Category Archives: historic preservation

yes, the historic joseph price house has a NEW owner and they are doing work already.

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I took the above photo around August 18, 2025. In Delaware a LLC was filed August 21, 2025. On August 22, 2025 the deed transferred from the old dude from Ambler and his buddy. It kind of took until now for Chester County to upload everything. I have been checking rather frequently.

Note that Downingtown address for where mail goes for this new 401 Clover Mill LLC:

Oh wait? Really? County Propane which is a great company incidentally is owned by the guy Harry Miller who owns Regal Builders and all of the constant years long guyak or chiacchiere surrounding Lloyd Farm in Caln, right?

Allow me to set the stage. A few months ago I was told a name of rumored interest in the Joseph Price House. That name was Justin Olear. Why did I remember that name? From Lloyd Farm and Regal Builders and isn’t he Harry’s nephew? According to Regal’s website and a 2018 post on their website, he is isn’t he?

What is Lloyd farm and Lloyd Farmhouse? How quickly people forget. Next are shots someone did for some zoom thing according to Cheryl Spaulding who has led a courageous battle to preserve Lloyd Farmhouse which did not look like this when the developer purchased the property did it? Also below is a screenshot of plans for part of this property in Caln Township. Main Line Health is adding some sort of campus, but not a hospital.

1. Environmental Impact Assessment: Includes maps of roadways and improvements on their lot.
https://www.calntownship.org/…/2025-07-02_pac220255.00…
2. Erosion and Sediment Control Report: This has many details about storm water management before, during and after construction. Has some very good maps.
https://www.calntownship.org/…/pac220255.00-e_sreport…
3. Stormwater Management: Many pages of details, final results begin on page 299 of 377 ages.
https://www.calntownship.org/…/pac220255.00-swmreport…
4. Building Layout: Includes drawings of the interior of all three floors & exterior elevations.
https://www.calntownship.org/…/20250702_mlh_downingtown…

But what I do not know is what happens to the farm house? People have been watching it just ROT for years, and the land was part of a William Penn Land Grant as in the gent who settled PA, right? And Caln residents have not forgotten that a demolition permit was filed in 2019 for Lloyd, have they? And who was the media trying to get a comment out of then? Harry Miller and Justin Olear?

Also interesting is people who live in Caln have been told that Justin Olear wants to preserve the Lloyd farm house at this point. He is now the president of Regal Builders, and I was told that he (Olear) wants to preserve the Joseph Price House a few months ago when I first heard his name in the Joseph Price of it all. I have literally been holding my breath hoping it was sold to someone who will preserve it and are we here? Remember, the Joseph Price House is a federally state and locally recognized historic asset.

Joseph Price House West WhitelandDownload

Time will tell but the house is sold. I am hopeful that she stands a better chance of survival now. I don’t have a problem with someone restoring this for an office as an adaptive reuse

I actually drove by on Monday and they were ripping off one of the add on wood frame additions that had been rotting. Here are a couple of rear photos from March 2025 and the deed transfer, and thanks for stopping by.

12084355 Joseph Price Deed TransferDownload

still rotting: the joseph price house in exton, pa

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I drove past the historic Joseph Price house at Clover Mill and S. Whitford Rd. in West Whiteland today.

It continues to fall into more and more disrepair. Yes, it is technically a historic asset and it is federally, locally, and state recognized as being such, but that basically isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on in Pennsylvania.

This house is built from the most fabulous looking funky green stone that was quarried nearby at the time. I think it is called green serpentine limestone from what I remember.

This house is a wonderful quirky example of Victorian architecture. it is called a rural Queen Ann Gothic style. Built around 1878 and altered around 1894.

Supposedly a developer is in the process of acquiring the property, only it doesn’t show a transfer occurring yet.

At this point in time if this developer is indeed buying this property, it would be nice if they stepped forward into the light and told us they were saving it or whatever they’re planning for the property.

It is also important to note that I do not trespass on this property. Everything was viewed from across the road.

did you know historic yellow springs got beaten up by storms recently?

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I’ve been meaning to write about this and I just have had time get away from me, and not enough hours in the day. Historic Yellow Springs is one of my favorite places in Chester County. I was introduced to the village many moons ago by my late father who loved this little piece of Chester County. (He also loved the antique show they used to have that they should bring back.)

