Heller Homestead

Europeans from Germany and Switzerland began to settle in the Saucon creek area around 1730. The Lenni Lenape Indians, who lived in this area, called the creek "Sakunk" Which means "place of outlet" - where a small stream empties into a larger stream. One prominent family to settle the area was the Johan Cristoph Heller family, after whom Hellertown was named. Johan Cristoph and his wife , Veronica Lawall, had nine children. The third child of Johan Cristoph and Veronica Heller was Johan Michael Heller (more commonly known as Michael Heller). On July 30, 1751, he purchased 250 acres of land. The property lies to the west of Main Street in Hellertown, on both sides of the Saucon Creek. He built a large stone and barn. The main house and a "widow's house" still stand today. The archway entrance to the barn is standing and the stone has been saved to use in its reconstruction.

Michael Heller served in Colonel Anthony Lerch's Saucon Cavalry during the Indian War of 1756. They were the first body of armed men to reach the massacre of Moravians near Lehigh Gap. The Saucon Cavalry compelled the Indians to retreat to the mountains. Reconds show that Michael Heller took provisions to George Washington's troops at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War when merchants would no longer extend credit to the army. The Saucon Creek was a haven for many forms of plant and animal wildife, and a treasure of natural beauty. Today, the Heller Homestead is a public park. The Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to work in partership with governmental bodies, business groups and other concerned citizens to preserve and maintain the natural, architectural and historial environment of the Saucon Valley as an educational and recreational resource. The Heller Homestead Series, our educational speaker and exhibit program, is being enjoyed by an increasing number of people. The Widow's House is being restored and a gift shop of antiques, handmade pottery, and other collectibles is in operation there. The Main House is being enhanced. Our monthly meetings and social events, as well as meetings of other civic organizations are held in the house. The Homestead has been beautified with a walk-through grape arbor and two herb/flower gardens. Clearing of the landscape and researching historial plantings continues. The Saucon Valley Conservancy welcomes your membership. There are many ways in which you can help. Everyone has his or her own special talents, and all can be used. You will find helping to preserve and maintain this part of history a rewarding and enjoyable experience. To find out more information on the Heller Homestead or The Saucon Valley Conservancy, please visit their website.