THE KING OF PRUSSIA STORY

THE KING OF PRUSSIA STORY

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This is King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

MAP OrTH£ KINCJ Or P.eUSSIA A.€'~A

0

Settled in the 1680 1 s, it is one of the faw areas of the U.S.A. thRt can trace the evolution of American architecture, industry, and culture by original buildings STILL STANDING.

In this area there are some two hundred fifty-six sites and buildings located as existing before 1850. Of these 256, there are so~e 180 dwellings still standing of v~ried character and period. Some were homes of great men; some were homes of unknown men. Some were built in the pre-Revolutionary period. Some were Revolutionary, some post-Revolutionary in date. Some, like the King of Prussia Inn, the Catfish Dam Lock House, and the Roberts School were of varied uses and reflected various cultural aspects of our American heritage ·. Many are well-preserved as private . homes. Others are in imminent danger of being wiped out completely to make way for modern developments.

And so, for example, a world-famous pre-Revolutionary inn, the King of Prussia Inn (circa 1709), was about to be demolished four years ago to make way for an extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Residents of the area were revolted at the thought and joined together to save this historic treasure. When the Department of Highways refused to reconsider because there was "no group to take ovar the 250-year-old Inn," these neighbors formed the King of Prussia Historical -Society to do just that!

This led to a sci~ntific study of the entire area and thP. dis­covery thRt certRin othP.r significant dwellinRs were slated for destruction. It was determined that some key buildin~s must be preserved for use as points of reference on the chart of American progress. For without visible landmarks we don't know where we•ve been and can't know where we are going! Such a program has been instituted in this area by the King of Prussi~ Historical Society.

The Society has begun the re-creation of the Roberts School (1848), has agreed to conserve a trapper's log cabin of the 1680 1 s, is beginning the restoration of the King · of Prussia Inn, is fighting for the preservation of the early 1700 Pechin farmhouse, plans to dismantle and move an 1860 Victorian outhouse of distinctive Chinese Gothic design, hopes to restore the Union School Master's quarters (1810), and plans to begin restoration of the Catfish Dam Locks and Lock House -- all within the framework of a practical plan for the area based on several years of study, consultation, and discussion.

This program is ~OT a re-creation of a snr,cific time as in Williamsburg. This program is NOT centered on a single cultural side as in Cooperstown. This proi;ram is NOT a central re-created village as in Sturbridge. This program IS a c~refully planned preservation ?roject to errrnhasize the importance of the individual throughout our pioneer period, our revolutionary years, and our transitiona~ years durin~ the beP,inning of thP. industrial re­volution. It is a nro~ram Planned to act as a livinP, laboratory of our herita~e and our ~ulture. It is our tirm conviction that these ori~inal buildin~s. in bein~ preserved, restored, and used, can continue to serve a unique purpose against the backdrop of a

· modern, ch~n~in~ oommuriity.

Naturally, such an ambitious prof.ram needs e::cnert hel:o and ::1dvice •.• and the authoritative financial support of the sort thAt your Found~tion can best nrovide.

'Washington's CJ&adquarters at 'Valley 'vorge, Uppe,-~n '5ownship

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The . King of Prussia Story -- page J .

. c;ELEC'T'ION OF KEY P.UILDI~r..s:

1'he selection of key buildin~s in this Program has been based on the practicality of two rigid criteria: the National Trust for Historic Preservation ~riteria for Evaluatin~ Historic Buildings and the Plan For Historic Preservation In Upner Merion Township. These criteria h~ve been included as an appendix to this brochure.

The selection has been further tempered by two facts: the . me.jority of the 180 buildings are in sympathetic private hands and are being used as private homes; and the mushrooming develop­ment of the area and the inv~sion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike with the Schuylkill Expressway have been both a blessing and a curse acting to increase the accessibility of the area but forcing rapid decisions within the rigid criteria to permit sacrifice of the unimportant buildings and salvage of important ones. ·

The key buildings presented in this report are those whose score is outstanding under the evaluating systems used. There are other buildings in the area which could easily be incorporated in this program. The key buildings and a few of the other historic build­ings in the area have been so coded on the may on page 1.

Each key building has been described on a separate page in the following manner: Artist's sketch. location and history. evaluation, prP.sent status. needs. cost estimate. use, present plans. The buildings have been arranged in chronological order as to date of construction. This does not represent the ProP,ression of the restoration program.

The buildin~s included are:

1'he Exley Log Cabin

'l'hP. Pechin Farmhouse -X­

The Kin~ of Prussia Inn

~obert Morris's Mill

(circa 1684}

(circa 1700)

(circa 17,09)

(circa 1750)

page

page

page

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4

6

8

10

ThP- Union School Master's Q.uarters (circa 1810} paP,"e 12

1'he Cr-tfish D~m Lock House

The Roberts School

The Kennedy House

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(circa 1836)

(circa 1848)

(circa 1865)

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page

page

14

15

17

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The ·King of Prussia Story -- pa~e 4.

