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TOU
CHESTER
COUNTY
BERKS COUNTY
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
HISTORIC REVIEW
AND
GOVERNMENT
OPERATIONS
COUNTY SEAT
DELAWARE COUNTY
LANCASTER COUNTY
DELAWARE
MARYLAND
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 07473 2451 L:
HISTORY and PROGRESS of
CHESTER COUNTY
Compiled by Thomas A. Pitt, and Edited With the Assistance of Dr. Thomas Elliott Berry, Ph.D. and Desmond Nunan.
Prepared For and Released by The Com- missioners of Chester County, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
1962
VENOF
3
THE FIRST COUNTY SEAL-1683
THE COUNTY SEAL TODAY
OFFICIAL COUNTY SEALS
2
Foreword
This brochure has been prepared for the County Commissioners as a brief report of the history and culture surrounding the development of Chester County from its origin in 1682 to the present, and as a ready reference of pertinent data and information on its governmental operations for all citizens of the County and others having an interest therein.
It is intended also as a source of information to point up the beautiful countryside and the potential of its abundant resources and to initiate a desire on the part of other individuals and industry to settle here. It is further in- tended to be a ready reference for county students in their studies of civil government.
Since the services rendered to its citizens are manifold and constitute an important aspect of community life, Chester County Government is not some- thing remote from the life of its average citizen. Rather, it plays a prominent role in his everyday existence, affecting him in numerous ways. We, therefore, dedicate this brochure to our citizens that they may have a fundamental background knowledge with which to take an intelligent and active interest in the affairs of our government.
C. Gilbert Hazlett Russell B. Jones Robert F. Turner
Board of Commissioners
The Commissioners in Executive Session
3
Acknowledgments
An expression of thanks is given to the many persons who have contributed to this brochure. In particular we wish to thank the late Hugh V. McDevitt, Managing Editor of the Daily Local News; Dr. Arthur E. James, Mr. Bart Ander- son and Miss Dorothy Lapp, of the Chester County Historical Society; Honor- able Joseph Ujobai, Editor of the Daily Republican; Sister Mary of Lourdes, President, Immaculata College; Dr. Donald C. Yelton, Lincoln University; Dr. Alexander Antonovich, West Chester State College; Mr. Webster C. Herzog, County Superintendent of Schools; The Reverend William Faunce, of St. Agnes Church, West Chester; Mr. Clinton E. Moffett, Secretary of the West Chester Ministerium, Mrs. Berenice M. Ball, Chairman Chester County Day: Mr. Robert Powers of the Agricultural Extension Association; Mr. Clayton Heiney, of the Soil Conservation Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture; Mr. Robert Struble, of the Brandywine Valley Association; Mr. Walter L. Gmuer, Mr. Walter W. Maule and Mr. Raymond A. Waldron, Sr., for the Mushroom Industry.
A special note of thanks is given for the editorial contribution of Dr. Thomas Elliott Berry of the faculty of West Chester State College and Mr. Desmond Nunan of the faculty of West Chester Junior High School.
Bibliography
J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope, History of Chester County 1881; Wilmer W. MacElree, Around the Boundaries of Chester County 1934; Dr. Charles W. Heathcote, History of Chester County 1926.
4
TABLE OF SECTIONS
Section I-HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF CHESTER COUNTY Pages 1 - 35
Section II-BACKGROUND OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT Pages 36 - 45
Section III-INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE. Pages 46 - 56
Section IV-COUNTY SERVICES. Pages 57 - 74
Section V-THE COURTS Pages 75 - 81
Section VI-ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIALS ....... Pages 82 - 93
Section VII-POINTS OF INTEREST Pages 94 - 95
5
CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL REFERENCES
and
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ero
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject
Page No.
Section No.
Acknowledgments
3
Foreword
2
Picture Illustrations
Birmingham Friends Meeting House 43
J. Bishop & Company ..
93
Brandywine Valley Water Shed. 29
Buck & Doe Run Valley Farms
25
Burough's Corporation Research Center 88
G. O. Carlson, Inc. 44
Chester County Area Airport.
