125 East Lemon Street Lancaster, PA
Home builder Jacob B. Swartzwelder and wife Margaret E. Swartzwelder built this townhouse ca. 1874 for their family’s residence. Mr. Swartzwelder also owned a planing mill that produced woodwork for houses. He built many homes in the Lancaster area, and was a member of city council.
The Swartzwelders constructed their home in a Second Empire style. The balustrade above the porch is a rare survivor. Similar porch balustrades were frequently removed in the 20th century to reduce maintenance. The house also features a concave mansard roof and a bracketed cornice.