“The Holderman House”

The History of 2173 East College Avenue

Research has traced the origins of this folk plank-style farmhouse to its original owners, Abraham Halderman (1795–1866) and Cathrine Houser (1804–1875). Over time, the family surname evolved to the more commonly seen “Holderman,” based on deed records and gravestone inscriptions.

Cathrine was the granddaughter of Jacob Houser, the founder of Houserville, while Abraham was the grandson of German immigrant Jacob Holeman (b. 1722). The Holderman family migrated to what was then Spring and Harris Townships (now College Township) between 1817 and 1820. Abraham and Cathrine married in 1820.

In 1838, Abraham purchased land from James Irvin, as well as additional property from his father during the same period. These acquisitions mark the likely beginning of the home’s story. Over the years, the Holdermans were involved in other significant land transactions in the region, including portions of Mount Nittany.

The original 1830s Holderman homestead—separate from the current structure—still stands in nearby Lemont. That home is believed to have served as a community gathering space and the founding location of the local Methodist church, which remains active today.

The 2173 farmhouse was likely inhabited by Abraham and Cathrine’s eldest son, John Holderman, a connection supported by Orphan Court documents from the late 1800s. John would go on to serve as a Sergeant in the 184th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.

Several members of the Holderman and Houser families served in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, adding further depth to this family's historical legacy. After Abraham’s death in 1866, Cathrine maintained the estate until it was passed down to John. In 1876, the property was sold to the Hoy family, along with significant surrounding acreage, which was distributed among five additional families.

Over the next 147 years, the building changed hands many times. In 2023, renovations began under new ownership, breathing new life into the historic home. Today, it is the proud home of Happy Valley Bodyworks and Happy Valley Healthy Beauty—a modern space rooted in deep local history.Visit our waiting room for a more extensive history of our building!