CHAPTER 4
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOUCES
Caln Township has a rich and diverse heritage that is reflected in the historic and cultural resources
that are integrated within the existing land use patterns. The preservation of these historic and cultural
resources is essential to establish a community bond from past generations to future generations. Since
these resources are not renewable, it is essential to recognize their value and promote a future land use
plan that is based upon fundamental principles in an effort to preserve, protect and enhance their
presence within the community.
A.
HISTORICAL PROFILE
The following chronological list of historical events is considered significant in the overall growth and
development of Caln Township over the past 300 years:
1681: The land area encompassing Chester County including Delaware County and Lancaster
County is established as one of the original counties by William Penn.
1702: The first settlers, mostly of English decent, begin to occupy parts of Caln and the
surrounding communities. David Settler names the unincorporated area “Caln” after his hometown
of Calne, located in Wiltshire, a section of England 90 miles west of London.
1715: The area known as “Caln” is occupied by 10 residents, 6 absentee landowners and 2
freemen. Some of the early settlers included the Aston, Hunt, Luirs, Miller, Pim, Parke, Roman,
Spackman, Coates and Medenhall.
1726: Caln Meetinghouse is constructed as a place of worship and assembly.
1729: The area of Caln is split into two (2) sections and incorporated as East Caln Township and
West Caln Township.
1750: The Taylor House, a 2 story stone structure, is constructed in the northern portion of Caln.
1790: Brandywine Township is established as a municipality within Chester County from lands
that were previously part of East Caln Township.
1794: The Philadelphia-Lancaster Turnpike Road (now known as Business Route 30 and Lincoln
Highway) is constructed through the center of Chester County. The road is considered as one of
the first graded and paved roads within Pennsylvania.
1804: A Stage Coach is established along the Philadelphia-Lancaster Turnpike Road with different
stops within the region.
1826: Construction on the “Mainline”, a railroad system connecting Philadelphia with Pittsburgh
commences. The 82 mile railroad segment of the “Mainline”, between Philadelphia and the
Susquehanna River is called the Columbia Railroad.
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Chapter 4: Historical and Cultural Resources
1834: Construction of the Columbia Railroad is completed. A section of the railroad traverses
Caln Township in an east-west direction, parallel to Business Route 30.
1837: Quakers Richard and Mary Edge Pim construct a stone hexagonal schoolhouse to begin the
early education of their 9 children. The unique 75 ton structure is located along Edge Lane until it
is relocated to Municipal Drive in 1968.
Ingleside Manor (aka James Buchanan House)
Hexagonal School House
1844: Brandywine Township is divided into two (2) sections and officially incorporated as East
Brandywine Township and West Brandywine Township.
1847: The Thorndale Iron Works is established as a manufacturer of iron plates and other metals.
1849: The Village of Thorndale is founded and named by developers James and John Forsythe for
the thorny appearance of the land in which they erected a rolling mill and 16 homes.
1853: Valley Township is established as a municipality within Chester County from lands that
were previously part of West Caln Township
1854: The Thorndale Post Office is established and it is initially part of the Thorndale Iron Works.
1859: Downingtown Borough is established as a municipality within Chester County from lands
that were previously part of East Caln Township
1867: The City of Coatesville is established as a municipality within Chester County from lands
that were previously part of West Caln Township
1868: The remaining portion of East Caln Township is reorganized and split into two (2) sections.
The area located to the east of the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek retains the name East Caln
Township, while the remaining land area was officially incorporated as Caln Township.
1875: The original train station is constructed in Thorndale to provide transportation services for
freight, mail and passengers.
1900: The population of Caln Township reaches 917 residents.
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1925: The first public water supply distribution system is established to serve customers in the
south central portion of Caln Township. This system would eventually be purchased by the City of
Coatesville Authority (presently known as Pennsylvania American Water Company).
1926: The Caln Civic Club is established.
1928: The Caln Elementary School is constructed in an effort to consolidate several one (1) room
school houses throughout Caln Township.
1930: The total population of Caln Township reaches 1,676 residents.
1930: The first patients are moved into the new Veterans Administration Hospital, located along
the south side of Blackhorse Hill Road. The facility is formally dedicated in 1932.
1939: The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company is organized to provide fire protection services.
1939: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Thorndale Fire Company is established.
1949: The Thorndale Firehouse is constructed along Business Route 30.
1953: Caln Township becomes a First Class Township.