55
Chester County Day.
34
Chester County Farms.
42
Chester County Hospital
23
County Commissioners
2
Court House. Cover
Diamond Rock School 97
Downingtown Paper Co. 49
F & M Scientific Corporation. 52
93
Good Samaritan Episcopal Church.
16
Great Valley Presbyterian Church.
100
Historic Hut. 10
Immaculata College 65
Knox Bridge. 13
Lincoln University
43
Longwood Gardens 30
Lukens Steel Co. 45
Conard-Pyle. 96
Foote Mineral Co ..
6
11
McAvoy Vitrified Brick. 48
Mushroom Growing 25
Mushroom Houses. . . 87
National Bank of Chester County and Trust Co ..
22
New County Building
10
Orphans' Court.
76-77
Pocopson Home
62
Rose Growing Greenhouse
60
St. Agnes Church
33
Soil Conservation.
28
South Junior High School
16
Swiss Pines Park.
31
Valley Forge.
97
Waynesborough ..
35
West Chester State College
74
Westtown School.
17
Wyeth Laboratories, Inc.
91
HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF CHESTER COUNTY
Subject
Page No. Section No.
Agriculture.
24
1
Census.
26
1
Co-operative Extension Association.
27
1
Farm Organizations.
26
1
Banking.
21
1
Brandywine Valley Association
28
7
Bridges.
12
1
Canals.
13
1
Chester County Art Association
32
1
Chester County Day.
34
7
Delaware Dental Society.
19
1
Medical Society.
20
1
Seat of Government.
11
1
Churches ..
14
1
Colleges & Universities
18
1
Ferries.
14
1
Founding.
11
1
Freedoms Foundation
35
1
Homes ..
12
1
Hospitals .
23
1
Inns & Taverns
20
1
Libraries.
20
1
Longwood Gardens Foundation.
31
1
7
Subject
Page No. Section No.
Mushroom Industry
25
1
Native Sons & Daughters.
33
1
Newcomen Society in North America
20
7
Newspapers.
18
7
Primitive Hall Foundation
32
7
Post Offices
21
1
Railroads ..
14
1
Red Clay Valley Association
29
1
Schools.
15
7
Scouting-Boys
19
1
Girls.
19
1
Settlers. .
11
7
Sharp's Woods Reserve
32
1
Slaves. ..
21
1
Soil Conservation Service.
27
7
Stage Coaches.
14
1
Swiss Pine Park Foundation
32
7
Topography.
11
1
Trails & Roads.
12
7
Trolleys.
14
1
BACKGROUND OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Area of Chester County.
36
2
Boundaries of Chester County.
36
2
Boroughs-City & Townships created.
37
2
Census* - Federal.
37
2
Class of County & Population
37
2
County Finances
39
2
Bond Issues ..
41
2
General Fund Rec. & Exp ..
42
2
Government Operation Costs
40
2
Safeguarding Funds & Depositories.
42
Tax Collection - Delinquents.
39
Procedures.
39
2
Court House
36
2
Clock.
36
2
Sub-divisions.
36
2
INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
Air Miles to Cities in Penna.
55
3
Atomic Era or Space Age.
48
3
Chester County Area Airport Authority
55
3
Distances to Some Major Cities.
54
3
8
IV
Subject
Page No. Section No
Early Pioneers in Industry
46
3
Industry and Commerce.
53
3
Survey.
53
3
International Airport ..
54
3
Markets.
53
3
Minerals. .
48
3
Public Utilities.
56
3
Seaport.
54
3
Vacation and Recreation.
54
3
COUNTY SERVICES
Board of Assessment and Revision of Taxes.
57
4
Personal Property Tax Bureau.
57
4
Chester County Building (New).
74
4
Development Council.
68
4
Farms (Prison).
69
4
Housing Committee
68
4
Library.
61
4
New Court Facilities
74
4
Park and Recreation
66
4
Planning Commission.
66
4
Redevelopment Authority.
68
4
Safety Council
70
4
Water Resources Authority
69
4
Child Care ..
58
4
Civil Defense.
