As part of a wave of upgrades, repairs and a general sprucing up of Summerseat, the gardens are undergoing renovation. Adam Hoops, father-in-law of Thomas Barclay, the first American Consul to serve the
U.S. abroad, built Summerseat in the early 1760s. It was home to the Barclay family and later Robert Morris and George Clymer, signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. It is the current home of the Historic Morrisville Society.
During the home’s early beginnings, it was host to many dignitaries of the day, including George Washington and Marquis De Lafayette. As with many grand homes of the period, gardens were a very important part of everyday life in colonial America. Gardens provided food for the table and livestock, in addition to medicines, herbs for cooking or to perfume the home and body, plants to keep pests at bay, to provide flowers for pollinators and for home decoration.
The newly renovated gardens on either side of the main, back door, entrance to the building, just off the driveway, have been designed to showcase many plants that would have been included in a colonial period garden. They include herbs, annuals, perennials, roses, hydrangeas, and native plants and shrubs with a green border of dwarf boxwoods. Stone path work within the beds is currently under installation, which will enhance the experience of the gardens and allow for ease of garden maintenance.
The work is being completed through donations and volunteer work under the direction of Morrisville resident Annie Milionis, a Penn State Master Gardener and Master Watershed Steward.
Plans are in the works for more improvements to the grounds, building and displays. Monetary donations, volunteers and new members are always welcome as part of the Historic Morrisville Society’s new Board Members’ vision for the property and Society.
Summerseat is open for tours the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. and by appointment on other days.
The building is also available to rent for events. Call Karen at 215-801-0753 to schedule a private tour, discuss and schedule your event, or to make a donation.
Come visit this historic Morrisville gem; take a tour, enjoy the new gardens, and be a part of Summerseat’s revitalization!