History

Downtown Easton is rich in American History. Founded in 1752, Easton was an important military center during the Revolutionary War. Also, Easton, along with Philadelphia and Trenton, was one of the places the Declaration of Independence was read aloud in the public square.

The Colonial shares in this rich history. An old house, apparently originally all stone, possibly dating back from colonial times. Henry Spering, the Sheriff of Northampton County from 1791 – 1800, is listed as the owner of the patent on this land. However, other properties that also show Henry Spering as the property owner had been occupied earlier, and had been confiscated from Henry’s father (John Spering), a Tory, during the Revolutionary War and later returned to the Spering children. Accordingly, this property could well have been occupied earlier than Henry Spering’s time.

In about 1853, building owner Henry Werkheiser replaced the front of the stone building with the present brick wall. The top story has been remodeled in the 20th century from the attic that existed there previously.  The original stone house is probably much older than the 1850’s. Come see the “gun port” in the dining room restroom which was known to be used by solders to protect their post. This window in the second story facing the river has the appearance of a gun port, for defense against Indians. A large stone kiln is also located in the rear yard of the property.

In 1874 the property (together with the lots next door) were listed to R. Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson apparently lived in #136 with a Mr. Ramsay residing in #138. In 1880 and 1900, Mr. Ferguson, a carpenter, continued to live at #136, and other families lived at #138.

The building was used in the 1930’s and 1940’s as a grocery store and in 1919 as a confectionary. It has been The Colonial Pizza and Spaghetti House, An Easton Landmark, since 1947.

If you’re planning a visit to Easton, be sure to put the Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House on your list! With so many attractions, both new and historic, Easton is the perfect place to take a day trip or long weekend with your family. Visit the Crayola Factory, The Easton Farmers Market, The Sigal Museum, our riverside parks and more. Then stop by and see us for a delicious lunch or dinner… and only in Easton can you get the Colonial’s Famous Upside Down Pizza!