Our group’s research has found the house to have been built in the early 1800s on land that was then known as the W. Wilson Farm. It is shown on this 1849 map belonging to Robert Johnson. It was owned by the Day family from around the time of the Civil War until World War II. A report by the New Castle County Historic Review Board describes the property as one of the, “mid-19th century landscape features that once dotted northern New Castle County”.
The report goes on to describe the property as “a rare intact farmstead in Brandywine Hundred … an example of the early development of the Hundred, before the suburbanization that occurred in the 20th century.” It is particularly notable in the area because it is an original county farmstead. Even the construction of the house is distinct. The older original wing of the house is made of stone on three sides and frame construction of the fourth—an unusual technique. It gets its name from Francis and Eleanor Jester who owned the property from 1953 to 1974.
Image: 1849 Smith & Wistar map of Brandywine Hundred, Delaware
A restoration for the community…
Jester Farmhouse has found new life as the home of Jester Artspace, Brandywine Hundred’s only nonprofit arts center. Once a long-abandoned 19th-century farmhouse, this historic space was transformed thanks to a passionate group of artists and community members who saw its potential. Their efforts not only preserved a piece of Delaware’s history but also created a vibrant gathering place where creativity thrives.
Today, the Jester Farmhouse stands as both a testament to Delaware’s past and a beacon for its creative future. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of our community. Together, we’ve built more than just an art space—we’ve built a place where people of all ages and skill levels come together to share, learn, and create.