What's the history of: 94 1/2 East Avenue Wellsboro Pennsylvania

What's the History of: 94 1/2 East Ave, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

In the heart of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where the charm of history meets the present, there stands a house with a story waiting to be told. This story begins in 1857 when the house at 94 1/2 East Ave was built for a man named Laugher Bache—a name that carries with it the echoes of a pioneer spirit.

Laugher Bache was born in 1814, in his father's large two-story log house on Charles Street, right here in Wellsboro. His father, William Bache, Sr., was one of the early settlers who laid the foundations of this town. Interestingly, Laugher was named after his paternal grandmother, Bridget (Laugher) Bache, ensuring that the family's legacy would live on through him, even if he left no descendants of his own.

As Laugher grew up, the town of Wellsboro flourished around him. He became a prominent figure in the community, known not only for his involvement in the local lumber industry but also for his pursuits in law—though he never quite made it to the bar. By the time the 1860 census rolled around, Laugher listed his occupation simply as "Gentleman," a term that perhaps reflected both his standing in the community and his varied interests.

The house Laugher had built is a beautiful example of the Italianate style, a popular architectural trend of the mid-19th century characterized by its low-pitched roof, tall windows, and ornate detailing. It was a fitting residence for a man of Laugher's stature, but the house's story didn't end with him.

In the early 1900s, there was talk of transforming this elegant home into a "home for the aged." A postcard was even made to commemorate the idea, capturing the house in all its stately grandeur. However, despite the best of intentions, the plan never came to fruition. The house remained as it was, a quiet sentinel of a bygone era, its walls holding stories of a man who saw Wellsboro grow from a frontier settlement to a thriving community.

Laugher Bache passed away in 1891, and he was laid to rest in the Wellsboro Cemetery. He never married, and he had no children to carry on his name. Yet, his legacy endures through the home he left behind, a tangible piece of Wellsboro's history.

Today, 94 1/2 East Ave serves a new purpose as an apartment building, yet it still carries with it the rich history of its origins. The transformation from a grand Italianate home to a place of residence for many is a testament to the house's enduring presence in the community. Even as it adapts to modern needs, the echoes of Laugher Bache's life and the stories of Wellsboro's early days remain woven into its walls. It's a living piece of history, offering a unique blend of the past and present to those who now call it home.

As you walk by, take a moment to appreciate the history that lives within its walls—a history that continues to shape the character of Wellsboro, even as the years go by.

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