The Thomas Maull House
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- The Thomas Maull House
| The Thomas Maull House - Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| HSP Category | Building |
| Period | 1730-1740 |
| HSP Style | Dutch outside and English |
| Builder | Samuel Paynter |
| Construction | Wood and shingles |
| No. Stories | 2 |
| Original Use | Private residence |
| Present Use | Chapter meeting house |
Historical Significance:
The Thomas Maull House is one of the oldest houses in Lewes. It was built around 1739. In the foundation can be seen ballast stones brought to this new country in the hold of ships. Samuel Paynter, a carpenter, built the house and in 1741 sold it to Luke Shields, Sr., a Delaware Bay and River Pilot. This was known as Pilottowan because so many river pilots lived here. John Maull lived next door and died in 1753. Luke Shields married his widow and the Maull children grew up here. Maull ownership did not occur until 1836 when the grandson of John Maull, Thomas S. Maull, took possession. From 1836 to 1959 Maulls occupied this house.
Designations:
- National Register of Historical Places
- State Historical Commission
- City Landmark
Historic Marker:
- Marker Organization: Delaware Public Archives
- Marker Date: 2002
- Marker Text: This house is believed to have been built by Samuel Paynter, a carpenter who purchased this property in 1737. Following its completion, the house and surrounding land was sold in 1741 to Luke Shields, a prominent bay and river pilot. The close proximity of the bay and safe harbor of nearby Lewes Creek made this a prime location for those who practiced the competitive piloting profession. This section of Lewes, then some distance from the village, was known as Pilot Town, reflecting the occupation of its residents. The property was purchased by Thomas S. Maull in 1836. The house was expanded with the addition of the present rear wing circa 1890, and it remained in the possession of the Maull family until 1957. It was obtained by the Colonel David Hall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in 1962. The Maull House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Funded By:
This house is funded by the Lydia Chidster DuPont Fund and the Chapter fundraising efforts.
Information for the Visitors:
What you need to know if interested in visiting this destination:
- Condition of Property: Preserve
- Open to the Public? Yes
- Public Fee: Free
- Public Hours: On request and at Christmas time.
- Is it Family Friendly? Yes
- Lodging? No
- Brochure available? Yes
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