The Thomas Janney Historic Agricultural District, locally referred to as Patterson Farm, was recently nominated for a spot in the National Register of Historic Places, writes Dino Ciliberti for Patch. 

The three-century-old farm spans 234 acres and houses the Janney Brown Yardley Farmstead and the Bayley Satterthwaite Doan Farmstead, surrounded by historic farm lanes, streams, and ponds. 

Before it was acquired by Lower Makefield Township to preserve its landscape and resources, it was privately owned by Tom and Alice Patterson, for whom the farm is named. 

Fourteen buildings remain on the property, along with additional objects and structures dating back to the 17th century. 

The property’s resources show the evolution of farming in the area, with the Pennsylvania bank barns, agricultural buildings, and traditional farmhouses illustrating a change in farming practices.  

“The Thomas Janney Historic Agricultural District represents more than three centuries of continuous farming,” said Matthew Ross, chairman of the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors. “The land has never been lost to development and still reflects agricultural patterns established by early Quaker settlers.” 

The nomination will be reviewed by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office before being sent to the National Park Service for consideration. 

Read more about Patterson Farm and its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places in Patch.  

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