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A Spirit of Entrepreneurship - The Hertzler House

The Daniel Hertzler Home, located in the historic George Rogers Clark Park, was built in 1854-1855. Daniel Hertzler was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. As a Mennonite, he believed in hard work and displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. It was these characteristics that led him to Clark County, where he established the first private bank and a sawmill at the mouth of Buck Creek. Hertzler designed his home with a similar practicality.

With a simple but elegant beauty, the Hertzler Home was an unusual building for its time in many ways. The general practice of this era was to have a separate facility for cooking, due to the risk of fire. But Mr. Hertzler had his kitchen attached to the living quarters of the home. He also constructed an attached "spring-house," which brought running water for indoor use. With a Bank style influence, the home has several other interesting features including eight porches, and many large windows that allow fresh air and sunlight to saturate every room. The home is full of antique treasures including a weaving loom, period furniture and clothing, many of which actually belonged to the Hertzler family.

Mr. Hertzler died in 1867, and upon his death, his estate was valued at over $300,000. Mrs. Hertzler continued to live in the home until her death in 1872, surviving all but three of the couple’s ten children. Today, the Hertzler House Advisory Committee operates the home as a museum and offers tours by appointment. While touring the home, visitors can enjoy the beautiful views, lake, and picnic areas on the grounds of George Rogers Clark Park.

For more information on tours of the historic Hertzler House Museum, call 937-882-6000.