Landisburg in Perry County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fetter House
Perry County Bicentennial
— 1820 - 2020 —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024
Henry Fetter (1793-1863) constructed this Federal Period home in 1848. One of the first settlers, Fetter served as prothonotary, founding director of two schools, a captain of the Landisburg Artillery, a director of the never-built Duncannon and Broad Top Railroad, state senator and, eventually major-general of the Perry County militia.
The three-story structure contains beautiful millwork, paneling, and a charming, wide stairway. The stairway, which has a half turn with landings, climbs to the third floor. Most interior furnishings are from the mid-1800s and also include a 1923 grand piano. Remaining outbuildings are a summer kitchen with smoke house and a preserved privy.
The property, which included both a house and a working farm, descended to William R. Fetter (1823-1882), who founded the local Odd Fellows Lodge. It then passed to family members until the house came into the possession of Henry's great, great granddaughter, Marjorie Fetter Goossens (1912-2000), daughter of William J. Fetter (1883-1962).
Raised in Carlisle, Marjorie majored in music at Julliard in New York. In 1946, she wed English classical composer and conductor Eugene A. Goossens (1893-1962), leader of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
In 1947, Marjorie traveled with Goossens and his two children to Australia where he directed the Sidney Symphony Orchestra and the nation's Conservatory of Music. Wildly successful, the orchestra drew as many as 25,000 to outdoor concerts. For his achievements, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Goossens. Henceforth, his wife became 'Lady Marjorie Fetter Goossens'.
Due to scandal, Eugene fled to England in 1956, and the couple lived apart until his death in 1962. Marjorie resided in France and Landisburg until she deeded the house to the Historical Society of Perry County in 1974. Lady Goossens, who once bedazzled Australian society with her stylish fashions, died in a French convent in 2000.
The Perry County Council of the arts has hosted decades of classical and operatic concerts in the house, which stands as a living memorial to the contributions of generations of Fetters to the community and to the musical arts.
[Captions:]
Sir Eugene and Lady Marjorie Fetter Goossens at a night at the Symphony, Sidney, Australia.
Family and friends in the 1920s in the side yard of Fetter House.
The Rev. Henry and Mrs. Gertrude Fetter Dyer, occupants of Fetter House from 1932 to Henry's death in 1952. They shared the home with her sister, Harriet Fetter Rice (1875-1951). Harriet's husband, Zachariah Rice (1867-1931), was a jeweler and founder of the Landisburg coronet band.
Erected
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Perry County Heritage Trail in Pennsylvania. series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 40° 20.523′ N, 77° 18.48′ W. Marker is in Landisburg, Pennsylvania, in Perry County. Marker can be reached from South Carlisle Street south of Sheaffers Valley Road (Pennsylvania Route 233), on the right when traveling south. The marker stands on the grounds of the house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 S Carlisle St, Landisburg PA 17040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Landisburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Perry County's First Seat of Government (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Landisburg (within shouting distance of this marker); New Hope United Church of Christ (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Perry County (about 300 feet away); The Above Corner Stone (about 300 feet away); Landisburg Architecture (about 400 feet away); The Dunbar-Creigh House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Landisburg.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.