USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History and progress of Chester County, 1969 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
Since the establishment of the District, the Soil Conservation Service has aided landowners in establishing many conservation practices, including 280 farm
34
ponds, 67 miles of diversion terraces, 59 miles of tile drainage and 30,300 acres of contour stripcropping.
In addition to these accomplishments, the Soil Conservation Service in cooper- ation with the Pennsylvania State University completed and published the Chester County Soil Survey in 1963. This report describes and locates each soil type present in Chester County. The information contained in this report is being used by township supervisors and zoning boards to determine correct land utilization within Chester County.
The Soil Conservation Service also administers the Small Watershed and Flood Prevention Program in Pennsylvania. At present, 44 watersheds in Pennsylvania are under study. Three of these watersheds have been completed to date. The Brandywine Watershed in Chester County is presently under study and construc- tion is scheduled to start in the near future.
The past 20 years have been challenging to the Soil Conservation Service and the next 20 will be more so. The Service is expecting an increased demand for basic natural resources data over large areas of Chester County. This data will be used by township supervisors and planners to guide urban and agricultural devel- opment in an orderly and practical manner.
The Service is also expecting an increased demand for assistance in erosion con- trol and water control measures on large areas undergoing urban development in Chester County.
Whatever the future may hold, the staff of the Soil Conservation Service in
2
HONEYBROOK
12
LANCASTER CHESTER C
.
6
1DOWN
DOWNINGTOWN
:
COATESVILLE
1
PARKESBURG
WEST CHESTER
LAWAN CO
NEW CASTLE
CASIL
DEL ANIE
PENNSYLVANIA DEL AWARE
Proposed Water Shed Project
35
Chester County is ready to aid any individual, group, or agency in dealing with problems involving soil and water conservation.
Brandywine Valley Association, Inc.
The Brandywine Valley Association was incorporated in 1945 as a nonprofit conservation organization by a group of public spirited citizens. It is composed of approximately 2,000 dues paying members. The thirty member board direct- ing the Association is assisted by a staff of an Executive Vice-President, Execu- tive Secretary and an Accountant. The office is located in the Farmers and Mechanics Building, West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Association's basic pur- poses are to restore, conserve and improve natural resources and to eliminate pollution from towns and industries by proper treatment of wastes. BVA also provided leadership in developing the long range water supply, flood control and recreation program for the Brandywine Valley. It urges the residents in the 330 square mile watershed area to make the wisest use of all their natural resources. The Association is financed by membership dues.
Red Clay Valley Association, Inc.
The Red Clay Valley Association was organized in 1952 under procedures simi- lar to those of the Brandywine Valley Association. The Association has a mem- bership of more than 400 and is directed by a board composed of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, assisted by an Executive Director. The office address is 406 Farmers and Mechanics Building, West Chester, Pennsylva- nia. The Brandywine Valley Association, by contract agreement, supplies staff and office services for the Association. Its purposes are to eliminate pollution, to encourage conservation practices, to provide information on the water resources of the valley and to make available conservation education materials to all schools in the watershed. In cooperation with the U. S. Geological Survey, a proven underground water supply has been established in the district. The Red Clay Creek drains 50 square miles of land in the area from Unionville, Pennsylva- nia, through Kennett Square to Stanton, Delaware.
The White Clay Watershed Association, Inc.
The White Clay Watershed Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the development and preservation of the natural resources of the White Clay valley so that all residents will have a better place in which to live, work and play.
The Association proposes to protect economic and aesthetic values, to insure the quality and quantity of water, to conserve water, soil, woodland, open space, and wildlife, to develop outdoor recreational facilities and to aid in general com- munity improvement.
36
Financed by contributions and manned by volunteers, this three-year-old organization has supported the Mason Dixon Project and has endeavored to keep its members and the general public informed on matters affecting the area, parti- cularly plans for the proposed White Clay Reservoir.
The members meet annually in the fall and the Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from all townships and boroughs in the Pennsylvania wa- tershed, at the discretion of the president, currently William Di Filippo of Avon- dale.
Annual dues are $2.00 per person, $3.00 per family. For further information, contact the secretary, Mrs. Richard Cramer, South Bank Road, Landenberg, Penna., Telephone 274-8131.
