UPDATE: LEWISBURG — Despite growing community support to save the Slifer House, its owner, RiverWoods, says demolition remains a strong possibility.
In response to the Joel Stoltzfus petition, the head of the RiverWoods campus reiterated their statement from last month. Aaron Barth, Executive Director of RiverWoods, said that while the likelihood of demolition is increasing, the organization remains open to alternative paths. He says they have made considerable efforts to explore options.
He emphasized that while historic preservation is a noble endeavor, it is not central to RiverWoods’ mission. Barth said the deaccession process was carried out with great respect for the home’s history, its connection to Union County, and the many people who cherished it.
He noted that artifacts were thoughtfully returned to families or entrusted to museums and historical societies. He repeated, anyone seeking to preserve the house by relocating it would need to secure funding, manage the transport, and have a long-term care plan in place.
EARLIER STORY:
Petition Launched to Save Historic Slifer House
LEWISBURG — A local man has launched a petition to stop the planned demolition of the Slifer House, a historic landmark overlooking River Road in Lewisburg.
Joel Stoltzfus said the mansion was built in 1861 and should be preserved.
Designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the house once belonged to Col. Eli Slifer and has served as a hospital, orphanage, and museum. The property owner, Asbury RiverWoods, recently closed the museum and plans to demolish the building unless it is moved.
Supporters are urging officials to preserve the structure and explore new uses, such as a community or cultural center. The petition is gaining momentum with dozens of recent signatures. For more information or to sign, visit change.org and search “Save the Slifer House.”
The post Owner: Slifer House Still Faces Demolition, Petition Drive Underway first appeared on Newsradio 1070 WKOK.