THE EXLEY LOG CABIN (c.1684)

Location and History: This little log cabin is situated on a twelve-acre tract of woodlands on Radnor Road (Rt.252) about two miies from the King of Prussia Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Land grants in this area begin in 1681. Competent architectural historians who have examined the dwelling place its date of construction around 1684 "or earlier." The architectural characteristics of thP, cabin point to a Swedish builder. Swedish trappP,rS h~ve been placed in adjacent areas "as early as 16JJ" and this may be one of ·these ···e·arly ·reinnarit ·s -~ ·.-Tn ··any event, the building represents the primitive period of our civilization.

Evaluation: N.T.c. 1 Excellent in all categories P.F.H.P. 2 IT; C-1; F-J, 5; G-L

Present Status: Privately owned by Miss Emily Exley, having been remodP.lJ.ed and enlarged most aporopriately some twenty years ago.

Needs: Certainly no extensive remodelling of this dwelling should be permitted since thP, additions are in keeping with thP. charm of thP. center c?bin. At some future date it mip,ht be desirable to est?blis~ a sm~ll library in the dining room wing (to the left} and a diora~a or modP.l of the community at v~rio~s neriods

The King of Prussia Story -- page 5.

The Exley Log Cabin (continued)

of development in the porch (to the right). If this is done, the center loP, cabin could be furnished in primitive pieces to represent our Aarliest civilization. -

Cost: Present maintenance is $2,000.00 per year, which is carriP.d ~ the property. Future cost would vary with the use of the

dwelling and cannot be estimated at this time.

Use: The building would lend itself to use as a small museum of our earliest civilization. The grounds would permit presentation of plays and various social events. There is adequate room to permit eampinR by Boy Scouts and by Girl Scouts. The log cabin would make an outstanding building to begin the study of the culture of a typical American area.

Present Plans: Privately owned by ·Miss Emily Exley.

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The King oi Prussia Story -- page 6.

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THE PECHIN FARMHOUSE (c.1700)

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r Location and History: Situated on a three-acre tract on rTUlph

Road -(Rt. 23) about 1/ 4 mile from the King of Prussia Inter­change of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Edward Thomas, · a Welshman, owned this land in 1685, but the exact date of the dwelling has not been decisively determinAd by records thus far studied. The building is stone and bears distinctive evidence of both Welsh and Swedish construction techniques. The basement kitchen with its original oak-beamed ceiling, massive cook fireplace,

""'..;.:.;:""·.::-~~=.;..~,- -.-::. and ~a~r:i.:.o.u.&.. ..a..1i::1i@~.t~ il-.t -a,,._! ~ '";~~ ~~ -=-~ ~2.-!-/~Jl.:_ .. ~E.n .~he . hearth testify to the early date ascribed to the · dwelling by the architectural historians.

Evaluation: N.T.C. Excellent in all categories excep~ state of repair.

P.F.H.P. II; C-9; E; F-1; G-2.

Present Status: Presently owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the building is to be trans­ferred to thP, Pennsylvania Historical and J.Tuseum Commission during the present session of the Legislature fo~ restoration and for maintenance by the King of Prussia Historical Society on a contractural basis. ·

The Kin~ of Prussia Story -- page 7.

'\ The Pechin Farmhouse (continued)

Needs: Major efforts must be directed towards restoration of the interior of the dwelling which has been badly stripped by vandals. Windows of the proper size and number of panes must be installed. Heating and plumbing must be re-added to the dwelling. A hand split shake roof should be added eventually. Spring house and small barn building should be repaired.

Cost: An initial investment of $20,000.00 has been estimated. ThP. eventua 1 cost of complete res tora.t ion, landscaping, a_nd furnishing might require an additional $20,000.00.

Use: Toe building would make an ideal small museum of the late primitive period. The former use as a small farm, tha out­

buildings, and the acreage available make this an excellent tool to tell of the pioneer farmer and his family. The excellent ~ccessible location would facilitate and encourPg~ hist~ric visitation in the area. Toe adjacent fr?. .r.ie rec:1.r wing could be used for orientation purposes and as a craft shop area.

Present Plans: Boarded up by the King of Prussia Historical Society in 1958 to prevent further dama~e, Restoration to be be~n by the Society immedi~ .tely upon tra .nsfer of the building to the Historical and Museur.1 Commission subjflct to funds av?.ilable.

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ThP King of Prussia Story -- page 8.

THE KING OF PRUSSIA INN (c.1709)

Locntion ond History: This pre-Revolutionary Inn is located at the intersection of Swedesford Road (Rt.202) and Gulph Road (Rt.2J) about J/4 of a mile from the King of Prussia InterchRnge of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Inn has played n large part in the life of the community since its earliest days. It served as a place of rest ~nd relaxation for many yP.ars before the .American P.evolution ~s ¥ell as during the Rcvol~tion. It ~ontinued to maintain its position as the center of community life by ~iving the community its present name of King of Prussia in 1851 and by SArving as thP voting place of the community until well in the ~0th century. _

Evaluation: ~.T.C. Exc~llent in all c?tegories except location, which is subject to ch?nge as the road Pattern dev~lops in the ;:ire a.

P.F.H.P. II; A-J; C-7,8; E; F-1,2,J,4.

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by the n"'!><'rtment by virtue of an e;:,sement for b.ighwc>y purposes. 'The Hiph\\•ay Depnrtment has recently P,rc1nt ed permission for the restoration ~nd m~i~ten~nce of the builcinP. by the King of Prussi~ Historical Society under special arrangements with the District Office of the Highway Department.

