Erwin-Stover House
Welcome Center
Erwin-Stover House is the Welcome Center for the Tinicum Township region of the Route 113 Heritage Corridor Tour.
Bucks County's rural landscape has mostly come and gone, but this architectural landmark and its surrounds recall a time and place in our past. In 1810 William Erwin built a farmhouse on a large parcel of land he had acquired after serving in the Revolutionary War in the town of Erwinna. (It was named after William Erwin's father, Arthur, who owned about 2,000 acres in the township.) The original Federal-style, five-room house features an imposing entrance hall and staircase. Fine architectural features and period antiques highlight the house tour, should you be so inclined.
The Erwin homestead remained in the family until 1849 when Henry S. Stover, one of several Stovers in the area who flourished in the gristmill and sawmill industries, purchased the farm. Prosperity enabled Stover to construct a substantial barn and double the size of the house. In time his son Jacob expanded the residence even further. Tenant farmers often rented or shared the spacious house with the Stovers. Jacob's son John J., last of the Stover millers, helped modernize the community. He produced and sold electricity generated by his mill and established the area's first telephone service.
John J. Stover left another important legacy to Bucks County. He donated the historic Erwin-Stover house, barn and 126 acres, which in 1957 became Tinicum Park, the county's first public park. So much to do in the park! Come use the ball fields, playground, pavilions and picnic area. Plan a day of hiking, boating and fishing; reserve a campsite for an overnight stay. Keep your eye on the park's calendar to time your visit with the festivals, concerts and other special events that make Tinicum a fun-filled destination for all.
