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327 East Main Street |
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The private residence at 327 East Main Street was constructed in 1895 by the Kreider family for Lydia Shenk Kreider (1857-1935) and her husband, Henry S. Kettering (1851-1902). |
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The following information about Lydia Kreider is drawn from pages 328-329 of the Biographical Annals of Lebanon County and pages 45-48 of Installment 8 of The History of the Kreider Family from the Pen of Rev. J.G. Francis (June 16, 1919). Among its fascinations are the number of relatives who lived within a block of each other on East Main Street in Annville. Lydia's great-great grandfather came to Pennsylvania from Switzerland with several of his brothers. Her great-grandfather, Henry Kreider, was born south of Lebanon, as was her grandfather, Jacob Kreider. Jacob married Mary Stauffer, daughter of Abraham Stauffer, of a prominent family of Lancaster county. Nine children were born to them as follows: Elizabeth, David, Joseph, Michael, Nancy, Susan, Kate, Mary, and Lydia. David Kreider (1803-1871), the father of Henry, was born about two and one-half miles southwest of the city of Lebanon. David had ten children who lived to adulthood, having five children with each of two wives. His first wife, Sarah (Henry) Kreider (1808-1851), was born in Palmyra. Their children were as follows: Andrew Kreider, who lived from July 18, 1828 to July 1916 (see 244 East Main Street); David, born December 11, 1832; Henry H., who lived from September 30, 1835 - August 19, 1916 (see 304 and 308 East Main Street); Maria ("Mary"), born on June 4, 1838, married Abraham M. Brightbill; and Joseph H., born January 23, 1841. David Kreider's second wife was Magdalena Shenk, who was born in Dauphin county. The children of this union were: Elizabeth Shenk Kreider, born August 25, 1855; Daniel Shenk Kreider, who lived from October 17, 1856 - July 7, 1893; Lydia Shenk Kreider, who lived from 1857-1935; the wife of Henry Kettering; Annie, born November 18, 1858; and Aaron Shenk Kreider., born June 26, 1863. |
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Lydia and Henry Kettering had three children. Their third child, Violet M. Kettering (1898-1991), was born at 327 East Main and received the home upon her marriage to Elliott V. Nagle, Sr. (1895-1992) in 1923.
Mr. Nagle served as the postmaster of Lebanon. Violet, a well-loved artist, was active in civic and cultural community endeavors. The Nagles raised two children in the home: Violet M. Nagle, born in 1924, and Elliott V. Nagle, born in 1928... a namesake for each! The senior Nagles enjoyed the house until 1986.
The home then passed to the care of JoAnn and Rick Smith, who meticulously maintained and restored the property.
In 2004 Crystal and Scott Aungst acquired the home, updating the premises while maintaining its historical integrity and beauty. The interior of the 5,100 square-foot home is graced by the original woodwork from the renowned Saylor Lumber Company of Annville, including entry doors with stained glass transoms, pocket doors, and a grand staircase. Several original chandeliers--once gas and oil, now electrical -- are featured in the home.
On the first floor one encounters several spectacular rooms with 11-foot ceilings: a formal library, complete with fireplace and 3000 books; a billiard room; a sun room overlooking the gardens; the music room, home to the player grand piano; and a formal dining room with built-in china cabinets. A full stone basement supplements the lower level. |
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The second and third floors are rounded out with bedrooms, a study, and an artist's room. The Aungsts developed the third floor into private living quarters, complete with a bath, walk-in closets, and study areas. Although modernized, the kitchen and three baths on these floors still reflect the original integrity of the home.
The rear yard is graced with patios and porches and a circular wrought-iron stairway, as well as a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, a badminton court and a short chipping hole for golf. Landscaping and a circular driveway compliment the original barn and carriage house cornering Lebanon Street, which has been converted into a garage, workshop, and "play room." |
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Swimming pool and gardens behind 327 E. Main |