Needs: The roof needs some rep;; .irinF,. The gutters need cleaning Pnd repl~cing in nlc1ces. Some of the timber ~round the cornice and on the porch (floor and sills) needs replacing. · The exterior of the buildinP, needs whitewash c1nd the woodwork needs painting. The interior . of the building would require some cereful refurbishing but no major structural ch~nges are necessary at this time. The grounds and trees bPhind the building require

ThP. Ki~g of Prus~ia Story -- p?ge 9.

~he Kin~ of Prussia Inn (continued)

some attention, demolition of the wood porch to permit adequate feeding ~nd watP.ring of the trees being thP. major consider~tion. Eventually, it would be desirable to rP.place the present roof shinglP.S with handmade shakes, if these could be su~tably fire­proofed. The skylight in the kitchen should be removed ~nd the vent pipes to the plumbing should be concealed at some future date. The old wagon sheds should be reconstructed.

Cost: Restor~tion could be begun for between $8,000.00 to ~0,000.00 while complete restoration and refurbishing of the

exterior, the interior, and the grounds, . as well as furnishing the Inn in appropriate period furnishings hes benn roughly estimated to require $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 eventually.

Use: Restoration as a museum with many and varied purposes for auxilia ·ry use. For P.Xample, subject to proposed road changes in this area, this could agRin become . a colonial inn much as the Wayside Inn in Connecticut. It could presently serve as a community center for cultural activities and as headquarters for many charitable organizations in the area. Use as a township library, a youth hostel, as well as many other potentic1l uses have been advanced ~nd cctalogued.

Present plans: Fund-raising efforts have accu~ulate<l _sufficient capital to permit beginning major repairs in thP- spring of 1959. Com?etent architP.cts and allied experts are supervising this work.

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The King of Prussia Story -- page 10.

ROBERT MORRIS• MILL (c.1750)

Loci:t.tion and History: Situated on a. ten-acre tract of nc1.tura 1 woodl~nds, approximately one mile from the. King of Prussia IntPrch~nge of thA P~nnsylvania Turnpike, this grist mill began operation ebout 1747. Its most famous owner was Robert Morris, financier of the American Revolution. The mill, miller's house, tenant house, blacksmith shop, spring house and barn are zll clustered within a 100 yard area.

Evaluation: N.T.C. Excellent in all categories. P.F.H.P. II; C-J,4,9; E; F-4,5; G-2,J.

Present Status: Privately owned by Cabot, Cabot & Forbes Development Company of Doston who plan an industrial park to the south of the ~rea. A Township park has been planned for 1J7 acres to the north of the area.

Needs: Development of the area cannot be estimated realistically at the. present time. There are many potential uses for each of the buildings. For example, the externe .1 features of Morris 1

mill (the mill wheel, Mill run, etc.) might bP. restored while the intP.rior of the mill could be convertPd into a theater. The ten~nt house could be restored as a tenant house . and serve as a thP.atP.r-restaurant. The miller's house is presently occupied and its USP. would vl'lry with the area nlans.

Cost: BecAuse of thP flexibility of the Plans in this arPa, no rensonable cost estimate can be detP.rmined at this time.

Use: The use ?S a.n examnle of an early industry as well as the practical uses of the various buildings offP.r an ::l-pneaJing potential.

The Kin~ of Prussia Story -- p~~e 11.

Robert Morris' }fill (continued)

Present Plans: Cabot, Cabot & Forbes have been contacted about the historic importance and the practicality of preservation in this area. They underst~nd the potential of the area along the lines presented. The compBny plans to preserve General Muhlenberg's Quarters on Moore Road and incorporate this important historic building in their development of the industrial park.

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The King of Prussia Story -- page 12.

THE UNION SCHOOL MASTER'S QUARTERS (c.1810)

Location and History: This building is situ2ted on a three-acre plot of ground adjacent to the Upper )terion Township Building on Township property located on ·swedesford P.oad (Rt.202) about one mile from the King of Prussia Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The original Union School was "situated in Mathew Roberts' wood" in 1740. It was a log ·school, subsequently destroyed and replaced by a stone building in the latter quarter of the 18th century. In 1810, the Union School master's quarters was constructed probably to avoid the necessity of farming him out in various homes during the school session. In 18Jl, an addition was erected on the south end of the school master's quarters to serve as ~dded space for the Union School. In 1878, the original stone Un~on School was · obliterated and the present township building, Stewart Fund Hall, was erected on its foundations.

Evaluation: N.T.C. Excellent in all categories. P.F.H.P. II; C-10; D-2; E; F-1.

Present Status: Present plans call for a restoration and remodelling of StP.wart Fund Hall (1878) with an addition of appropriate~sign to o~rmit its continuing use as a Township BuildinF,. The remains of the Union School win~ (18Jl) is to be restored and converted into ;i township library. The Kinp.: of Prussia Historical Society h~s been asked to undertake the restor~tion of the Union School Master I s 0.uarters ( 1810) and to furnish the building ( ;,ccording to invE'mtory) for use as a tourist informa .tion center.

