The Lands at Hillside Farms, a Traditional Gentlemen's Estate

This splendid 400 acre estate was the home of the Conyngham Family. William Conyngham, a Wilkes-Barre coal broker, joined the ranks of the Captains of Industry by fueling much of America's Industrial Revolution. The property was purchased from Joseph Harter of Trucksville in 1881 and developed into a traditional Gentleman's Farm . It is the goal of the newly formed non-profit organization, The Lands at Hillside Farms, to restore this unique agricultural property to its original Gilded Age grandeur.

The preservation of The Lands at Hillside Farms offers our community a unique opportunity to preserve local history, nineteenth century architecture, economic and geographic heritage that may never be duplicated again. The transformation will result in an invaluable educational resource... a place with community-driven purpose.

Traditional Gentleman's Farms were gracious estates with sprawling pasture lands and diverse topography, characterized by rolling fields, gentle hills and steep ravines. These sites were used as places of retreat and contemplation for the wealthy. Traditionally, the property was chosen for its agricultural attributes and scenic beauty. The Conyngham Estate reflects the best of what is included in a Gentleman's Farm of the late 1800's.

The Conynghams' "camp-style" Cottage was the focal point of the farm. Large estate homes were built on sites that captured the key views of the property. The long curvy driveway was typical and provided any visitors with an aesthetically pleasing approach to the main house. The family played host to many of the area's social elite at summer and holiday celebrations. The Lands at Hillside Farms hopes to restore the cottage into a Bed & Breakfast Inn.

Stone walls surround the property. A traditional Colonial Revival Garden was situated on the property next to the greenhouses. At its height, the garden had geometrically arranged flower beds designed to evoke "an old fashion feeling". Large ornamental urns, seating areas and reading nooks would have adorned the formal space

Walking and horseback riding were acceptable forms of activity for a gentleman of the day. Nature trails were designed to emphasize the presence of leisure time. Pedestrian paths were available to explore the entire property. Formal paths could be found nearer to the main house. Swimming was a popular pastime. The Conynghams built a concrete swimming pool that can be seen across from the dairy store.

The property was dotted with orchards, vegetable gardens and berry patches . Various specimens of flowers and trees, both functional and decorative were numerous throughout the property. The greenhouses original function was to provide flower cuttings to decorate the main house. Gazebos and arbors offered places of solitude.

Various attached and free standing barns were included. This farm was a center of agricultural excellence and home to award winning Clydesdales & Belgian draft horses, Dorset Sheep, Berkshire hogs, and dairy herds of registered Holsteins-Friesian & Milking Shorthorn cattle. Hillside Farms continues with the family tradition of dairy production that has produced regionally famous milk and ice cream since 1977. The Dairy Store has plans to expand with a line of natural products, as well as a Cafe featuring natural ingredients on its menu selections.

The plan also includes a "Living History Museum" on the farm area known as Springbrook Farm, located at the corner of Hillside and Chase Road.

The project is a monumental undertaking. The Lands at Hillside is a community minded endeavor that will need community involvement. Volunteers are welcomed. You can be a part of the Back Mountain's future.

This article on a Gentlemen's Estate was written by volunteer Maryann Storz in May of 2007. Maryanne is the former chairperson of the History Department, Dallas Area School District and is an active Volunteer and member of the History Committee at The Lands at Hillside Farms.