Anyway, it’s no joke that we keep having these series of thunderstorms with accompanying winds and more that are wreaking havoc on places. And the ones just after Fourth of July did significant damage to Historic Yellow Springs.

They are working their way through it, but I never saw any local media pick up the fact that this beautiful historic village was a storm victim. They showed lots of other storm damage, why not Historic Yellow Springs Village?

For example, the poor library experienced damage from a storm in February, it sustained more damage in early July.

According to what they wrote, and I will share screenshots and their photos more than 100 trees were damaged or destroyed. That’s a significant amount and this is a place with very old growth trees as well. Cleanup is going to take months, and they are in a township that I think leaves a lot to be desired as far as being clear about anything, and if West Pikeland can’t be trusted with keeping a police force, how can they be trusted with the village?

So I think Yellow springs is doing a marvelous job of navigating the process of doing what they have to do to take care of the structures that were damaged and storm cleanup, but I’m sure that right now they could use a little extra help in the donation department because as homeowners we know how expensive this work is, let alone being responsible for an entire village of historic assets.

Chester County has a lot of deep pockets who could help one of our county treasures, so I’m putting this out there with their words to follow in the hopes that people can even give a small contribution.

https://yellowsprings.org/support/donate/

Now to follow, is life in the village in their own words published on their socials yesterday after this storm in early July:

Storm Impact Update

Having climbed the fields of shattered and fallen trees, and listened to the chainsaws for days on end, we feel incredibly fortunate for the relatively limited damage to buildings that occurred with the dangerous storm on July 7th. Additionally, I am incredibly thankful for the forethought of our programs team to heed weather warnings, and decide to cancel classes proactively, likely saving lives, given the severity of the event.

This storm tore through our property with extraordinary force. Estimates are showing nearly 100 trees were destroyed or badly damaged, with cleanup efforts likely to continue for months.

The days following the storm were focused on safety assessments and clearing access. Staff and volunteers mobilized quickly, working tirelessly to make the village safe again. Every tool in our arsenal was leveraged just to try to move enough limbs to uncover all corners of the village and reach some sense of normalcy.

Once paths were cleared, hidden structural damage began to emerge:

  • The glazing space behind the old studio barn was smashed.
  • The courtyard fountain, power supply, and roofing on the Washington Building suffered major hits from a fallen sycamore limbs.
  • The Chester Springs Library, sustained new roof damage that allowed water infiltration.

As you may recall, a previous extreme weather event in February, led to structural damage to the roof of the Library. Since then, HYS and the Library have worked closely with insurers, engineers, and contractors to bring this historic structure up to code and safely reopen the Library. We empathize with the public for the loss of resources during the library’s closure and have offered alternate village spaces for free programs whenever possible.

While the temporary protection applied to the roof after the February event held up impressively, wind torn limbs and the fierce rain from the most recent storm punctured new holes on the opposite side of the roof and allowed water to reach inside the building. Within a day of forging a path through the storm debris, we had professional carpentry crews on site ensuring the roof was watertight and not in danger of falling, and commercial-grade air handlers and dehumidifiers were added to move out moisture. Cleanup continues and collaboration between HYS, the Library, engineers, and insurers is ongoing with the goal of getting this historic building bustling again.

During this recovery period, programs continue in unaffected buildings across the village, and we maintain a robust calendar of events to keep our community engaged and inspired. We are constantly discussing new opportunities with partners, and looking for creative ways to make programs happen.

We are deeply grateful to those who have already offered time, talent, and funds. We will keep you informed about progress and ways you can help as we restore every facet of the village for a vibrant future.

Now I’m going to show you the screenshots I took today off of Facebook and everything is from the village’s social media, including their photos. This place is a little slice of heaven, and if you can help them out with a small donation, it would be great. You can also maybe let the county commissioners know when they’re finished designing bad logos, and hiring lots of people that this is a historic asset worth supporting. (sorry not sorry, sometimes I think they need to get out of the Borough of West Chester more.)

With the United States having a big birthday in 2026, and Chester County being a big focus, we want this jewel shining bright and strong.

behold the original barn!

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Now we can see what was underneath the faux barn that was Stevens antiques once upon a time in Malvern/Frazer. So freaking cool!

is a barn again happening in east whiteland?

is a barn again happening in east whiteland?