59
4
Contagious Diseases
64
4
Cost Clerk.
59
4
Election Bureau
61
4
Engineer - County.
61
4
Insurance - Group
72
4
Liquid Fuels Funds.
64
4
Maps - Official County
65
4
Micro Film - Records.
65
4
Pocopson Home.
62
4
Registration Bureau - Public ..
70
4
Retirement Board - Social Security.
71
4
Salary Board.
72
4
Sealer Weights and Measures
72
4
Surplus Foods.
73
4
Veterans Affairs.
73
4
9
V
THE COURTS
Subject
Page No. Section No.
Board of Viewers.
79
5
Chester County Law Reporter
81
5
Court - Common Pleas
75
5
Criminal
76
5
Equity.
75
5
Juvenile
76
5
Reporter .
81
5
Separate Orphans' Court ..
77
5
Courts - Early ..
75
5
Judicial District - 15th.
75
5
Jury Commissioners.
77
5
Grand.
78
5
Selection of. . Wheel Custody
78
5
Juvenile Home.
79
5
Law Library
79
5
Members of the Bar - First.
75
5
Probation - Adult.
79
5
Juvenile
80
5
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Clerk of Courts ..
85
6
County Commissioners.
82
6
Controller.
85
6
Coroner. .
86
6
District Attorney.
87
6
Elected Legislators-County & Dist.
84
6
Judges .
83
6
Legislative Districts
84
6
Organization Chart - County.
83
6
Prothonotary.
88
6
Recorder of Deeds.
89
6
Register of Wills-Clerk of Orphans' Court.
90
6
Sheriff.
90
6
Surveyor.
92
6
Treasurer.
92
6
POINTS OF INTEREST
94
7
78
5
10
The 1710 Log Cabin, Downingtown
Artist rendering of the New County Building, New & Market Sts.
HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF CHESTER COUNTY
Founding
From the original founding of the Colony by the Swedes at Upland (Chester), the oldest town in Pennsylvania in 1644, William Penn, under Charter signed by King Charles Il in 1681, created Chester County in 1682, with land pur- chased honorably from the Indians. This was one of the first three counties in Pennsylvania. The County then extended East to the Delaware River from the Susquehanna, to the Schuylkill River on. the North, and South to the Mason- Dixon Line. The Mason-Dixon Line identified the boundaries of Pennsylvania and Maryland in 1863, and the Delaware line determined by the segment of a circle of 12 mile radius from the Court House at New Castle, Delaware.
Settlers
Following the Indians, the last of whom in Chester County was "Indian Hannah" who died in 1807, at age 71, the first settlers were Dutch, 1616; English, 1634; Swedes; 1638; Finns, 1640; Welsh-Quakers, 1682. In the South- east townships of Westtown, Thornbury, and Birmingham in the last two decades of the 17th century, land was taken up chiefly by the English-Quakers and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Finally at the end of the first quarter of the 18th century, the northern tier of townships received many settlers from along the Rhine, the so-called Pennsylvania Dutch. All other nationalities that ap- peared in the County during the 18th century were small.
Our County Seat
Our County Seat is located on a summit at an elevation of 456', with a pre- vailing temperate climate. The average prevailing temperatures are 31.5 de- grees in January, and 75.0 degrees in July. The mean temperature for the year is 49 degrees. The average growing season is 180 days. The last killing frost comes about April 15th, and in the fall the first killing frost about October 15th. The latitude is 39 degrees, 57 minutes, 31.3 seconds North; the longitude is I degree, 24 minutes, 57.7 seconds east of Washington, D. C., or 75 degrees, 36 minutes, 32.7 seconds west from Greenwich near London, England.
Topography
The topography of Chester County is a rolling undulated type of country- side, which from Provincial days to the present has attracted men to settle
12
here. It is in this setting the earliest settlers' homes were to be found in caves of protected hillsides, or in cabins for warmth and shelter.