1954: The Caln Township Planning Commission is appointed by the Board of Commissioners to
review development plans and prepare municipal land use ordinances.
1958: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to purchase a 14 acre parcel of land
from Mr. and Mrs. Christian Zinn, on which the Caln Township Municipal Building and Police
Department would eventually be located.
1958: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agrees to purchase a 20 acre tract of land
from Joseph Roper, on which the Caln Municipal Park would eventually be developed.
1958: Caln Township plus six (6) other municipalities surrounding the City of Coatesville form
the Brandywine School District to provide educational opportunities for students in grades 1
through 8.
1959: The Caln Township Police Department is established as a one (1) man police force.
1960: The population of Caln Township reaches 6,685 residents
1961: The Caln Township Municipal Building and Garages are completed.
1963: The Route 30 Bypass is completed and open to traffic over a 15 mile limited access highway
between Exton and Parkesburg at a cost of 11 million dollars.
1964: The seven (7) municipalities of the Brandywine School District merge with the schools
within the City of Coatesville to form the Coatesville Area School District.
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1967: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to accept a 30 acre tract of land donated
by William M. Lloyd, on which Lloyd Park would eventually be developed.
1968: Caln Township celebrates its centennial anniversary.
1968: The 75 ton stone hexagonal school building is moved from the Edge Farm to a site in front
of the Caln Township Municipal Building.
1971: The stone hexagonal school building is restored as a municipal landmark and museum.
1978: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to purchase a 20 acre tract of land
through the Federal Surplus Real Property, on which the Caln Park West is now located.
1980: The population of Caln Township reaches 9,639 residents.
1980: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to accept a 13.4 acre tract of land known
as Brookfield Open Space Area, as donated by Fitzpatrick and Fanning.
1981: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to accept a 1 acre tract of land known as
Ruth Dawkins Playground, as donated by the Chester County Redevelopment Authority.
1983: The Caln Township Park and Recreation Board is established as a group of seven (7)
members appointed by the Board of Commissioners to provide a variety of recreational activities,
programs and opportunities to the residents.
1984: The Caln Friends Meeting House is officially listed on the National Register of Historic
Places.
1995: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners agree to accept a 15 acre tract of land as part
of the Thornridge Development, which is now known as the Uhler Tract.
2000: The population of Caln Township reaches 11,916 residents.
2001: The Caln Township Board of Commissioners execute a land acquisition agreement with
Marianne Davis Griffith and Theodore R. Griffith, Jr., to purchase a 125 acre parcel of land.
Edge House near Edge’s Mill
Caln Township Comprehensive Plan
Miles of Mills (aka Bed Bug Row)
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Chapter 4: Historical and Cultural Resources
B.
HISTORICAL SITES AND RESOURCES
Caln Township contains numerous buildings and sites that have historical significance. The Chester
County Historical Society in conjunction with other local, county and state agencies had previously
completed municipal surveys to document the location, historical significance and architectural
features of each site. However, these surveys must be comprehensively updated to account for recent
changes in the municipal landscape. This future planning effort should be considered as a high priority
since an effective historical and cultural resource plan will promote community pride, economic
vitality and tourism. The following table provides a brief description of these historically significant
sites within Caln Township and Figure 8 depicts their locations.
HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS AND SITES
Map #
Description of Historically Significant Area or Site
H-1
Hexagonal School House: A unique 75 ton, 6 sided stone structure constructed by Quakers Richard
and Mary Edge Pim in 1837 to begin the early education of their 9 children. This structure was
located along Edge Lane until it is relocated to Municipal Drive in 1968. It was restored in 1971 and
is considered a municipal landmark and museum.
H-2
Caln Friends Meetinghouse: The 1.5 story stone structure was built in 1726 as place of worship and
assembly by the religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The original building was expanded in 1800
and 1850 to accommodate the congregation. In addition, a cemetery is located on the property. In
1984, the Caln Friends Meetinghouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
H-3
Taylor House: A 2 story stone structure constructed around 1750. The building is listed as a historic
site by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania partly because of its early industrial use. Shards found
around the farm indicated that pottery was made in the early 1800’s. The building has been
refurbished as a center for community activities by the Brandywine Hospital.
H-4
Isaac Coates House: This stone house was built by Isaac Coates in 1779. The home was originally
part of a 492 acre tract of land purchased by the Coates family from William Penn in 1728. Future
owners of this home included the Hatfield’s, Ralston’s, Stroh’s, Jenning’s and Rosser’s.