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Reader photo 6/19/25

When I first moved to Chester county, the cool old barn at the foot of Phoenixville Pike and route 30 by the Home Depot was the Stevens Antique Barn. The address is 627 Lancaster Ave. Frazer. Of course now they’re saying Malvern but it’s really Frazer.

Stevens Antiques always had lovely things. I think once upon a time many years ago, my mother actually sold the owner chairs she wasn’t using any longer. What I remember of the dealer from that store is how frosty she was at the Chester County Antiques Show. I just couldn’t ever understand how someone who sold such beautiful antiques could be so standoffish. But then again, I was just a regular person going through her booth not a checkbook toting serious collector.

Eventually, the business closed, and the property was for sale seemingly forever. Then it’s sold to a high-end contracting and renovation business. They were putting their offices there.

so over the last, I don’t know 23 years. There’s been a lot of cleaning up of the property itself and removal of debris and stabilizing the bank and now it seems like another barn has been discovered underneath the barn we knew?

This is definitely like an archaeological restoration when you drive-by. I don’t know what’s happening. I’m hoping someone goes and talks to the property owners because that’s definitely not a teardown and that seems really exciting.

If you know what’s going on here, please drop me a line!

Reader submitted photo 6/19/25

the schiffer of it all: east whiteland has officially saved 52 acres in perpetuity

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There is a major article in the Philadelphia Business Journal about West Chester being given the Schiffer Farm at 1469 Morstein as a monumental donation and East Whiteland buying 52 acres at $4.7 million for open space. That is why East Whiteland voters passed the open space referendum last fall. That means dear readers, that saving this land is officially done and dusted!

The article mentions how West Chester University Provost Jeff Osgood said “West Chester did not want to engage in development for the sake of development” but isn’t that confusing given the back and forth in the past about what was it? 15 acres of this property that are mostly in West Whiteland and a wee bit in East Goshen? You know the land that backs up to where is it? Old Phoenixville Pike? Was that land sold before the rest was donated? (I never asked that before, did you?) West Whiteland is about preservation, but East Goshen today? Who knows as that township has changed.

This property straddles more than one municipality, and the thing I find sad is Durango Farm which has operated out of there for years will be relocating. It was in the article, but I had heard that a couple of months ago, elsewhere. I loved seeing the horses swishing their tails on the hill of the front field on Morstein. What East Whiteland acquired is called Ridley Springs, something else I didn’t now since we all just know it as “Schiffer Farm.”

The horses I am guessing will have to be relocated by or before renovation of the land occurs in 2026. Some buildings are reported as decrepit on the site, so while some structures I am guessing will be preserved, some will be removed… or that is what I was told when I asked a while ago. I will miss the horses, but it perhaps was not as easy having horses over there given the people who treated them like a petting zoo and would just wander up and neighbors in the past also told me people would try and feed them which you never do without permission, just like you don’t wander onto land with horses or live stock without permission.

The Philadelphia Business Journal also reported that this land in transition would present learning opportunities for students as well. Something about a collaborative process between the West Chester University kids and East Whiteland to transform a farm into a nature preserve and park. That’s pretty cool.

(An aside is Philadelphia Business Journal is well worth a subscription, although expensive.)

What would also be cool? Since there is open land not wooded, wouldn’t it be a great place for an observatory and wasn’t there one around the area once upon a time?

Also as I am a big gardener, I am a fan of what has happened at Bondsville Mill Park thanks to David Culp. I also would like to see organic community garden plots. That property has tons of deer, so that would require fencing.

West Chester University will use proceeds of the land for scholarships and financial aid, which as well all know for colleges and universities across the country is under attack courtesy of the current administration in Washington D.C.

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2025/06/17/west-chester-university-gift-land-preservation.html

Here is the full text of Chair of The East Whiteland Supervisors speech. I asked for it because it is such a great thing to have happened in an ugly world and thank you East Whiteland Township for getting it:

Good afternoon,
I’m Scott Lambert, Chairman of the East Whiteland Township Board of
Supervisors. Today, I’m honored to stand before you and share this truly
exciting news, a process that began 2.5 yrs ago which for municipal time
lines is a fast turnaround …news that reflect the very best of what can
happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.


