Two tollhouses remain popular stops
MENALLEN TWP. – Searight Tollhouse is one of only two tollhouses still in existence along the National Road in Pennsylvania, and it is a popular stop for those attending the annual National Road Festival. And the building itself – a seven-sided structure located on Route 40 between Uniontown and Brownsville – is enough to make people want to call.
“It’s a unique structure – the architecture,’ said Connie Kikta of the Fayette County Historical Society, which operates the tollhouse. “It’s a quaint-looking building. Most people are surprised to see it’s long inside.’
Searight Tollhouse was designed in 1835 by the Army Corps of Engineers and is a national historic landmark. It served as the home of a toll-keeper and his family. Tolls were collected along the National Road until the late 19th century.
The other tollhouse located along the National Road in Pennsylvania is Old Petersburg Toll House in Addison, Somerset County, which is operated by the Great Crossings Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is also open during the festival.
During the festival, Searight Tollhouse will be open for tours and the Treasures of the Pike sale on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mike Avera of Phillips, a local blacksmith, will demonstrate the craft using authentic tools during both days of the festival.
The historical society welcomes musician Sylvia Sleighter of Uniontown on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
“She’s been here the last couple of years. She’s very good,’ said Kikta. “One year, late in the day, a couple came from Alabama and she played ‘Oh, Susanna!’ for them. It really made their day.’
Folk art painter Joseph Brant of Uniontown will also be on site on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
And there will be plenty of tollhouse cookies to go around.