In 1846, Samuel E. Dimmick moved to Honesdale to practice law with his cousin William H. Dimmick and begin a distinguished career of public service. He purchased a home at the corner of 9th and Court streets in 1859, but three years later it was destroyed by fire and replaced by a three-story brick home for about $40,000. After the deaths of Samuel Dimmick and his wife, the heir sold it to Elias Stanton in 1883 for $7,000. In 1902, Stanton’s heirs sold it to John Kuhbach, manager of the Irving Cliff Brewery. In 1919, the Wayne County Memorial Association bought the building for $10,000, and after extensive remodeling, the hospital (shown above) opened on September 29, 1920. After 25 years, the hospital outgrew the Dimmick House and moved to its new building; the brick structure became the home of the Honesdale Gospel Tabernacle for 40 years, finally being sold to Wayne County for $395,000. On May 2, 1997, the Samuel E. Dimmick House was rededicated as an office annex to the historic Wayne County Courthouse.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, PA, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday beginning April 16. For more information see WayneHistoryPA.org or call 570/253-3240.