By the Side Of the Road Bed & Breakfast

Once a home to Well known Mennonite Bishop Peter Burkholder and his son & successor, Martin, who was the author of a Confession of Faith including a reflection on non-resistance which stated in part: “But in no wise do they (the Mennonites)thereby intend or wish to oppose the government, or rise up in rebellion against it; but on the contrary are well wishers to their country and all men, and holding the government to be an honorable institution, and an ordinance of God and without which no land or country could stand or subsist. Moreover, they are ready and willing, as loyal subjects to submit to and obey government in all things lawful, and that does not oppose the doctrine of Christ and the dictates of their conscience; and are willing duteously to pay tribute according to the doctrine of Christ. But when we are demanded to take up the sword, and go to war against our enemies and slay them, we think it our highest duty in this to obey God rather than man.” While a pacifist, Bishop Peter was courageous in his leadership, being the first to dare to preach in English to his predominantly German-speaking congregation.

During General Philip Henry Sheridan's devastating "burning of the Valley" in 1864 this once “pastoral” abode was transitioned to a make-shift Civil War Hospital. Because of it's interior brick walls, it survived three attempts by Sheridan's raiders to ignite the flame retardant locust wood foundation timbers and was served as shelter to soldiers and burned-out neighbors, as well. The nearby Lineweaver family farm folklore reveals that during the “hospital period”, soldiers would cross Possum Twist Hollow creek, dividing the two properties, and steal Mrs. Lineweaver's pies off her windowsill! John B.Wenger, who owned and occupied the house in 1864, is document to have been a Union sympathizer and one who could be counted on to provide a hiding place from the Confederates in our war-torn Valley. As one of the few large structures to survive the raid, the house was a natural refuge for the wounded and homeless.