Not only is Thornhurst Township a beautiful place to live—with an abundance of running streams and forested land—but it also has a long and rich history that dates back to 1878. However, it might surprise you to know that the actual name of the township was originally Lehigh Township and didn’t actually take the name Thornhurst Township until 1996 to distinguish this township from one of the same name in neighboring Wayne County.

Lumbering was the major industry, but one of its by-products contributed greatly to another burgeoning industry: The tanning of animal hides.

The first tanneries were erected and owned by the noted speculator and railroad manipulator Jay Gould. As Gould observed the thriving local lumber industry, he noticed that the bark was simply being discarded. He paid locals for the hemlock bark and used it for tanning animal hides. Being an opportunist, he used the Lehigh River as a source for power and as a place to soak his hides.

While Gould’s tanneries and the lumbering businesses that fed them have long since vanished, the beautiful woods and river that fed them remain, and continue to be what draws people to the area.

Instead of coming for commerce, however, people are drawn by attractions such as the Pinchot Train— a 23-mile loop through the Lackawanna State Forest. It’s a challenging and excitingly beautiful trail for backpack campers and hikers, with a scenic overlook of expansive forests, a path sheltered by hemlocks next to a gurgling creek, and bog areas containing plants that are generally not common in Pennsylvania.

Others will enjoy golf at the Thornhurst Country Club Estates Golf Course. The public can enjoy a round or two at this picturesque 9-hole course. In addition, residents enjoy running, fishing, bike riding, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Thornhurst Township is one of the communities in which Liberty Homes builds custom homes. Click here to take a look at some of the floor plan options available to you. And keep in mind, we can adjust these floor plans to meet your needs whether than involves changing the room size, modifying window placement, increasing ceiling height, adding additional space, or whatever else you need to make your new home just right for you!

Photo courtesy of www.thornhursttwp.com