Green Valleys Association
The office of this association is located at Birchrunville, Pa. in the West Vincent Township Building on Flowing Springs Road. The office phone is 827-7843. The objective is to strive for better conservation of all the natural resources in the area covered by the following watersheds: French Creek, Pickering Creek, Pigeon Creek, and Stoney Run, which are all tributaries of the Schuylkill River. Green Valleys Association is a nonprofit educational organi- zation supported by dues and contributions of its members. A Board of Directors, officers, and an executive director formulate and carry out the policies of the organization. Here you may obtain information about conser- vation education in the schools, data about stream water quality, and facts about comprehensive land use planning.
Elk Valleys Association, Inc.
Elk Valleys Association, Inc., was chartered in Chester County in Nov. 1964 as a non-profit corporation. It's aim is to promote the restoration and conservation of the natural resources of the watershed of the Big Elk Creek and the Little Elk Creek, in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Address EVA, Box 62, Lincoln University Pa. 19352.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the most important horticultural show places in the country. It is located at The Anvil, east of Kennett Square in East Marlborough Township, at the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 52 and U.S. 1. Its water gardens, greenhouses, arboretum fountain displays, stately con- servatories, with its vast pipe organ (one of the largest ever built) are renowned among beauty lovers nationally. The gardens are operated by the Longwood Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization created by Pierre S. duPont, in 1937. By terms of its Charter and stipulation in Mr. duPont's will, the founda-
37
Fountain Garden and Conservatory, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.
Star Rose Gardens
38
tion is charged with the care, perpetuation, and improvements of the Gardens for charitable and public enjoyment. The Gardens are open every day of the year without charge. Since first opened in 1921, more than ten million visitors have seen the Gardens, and the attendance now totals more than 900,000 annually. Longwood is rich in historical significance. It is part of a plot conveyed to George Peirce, in 1700, by William Penn. The Battle of Brandywine was fought within gunshot of the present Gardens. The poet-novelist Bayard Taylor, lived. nearby; in fact "Longwood," a narrow wooded strip on the premises, figures in his celebrated novel, "The Story of Kennett." The original brick dwelling, later the residence of Mr. and Mrs. duPont, dates from 1730. On the property was an "underground railway" station stop and a gathering point for run-away slaves. The 1,000 acre plot containing many species of flowers, shrubs, plants, and trees from all parts of the world, as well as being a bird sanctuary, has been trans- formed by Mr. duPont into one of the best known and best loved gardens and centers of culture in the world.
Swiss Pines Park-Bartschi Foundation
This foundation was founded of recent date as a non-profit organization to promote educational, scientific, research, charitable, and literary activities in the fields of horticulture, ornithology, and conservation for the general public recreation. The Foundation has the responsibility to establish, maintain, operate and develop a public park known as "Swiss Pines." It is located on Pennsylvania Route 15049, between Devault and Charlestown, in Charlestown Township,
Swiss Pines Park
39
north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is presently concentrating on creating and restoring slender five needle Swiss pines, brought from world travels by William H. Llewellyn back in the early twenties, and in re-arranging the Japanese Gar- dens of stone lions, toads, lanterns, and buddhas over a four acre site. Eventually groups of native and foreign shrubs will flourish over nearly fifteen acres, some landscaped as gardens, other retained in their natural habits for wild life, with 3,000 red and white pines, spruce, and larch in the plantation. The other 200 acres will grow wild with woods, streams, gardens, fields, and meadows. It is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Conducted educational tours by appointment. The sanctuary is operated by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Primitive Hall Foundation
This Foundation is a tax-exempt organization established on December 8, 1960. The site, including the orchard on the grounds of Primitive Hall Founda- tion, is open to the public and consists of approximately 25 acres in West Marl- borough Township on Pennsylvania Route 841 immediately South of the inter- section with 842. The Foundation's purposes include restoration of the brick mansion (Primitive Hall) to its original condition, eventually to become a library and museum, and the creation of a recreation area which now includes facilities of picnic tables, charcoal braziers, running water, sanitation and parking areas. The Foundation has other appropriate charitable and educational purposes in addition to the above.
Primitive Hall built in 1738 has been carefully and authentically restored, the headquarters of the Library is in a stone building below Primitive Hall and South of the picnic grounds. This has been used by the public since early in 1961.
The Foundation also owns an additional tract of approximately 25 acres to the East of these facilities which is under the surveillance of the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and which has been in continuous use since June 24, 1964.
Sharp's Woods Reserve
This reserve of over 15 acres of woodland and Darby Creek running through a tall growth of oak, beech, and other deciduous trees, was acquired in 1959, from the Estate of Mary B. S. Morris, through the interest of Miss Ellenor Morris, by the Philadelphia Conservationist. The reserve is situated in Easttown Township, bounded by Darby Road, Leopard Road and one mile south of Sugartown Road. Its purposes are for the preservation of a natural park area, and for the develop- ment of nature education, nature trails, wild life, plant survey, property and hab- itat.