The Ki'1r: of Pr11S!'; ict 'itory -- p;>({P. 13 •

. \ The Union 5chool ~fas tP.r I s O.uartP.rs (continued)

Needs: The exterior of the building needs whitewash, the shed porch should be opened up, the interior requires little remodelling but quite a bit of re-decorating. The grounds will require attention.

Cost: The cost would run between $10,000.00 and $15~000.00.

Use: Restored as a school master's quarters the building affords an ooportunity to tell a portion of the story of our early educational facilities and its nroblems. Nith ~nod interprPtation the bui]ding can also serve as a tourist information cP.nter.

Present Plc:tns: Presently occunied by township personnel to ~revnnt d2magP. du"' to unoccup;:;ncy. Restorction c;,n bPgin ;:,t any tjmr.> subjPct to avail~ble funds.

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ThP. i\in~ of Pr!ls:; ia Story -- n~r:P. J.!.s..

THE CATFISH D.:',)! LOCI~ HNTSE (c.18J6)

Loc~tion and History: SituatP.d on a two-PcrP tr~ct on the ~chuylkilJ Diver ?bo~t 1-1/2 miles from ~he Kin~ of Prussi~ Int~rch?n~e of the PP.nnsylv<nia Turn~ike, this ex?.Mnle of one of our earliest mP.a~s of trensportation is? nart of the old Schuylkill Canal System which began operating in 1824. The lock ~nd tow path are still evident and the lock hnuse is little ch~n~ed from its origin2l nRriod.

"Evaluntion: N.T.C. Excellent in all cate~ories except ?.ccessibi]ity. P.F.H.P.II; B-2; C-8; F-5,

Pr~sent Status: The building is owned by ~he Kin~ of Prussia Historical Society on land leased from the Fe~ding Railroad Com?any for $1.00 a year.

~eeds: The chimney caps ,eed minor repairs and the wooden porches require attention. The roof is in good shape and the interior needs renovation only. The windows will h~ve to be reolaced as wi 1J the shutters. A small addition wi 11 be reauired for ? carP.tc1ker.

Cost: The initi?l expenditure of $J,oon.oo to $5,000.~o will return thP. buildin~ to its oriP,inal condition. The addition for a caretaker would require an additional $8,ono.oo to $1<',000.00.

Use: IdRally situRted for small musP.um use to tell the story of o~r early tr~nsoortation methods and nroblems. Adjuvant use as a boatinp and fishin~ club has been ~dv?nced and c~talogued.

PrPsent Plctns: Eo~rded un by thP. Society to be restorP-d ~s soon ~s funds ~re avail~bl~.

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ThP. Kin~ of Prus~ia ~tnry -- P~~~ 15 •

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~Jo/'M-clf(~.7~.K-uir'l~Pa/.

T! lE ROJ .E!{T ., SCii OOL (c.1843)

l .oc<'!tion and History: SituPted on tP.n acrP.s of Townshin pro~rnrty on ~roton Ro~d (Rnute 252) about J/4 mile from the Kin~ of Prussia Interchrn~e of the ~ennsylvPnia Turnpike, this o~e-room stone school house was built by Jonathan ?oberts, farmer and United 5t?tes Senator from this are~, in the early eightenn hundreds. RobP.rts built the school for use of the poor children 1.rho had to l\'a Jk to the Union 5chool from thP. r:till workers 1

houses down Croton Road. The RobPrts School sits directly in front of a new and modern 1958 e]emPnt~ry nub]ic school huildin~. The ~oberts 5chool was built before the nublic school 8ct Pnd was undoubtPdly strff~d thPn thrnu~~ thP ~~nRrosity of Jonath?n Dnherts. ThA ~obP.rts family were of Welsh origin and Also ~Rve lrnd in th~ Townshio for thn ~u]nh 5chool in 1~96 Pnd th0 ori~inal Union School in 1740. •Perhaps Jon?t~~n built the Rob~rts 5chool bP.c~use hP. reme:nbnred the lonP, walks · hP. hr~ 2-s a youn~stP.r to the ~ulnh 5chool durinr, the bittPr winters of 1735 to 1788. Thn ~oberts School was enlar~Pd in 1857 ?nd again in the late ei~hteen hunur~ds.

Evalu~tion: ~.T.C. ExcP-llP.nt P.F.H.P. II; C-10; D-4; F-3.

Present StAtus: Presently owned by the Township on school ~roPP.rty, the buildin~ .• which was nrP.sP.nt only by virtue of thP. brck wall, the stone foundations, and the walls of the outhouse, is bein~ re-crP.ated on the basis of ~vailablP. d~ta.

NeP.ds: The walls will be. u~ to roof platP. as soon as ~,•e~th<?r co?1di tions permit. Th0 lu mL·~r fnr fr?T~ine th':! roof :-.as be~m acquired and thnre is? uossibility that the roof rnftnrs will be constructP.d ~nd in T>l"CP by P.arl.y spring. The wir;dow fr<''iles are in T)lPc~, hRvin~ beP.n removed from P buildin~ of thP. sn~e

The Kin~ of Prussia Story -- pnge 16.

