The Old Stone House off Route 8 in Brady Township has been there since 1822 and it is amazing that it is not only still standing, but that it is still being renovated to be preserved for future generations.

Slippery Rock University is replacing the house’s roof as the final step in the transfer of its management from the university to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Jennings Environmental Education Center. It’s not an inexpensive project, because the roof is shingled.

While it will be a modern renovation to the 19th century house, it’s a necessary project to make sure the structure remains sound. Once the house officially is under the management of the DCNR, hopefully it can become another destination for people at the park, whether they be local visitors or tourists.

The property and building have been operated by SRU on behalf of the state for more than 25 years. DCNR’s management of the property will help ensure future preservation of the historic structure as an attraction and space for programming.

The structure was already abandoned in 1918 and fell into disrepair, before the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy began to restore the Old Stone House in 1963 hoping to attract visitors.

The “house” has served many purposes over the years, from a home for a family to an inn to a Post Office and a muster point during the Civil War.

All of these uses have left the house as an interesting artifact in Butler County. It isn’t a singular piece — it served many needs that people in the region have had over the centuries.

It will probably take some time to hear about Jennings and the DCNR’s plans for the structure, but the fact that the Old Stone House will still be standing and operating for the near future is a good enough plan for now.

— ET