The former home of Dr. John A. Flood, earlier known as "The Hall," dates back to a grant made by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, to Bazillion Foster. The grant is dated September 6, 1682.

In October 1921, Dr. Flood purchased the property from the heirs of Augustus Schermerhorn. Dr. Flood made it his home for many years.

The present building was erected in 1765. The original clapboards are still in service and closely resemble in width and design the type which George Washington used in completing Mount Vernon.

While the house now faces South Main street the original design called for a front entrance facing the river. A large lawn now extends to the river in the rear. It is believed that a driveway must have existed at the former front entrance, but it has now been obliterated by the erection of adjoining properties.

Dowels, wooden spikes, were used throughout the house during its construction. The original hand rolled panes still exist in the colonial window frames, and the iron work which now graces the veranda facing Main street was first erected on the original entrance.

In 1844, the house was remodeled and expanded to its present size. Additions were made which included a new wing.

In 1951, Dr. Flood completely restored his home to its original state by removing all the improvements and innovations made during the previous 75 years. The original colonial design of the interior was restored. In keeping with this plan the house was then furnished with antiques from Bucks, Cambria and Blair counties.

In 1990, the Flood Property, as it is now called, was purchased by Louis and J.B. Cicalese. Mr. Cicalese, an attorney, has made every effort to maintain the aesthetic and historic nature of the house and the gardens while turning the property into an integral part of the New Hope community. Mr. Cicalese has his legal office in one of the cottages erected on the property by Dr. Flood. The balance of the property, including the main house, is a mixed use of high end retail stores, offices and galleries.

Related Articles
Remembering Dr. John A. Flood, The New Hope Gazette, 10 January 1980
Dr. John Flood, was mayor of New Hope, The Trenton Times, 3 January 1980
Early History of New Hope, on the website of NewHopePA.com
New Hope, Local History: Stories, People, Places, by Terry Burroughs.

FLOOD GENEALOGY