Homes
One of the types of log cabins still existing is at Downingtown, where it was built in 1710 at the bridge on the east bank of the Brandywine on the north side of U.S. Route 30. Next the fine old Colonial stone homes and farm homesteads followed, dotting the countryside. The architectural designs vary- ing from high roof tops and narrow buildings of the 17th century to the lower pitched roofs with the buildings proportioned in width and height in the 18th century. The later construction toward the end of the century indicates the use of finer craftsmanship in the fine woodwork detail installed both inside and outside.
Trails and Roads
The earliest system of trails, and extension thereof along with fording creeks, progress was slow. Real progress began when Court Orders were issued compelling every person within the period of two months, to make good and passable ways on his lands for neighbors to use. From these begin- nings, roads were developed. Some of the early. roads established were the Baltimore-Philadelphia road, known as U.S. I from an early date; the Maryland-Oxford-Cochranville-Parkesburg road, surveyed in 1724; the Stras- burg road, in 1794. Chester County had the first turnpike in America, which extended between Philadelphia and Lancaster, opened in 1794, it is now known as the Lincoln Highway, or U.S. 30. The Horseshoe Pike, from Downingtown to Honey Brook, was opened in 1803. Along with these turnpikes came the tollgates. Other roads followed such as the Wilming- ton-Reading via West Chester (which was planked from West Chester to Dilworthtown), in 1854. Today there prevails in Chester County an excel- lent road network. Five miles to the North of the County Seat is U.S. 30, the Lincoln Highway; three miles beyond, is the famed Pennsylvania Turnpike, both of which transverse the State in an East-West direction. Seven miles to the South is U.S. I, the Baltimore Pike. Entering the County Seat are highway routes U.S. 202 and 322; and Pennsylvania Routes 3, 29, 52, 100, 162 and 842. Chester County now has 1, 130.39 miles of improved State Highways, of which 1,077.63 miles are in townships; 47.70 miles are in boroughs, and 5.06 miles are in cities. Chester County also has 1,451.16 miles of non-state owned high- ways of which 1,292.81 is maintained by the townships; 137.7 miles, by bor- oughs; 21.28 miles, by cities. The tota! miles of roads in the County are 2,581.55.
Bridges
As early as 1685, the Courts were ordering the construction of bridges,
13
which naturally played an important role in the development of transportation and communication. The earliest bridges were of wood (both open and covered), then stone, and later iron and steel. Some of the earliest bridges in this County are the Downingtown Bridge over the Brandywine on the Pro- vincial Highway, which was erected in 1741, and replaced in 1801 at the pres- ent location as the property of the Turnpike Co., and now identified as County Bridge No. 122; Bridge No. 89, Marshall's at Northbrook (originally private) which was built in 1767 and replaced in 1807 and is one of the oldest struc- tures of its kind in the world; the Moore-Hall (stone arch) No. 172, Phoenix- ville-Valley Forge, over Pickering Creek, and Iron Sides over French Creek west of Phoenixville on Route 183, were erected, in 1789. French Creek (two stone arches) Charlestown Township, identified with General Anthony Wayne, in 1771. Over the Octorara are Andrews (stone four arch-439') erected 1813; Pine Grove, erected 1816; and Kirk's, erected 1828. Chadds Ford over the Brandywine, erected 1828; Knauertown (stone-432'), over French Creek, erected 1819; Cope's (stone three arch), over East Branch of the Brandywine, erected 1807. Others equally of interest, include inter-county across the Octorara, but too numerous to record here. Of the many covered bridges erected in the County, once crossing the county streams, only twenty now remain.
Canals
Among the early modes of transportation, canals played an important part. One of these, the Schuylkill Canal, which was established in 1822, hauled coal up to World War I.
Knox Bridge, Valley Forge
14
Stage Coaches
Stage Coaches across our Country were the first public transportation. The one from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, was established, in 1804.
Ferries
Ferries also played an important role in transportation. Among the famous ones were the Chadds Ford, established in 1737; Paulings above Valley Forge, established in 1753; and Buckwalters, established before 1859.