The Roberts School · (continued)

period bP.fore dP.molition (as were the shutters). The sub­floorinP. has been laid and the floorin~ (of a similor period) has been loc~ted and arranged to be removAd when needed. The roof of the outhouse and the doors and windows must be constructed, and the hand split shakes obtained for the roof. There is more excavation tn bP donP. in the b~sement beforP est~blishing the Children's Mu~eum there. The furnishinRS R~d equipmP.nt needed to re-create the 1848 school room is b~inR col]P-cted but there are · further needs to be met in this n~rt of the ryrojP.ct.

Cost: Abnut ~1,500,00 has been raised by the 5ociP.ty Pnd s~ent on thP. buildin~ thus fer. Thn 5chool Authori~y and the School Bonrd h~ve very ~enerously nrovided heat, lights, and water to the buildin~, r~prP.S~ntin~ Pn ex~enrliture of Pn additional Sl,5<,0.00. ThFffP. ?.re some s450.oo remainin~ in the SociP.ty tre~sury which hRs been raised and reserved fnr th" ~obPrts School re-creation. The electric~] mRtP.rials and installation .=ind the nlurnbinP, needed in the be1sement ·museum h?.ve been pl"C ,~'='d. In ~ddit~on, much of the labor, as amateur archenlogists ~nd PS

stonem2 .sons I assistants, has been don~ _ by students from Upn,:.r ~TArion I-!i~h School on c1 ,,olunteer bc>sis. ThAse youn?, men ho~e to continuA their P,ff~rts this spring. In addition, the Upryer ~Terion HiP,h 5chool Carpenter Cl~ss has a~reed to n2rtir,inc1t<? in the ?rojPct. An additional sum of $J,ooo.no hc>s bP~n <?Sti~Pt~d fnr completion of the school, the museum, c1nd for the nAcess?ry p~riod furnishings.

Use: The:? origi :-i?.l s choo 1 room wi 11 be re-crec1 t ,:;,d for use by the ~ildren ( c1nd adults) of thP. T01,•nsh.i-p as an arec1 for 5-:,eci2l

study dc1ys c>nd special events. In nddition, tha brsement museun will be used to house historic2l books and books on history. In ;,iddition, this museum will be usAd as a sprin~bo?rd to stimulate intPrest in oth~r c1spects of our Americ~n culture, esnecially in the field of educc1tion.

Present Pl~ns: The rP.-cre;,ition will continue usin~ volunteer corn"'lunity !)Rrticip::-ition as rapidly cJS funds c1re "vc>il:-ble.

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The KinP, of Prussia Story -- P~r,e 17.

THE KEN~EDY HOUSE (c.1865)

Location and History: This home, situated on forty acres about ti~o miles from the KinP, of Prussia Interch?n~e of the Pennsylv~nia Turnpike, is a mastP.rful examnle of the plush Victorian Era. The fact that this home has housed several fa~ilies of industrial renute adds to its historical significance and interpretative potential. John Kennedy, prominent in the limes ·tone industry, remodelled his old family home in the prosperous Victorian period. There is al'!l'!')le evidence of thr. . limestone industry · thro,..R"hou t the arAa. (RobP.rtshaw Fulton & Compn.ny has rPc ent ly preserved R li~e kiln of the early eighteP.n hundreds ~s a point bf interest on th~ drive of their industrial develonment in King of Prussia.) This h~me is an outst?.nding examnle of the Victorian Era and the opulence of the farmers' sons who turned their energies to mining and other industries.

~valuation: N.T.C. Excellent in all cateP,ories. P.F.H.P. II; C-6; F-2; G-5.

Present Status: Privately owned.

Ner.ds: The grounds and basic structure are in P,ood condition. The interior has bean remodelled into apartments, but no major damaP,e has been accor.mlished. The lower floor should be ·returned to th~ proper period as well as a part of the upstairs (esnecially the Victorian · turret). A Victorian out-house of a simil?r period has bel:!n rPserved for dism~ntlinl? ,\·hen the land development in that ~rea requires its rel'!loval and could be used in this setting. The · b~ck ·~ortion of ·the house and the barn should be remodelled into a headquar~ers for the restoration proj~ct, with later convPrsion into? Sl'!l~ll infor~~l hotel for tho~~ wishin~ to visit the area.

Th~ Kin~ of Prussia 5tory -- na~e 18.

The Kennedy aouse (continued}

Cost: The nurchAse nrice is unknown at this time. Cost of ~modellinF, would ~robably run between $7,000.00 to

$10,000.00.

Use: A living example of the ultimate achievement of man -- the --r;idividual, ·who, throuP.h his own efforts has progressed from a

lonely trapper in the wilderness to an industrialist of wealth, culture, and community standing, this buildin~ would beautifully comnlete this import?nt story. In addition to museum use, part of this dwellinR could be ~sed to house and provide work space for those persons ~nvolved in the proF,ram.

Present Plans: Privately owned, purchPse and development can only be ~chieved throuP,h outside financial support.

Please continue

ThA Kin~ of Prus~ia 5tory -- naP,P. 19.

Finally, thP.re are many other buildin~s in this aren which can be obtained nnd incorporated RS part of this important story. Also, therP. nre many ~rivately owned homes whose proud owners would be pleased to uarticipate in speci~l events and special plans. These buildings covP.r n similar span in time and re­presP.nt the accomnlishments of individuals in "Tlany fields. Then, too, there are sneci~l buildings ?.lre~dy restored in V~lley Forge Park to assist in this presentation.

