York County residents hope to save the historic stone house

YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A line of supporters hoping to save historic Hoke House stretched out in front of the Spring Grove Municipal Building Monday.

“I’m sad for the community, sad that we are going to lose this building that made history. I refer to it as a witness house,” said Tracy Haper, executive director of the Spring Grove Area Historical Preservation Society.

This stone house has been an integral part of this community for over 250 years and originally served as a tavern.

“Where else can we give our children something that was here before our nation was formed? Where our ancestors probably discussed revolution. Where else can we find this? We won’t have it again if we tear it down,” said Spring Grove’s Shawn Carbaugh.

Rutter’s, which operates a gas station next door, owns the property and has applied for a permit to demolish the building.

“If a person appreciates history, they must appreciate facts,” said Christopher Reed, general counsel at Rutter’s Companies.

In 2014, Rutter’s general counsel said the company reached an agreement that gave preservationists three years to find someone to live in the apartment.

“In total, Rutter’s has allowed eight years for a tenant or alternative plan for the proposed building,” said Christopher Reed.

Other residents did not hold back.

“Why haven’t we said anything for seven years? Why now? Some of us weren’t here seven years ago or were very new to the area,” said Gabriela Calugar of Spring Grove. “But I know that Rutter’s terms are very difficult to achieve and to be successful.”

But a local resident says he may have found a solution.

“We have a relocation plan. I set up a company. We have a plot of land for the house itself. All we need from Rutter’s is the time and money for it. We’re not asking Rutter’s for money, but we have to go to a fundraiser to get the money,” said Spring Grove’s Seth Hildebrand.

Seth Hildebrand says the plan is to get the Rutters on board with the idea of ​​moving the building. The municipality has until February 17 to approve or deny the permit application.