Friends of the Thomas Leiper House is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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The Thomas Leiper Estate—also known as Avondale—is a rare and significant example of a nearly intact 18th-century estate associated with the manufacturing activities of Thomas Leiper’s tobacco snuff and quarrying businesses in Nether Providence Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The House and surrounding buildings are located on part of the traditional territory of the Lenni Lenape called Lenapehoking.

Built around 1785 and originally named Strath Haven after Leiper’s birthplace in Strathaven, Scotland, it was the summer home of Thomas and Elizabeth Coultas Gray Leiper and their large family. Thomas Leiper was a prominent mill owner, tobacconist, quarry operator, inventor, soldier, and politician who was active in patriotic causes during the American Revolution. The Leipers had 13 children, ten of whom survived past childhood.

The property includes a three-story yellow-stuccoed mansion along with several outbuildings, including an outhouse, smokehouse, and a vault­—considered the first private bank in America.

In 1963, the estate faced demolition to make way for the proposed Midcounty Expressway (the “Blue Route”). In response, several residents formed Historic Delaware County, Inc. to oppose the plan. They urged Nether Providence Township to acquire the mansion and its dependencies, pledging to restore, furnish, and open it to the public. Although the original owners sold the property to a developer before the plan could proceed, the group successfully presented their vision to the new owner, who agreed in December 1973 to sell the parcel to the Township.

Today, the Friends of the Leiper House maintain the property and an archive of material relating to the Leiper family and offer guided tours on weekends from April through December.

The Friends of the Leiper House recognizes the diverse needs of its visitors and strives to create a fun, engaging experience for everyone. Please keep in mind that the property is hilly, and entry to the house is via historic stone steps. If you have any questions or need assistance planning your visit, please email us in advance.