Lower Saucon Township Historical Society

PO Box 176, Hellertown, PA 18055

610-997-8683

Contact us by email.

On a deed, dated January 25, 1783, Benedict and Anna Mariah Lutz granted to Anthony Lerch, George Henry Ohnangst, George Lawbach and Edward Shimer, a certain lot of ground, containing about an acre, situated in Lower Saucon Township, for the use of a school. It is believed that this document was prepared prior to the Revolutionary War, in 1768.
fence pillar at the school
These residents of this rural farming community demonstrated a strong commitment to education by deeding this property for the sole use of providing a school for their children and the many generations of children to come. One-room schoolhouses in the 18th and 19th centuries served as a homes, meeting places, churches and schools.A schoolhouse existed on the property in 1768, that being the year Benedict Lutz deeded it to the Trustees
school before restoration
There is documentation that a second school house was built in 1826. The Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse that exists today displays a marker indicating the year 1880. The schoolhouse may have received an addition or was entirely rebuilt that year.

rebuilt 1890 stone

 A schoolhouse was in use on this property from the 1768 to 1958. That long span of years makes this site a significant part of Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township history.
school porch
 The schoolhouse is a good example of early educational architecture in the United States. The porch and cupola appear to be later Victorian additions. It is a stone 32-foot by 38 foot, one and a half story building with a basement.
school belltower

 
Ashlar stone

The stone is called Ashlar stone, which is obtained, from the local riverbeds. The pattern of the stones is indicative of fine artisan work.

stereoscopeoil lanternwooden shovelcrock

There is a large collection of artifacts from the Lutz-Franklin school collected by the Lower Saucon Township Historical Society. Desks, quill pens, books, early maps of the United States, photographs and many more items have been cataloged. The schoolhouse and its property are owned and maintained through a partnership between Lower Saucon Township and the Lower Saucon Historical Society.
flour and feed storeold school books
Wohlback boys and friends on wagon
The Wolhbach farm at harvest time October 1955. Shown are David, Leon and Dennis Wohlbach and Bobby and Tommy Stout.

Email us at lutzfranklin@verizon.net

Mission Statement
The Lower Saucon Township Historical Society is a registered Pennsylvania charity dedicated to restoration and preservation of the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse, located in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania. Upon the successful restoration of the schoolhouse, the Lower Saucon Township Historical Society will provide heritage education to school children and adults through the establishment of the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse Museum. The Museum will display artifacts (such as desks, maps, quill pens) used while the schoolhouse was in operation from 1880 to 1957. We will archive, maintain and display records and material documenting the early history of Lower Saucon Township. We will encourage school groups and other visitors to attend class and experience first hand a day in the Lutz Franklin School in 1880.

 

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