40
Chester County Art Association
Christian Brinton and N. C. Wyeth, inspired by William Palmer Lear who organized the first show of local artists ever held in West Chester, founded the Chester County Art Association in 1931. It was incorporated in 1933 in West Chester as a non-profit corporation. Its purposes are to lawfully further the pro- motion and cultivation of the fine and applied arts and art appreciation. The Art Center, located on North Bradford Ave. at Gay Street, opened in 1953. The building includes a large gallery where continually changing art exhibitions from September to June are free to the public.
CCAA has drawing and painting classes for adults and children, classes in sculp- ture, ceramics and pottery, creative dance and a choral group. The faculty is highly qualified. The tuition fees are modest.
The membership of approximately 700 includes artists, patrons of the arts, craftsmen, and laymen interested in maintaining a climate of cultural activity and appreciation of the arts in the Chester County area.
Native Sons and Daughters who have achieved National Recognition
Smedley D. Butler 1881-1940
William Darlington, M.D. 1782-1863
Rev. John Miller Dickey 1806-1878
John Fritz 1822-1913
Isaac Hayes, M.D. 1832-1881
Rebecca Lukens
1794-1854
Humphrey Marshall 1722-1801
Thomas Mckean
1734-1817
Dr. George Morris Philips 1851-1920
Herbert J. Pennock
1894-1948
Samuel W. Pennypacker
1843-1916
Anna Preston, M.D.
1813-1872
Dr. Evan T. Pugh
1828-1864
Thomas Buchanan Read
1822-1872
Dr. Isaac Sharpless
1828-1920
Mark Sullivan
1874-1952
William Marshall Swayne 1828-1918
Sculptor
Bayard Taylor
1825-1878
Poet, Diplomat, Traveler
Anthony Wayne
1745-1796
General, Revolutionary War
Dr. James P. Wickersham 1825-1891
Major General, Marine Corps Physician, Scientist, Banker Founder of Lincoln University Pioneer Iron Manufacturer Surgeon, Author, Arctic Explorer Woman Iron Master
Botanist, Author
Signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, Governor of Penna.
Educator, Principal West Chester Normal School
Baseball Pitcher and Manager
Author, Historian, Governor of Penn- sylvania Pioneer Woman Physician
Educator-Father of Public School Laws in Penna. Poet, Painter, Sculptor
Educator, President Haverford Col- lege Historian, Columnist
Educator
41
CHESTER COUNTY DAY
:
Chester County Day
Chester County's natural charms have been proverbial since the days of Penn: abundant streams, fertile valleys, rock and mineral-laden hills with a great variety of trees and a wealth of plants and shrubs. From the rugged Welsh Moun- tains across the Great Valley to the gently rolling cattle country of the southwest- ern area, Chester County's remarkably varied topography resembles an old time quilt with the beloved Brandywine meandering through patches of historic yes- terdays and proud todays while "sewing the fields and woods together with its silver thread." Such an area with plentiful building materials attracted many well-to-do early settlers whose stone and brick houses-simple, sturdy and beau- tiful-are still landmarks along the great roads that crossed old Chester County. A great deal of history "happened" in this part of Penn's "green countrie" and Chester Countians, wisely realizing the importance of the past, have made this history an integral part of their lives. With a heritage so deeply rooted and re- vered, it is not at all surprising that one of America's largest "Open House" days should have developed here. Since 1936, on the first Saturday in October, public spirited owners of old and historic homes have welcomed thousands of guests for the annual tour called Chester County Day. At first the guests were local resi- dents only, but attendance has spiralled to last year's all-time high of over four thousand persons representing twenty-two states. Historic landmarks form the background for the sixty or so places visited each year as the Day explores dif- ferent areas of the County. Since its inception, this completely volunteer proj- ect, the work of some five hundred women annually, has raised over $200,000.00 for charity. The fascinating story of Chester County now reaches the entire nation through the publications of this project which have won two Freedom's Foundation Awards and a George Washington Honor Medal for "out- standing achievement in helping to bring about a better understanding of the American way of Life." Chester County Day, Box 1, West Chester, Pa. for infor- mation or free 16-page newspaper mailed late August.
42
BACKGROUND OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Court House
The first Court of record was held in Upland by the Justices of the Peace in September 1681. In a reference to this Court, dated February 1682, Upland is designated as Chester. The first Legislative Assembly of the Province was held here in December 1682. William Penn presided at the Court held in Chester in June 1683. By 1724 a County Court House had been erected in Chester.