East Whiteland Township is proud of the forthcoming acquisition and
permanent preservation of a truly special piece of land—RIDLEY SPRINGS FARM.

This milestone is not just about preserving open space, it’s about
legacy, vision, and above all, it’s about Improving our community.
In 2023, the generous anonymous donor approached the Townships of
East Whiteland, East Goshen, and West Whiteland with an opportunity to preserve over 52 acres of beautiful countryside. After thoughtful
discussions and deep consideration, East Whiteland Township stepped
forward as the only municipality ready to commit to preserving this land for the public good……….. But we couldn’t do it alone.


Thanks to a vital partnership from the West Chester University
Foundation—who graciously stepped in to temporarily acquire the
land—we were able to act swiftly while securing funding for long-term
stewardship. And thanks to the strong support of the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Chester County, our
County Commissioners Marion Moskowitz , Josh Maxwell who graciously cleared their calendar for a hastily arranged meeting that helped turn the tide.

To our state representatives of Senator Katie Muth and Representative
Kristine Howard, The staff at Carolynn Comita’s office that offered some
good advice and most importantly the 4044 residents of East Whiteland
Township, who voted in favor of the new Open Space Tax, we secured
nearly $1.87 million in grant funding to make this dream a reality.
This isn’t just about protecting open space, it’s also about creating a
vibrant, lasting resource for generations to come …. Our vision for the
property reflects a mission deeply rooted in conservation. We will honor
WITH THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY the original wishes of the anonymousfamily….. that this land is not developed for commercial, residential, or industrial use. Instead, we’re transforming it into a public nature preserve and park— a place where all are welcome to enjoy …..the best of our ability includes our fierce opposition to pending state House Bill 502 which would strip local government of the power to make land use and zoning ordinances decisions related to large scale energy production facilities -handing it instead to a 7 member politically appointed board in Harrisburg .

On June 12 Nick Cohen a CEO of an energy company, testified in
Harrisburg in support of this bill had these comments about local elected
officials:


X They should stick to chicken coop and garage decisions
X They did not get in the business of local government to make decisions
about land use.

Perhaps Mr. Cohen should review the PA MPC /SALDO …
this type of overreach further under scores the importance of this
transaction. And I hope our voting representatives will not approve this bill
in the current state and respect the importance of local municipal input.

While we have much planning to do to prepare this space for public use,
here’s a look at what’s ahead:

  • A beautiful network of scenic hiking and walking trails
  • A brand-new trailhead and pocket park for rest and recreation
  • Designated spaces for community events—like 5K races, family fun
    days, nature walks, and wellness programs…. these details will
    include input from our community/stakeholders
  • This land will be a sanctuary and a place where future generations can
    explore, learn, and thrive. On behalf of the East Whiteland Township Board
    of Supervisors, I want to thank a who’s who of super people (everyone ) who helped bring this vision over the finish line -the anonymous family,
    our Township team, Chester County Commissioners, Senator Muth,
    Representative Howard and Chris Pielli, State Senator Comitta, the West Chester University Foundation, our grant partners at DCNR and Chester County, West Whiteland for agreeing to the annexation of 1 acre of their property and our 4044 residents or 56% of the voting community that supported the preservation of open space.

Thank you all for your commitment to helping preserve this land for public
enjoyment for generations to come.

I close with saying everyone should thank East Whiteland Supervisor Scott Lambert. He doesn’t take enough credit for the mountains he moved to get this done.

Ciao for now.

new discovery related to duffy’s cut

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This week I had the pleasure and privilege of going to Immaculata to listen to the Watson brothers and their team announce another mass grave discovery to the west of the original mass grave. The precise location is not divulged, it’s somewhere near Northwood Cemetery in Downingtown.

Duffy’s Cut and the continuation of the history of what happened with these Irish rail workers is important.

When I was growing up, my late maternal grandfather was Irish. Irish American, not Irish born, but he told me about Duffy’s Cut. he also told me about being a little boy at the turn of the 20th century in Philadelphia and seeing signs in the windows that said “No Irish Need Apply.” I remember being like 11 or 12 and asking a history teacher about it and the teacher said yes there were the signs in the windows but graves of murdered railroad workers never existed and Duffy’s Cut wasn’t real.

And here we are today. Those men, and that one woman we knew of, existed. They mattered. The history mattered.

