As a part of the Back Mountain community, Lehman is a small township overflowing with rolling hills, forests, fields, and farmland. The area offers more than just its stunning scenery, as its strong sense of community and ever-evolving businesses make it the perfect place to call home.
Lehman—named in honor of Dr. William Lehman— was a part of Dallas Township until 1829, where tensions ran high between the Native Americans and white settlers. Despite not becoming its own township until 1829, Nehemiah Ide and Jeremiah Brow are considered to be the first white settlers after they moved to Lehman in 1801.
The first schoolhouse in the area was a log building constructed in 1810. Lehman’s modest beginnings in education in no way reflected what a hotspot it would later become. In 1968, the Penn State engineering center located in a variety of downtown Wilkes-Barre buildings needed a new location to accommodate its growing student body. The school moved into Hayfield House, a 54-acre estate located in Lehman previously used to raise cattle, horses, pigs, and buffalo, donated by Richard and Helen Robinson.
Hayfield House was transformed into Penn State Wilkes-Barre. The house itself was turned into administrative classrooms and offices, while the 19-car garage was converted into the Student Commons.
Today, over 500 students attend Penn State Wilkes-Barre to achieve baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, or complete of the first two years of more than 275 of the University’s degree programs.
Along with Penn State Wilkes-Barre, the Lehman school district includes Lake Lehman High School, Lehman-Jackson Elementary School, and Lake-Lehman Early Learning Center.
Lehman is also home to a number of outstanding local businesses. Established in 1989, Lehman Nursery is a family operated farm and garden center offering new products every season, including Epsoma plant foods and potting soil, garden supplies, perennial and annual flowers, pumpkins, homemade holiday wreaths, and Christmas trees. They are open every day (except Sundays) from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, so make sure to stop in and pick up the perfect arrangements to boost your curb appeal this fall. To learn more, visit their website here.
Lehman Mercantile is another great locally-owned business. It is a general store offering home décor, women’s accessories and jewelry, reclaimed furniture, and holiday and seasonal items. You’ll immediately feel at home when you walk into this eclectic space. Whether you are looking for elegant trinkets made from local artists or just want a place to browse and relax, Lehman Mercantile has it all. While you’re at it, be sure to grab a latte or soothing cup of tea from the café! Check out their Facebook page here.
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a historic, non-profit educational dairy farm made of 412-acres. Their mission is to teach sustainable life choices as well as educate others on farms and animals. They even have a Dairy Store which can only be described as a dairy lover’s paradise with over 100 local products sold including their yummy ice cream and Hillside Gold pastured dairy. This farm is truly one of Lehman’s treasures. For more information, visit their website here.
If you’ve always dreamed of living in a tight-knit, rural community, Lehman might be the perfect place for you! Don’t worry about the commute to work, as PA 29, PA 118, PA 415 are some of the major routes nearby.
To view a list of properties for sale in Lehman, PA and surrounding areas, please visit our Back Mountain Page here.
