Historic Shady Lane proudly boasts over 250 years of Pennsylvania and York County history. Established as part of an originally larger land parcel, Historic Shady Lane is now roughly 34 acres with original structures and landscaping features from three centuries. Now, as Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor wedding and events venue, Historic Shady Lane offers those from the local community and beyond to opportunity discover the historical significance of the estate, along with hosting their hosting special events and weddings on the property.
See below: Excerpt by North Eastern York County History in Preservation
Original Owner: James Smith, Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Historic Shady Lane was once part of a 210 acre patent to James Smith, York attorney and signer of the Declaration of Independence. By 1805, one half of this original patent came into ownership of Jacob Hake, wealthy farmer and distiller of Manchester Township. Hake built the main house on the property in 1825. The Hake family built a distillery above a spring-fed stream, which was essential for brewing whiskey and other spirits.
Green Acres: A Country Summer Estate
The estate passed through many hands, but none were arguably as great as its owner from 1905 to 1948. Frederick Small, a Yale graduate, York industrialist, and the developer of York’s Elmwood community, purchased the estate grounds and farmland. Mr. Small owned a mansion in York City and used the estate for his summer home where his family could entertain their vast network of friends. He’s credited with adding many of the fine architectural features and landscaping to entertain guest at his country estate.
A New Era: The Oerwood Nature Center
In 1948, after Mr. Small had passed, his estate sold to Carl H Oerman, a businessman who ran American Acme in Emigsville, for over $30,000. “Included in the reported purchase are a century-old 12 room residence and 33 surrounding acres on which there is a two and on half acre lake. The Colonial style stone residence is built on a hillside, with a ground floor level and three upper floors. Across the front and overlooking the gardens is a broad porch. The central hall has a Colonial stairway. On the first floor are a library and living room, both with fireplaces, a sun porch, dining room, and kitchen. There are a sleeping porch and four master bedrooms on the second floor, and four bedrooms on the third floor. on the ground level, a rumpus room opens to a terrace bordered by a brook. A barn with a five room apartment and a seven room caretakers house are included in the sale.”
In 1967, the Oerwood Nature Center was started on the property with several trails, nature museum and even a famous Braille Trail for the blind.
Historic Shady Lane is Now Pennsylvania’s Premier Out Wedding Venue
Since 2003, the estate has been preserved through The Farm and Natural Land Trust, alongside restoration efforts by Steve Kohr (Also see: Kohr and Sons Remodeling). They began with the 1825 farmhouse, now a private home with a wedding suite on the lower level. After several years, the 1790 distillery was fully refurbished to become a private residence. And now the Brownstone Cottage built in 1911 by Frederick Small for his spinster sister, serves as the Cottage, a beautiful wedding suite.
Today, the estate is enjoying a new era. From family to family and into its third century, Historic Shady Lane welcomes couples, along with their family, and friends to create their own history by hosting their wedding or private event onsite. The property expands across both Manchester and East Manchester townships.
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