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.
Below is a list of known names of the facility and the owners and operators.
- Stanger Inn: Solomon Stanger (Owner/operator 1781 to 1786)
- Andrew Crawford (Heston's militia friend; Managed, 1799 to 1801)
- Terrance Levi Campbell (Heston's Glassworks bookkeeper; operate both the Tavern and the company store; date not clear, possibly from 1801 to 1802)
- Black Horse Inn: Mrs. Hannah Clayton Heston (Managed 1802 to 1819; Owned the building till her death in 1843. Mrs. Heston took control of the facility and business while rearing eight young children. Her daughter, Mary Paul was caretaker of the building until 1843.)
- Eniger Whittney (Managed, 1817 to 1819)
- Edward Middleton (Rented, 1819 to 1822)
- Friendship Tavern; Johnson Beckett (Operator, 1822 to 1824)
- William Pickels (Operator, 1824 to 1832)
- Mary Wood (Operator, 1832 to 1836)
- Mary Paul (Daughter of Colonel Thomas Heston and Hannah Clayton Heston) (Owner, Innkeeper; 1836 to 1843)
- Thomas Whitney (Owner, 1843; for only a few hours, quickly resold)
- Paul's Hotel: Thomas Paul (Hannah Clayton Heston son-in-law) (Owner, 1843 to 1872)
- Bismark House: John H. Coles (Owner, Innkeeper, 1872 to 1875)
- Jesse Reeves (Owner and manager, 1875 to 1907)
- Franklin House: William Davis (1907 -1928) ( At the death of William Davis the facility was passed down to son Franklin William Davis)
- Franklin Inn: Franklin William Davis (1928-19??)
- Franklin House: Dr. Frank A. Mattei ( 1971 to 2003)
Additional Franklin House Images
“Old Home Day” Celebration at the Franklin House, 1913 1908 Franklin Inn