Treasure Hunt: On the trail of Blackbeard in a Marcus Hook plank house

What started as a home remodeling project for Michael Manerchia has turned into an historical mystery with an infamous pirate as the backdrop. In July 2004, Manerchia, 48, purchased what he thought to be an old, somewhat historic log cabin home at 221 Market St. in Marcus Hook. He and his wife, Pat, were looking to downsize from their home in Bethel Township after raising their daughters.

The log cabin was owned by Manerchia's relative, Jennifer Ward, and had been in Pat Manerchia's family for 100 years. Having grown up in Marcus Hook, Michael Manerchia was well aware of the dubious legends that surrounded the house.