We considAr this a most important and timely ~rogram -- this monumAnt to thP. efforts of the average individual durin~ the e~rly d?ys of our great nation from the 1680 1 s to the lB~o•s.

We hone you will share our interest and ~nthusiasm

.t1.nc! th::it you will hel'!} us tell this import;int story!

Will you help?

Please continue

The King of Prussia Story -- pa~e 20.

S U M M A R Y -------

· 1. The King of Prussia area re~resents a continuous progression of our American heritaP,P. from the 1600 1 s to the nresent day, including the Valley For?,P. encamnment.

?. ft scientific study of this are~ has revealed 180 buildin~s in Ur-,pP.r Merion Townshin existin~ -::>rior to 1850.

3. Many of these buil"dings are well nreserved and in use as private homes.

4. Adjacent areas also nossess many fine examnles of our heritage preserved as orivete homes.

5. A planned program of historic preservation of key buildinP,s based on this scientific study of our availa~le heritage has beP.n begun.

6. The need for a broader financial sup~ort is evident.

7. The interpretation and use of these key buildings will tell the ffr~phic story of America before, durinF., and ?.ftP-r the American Revolution.

8. The imnortance of the individual and his contribution to th~se periods is to be emphasized.

'Mr. Fr::ink ~lelvin, Chc1irm<1n, PP.nnsylva.nia Historiccll and ~Tuseum Commission, 1011 Commercial Trust BldR., Philadelphia ~.Pa.

Dr. S. K. St~vl?.ns, Executive Director, P1:rnnsylvania Historical ?nd Museum ~ommission, State ~!useum Building, Hc\rrisburg, Pa.

Mr. Richard Hubb~rd Howland, Director, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2000 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Dr. Louis C. Jones, Direci~r, New York State Historical Association, Coo~erstown, New York.

Mr. Frederick Rath, Vice-Director, T-lew York State Historical Associ<1tion, Cooperstown, New York.

:!-1r. J .!Iowa rd 'falker, President, Upper ~Teri on Township, .Board of Supervisors, Township Euilding, King of Prussia, Pa.

Mr. Frederick Baehr, President, Upper Y1erion School Eo<1rd, Up!)er MPrion Township School District, King of Prussia, Pa.

Mr. JosP.ph Lc1.nf.:ran, Planninp.; Consult?nt, UppP.r Merion Township _ Planning Commission, c/o Wheelwri~ht, Stevenson and Lan~rPn, 1500 Wc1lnut StreP.t, Philadelphia, Pa.

Mrs. J. Russell MRyers, Secret~ry, Upper Merion Township Pc1rk ~nd PecrR~tion Board, Township Buildin~, King of Prussia, Pa.

Mrs. Helen Duprey Bullock, Vice-Director, ~ational Trust for Historic Preservation, 2000 K St., ~.W., Washington, D.c.

CREDITS

The m::io of the area on pa~e 1 of this brochure is the work of Mr. EP.njamin Wilson, a memb~r of thR King of Prussia Historic?! Society.

ThR sk~+ches used in this brochure h::ive beP.n drawn and used throup,h the kindness of the artist, Mr. ,Henry T. ]fa.cNeill, ~- mem·ber of the King of Prussia Historic?l Society.

The printin~ of this booklRt hzs been do~e through thP. kindness of Ste~hen Moylan Press, Whitford, PH., ~nd Comins Printing, Old Conestoga Ro~d, Wayne, Pa.

The duplicating of this booklet is the work of )Ir • .Arthur Comins, a member of the King of Prussia Historical Society.

The ~inimal cost of this brochure has been borne by friends of the Kin~ of Prussia Historical Society.

FOOTNOTES 1National Trust Fo ·r Historic Preservation Criteria For Evaluating

Historic Buildings, see Appendix A.

2Plan For Historic Preservation in Upper Merion Township, see Appe'"!_dix B.

.APPENDIX

APPENDIX A

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATI~G HISTORIC BUILDINGS

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICAiVCE

1. Broad historical values. 2. Identific~tion with historic personages. J. IdentificAtion with historic events. 4. ArchitPctural or landscApe values. 5. Identific~tion with aboriginal man.

5UITAP.ILITY

1. Extent of survivinr. ori~inal matP.rials. 2. Adequacy of property boundaries. J. Accessibility. 4. FreP.dom from encroechments. 5. · Fire and ~olice protection. h. Availability of utilities. 7. 'Adaptability to functio .nal use.

EDUCATIO~AL VALUES

COST

1. Capacity for public use And enjoyment. 2. Place in othP.r nreservation Programs.

·J. Cooperation ~ith othnr agencies.

1. Financing of restoration or reconstruction. 2. FinancinR of maintenance and interpretation.

AmfI'fIS~ATIV'E RESPO~SIBII.ITY OF SPO"'J'SORI~G- GROUP.

· 1. Legal authority. 2. Organizational soundness. J. Adequacy of financing. 4. Trustee, comMittee, and st~ff comnetence.

