” in July 1997 just before their marriage. Both had grown up in contemporary homes, but wanted to start their lives together in an older home with open land. Jenna, a Certified Massage Therapist, was impressed with the long driveway, front porch, enclosed back porch and ample closets. She also saw the potential, beneath the overgrown mature landscaping, for trimmed well-cared-for shrubs and a bountiful garden.

David was impressed with the original features of the house, unspoiled by tasteless renovations commonly inflicted on 19th century farmhouses in the sixties and seventies. A two-car garage, summer kitchen and spacious attic were also appealing to the couple. However, David, an electrical engineer, noted structural problems such as outdated wiring, malfunctioning plumbing and bouncy floors. Despite these conditions the house had all the amenities they were looking for. They purchased the house and with the help of family and friends much of the repair work was accomplished before they moved into the home in October 1997.

The Goodlings share the home with their dog, Niki, and two cats. They continue to make appropriate upgrades but are sensitive to historical accuracy and preservation. Both are graduates of the house history course offered by the Lancaster County Historical Society. The basic research techniques they learned in the course helped them develop the history of “The Homestead”.