By the late 19th century, anthracite coal from northeastern Pennsylvania was fueling much of the Industrial Revolution. Captains of industry, including Wilkes-Barre coal broker William L. Conyngham, were making their fortunes. In 1881 Mr. Conyngham purchased 100 acres from Joseph Harter of Trucksville, the foundation for a grand 400-acre summer and agricultural estate known as Hillside Farms.

A unique expression of this Gilded Age, Hillsides elegant Camp-Style cottage and Heritage Gardens hosted many of society's elite. The farm was a center of agricultural excellence and home of award-winning Clydesdale & Belgian draft horses, Dorset sheep, Berkshire hogs, and dairy herds of registered Holstein-Friesian & Milking Shorthorn cattle. The farm has produced regionally famous Hillside milk & ice cream at the on-site dairy store since 1977.