MERCER BROWN HOUSE

This is an exemplary, positively dated example of a colonial-era southeastern Pennsylvania domestic building form that diffused into portions of northern Maryland. Indicative of Quaker Plain style architecture, it is characterized by its rare pent roof and eaves; brickwork in glazed-header, diamond- and lozenge-patterns; and datestone with owners Mercer and Hannah Brown’s initials. A number of bricks are likewise inscribed with the initials of seven individuals significant to the Quaker community who assisted Mercer Brown in its construction, including clockmaker Benjamin Chandlee and cabinetmaker Hezekiah Rowles. During the early nineteenth century, a two-story frame addition was made by Amassa Churchman, the husband of Mercer’s granddaughter, to whom the house had passed. A V-notched, single-story log barn built by Mercer’s son in 1786 was later appended to the rear of the frame section.

The house was built on one of the Nottingham Lots that included the East Nottingham Friends Meeting House, the house of well-known Quaker minister John Churchman (1745, 1785; 115 Churchman Lane), and the William and Elizabeth Knight House (1745; 668 Little New York Road). Together they are among the most important eighteenth-century buildings in the county, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and adherence to Plain style precepts. Likewise, the adjacent village of Calvert includes among others the noteworthy Federal brick house built for Quaker merchant Elisha Kirk (c. 1810; 1212 Calvert Road) and the former Cross Keys Tavern (1744, c. 1800–1820; 1221 Calvert).