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            This Georgian-style house has evolved over the years with additions and modifications made by each generation who lived here.  The front entrance opens into the oldest portion of the house, with four rooms (two rooms on the first floor and two rooms on the second floor) leading off the side hall and the staircase.  This oldest section of the house is distinguished by the original paneled fireplace surrounds, dentil crown molding and corner cupboard.

            Around 1840 an addition to the home included two more rooms downstairs and three more rooms upstairs.  The house’s original stand-alone, one-story kitchen was dismantled, and it is thought the lean-to kitchen attached to the northern-most end of the house was constructed.    As was the common practice in early America, more space was added to accommodate subsequent generations of the family.

            Very few frame houses of this type and age exist today, and there are several notable features of the hallway, including a five-light transom above the door and a closet under the stairs.  At one time, the closet area may have contained a wash basin and linens.  The doors in the hallway are original and several still have hardware from the 18th century.  The half-turn stairway leads up to the second floor of the original section of the house.

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            Although the house is owned by Ewing Township, the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society protects and preserves the house and the many historic documents, photographs and artifacts from Ewing Township’s history in this beautiful setting.  The building also serves as a great location for the Society’s historic lectures, events, and other programs.  The Benjamin Temple House is open to the public and researchers Wednesdays 10-2, first Sundays of the month from 2-4, and by appointment.  Call ahead to confirm open hours.