Whitehall Township has begun research on the 12-acre Prydun Farm it recently acquired.

The township believes the tract dates back Peter Mickley, whose father, John Mickley Sr., brought the Liberty Bell by wagon from Philadelphia to Allentown for safekeeping from the British during the Revolutionary War.

"We are doing a background check of the property," said Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. at the April 8 commissioners meeting. Hozza said the township is considering seeking to have the farm placed on the National Historical Register.

Located near the Hokendauqua Park, the farm was once known as the Mickley Homestead. It includes an empty farmhouse, a summer kitchen and a barn. Coplay Creek runs through the property. One acre is situated on one side of the creek and the other 11 acres are located on the opposite side.

"What a gem it is," Hozza told the commissioners of the Mickley Homestead. "Two restoration specialists were very impressed."

The township has put in a driveway for access, allowing for a circular turnaround. A large dead tree was also removed along with tree branches and other debris.

"An antique high chair, antique farm equipment and other antique items have ben found," Hozza said. The Whitehall Historical Preservation Society is involved, according to the mayor.

Hozza related on Tuesday morning that John Mickley Sr., who traveled to Philadelphia regularly by wagon to sell farm products, was told by Philadelphia people the British were planning to have all the bells in the city removed so they could be made into cannons. Because they would be returning with an empty wagon, Mickley and his 11-year-old son, John Jr., had the Liberty Bell placed under straw on the wagon and taken to a church on Hamilton Street in Allentown, according to Hozza. Research revealed a second party and wagon was also involved.

John Mickley Sr. had nine children, Hozza said. "All the boys' first names were John," said Hozza.

Township commissioners will tour the property at 6:30 p.m., April 22. In March, the township took ownership of the property in March, paying $310,000. The funding came from grants from Lehigh County Green Futures and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.

Eventually the homestead will be open to the public for tours.