Railroads
Railroads were the next pioneers in developing industry and transportation. Between West Chester and Intersection (Malvern), a horse drawn railroad was established in 1831 and replaced with steam in 1845. Others were the Reading Railroad, chartered in Pennsylvania in 1833; the Columbia-Philadelphia Rail- road, horsedrawn, in 1833, replaced with steam in 1834; the Pennsylvania Railroad, chartered in 1846, established Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, in 1852; the Chester Valley (Reading) Railroad, Bridgeport to Downingtown, in 1853; the Philadelphia Railroad, West Chester to Media in 1858; the Pennsylvania- Downingtown to Honey Brook, in 1854; the Wilmington Northern (Reading), in 1870; the Philadelphia to Reading, in 1883; the Philadelphia-Baltimore Central Railroad to Oxford, in 1859, thence on to Rising Sun, Maryland in 1865; the Wilmington and Western Railroad to Landenberg, in 1872; the Pickering Valley (Reading), Phoenixville to Byers, in 1871; the Oxford to Peach Bottom (narrow gauge), about 1870; the French Creek (Reading) in 1880.
Trolleys
Trolleys too were developed as another form of transportation. The im- portant ones were the West Chester Street Railway Company, from West Chester via Lenape to Kennett Square and West Grove 1895, abandoned 1923, except to Lenape 1929; West Chester to Philadelphia 1899, abandoned 1954; West Chester-Downingtown-Coatesville 1902-1903; Conestoga Traction Company Coatesville-Parkesburg-Lancaster 1909, and abandoned in 1932; the Valley Forge-Phoenixville-Spring City Trolley Company ran from Phoenixville to Spring City early 1900 and from Phoenixville to Valley Forge in 1910, both lines were abandoned between 1922-1925. All have now been replaced by the modern bus.
Churches
Churches from Provincial days have played a highly important role along
15
with all the pioneering development. There has always been a deep desire for the practice of religious faith, followed very closely by the desire for culture through education. Both have been strong forces in the development of the minds and the guidance of our youth. Chester County is blessed with approxi- mately 285 churches today of many denominations. Some of the earliest churches established in Chester County are the Friends Meetings at Goshen and Nottingham in 1701 and Kennett in 1710. Next came the Welsh Baptist, at London Britain in 1701; Baptist, at Hepzibah, as a mission in 1701 and as a Congregation in 1720; German Baptist in 1724; Presbyterian, at Great Valley, in 1710; Mennonites, East Coventry, in 1728; Episcopal, St. John's, West Caln in 1729; Roman Catholic, at West Chester, as a mission in 1730, and as Christ's Church in 1793, the name being changed to St. Agnes in 1853; Lutheran Mis- sionary from Germany, in 1742; German Reformed, East Coventry, in 1743; Methodist Missionary, East Marlborough in 1773; and Negro Presbyterian (Hinsonville-Lincoln University), in 1854.
Schools
Following the Decree of 1682 by William Penn that the Governor and Coun- cil "Shall erect and order all public schools and encourage and regard the authors of useful sciences and laudable inventions," and aided by the liberal and loyal support of its citizens and dedicated teachers, education following closely with the Churches did become a strong force in the guidance and cul- tural development of our youth in the private school system. Chester County, having been so fortunate in the character of her early Settlers, and with edu- cation so universal among all classes, has inherited the preeminence which her people have attained from general character and distinction. The first school sessions were held in Churches. The early school houses were either of log or stone 'construction. Among some of the better known centers of learning in the private system up to 1834, are the Fagg's Manor Academy, founded in 1739; New London Academy, founded in 1743, from whence many leaders in our early history came, such as Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Con- tinental Congress, Thomas Mckean, Governor of Pennsylvania and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, along with George Reed and James Smith; Nottingham Academy, founded in 1744, where Dr. Benjamin Rush graduated, and its founder Samuel Finley later became President of Princeton in 1761; Birmingham School (Octagonal Building) founded in 1753 and replaced in 1819; Westtown Boarding School (Co-ed), founded in 1799; West Chester Academy, founded as a district school in 1812; French Creek Boarding School at Kimberton (Girls), founded in 1817; Diamond Rock School, also Octagonal, founded in 1818, near Valley Forge, and the one in the best state of preserve today; Unionville Academy, founded in 1834, among its students Bayard Taylor. And in later years, Ercildoun Seminary, established at Ercildoun for boys in 1851, until 1877 when it was removed to West Chester and renamed Darlington Seminary for girls, which flourished until the early 1930's.
