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Lancaster Township’s School Lane Hills community developed from the streetcar.  At the turn of the 20th century Lancaster City and the township had laid tracks west along Marietta Avenue and south along President Avenue, thus opening the way for homes to be built along what had earlier been sleepy country roads dotted by farms and a couple of large estates (notably Wheatland and the Steinman home). 

Construction began in earnest as the 2nd quarter of the century dawned.  The School Lane Hills Inc. group formed and began purchasing tracts of land around 1926 and began developing building lots along President Avenue, Race Avenue, Wheatland Avenue, Woods Avenue and further west up Marietta Avenue.  This organization continued until recently with property transactions.  Most notable was that the styles of the homes varied widely and reflected the eclectic architectural tastes of the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Wandering the streets of School Lane Hills, the traveler will encounter mostly “revival” style homes.  Colonial, English & French Tudor, Georgian and even Gothic Revival lives here, largely untouched by intervening years.  Since most early residents were affluent members of Lancaster society, size was no object and some homes truly qualify as estates.  However, by and large the lot sizes are subdued, rarely over an acre.  Carriage houses can be found still in operation as studios, apartments or garages.  The liberal use of premium building materials and large scales gives School Lane Hills homes a “larger than life” feel as you tour the area.

This site will give those interested in the community some resources – school and municipal links, active home listings info and open houses, and more. Check back often and thanks for visiting!