Tuesday’s tour of the old lock keeper’s house was one of many programs offered by the Alzheimer’s activity group, which aims to keep people with early-stage Alzheimer’s engaged and active.

The cafe is a cooperative endeavor between the Nurturing, Outreach and Worship Committee of Covenant United Methodist, the Alzheimer’s Support Group and the Alzheimer’s Association, offering socially and physically stimulating programs to help participants mitigate the progression of their illness.

Perched along the banks of the Susquehanna River, bordering the Lockport public boat launch, the Lock House was the lock keeper’s residence during the heyday of Pennsylvania’s Canal system in the mid-1800s.

Built in 1834, this historic structure once controlled the water system of the canal. Today, it stands as one of Clinton County’s oldest surviving buildings and has found new purpose as a privately owned Airbnb.

PHOTO PROVIDED Angela Stoner, at far left, one of the owners of the property, explains the history of the Lock House and the West Branch Canal to the Covenant Cafe tour group.

According to owners, Chris and Angela Stoner, the Lock House is believed to be the last original, intact lock house on the former canal.

From its basin in Northumberland, the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal followed the West Branch of the Susquehanna River through Muncy, Williamsport, Jersey Shore and Lock Haven before reaching its terminus in Farrandsville.

Though there were once plans to connect the canal branch to Altoona, a devastating flood in May of 1889, which notoriously caused the catastrophic failure of the South Fork Dam and Johnstown Flood, decimated the West Branch Canal System.

“It happened at a time when the railroads were taking over the transportation industry, so they just couldn’t justify putting the amount of money needed to rebuild the canal system,” said Angela Stoner.

For years, the property sat empty, slowly deteriorating before coming into the ownership of Ernie and Nancy Renninger in the 1990s.

PHOTO PROVIDED Members of Covenant Cafe look through a window at the Lock House property in Woodward Township.

“They slowly over the years kept making improvements, restoring the Lock House because it was not habitable at that point in time. It hadn’t been lived in for decades, and what we see here today is mostly the hard work of Ernie and Nancy,” said Stoner.

Today, the lock and the lock keeper’s house have both been beautifully restored, creating a unique water feature for guests staying in the three-bedroom, one-bath residence.

Accommodating six guests, the common area features an eat-in kitchen and a spacious family room on the main level. The property provides Wi-Fi, gas fireplaces and smart TVs in the family room and master bedroom and laundry facilities in the walkout basement.

Decorated by Angela with illustrations of native fish, the property and assorted historical memorabilia, including insurance maps of Lock Haven from the 1800s, a U.S. flag found in the attic of the Roxy and various documents about the property from the Library of Congress, the space reflects a rich local heritage.

The rear covered porch and expansive open patio offer stunning views of the Susquehanna River and the city of Lock Haven across the water. More importantly, they overlook the historic Lock No. 34 of the West Branch Canal.

PHOTO PROVIDED Photos of the property taken in the 1960s during an architectural survey can be found in the Library of Congress. The photos caption explains, “The existence of a relatively intact lock and keeper’s house is rare, adding to the property’s significance. The house is architecturally significant as one of the oldest existing buildings in Lower Lockport.”

“I’ve driven by this house for 30-40 years, and I always wondered what it was,” said Covenant Cafe volunteer Kitty Oechler. “It was in disrepair, but now it’s so lovely.”

Unfortunately, after losing her husband, Nancy was unable to continue caring for the property alone.

“It broke her heart to let go, so she asked her son — my husband — if he would consider taking it on,” said Angela, which is how the couple ultimately became stewards of the property.

It was the Stoners’ friends, Brady Carnahan and John Gradel, who first suggested they list the property on Airbnb, confident that the historic site would be a hit.

“At first, I was reluctant because I was concerned about the integrity of the house,” said Stoner, explaining that her worries were due to the property’s age and the potential liability of its waterfront location.

As it turned out however, their friends were right. The Airbnb has seen great success, ranking in the top 10 percent of listings on the platform and being booked for most of both summers since it opened in 2023.

“We see ourselves as caretakers of a community property,” Angela said, noting that as long as sharing the home doesn’t harm it, they will continue to welcome guests to enjoy the unique, historic property.

Primarily booked by weekend travelers, the rental income helps maintain the nearly 200-year-old property and cover its expenses.

All the guests on Tuesday’s tour were captivated by the property’s beauty and rich history.

“I’ve always wanted to come inside this place. You drive by it and it’s so beautiful outside,” said Sherry Wilson.

Roberta Muthler, another volunteer, noted that “it is something we don’t realize we have in our community.”

According to Stoner, the property has, in its own way, been a boon for the community.

“Visitors come, they stay, they fall in love with Clinton County. They love it here, and then they come back,” she said.