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APPE"'IDIX B

PLAN !.Q!! HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

Since we believe thRt good historic preservation, as a planned program of scientific study, protection, pres -ervation, restoration, and int.ernretation of sites and objects si~nific?nt in our local and national culture can mean much to our area economically, educationally, and culturally, and since we believe that such a program is in the best interest of the general public, we hereby present the second draft of a lonP,-range progr~m for further study and consideration.

Althou~h the program presP.nted is the result of a four-yeRr study by Society members and is based on advice received through many conferences with local, state, and national authorities on township planning and historic conservation, we hope that this plan will be accepted not as a final draft, but as a basis and stimulus for discussion by our citi1.ens, our officials, both elected and ap~ointed, and by land developers of our area.

It is sug~ested that modific~tion be made on the basis of benefit to all citizens and then only after considerable study ~nd thought.

We wish to emphasize that this protracted ~rogram has been based on a systematic study of thP. Township's history.

The lon~-r~nge plan, as adopted by the King of . Prussia ilistoricnl Society, is as follows:

I. PROTECTION: The King of Prussia Historical Society urgently recommends

th~t all of the existing buildin~s whose construction dates nrior to 1850 be considered for STUDY by virtue of their possible intrinsic economic value to the citizens of our Township. For this purpose a Committee on Historic Sites should be established by the Supervisors to work with the Townshi-p Pl;:innin1; Commission, the Park ?nd"RP.crecltion Board, the Township Supervisors, and th~ v?.rious land developers to evolve a pro~ram which will effectively meet any threat to dwellin~s deemed valuabl~ by the Committee on Historic Sites on the basis of its study of the dwellings _in the area. The nrogr?m should include consultation, discussion, and a sensible· mutual arrangement for such building when one can be achieved. When such a solution cannot be found, this fact should be reported to the Townshin Sunervisors and to the citizens. This Committee on Historic Sites should also study existing legislation on historic preservation in otl:lP.r areas of thl"l country and rncomrnend such

-~ legislation for our Township if such becomes necessary. I

PLAN FOR HISTORIC PRESEHVATION -- page 2

It is further sug ,n;ested that this Committee be composed of members interested in Township planning and development, in parks and playgrounds, in local government, in land development, and in historic m~tters of the Township. A -qualified architect would be of inestimable help on such a committee. To aid this Committee, the Historical Society stands ready to furnish a copy of a survey map on which is listed buildings still standing which appear to have been built prior to 1850 and which would bA eligible for further ·study. The Society further wishes to afford this Committee access to such survey records on existing buildings as ha .ve been completed and catalogued in the hopes that this may help the Committee differentiate between those dwellings which are significant 2-!!. thP. basis of national criteria and those which are insignificant and can be sacrificed.

II. PRESERVATION: t::'..eneral objective: Preserve that which is worthwhile if it

can be done well and done nractically.

General plan: The King of Prussia Historical Society proposes that the following areas and types of dwellings be considered for preservation and restoration efforts.

A. Buildings in three major areas should be considered as possibilities for "preserved villages."

1. Gu lph :t-1i lls 2. Swedesburg J. King of Prussia

Each area has several original dwellings as vell as one or two focal points of interest. Swedesburg has Old Swedes' Church (1760) and a uossible site for the re-creation of Swedes' ?nrd. C'-rUl-ph Mills has ninf?- oriP,inal dwellings including the Bird-In­Hand Store, and the BJacksmith Shop, several mill workers' homes, and one or two · mill sites. King of Prussia has the Inn (1709), the old store, as well as a nice example of an early Pennsylvania dwellinR whicb ~was improved in the early 1800 1 s. ;

B. 'T'wo loc~tions should be considered as sub-groups because of their association with early industries prominent in our Township's early years.

1. Mining area between Swedeland and Swedesburg.

2. Morris' Mill area because of its excellence as ·an example of an early mill and because of its auxiliary buildings, and also because the area contains Catfish Dam and Lock House, an example of early tr~nsportation in our country.

C. Be~inninP.S of early industries and occu~ations not centered in any locality a.nd the industrialist's home w_here possible.

1. Tannery 2. Woolen Mil -ls J. Sawmills 4. Grist Mills

5. Iron Forges 6. Mining Industry 7. Brewing Industry

8. i~ansportation Industry

9. Farming 10. OthArs

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Pl.AN FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION -- paP,e J

D. Early Schools 1. Gulph School (1696) 2. Union School (1725 or 1?40)

J. Holstein School (1814) 4. Roberts School 11848)

E. Buildings with special Revolutionary~ Civil War association.

F. Dwellings - of exceptional architectural characteristics whose locations would render them valuable for special uses such as:

1. Tourist Infonnation Centers 4. Theaters. 2. Hotel Use 5. Park and playground use J. Community Centers (field houses, indoor

recreation rooms, etc.)

G. One example of each of the following architectural types of dwellings.

1. Log C?bin. 2. Early stone story-and-a-half dwellinP,s. J. Early stone story-and-a-half plus 19th century addition. 4. Emnire architectural ·style. _ 5. Victorian architectural style.

NOTE: Since there is some unavoidable overlapping of categories, one buildinP, may fulfill the requirP.ments of several categories. For examule, an early story-and-a-half dwelling may be found to serve as a tourist information center and represent the early farmer's home by virtue of its history, furnishings, and appointments, thus serving in three capacit~es.

