Pittsburgh Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA)

"Burtner House endures to see 175th anniversary
By Kelly B. Casey
Allegheny County nearly lost the home of one its pioneers in 1970 to make room for a highway.
Today, the restored Burtner House in Natrona Heights gives travelers along Route 28 a passing glimpse of a bygone era.On Saturday, the Burtner House celebrates its survival with festivities marking its 175th anniversary.
"There aren't too many 175-year-old restored houses in the greater Pittsburgh area," said Jennifer Barczykowski, publicity chairwoman of the Burtner House Restoration Society.
"Visitors will have the opportunity to tour this authentic house of the Burtner family, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to touring the house and learning a bit of local history, there will be various crafts, food and events for people to enjoy."
Philip Burtner, who owned a gristmill on nearby Bull Creek, completed the house in 1821 for him and his wife, Margaret Negley.
The solid three-story stone house, the oldest in Natrona Heights, was the home of several generations of Burtners until the 1960s.
Between 1824 and 1864, the house served as the local polling station. In the last election held there, area residents cast votes for incumbent President Abraham Lincoln, who won a second term. Plans for the area's first school were discussed there by local heads of households.
"The Burtner Stone House represents the sweat of brow and the toil of determination of our pioneer farmers," wrote Vera Burtner Ferree in a booklet written to mark the house's 150th anniversary. Ferree is the great-great-granddaughter of Philip Burtner.
By 1970, the house had fallen into a dilapidated state and the Pennsylvania Department of Highways had plans to demolish it to make way for the Allegheny Valley Expressway. Two years later, residents were able to ensure its survival by having it designated a historic landmark.
The homestead has been restored to its former glory, with refurbished front and back porches, a summer kitchen, shed and springhouse. Money was raised for the project by members of the Burtner House Restoration Society and proceeds from yearly festivals.
Each room is furnished with authentic period items, including some owned by the Burtners.
- Saturday's anniversary celebration will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission fee is $1 for adults, 50 cents for children. Tours, historical demonstrations and displays and horse and buggy rides are planned; food and crafts will be sold. Proceeds benefit the upkeep of the house.
For more information, contact Jennifer Barczykowski in the evenings at 226-2970."