As Chester was at the extreme eastern border of the County residents living at a distance found it very inconvenient to travel here to transact business or attend court. This led to a movement to relocate the county seat to a more central loca- tion. By 1780 this agitation led to an Act of the Assembly authorizing the erec- tion of a new Court House and Prison at a more central location. Colonel John Hannum, of Goshen Township, sought to have the new County seat in the vicin- ity of Turk's Head Tavern, today's West Chester. Realizing the loss of income
New County Office Building
43
which would occur, tavern keepers of Chester vigorously opposed the moving of the county seat. Indeed, after the new buildings were partly erected they organ- ized an armed rabble and started for the Turk's Head to demolish the buildings. Fortunately, this misdirected effort fizzled out before any damage was done or any fighting took place. However, it caused much excitement on the part of the residents of Goshen Township who prepared to defend the partly constructed Court House and Prison. After several delays these buildings were completed. Prisoners were moved from the old jail in Chester to the new prison at Turk's Head on September 25, 1786. The first session of court was held in the new Court House on November 28, 1786.
Although the efforts of unhappy people in Chester failed to block the reloca- tion of the county seat, unrest persisted until Delaware County was separated from Chester County in 1789. The county seat of Delaware County was at Ches- ter until 1851 at which time it was moved to Media.
In 1791 a county records building was erected at the northwest corner of High and Market Streets in West Chester near the Court House and Prison. The grow- ing population of Chester County soon made more adequate county buildings a necessity. The oldest part of today's Court House was built in 1847. At that time the town clock, then ten years old, was moved from the old Court House to its present location. The southwest part of the present Court House was erected in 1892, the Orphans Court addition in 1955, and the dignified North Wing in 1966.
From the original three counties Pennsylvania has been divided into sixty-seven counties. The youngest of these, Lackawanna County, was established in 1878.
The Boundaries of our present County are-on the South by the States of Dela- ware and Maryland; on the East by Delaware County; on the North by Mont- gomery County, erected in 1784; on the Northwest by Berks County, erected in 1752; and on the West by Lancaster County, erected in 1729.
The Area of the County is forty-five miles in length, thirty miles wide, and seven hundred sixty square miles, or 486,400 acres. The approximate land use today in acres and percentage-
Agricultural
Acres 285,400
Percent
59.0
Industrial
3,260
.6
Residential
39,840
6.7
Vacant Land, Woods &
Parks
159,900
32.5
Chester County has a total of seventy-three sub-divisions; fifty-six, second class townships; one first class township; fifteen boroughs, and one city. Chester County is a Fourth Class County, determined by population as provided by the State Legislature. There are nine other fourth class counties in the State, namely: Beaver, Cambria, Dauphin, Fayette, Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill, Washington and York. Counties of this class have a population of from 150,000 to 250,000.
44
The Federal Census of Chester County for Each 10 Years From 1790-1980
1790
29,937
1800
32,093
1810
39,569
1820
44,451
1830
50,910
1840
57,545
1850
74,578
77,805
1880
83,481
1890
89,377
1900
.90,695
1910
109,213
1920
115,120
1930
126,629
1940
135,626
1950
159,141
1960
210,608
*1970
297,500
* 1980
425,400
* Estimated
TOWNSHIPS
POPULATION
TOWNSHIPS
POPULATION
CREATED
DATE
1960 1970*
CREATED
DATE 1960
1970*
Birmingham
1684
453 1900
West Fallowfield
1743 1425
1700
East Bradford
* 1705
1713 3700
Franklin
1852 817 1300
West Bradford
1731
1894
3100
East Goshen
*1704 1694 4300
East Brandywine *1790 1618
2400
West Goshen
1817 8214 2,400
Highland
1853 1029 1300
Caln
1702 6685
7500
Honeybrook
1789 1584 2100
East Caln
* 1728
758
1600
Kennett
1805 3026
3800
West Caln
1744 2140
2900
London Britain
1725
686
1000
Charlestown
1737
1931
3300
Londonderry
1734
718
1300
North Coventry
1841 4367
6100
London Grove
1723 2734
3500
East Coventry
*1718 2183
1900
East Marlborough *1704 2417
3700
South Coventry
1841
1212
3400
West Marlborough
1730
901
1300
Easttown
1704 6907 11,700
East Nantmeal
*1739
730
1000
Elk
1857
593
700
West Nantmeal
1740
968
2000
East Fallowfield
*1714 2745
3200
New Garden
1700 3718
4500
Estimated
cont.
