The Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission has voted to add five historic sites to the list of registered county Historic Landmarks.

First is Bel-Mar, the Hockensmith Farm near Zoar. This farm includes the brick house (c.1835) built by Jacob Moler and a fine dairy barn and corn crib built by Abner Hockensmith in the 1900s century. The brick house has some of the county’s best millwork from the 1830s. In 1898 the property passed from the Moler family to Matthew Myers, who held it until his death in 1929. The Kite family then farmed the place until the Hockensmiths bought it in 1943. Owner Nancy Hockensmith lives on this historic and scenic property.

Fair View, or the Rees-Daniels Farm, was next on the list. Originally part of John Briscoe’s Fairfax Grant of 1760, this farm was sold in 1775 to a Quaker named John Rees. Rees operated a mill here until selling the land to John Daniels in 1788. The farm includes 1700s house, stone smokehouse, and log kitchen, all used by these early families. In the 1800s, a stone bank barn was added and the Flood, Cameron, and Tabb families farmed the property. Today, owner Michele Palencar maintains this graceful farm along the Opequon Creek.

 Next added was New Hopewell, home to the prominent Hite family for over 150 years. Wesley & Cathy Wendell, along with their family, call New Hopewell home today. This property has an unusual number of historic structures. Built by Thomas Hite, the original frame house dates to the 1770s and features fine interior paneling. The property also has a stone granary, log kitchen, brick quarter, stone springhouse, and dairy barn. After the Hite family, the farm was held by the Grove, Coyle, Dutterer, Royer, and Link families before passing to the Wendells.

Also added was Prospect Hall, now operated as a private hunting club. This rolling farm along the Opequon has several historic structures. The main house was completed by Peter Hunsiker in 1808. This well proportioned brick home has quality millwork and detailing typical of the local early 1800s houses. A frame bank barn was built in the late 1800s on the fertile land near the creek. The farm stayed in the Hunsiker family until 1951, when it passed to the Haines family.

 Finally the commission added the Shirley Farm, also known as Locust Grove. In 1848 Robert Shirley bought Locust Grove from Robert Willis. Willis’ stone house had burned, and Shirley restored the building for his use. The house has formal exterior detailing, including a hipped roof and molded cornice. The interior boasts interesting finishes like grain painting and faux-marble baseboards. Owners John and Carmen Creamer carry on the Shirley tradition of farming this land off Shirley Road.

The addition of these sites brings the total of registered historic landmarks in Jefferson County to 86. For more information on these and other historic properties see www.jeffersoncountyhlc.com.