H-5
Hanscom House (aka Seltzer Homestead): This farmhouse was constructed by Thomas Seltzer in
1741 and expanded in 1845. The home was originally part of a 246 acre tract of land purchased by
the Seltzer family from Moses Coates in 1743. Future owners of this home included the Torbert’s,
former president James Buchanan, McCanna’s and eventually back to the Seltzer’s.
H-6
Ingleside Manor (aka James Buchanan House): The land and mansion was originally owned by
President James Buchanan in 1862. Although President Buchanan did not occupy this house, he did
occasionally visit friends and advisors. During recent times, the structure has been the site of a
restaurant and sports bar.
H-7
Greenwood Manor (aka Joseph Edge House): This 2 story stone farmhouse was constructed in 1841
by Richard and Mary Edge Pim. The house remained in the Edge/Pim family until Joseph Edge died
in 1985.
H-8
G.O. Carlson House: This farmhouse was originally constructed in the 1700’s and later occupied by
well-known industrialist and humanitarian Gunard O. Carlson. Prior to the Civil War, the home was
utilized as part of the Underground Railroad to hide slaves fleeing the South. The property was also
owned by a famous perfume manufacturer known as Mr. Gunniman.
H-9
Edge House and Edge’s Mill: This stone home was originally built by Robert Valentine in 1715.
The home was enlarged in 1768 and 1800. A large grist mill was built near the home in 1784. In
1838, Jacob Edge married Anna Valentine (daughter of Robert Valentine) and operated the mill for
many years. The property was also rumored to be part of the Underground Railroad to hide slaves
fleeing the South.
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H-10
H-11
H-12
Miles of Mills (aka Bed Bug Row and the Dye Works): This row of 8 homes was constructed in
1859 to house workers at the local mills. These homes were also known as “bed bug row” since
many of the children within the homes would invite guests to stay when school was in session. The
original row of 8 homes has been converted to a row of 4 homes.
Spackman Farm (aka Davis Farm): The original stone house was constructed around 1776 by Isaac
and Mary Spackman. In 1804, a large stone and frame barn was constructed as well as a small
embankment building, which was utilized as a 1 room school, spring house and smoke house. In
1809, the house was doubled in size and in 1850 a new section was added on the north side. Since
1936, the Griffith family has occupied the homestead. However, in 2001, the Caln Township Board
of Commissioners entered into an agreement to purchase most of the original farmland for municipal,
recreational and conservation uses.
Perry House (aka Hoopes Currying Shop): This stone structure was constructed by John Hoopes in
1795. The property was the site of a currying shop, bark mill and saw mill. The home has also been
owned by Abner Williams, the Upper Darby Building and Loan, and Eugene Pollock.
H-13
Springhouse Hill (aka Hickman House): The original house and spring house were constructed out of
field stone in 1793. Historical records indicate that the homestead was owned by the Pim family.
Several additions were added in 1895, 1920 and 1970.
H-14
Edge’s Mill Bridge (aka Chester County Bridge 124): This stone arched bridge was constructed in
1916 by Dunleavy Brothers to convey the waters of Beaver Creek under Edge’s Mill Road. The
structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
H-15
River Mill Run (aka Spangenberg House): This house was built in 1890 on a 69 acre parcel of land
owned by Jarvis Ellis, owner of the Beaver Valley Woolen Mills. The home was originally built for
2 families, who probably were middle managers of the mill. In 1974, the house was converted into a
single family residential unit.
H-16
Uhler Tract (aka Corey Farm): This farmhouse was originally constructed as a Quaker Meeting
House in the early 1700’s by James Reed. During the 1700’s the 1,500 acre property changed
several hands and the house and a portion of the land (500 acres) was subdivided and sold to the Pim
family, who owned it to 1863. Since that time the property was owned by a number of families.
Today, the farmhouse has been restored and is located within the Thornridge development.
Source: Caln Township Historical Commission (March 2003)
The list of historically significant properties identified within in the chart referenced above should be
construed as an abbreviated list of historical sites with descriptions. The Caln Township Historical
Commission has recently conducted an initial survey of the properties within Caln Township in which
119 sites were considered to be historically significant. The Caln Township Historical Commission
should continue with this effort to further document these historical sites.