1860
66,438 1870
West Brandywine 1844 1675
2500
45
New London
1704
845
1200
Schuylkill
1826
3461
5000
Newlin
1724
1477
1800
Thornbury
1687
746
1600
East Nottingham
1702
2298
2600
Tredyffrin
1706 16004 26,100
West Nottingham
1715
1137
1300
Uwchlan
* 1712
995
4200
Upper Oxford
*1754
997
1300
Upper Uwchlan Valley
1852
3101
3700
Penn
1817
1097
1600
East Vincent
1832
5453
6200
Pennsbury
1770
936
1900
West Vincent
1832
1431
1700
East Pikeland
1838
2817
3900
Wallace
1852
1065
1500
West Pikeland
1849
782
2100
Warwick
1842
1436
1700
Pocopson
1849
1315
2200
Westtown
1685
1947
4300
Sadsbury
1717
2066
2500
East Whiteland
* 1704
5078
9700
West Sadsbury
1878
1102
1500
West Whiteland
1715
4412
6800
Date indicates formation of the township. Following dates indicate division of the original township.
Estimated
BOROUGHS
POPULATION
BOROUGHS
POPULATION
INCORPORATED
DATE
1960
1970*
INCORPORATED
DATE
1960
1970*
Atglen
1875
721
1100
Malvern
1889
2268
4100
Avondale
1894
1016
1500
Modena
1921
859
1100
Coatesville
1867
see
city
Oxford
1833
3376
4100
South Coatesville
1921
2032
3300
Parkesburg
1872
2759
3400
Downingtown
1859
5598
7900
Phoenixville
1849 13797 15,100
Elverson
1911
472
1000
Spring City
1867
3162
3500
Honeybrook
1892
1023
1100
West Chester
1799 15705 16,700
Kennett Square
1855
4355
5200
West Grove
1893
1607
2200
CITY CHARTERED
DATE
1960 POPULATION
Coatesville
1915
12,971
1970 Pop .* 13,400
Estimated
1797
2007
2900
1858
909
1600
Lower Oxford
46
COUNTY FINANCES DEPOSITORIES-SAFEGUARDING FUNDS
Tax Collection Procedure
Tax collectors are elected to office for a term of four years and perform the duties thereof, collecting the local taxes in their communities. The County Assessors office prepares and mails all County tax bills, which are payable directly to the County Treasurer. The Assessor also prepares the assessment roll lists, and distributes to the local collectors on or about May 1st, annually, con- taining thereon the taxpayers names. As required by law, the tax collector must qualify by filing bond and satisfying other legal requirements. The Collector is required to submit monthly reports to the local agencies of all local taxes col- lected and remitted. Tax collectors are paid a percentage, and in some instances are paid salaries, for all taxes collected. Expenses for postage, supplies and insur- ance bond in addition are permitted, for which he is reimbursed.
Collection of Delinquent Taxes
In compliance with Act of 1947, known as "The Real Estate Sales Law," Ches- ter County established a Tax Claim Bureau, which consolidated the former duties of the County Treasurer, with direct supervision under the Commissioners in all pertinent matters concerning the collection of taxes and sales of Real Estate for non-payment of taxes. The duties are performed by a department chief, and four assistants, appointed by the Commissioners. Current taxes become delinquent if unpaid by November 1st, each year. Penalties of five per cent are added after November 1st. If still unpaid by the first Monday in May the succeeding year, they become a matter of the Tax Claim Bureau, and an interest penalty of one-half per cent per month is added to the balance already accumulated. It is then the Delinquent Tax Collector is immediately appointed by the Treasurer for that year, and is charged with the collection of all delin- quent county taxes. Remittance for current tax collections are made directly to the County Treasurer, while delinquent tax collections are made to the Tax Claim Bureau. Operating under this law, gives the advantage to the property owner by permitting him to make quarterly payments on his delinquent taxes, all within one year; and the County benefits, in that it allows the Bureau to sell, free and clear of all encumbrances, and to issue a Deed in Fee simple for the property sold, except in certain circumstances-first mortgages.
General Fund Receipts
The County's income is derived principally from Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes. The 1968 tax rate is 7.5 mills. Other sources are from fee offices, and miscellaneous revenues such as commissions, interest, rentals, and fines. Gross revenue from fee offices are turned over to the County's general fund, after which expenses of operation of the fee offices are deducted. The Per- sonal Property Tax is levied by Act of Legislature setting uniform rate in the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.