16
Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, Paoli
South Junior High School, West Chester
17
With the private system came the "Free Public School" Act of 1834, which by 1836 became general. Next came the County Superintendent of Schools office created by the Legislature in 1854. It has been under the direction of twelve Superintendents from origin to date. The initial report of this office rendered to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in 1855, listed thereon 250 buildings, with a student enrollment of 15,284. Schools in service averaged seven months. Average monthly teacher salaries for men was $22.23, and for women $15.42. Following the Civil War, high schools began to appear in Chester County, so that at the turn of the century 664 pupils were enrolled, employing 30 teachers; and in elementary schools the enrollment was 18,176, taught by 489 teachers. Next came the County Board of School Directors in 1937. The General Assembly for many years recognized school districts were too small, and in 1947 provided for the County Board of School Directors to voluntarily develop school district mergers. Now, however, under Act 561, of 1961, the General Assembly makes it mandatory plans be revised by the County Board of School Directors for larger school districts containing a minimum of 4,000 students, which plans are to become effective in 1965. During the period 1950-1960 they were reorganized into the larger joint boards. The enrolled public school census of 1960 was 16,545 pupils in the high schools, and 24,010 in the elementary schools, making a total enrollment of 40,555 students. There are presently 365 school board members serving and directing school affairs in the County. Beginning with what is now St. Agnes Catholic Parochial School in West Chester 1871, the enrolled census for 1960 was 5,459 elementary stu- dents in the County, and in the only Catholic High School in Chester County, established in 1909 and recently merged into "Bishop Shanahan High School" of West Chester, 532 students. Some of the more prominent private and public
The Westtown Friends School, Westtown
18
educational institutions in the County today are the "Pennhurst State Institu- tion," established 1903 near Spring City, for care and training of mentally deficient children beyond the nursery state; Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School, founded in 1905 as an inter-denominational school for boys to learn trades and complete high school; the Devereux Foundation, founded in 1912 at Devon, for treatment and education of children and adoles- cents with special psychiatric and educational problems; the Royer-Graves School for the Blind, founded at Paoli in 1921; the Malvern Preparatory School, founded at Malvern in 1923, as a college preparatory for boys, grades IX through XII; the Church Farm School, founded at Glenloch, on U.S. 30, in 1926, for the training of orphaned boys in agriculture up to the college level; the Villa Maria Academy and Conservatory, founded at Green Tree in 1926 (girls), grades I through XII; the Phelps School, founded at Malvern in 1947
(boys), College Preparatory VII through XII grades; and others equally interest- ing and noteworthy. Following the Public Schools Act and the Act creating the office of County Superintendent of Schools, school laws became so nu- merous that the "school code" was adopted in 1911. Active with others in the preparation of this "code" was George Morris Philips, a Chester Countian, and Principal of the West Chester Normal School. While public education is a matter of Local Municipalities and State Government, Chester County renders assistance by providing for the County Superintendent's office quar- ters, office personnel salaries, furnishings, equipment, maintenance and supplies.
Newspapers
Educational activities were first extended into the field of journalism late in the 18th century. Some of the earlier and better known newspapers and periodicals in the County were in West Chester: The "Gazette," 1794; The "Chester-Delaware Federalist," 1809; The "Village Record," 1818; "The Jeffersonian," 1842; The "Daily Local News," 1872. In Downingtown the news- papers were the "Temperate Zone," 1808, and the "Independent Journal," 1827. In Phoenixville the first newspaper was the "Phoenix Gazette," 1846. Others preceded and followed throughout the County, equally interesting and perhaps as noteworthy. Today throughout the County there are three dailies and nine weeklies being published. At the County Seat, the "Chester County Reporter" was established for legal notices, in 1881. In 1853 the "Chester County Medical Reporter," a quarterly journal was inaugurated by the Chester-Delaware County Medical Societies, at West Chester.
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