Caln Friends Meetinghouse
Caln Township Comprehensive Plan
Spackman Farm (aka Davis Farm and Griffith Farm)
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Chapter 4: Historical and Cultural Resources
C.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES PLAN
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has enacted the following two (2) laws, which provide the legal
foundation for municipalities to protect and preserve historical resources:
Pennsylvania Act 167: The Pennsylvania Historical District Act (PA Act 167 of 1961),
authorizes municipalities to establish local historical districts in an effort to protect and preserve
the historic and architectural character through regulations for the erection, reconstruction,
alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of buildings or structures within the historical district.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) must certify the creation of the
historical district and the municipalities are required to appoint a Historical Architectural Review
Board (HARB) to advise the local governing body of building or construction activity within the
historical district.
Pennsylvania Act 247: The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (PA Act 247 of 1968,
as amended) authorizes municipalities to use zoning regulations to protect and preserve places of
historical resources. The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code specifically provides for
the regulation of places having historical, architectural or patriotic interest or value to the
community. Historic preservation zoning provisions may be applied to specific sites within an
historic overlay zone. Special permits and review procedures may also be established by the
municipality.
In order to implement the community planning goals for historical protection and preservation
established in Chapter 2, the following strategies are recommended:
1.
Formulate and adopt an official policy statement for the protection and preservation of historical
resources within Caln Township. This policy statement should be initially drafted by the Caln
Township Historical Commission in conjunction with the Old Caln Historical Society. A formal
draft should be presented to the Caln Township Board of Commissioners for consideration.
2.
Coordinate planning efforts with the PHMC, Chester County Historical Society, Chester County
Planning Commission, Brandywine Conservancy and other state, county or local group who
share similar visions for the protection and preservation of historical and cultural resources. As
part of this effort, consider the following:
•
The Caln Township Historical Commission and Old Caln Historical Society should become
familiar with all programs, resources and opportunities that are available to local volunteers
and organizations.
•
Since historical and cultural resources are not bound by municipal boarders, the Caln
Township Historical Commission should contact the adjacent municipalities to discuss local
and regional planning efforts.
•
The Caln Township Historical Commission should host periodic meetings and invite
experts in the field of historical preservation and cultural resource planning to discuss the
opportunities that are available to implement the recommendations of this Plan.
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3.
Conduct a municipal survey of all known or potential sites, buildings, structures, objects, districts
and land areas, which have historical and cultural significance. As part of this effort consider the
following issues:
•
The PHMC provides local assistance in the preparation of such surveys. The recommended
procedures and survey format are further documented in Guidelines for Historic Resource
Surveys in Pennsylvania.
•
Utilize the list of significant historical areas and sites contained within this Chapter and
complete a survey for each site. Take pictures and interview the property owners to
ascertain as much documentation as possible.
•
Solicit qualified consultants in the fields of historic preservation, architecture and planning
to review the results of the survey and prioritize the significance of the historical and
cultural resources.
•
Develop a draft list of short term and long term strategies that will protect and preserve
each historical and cultural resource.
•
Update the municipal surveys for each historical and cultural resource site every 10-years.
4.
Establish a community education program on the benefits of effective historical protection and
preservation efforts. As part of this effort, representatives of the Caln Township Historical
Commission should meet with the owners and tenants of the historical sites with the highest
significance to gain support and discuss preservation strategies.
5.
Identify potential funding opportunities, which could provide financial assistance for historic
preservation activities within Caln Township. Solicit the support of the PHMC, Chester County
Historical Society and Brandywine Conservancy to add their expertise in this effort.
6.
Consider appointing local and/or regional HARB to initially document the historical and cultural
resources within Caln Township.
7.
Consider establishing historic overlay districts for selected areas that have historical significance.
If appropriate, appoint a local or regional HARB to advise the local governing bodies of building
or construction activity within the historical district. As part of this process, develop ordinances
with standards and specifications for historical protection and preservation.
8.
Consider the adoption of effective zoning, subdivision and land development amendments, which
consider provisions for buffer yards, scenic vistas, adaptive reuse, landscaping, signs and other
visual enhancements within historic overlay districts.
9.
Promote tourism opportunities within established historical districts.
10.
Caln Township will be celebrating its 150th municipal anniversary in the year 2018. As part of
this celebration, consider preparing an historic reference book, which documents the evolution of
Caln Township with pictures, stories and events that have taken place over the years.
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