You can become a part of local and national history! The public often does not step in and rally to save one of Delaware's historic treasures until it is threatened with demolition. Here is your chance to go down in the history books BEFORE this home is endangered. Stonum, a National Historic Landmark property was once the country home of George Read, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Crown Attorney General, member of Delaware Assembly, Continental Congress, President of Delaware 1777, Judge of Admiralty, member of Constitutional Convention, U. S. Senator, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Delaware 1793. Although Read had a house on the Strand, Stonum was his country house which reached down to the Delaware River. Frequent flooding of this marshland requiring constant repair of embankments; he sold the land in 1789 . The oldest section which was the original kitchen dates to 1730 (left side on back of house). The 9th St. front probably dates to prior to 1769 and once offered a view of the River (now seen from 3rd floor windows). A front porch is seen in a c. 1910 photo, being replaced in the 1930's by the present with block pillars. In 1850 the section to the right side of the back was added. The Historic American Building Survey report from 1936 found noteworthy original features including corner fireplaces, detailed woodwork, elegant mantles, 1 1/2" red pine flooring, a exterior wooden cornice and 9 over 9 windows on the facade. At some point in the mid 20th century, 3 apartments were created inside the house and the 9' doorway from the 1730 to the 1769 section was blocked off, as was the doorway with fanlight window leading to the main staircase (recently re-opened). Small kitchens and baths remain in the front section on the 1st and 2nd floor.