History of the Dech House

The lands of the Dech House can be traced backed to the original Walking Purchase agreement between the William Penn Family and the native Lenape Indians in 1737. The land was initially part of a tract of 9400 acres which the Penns warranted in 1741. Over time, the lands were divided up and in 1790, John Hays was warranted 77 acres which was sold to William Hays on August 16th, 1802.

In 1816, Frederick Nagel had acquired the property. The 1860 Northampton County Map produced by the Hopkins Company confirms that the home was standing at this time.

By 1867, the home and lands were purchased by Solomon Dech, who owned several farms in Northampton County, a hotel in Catasauqua, and was a grain merchant in New York. The Dech Family was considered one of the prominent families in the County. In 1868, Solomon Dech moved to Allentown and later passed away in 1876. According to the Northampton County Atlas of 1874, Solomon Dech's Daughter - Ella, at 23 years of age, was the owner of the home.

Ella Dech later married John Stopp who was appointed the post-master of Allentown by President Harrison and served until 1893. They had three sons. Samual, Joseph, and John Franklin Stopp. Ella passed away on December 23rd, 1930, and the home, along with 118 acres of land, was sold to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1932.

This property would eventually be used by the Allentown State Hospital who would purchase over 800 hundred acres of farmland in Weaversville. These Farm Colonies were recognized for producing potatoes and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The farm had a herd of registered Holstein dairy cattle, as well as beef, hogs, and poultry. At one point, the farm produced over a million gallons of milk, supplying the needs of other state institutions.

In 1938, the construction of a Dormitory alongside the Dech House began. As many as 18 patients lived in the House until the completion of the Dormitory in 1941. During the construction, the General State Authority graded the grounds, added pavements, stairs, and created the engraved step which stands to this day honoring the Dech legacy. The home was later occupied by staff members of the Farm.


Architectural Details

The home's construction most likely took place between 1816 and 1825 by Frederick Nagel and his wife Margaret. They had eight children. This Colonial two-story five-bay wide house is constructed of local limestone with a center hall floorplan. The home exhibits Georgian characteristics including a side-gabled roof and windows with 12 over 8 double-hung sashes. The side wing of the home suggests it may have been an addition added prior to 1934.

By 1980, the farming operations came to a halt and the farm closed. In 2017, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania transferred ownership to East Allen Township. The Dech House has remained empty for nearly 43 years.