Franklin House

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More recently known as the Franklin House, the structure was located on the northeast corner of Main Street and West Street. (Approximate map Coordinates: 39.706737, -75.110807) The front of this building faced south, toward what is currently West Street. The back of the building faced north. This photograph is dated approximately 1928, and the camera used to capture this image was facing slightly northwest.

This plot of land was initially purchased by Solomon Stanger on September 23rd, 1779, as part of the approximately 200 acres that formed what later became Glassboro's town. After building his home and establishing his glass factory, Stanger successfully petitioned the county in 1781 to convert the family home into a public inn, which he operated for a couple of years.

Unfortunately, Solomon Stanger's success was short-lived. According to historian Edward H. Walton, in 1786, Stanger experienced financial difficulty due to a change in currency valuation by the national government. As a result, Stanger voluntarily sold his Inn and glassworks to Colonel Thomas Heston and Thomas Carpenter. Shortly after this purchase, Heston and Carpenter enlarged the Inn and then moved the structure slightly east a few years later. It is believed that 100 State Street includes a portion of Solomon Stanger's original Inn and Heston's addition (not confirmed).

Heston then built the new Heston Inn (or Tavern), a large two-story log cabin featuring a shingled roof, glass windows, and an overhanging roof similar to a modern carport. Historians Dr. Robert D. Bole and Edward H. Walton also mentioned that the structure had a large dining room and several rented rooms to travelers. Colonel Thomas Heston successfully owned and managed the Inn until he died in 1802. At this point, Heston's wife, Mrs. Hannah Clayton Heston, took control of the facility while also rearing eight young children. Some sources state that Thomas Carpenter assisted with the Inn; however, this has not been confirmed. Mrs. Heston successfully managed the Inn from 1802 to 1819 and owned the facility until she died in 1843.

In 1850, owner Thomas Paul moved the Heston log cabin, and in its place built a sizeable three-story sandstone building. The photograph above shows the original structure, with the 1908 addition of the three window wing on the building's right side. The sandstone building was demolished in 2003 (see photos below).

Over the last 230-years, this plot of land and subsequent buildings were a center point for community life and a beacon for Glassboro's growth. The site witnessed Glassboro's founding and was the approximate location of the town's first home. The site also served as a stagecoach stop, and across the street was the town's first Post Office. Most importantly, the site witnessed several inns and taverns. As a consequence, it was an important meeting spot for community leaders, local groups, migrant glass workers, and other travelers in need of a warm meal, spirits, and rest.

Owner William Davis named the Franklin House after his son Franklin Davis. After the father died in 1928, Franklin Davis changed the building's name to Franklin Inn. in 1971, the new owner, Dr. Frank A. Mattei, changed the name back to the Franklin House.