Year Established: 1871
Though often mistakenly cited as the home of Evan Pugh, the first President of Penn State, 223 West Curtin Street was actually built in 1871, seven years after his death. Pugh passed away in 1864, shortly after marrying Rebecca Valentine Pugh, and never lived in this house.
The property was constructed by Robert McKnight for widow Rebecca Pugh, along with her brother Harry Valentine and sister Clara Valentine, and it remained in the Valentine family for over 80 years.
After suffering extensive damage from fire, vandalism, and water, the home was left nearly unrecognizable—charred, soaked, and gouged. Incredibly, the current owners undertook a full restoration, preserving and reviving original architectural elements where possible, and transforming what was nearly lost into one of Bellefonte’s most inspiring preservation stories.
