Friends of Historic Colonel Hooper House Assembles To Save Easton’s Oldest Home

At the corner of 5th and Northampton streets in Easton, PA stands the city’s oldest residence: the Colonel Hooper House. Despite carrying historical significance that dates back to the 18th century—American Revolutionary War Colonel Robert Lettis Hooper Jr. once lived there—the building has been unoccupied for decades and is succumbing to neglect. But a small-yet-mighty group, called Friends of Historic Colonel Hooper House, is determined to intercede and save this relic of Pennsylvania history.

Officially formed on July 30, 2023 by Christopher Santos, Brooke Mitman, Eugene Lattig, Samuel Santos and Attorney Robert Rust Esq, Friends of Historic Colonel Hooper House’s goal is to restore the building and ultimately open it to the public as a venue for education, cultural tourism and hospitality. 

“[The Colonel Hooper House] will serve to educate the community as to the history of the property and its influence upon the city of Easton and the region in general. This is significant with respect to our colonial history and the American Revolution,” Santos said. “We are newly forming, but I am proud to walk with those who are attaching themselves to this project and have embraced the vision of Brooke Mitman as she spearheads the program.”

This is not the first time that a rescue attempt for the historic residence has been made. 

“The Colonel Hooper house has sat for many years, and we have tried to facilitate its restoration time and time again. We have realized that this undertaking is larger than anticipated and requires people with greater expertise,” Santos said. 

According to the group, the first step is to conduct a feasibility study for the project. Then, Friends of Historic Colonel Hooper House will begin community outreach and public service in order to raise awareness about the house and the importance of saving it. The members are passionate, but there is a long way to go before the historic Colonel Hooper House can be fully reopened as a functional Easton destination.

“We have a dream, but one of the challenges is raising the finances to carry out the mission of the organization,” Santos said. “Another great challenge is changing the negative public opinion concerning the property sitting for so many years.”

To support Friends of Historic Colonel Hooper House and contribute to the restoration of this historic building, please contact Humanitarian Social Innovations or visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTk4MTI1