If you are curious about the history, there is a museum within Immaculata library devoted to this. But please, whatever you do don’t go running around ghost hunting. These discoveries have occurred on private property and it is a privilege not a right that that the archaeological team under the direction of the Watson Brothers are doing this important work.

Please visit https://duffyscut.immaculata.edu/ for more information and also if you would like to make a donation.

https://www.irishcentral.com/news/irish-mass-grave-downingtown

Mass grave discovery in US may hold remains of Irish railroad workers
Mass grave of Irish railroad workers likely discovered in Downingtown

exciting duffy’s cut update?

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dear west pikeland township, do you appreciate your township treasures?

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This morning Bob from Fox29 went to Historic Yellow Springs to visit Life’s Patina Mercantile and Cafe, and it makes me wonder aloud does West Pikeland Township appreciate the treasures in this township?

Now everyone knows I love Life’s Patina and the simply marvelous things Meg Veno and her team do. A fun fact is I really was the person who told Meg at one of her barn sales that the late Charlie Orlando (He died a while back and remember Yellow Springs Inn?) had lost the Jenny Lind House (now the Life’s Patina Mercantile and Cafe) to foreclosure and the site was up for grabs. Meg had been speaking about wanting a new project, and I said the Jenny Lind. That was 2018 maybe late 2017, I forget.

here are some photos I took during a visit when the renovation was occuring:

It was so exciting to watch the Jenny Lind come back to life! I took a little video in 2023 when she opened. I do not remember if anyone from West Pikeland Towsnhip was there or not. I do not know the elected officials, so I wouldn’t recognize them.

I was there a couple of weeks ago again:

It was such a long and involved process and my favorite part is not even open yet: the upstairs guest rooms. They are ensuite and just perfect. I haven’t wanted to pry so I have not asked why the rooms are not open yet, but knowing what other people have gone through living in West Pikeland with that odd township, you have to wonder, right?

If West Pikeland was more savvy, they would better cultivate these new businesses pouring money into expensive renovations for the right reasons wouldn’t you think? After all they also have Jeff Devlin (HGTV etc Stone House Revival) there with Sycamore and Stone, as well as Meg… although the Life’s Patina team saw the potential in Yellow Springs Village before Jeff arrived. Ironically, he opened ahead of them and I totally adore Jeff and his wife Janelle, but there is no denying star power motivates local government. I saw it happen on the Main Line all of the time, and it probably still does happen, sadly.

West Pikeland is just odd and Pennsyltucky in their ways. No other way around it.

It’s like West Pikeland favors some over others. In that township they have had musical chairs with managers, they can’t seem to record meetings, meeting minutes are problematic, and oh yeah they are trying to ditch their local police department and you are never ever sure what is going on and it’s truthfully sad because it is a lovely slice of Chester County there….. but what is new to me is their 90% tax increase? Oy.

And then there is the police of it all and to that end what happened at a recent meeting:

West Pikeland Township, you need to appreciate what’s in front of you, including the police. You are a township of treasures, undervalued by you.

west pikeland is dysfunctional and secretive and they want to dump their police??

after the fire: 1 year later

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A year ago on May 1, was the first of two fires which devastated an old historic home at 400 Leopard Road in Berwyn. Both fires were vicious and devastating, putting first responders at risk and not exactly creating a safe scenario for neighbors.

I had loved the whimsy of this house since I was a teenager growing up on the Main Line. I had friends who grew up in this part of the Main Line, and those who live here as an adult not so far away, so I have literally been driving past it forever. Sugartown is also one of my favorite drives from Chester County to the Main Line.

And here she sits. The first fire was May 1, 2024 and the second devastating fire was late July, 2024.

so…. the story of 400 leopard road in berwyn has taken a twist

As we know the former homeowner, Kathryn Frankel, was charged with the second fire, I have no clue what happened with the first fire.

The house just sits a lonely sentinel to a senseless tragedy to this day as you drive by.

Can this house be restored? I am thinking no, but who knows? I just think someone will see a corner lot and eventually place a McMansion with not nearly the heart and soul once held by 400 Leopard Road.

There has not been a trial yet. It is just so sad. ***But if you look at the docket it looks like her bail was revoked???***

CpDocketSheetDownload

And then there is the thing on the Delaware County dockets?

MdjDocketSheet 2Download