PHILIPSBURG – Summer hours for tours of Philipsburg’s Old Mud Church (607 E. Presqueisle St.) and the John Henry Simler House (100 N. Second St.) were announced by the Philipsburg Historical Foundation.
Both of these historic properties will be open on Sundays, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., through Labor Day weekend, with the same hours in effect on Labor Day itself, Sept. 6, 2021.
“We have recently completed an extensive renovation at the John Henry Simler House,” says PHF Curator Luther Gette.
“And we look forward to showing it off, with some special events planned for the summer.
“John Henry Simler, one of Philipsburg’s first settlers in 1797, was a hero of the Revolutionary War, who came as a volunteer from France to fight in the decisive Battle of Yorktown in October 1781.
“This year marks the 240th anniversary of the battle that secured American Independence, and the special programs will feature John Henry Simler’s active participation in the conflict.”
“We also hope to have the old Mud Church (Union Church) in good shape for the 225th anniversary of the founding of Philipsburg next year,” Gette says.
“The roof on the church is over 35 years old, and there are various issues with signage on the building, and with deterioration of the Philips Family monument in the churchyard.”
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to open our Museum or Research Rooms in the Moshannon Building for regular hours,” Gette says.
“But anyone wishing to undertake research or a tour of the museum can arrange for special hours by calling 814-342-4842 or 814-321-8582.”