We’ve reached the end of this re-created tour of Presidential Neighbors, a self-directed walking tour brought to the community by the Lancaster Township Historical Commission in 2009. And a fitting stop it is for our conclusion of this tour. When Peter T. Watt built his incredible, 9,320 sq. ft. home in 1896 on the prominent northeast corner of the intersection of Marietta and North President Avenues, he most definitely was using the new edifice to promote the Watt and Shand Department Store. Similarly, the architect of Roslyn, C. Emlen Urban, used this magnificent structure as a beacon to attract new clients to his own design professional career. "Roslyn" was presented by Mr. Watt to his wife, Laura, on her birthday and members of the Watt family remained in ownership of the home for over 70 years. 

A fascinating book was published recently which offers many details about the Watt family. Nancy Groff, a descendant of Peter Watt, published “Watt & Shand: East, West, Hame’s Best” in 2022. It’s a charming compendium of the history of her forebears, the history of the famous department store, and unique descriptions of Roslyn itself. The iconic phrase in the book’s title comes from the letters carved into the mantel above one of the many fireplaces in the home. This specific location in the foyer just inside the porte-cochère is quite apt, as it reminds those traveling that no matter how far away you roam, there’s simply no place like home.

Another book, “Urban Legend”, was produced just last year by Gregg Scott, FAIA, who partnered with a team of researchers, local photographer Matthew Tennison, and the talented staff of Fig Industries. This book lovingly displays and explains the career of C. Emlen Urban, with astoundingly attractive images. Out of hundreds of completed architectural designs over Urban’s career, roughly thirty projects are highlighted in the book. It should be no surprise that Roslyn and its impressive Chateauesque architectural features are prominently included in the book. (See sidebar).

The 2009 tour description for Roslyn characterized the interior of Roslyn as being “one of the finest and most elaborate of any circa 1890-1910 period mansions in south-central Pennsylvania.” These treasures were indeed saved and restored by the current owners Gaspare Pollizzi and Barbara O’Neill. As a fundraiser for the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, the interior was made available to see during a special event last summer.

On a personal note, I must express my admiration for the way in which the house was restored and slightly remodeled not only for the owner’s enjoyment but out of sheer affirmation of the value of the architectural accomplishment that is Roslyn. Peter Watt had his commercially driven reasons to celebrate the success of his business to the community by creating such a magnificent residential showpiece. But, Gaspare and Barbara did what they did because it was needed and so that they could, during their time, enjoy the creation that they lovingly preserved for the future.

The house tour in September of 2023 was a wondrous event with special tours and designated photo opportunities for the visitors. Gaspare and Barbara not only acted as the tour guides but also provided a floor-by-floor description of all the rooms (see page XX).

Roslyn is on the National Register of Historic Places and was listed on the Lancaster County Historical Sites Register in 1992 as “Significance Level I”.