III. RESTORATION: Since the most effective use for an old building in th~

majority of cases is that of a private home, the King of Prussia Historical Society stands ready to stimulate private home owners to better understand and ap~reciate their historic treasures and to help them remodel these important pieces of our local heritaP,e . by offering a consultation service . of experts in historic pre­servation and restoration work at a nominal ·charge (as ,\•ell as library facilities of special publications on this type of work.)

Certain other buildings can be appropriately preserved and used by industry such as has been accomplished by Bearoff Brothers, Viking Pools, Robertshaw Fulton, and others.

Other key buildinF,s must be conserved under public sponsor­ship and ownership. Preservation and restoration work . of this type has been begun by the King of Prussia Historical Society in the re-creation of the Roberts .School (1848) on Croton Road (Route 25~) as a community project. ·

The Society feels that this re-creation should be done as a community effort for these reasons: First, working together as a community on a community project will tend to bring the community together and afford a · strongP.r spirit for other projects. Secondly, volunteer restoration efforts done under recoF,nized exne.rts will afford many the nleasure of restoring an old building which one

PLAN FOR HISTORIC PnE5ERVATION -- pa~e 5

locked in mortal combat with man, his family and his neighbors. \ Out of this strug~le evolved man - the individual - victorious.

And out of thP. thou~hts, words ~nd deeds of the individual emerged the spark of the American Revolution, which, tempered by the fire of starvation, pestilence and privation, produced our young republic. The quality of steel needed for the creation of our republic - the individual - was established prior to the Revolution. Had the American Revolution failed, then the individual would have failed. This concept of the individual and his contribution to our basic way of life can best be"demonstrated by a good program of historic preservation in the pre-Revolutionary buildings of this area. The story of the American Revolution as well as the story of the be­P,innings of Indus trial Re,,.olution in America can also be interpreted here as a living experience.

In addition, good historic preservation in this area of Va.lley Forge (where 40,000 tourists visit Valley Forge Park in one day) represents a considerable unrealized tourist potential. Good historic preservation of buildi~gs properly interpreted will stimulate the steady growth and expansion of this tourist visitation so that this investment will eventually carry itself and some day in the futurP., perhaps return dividends. It is well-known that eighteen million tourists spend 17 billion dollars annually seeing America first.

The cultural opportunities presented by this preservation program ar~ also exceptional. In · an area familiar, appreciative, and already contributing to cultural ende~vors such as Historic Hnuse Tours, CandleliP,ht Concerts, Cultural Se~inars on History, artistic studiP.s and sketches (such as . appear in this brochure),

· museums such as the Valley Forge Museum, Roberts S.chool Re-creation Childrens' Museum, etc. -- cultural expansion is a certainty.

Cooperation and sympathetic understanding of Township officials, local iridustries and businesses, as well as civic groups and citizens is already present. Many are already actively working in behalf of this project.

-~ ·. Fin~ncial supnort has been received by the Society fro~ -local

citizens in exch~nge for services offered. Practical preservation is advancinR ·along planned lines. As the program progresses, the need for a broader financial support is most evident.

ThP- Kin~ of Prussia Historicnl Society presents this planned program b~sed on scientific study of t~A Township for thought, study, and deliberation by the citizens of the area. We fully realize the scope of the program but sincerely believe th~t we must plan now to achieve a ·satisfactory result in the future.

Published 1956 Revised 1959

APPENDIX C

KINn OF PRUSSIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OFFICERS - 1958 - 1959

Robert D. May, M. D. Mrs. L. W. Morrison Mrs. c.n. Basinger Mr. Robert Apple Miss Dorothy A. Smith

Mr. Anthony L.Differ

1152 Pugh Road, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-4173 King of Prussia Rd, Vayne,Pa.MU 8-2509 Croton Rd,R.D.#1, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-3930 Croton Rd,R.D.#1, Wayrie, Pa. MU 8-2876 608 Weadley Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-9198

Pres. V.Pres. Secy. Treas. Cstd.

317 Sweae St, Norristown,Pa. BR 5-0763 Sol.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1958-1959

Miss Emily Exley Miss Marjorie McKaig Rev. Chester Winters Dr. Warren Cocklin

Radnor State Rd, Wayne,Pa. King of Prussia Rd, Radnor, Pa. 115 Valley Forge Rd, Wayne, Pa. Box 1J4, Montgomery Ave, Wayne,Pa.

MU 8~0699 MU 8-0871 MU 8-4452 BR 2-057 _8

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD-1958-1959

Mr. John Arscott Mrs. _Delfitt PuP,h Mrs. V. TI. W. Skerrett Mr. Stein Hanold

*Dr. Deane Webber · *Mrs.H~nry _Townsend,III

J5 Deepdale Rd, Strafford-Wayne,Pa.MU 8-2492 Croton Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-~2J7 Croton & Knox Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-1J42 486 N.Gulph Rd, King of Prussia,Pa.GL 9-J021 \iarner Rd, Wayne,Pa. MU 8-0751 Radnor Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-Jl47

·• Former officers of the King of Prussia Historical Society. * Officers of the Society are also members of the Board of Directors

of the Society. (See By-Laws, Sec.IV, p.5)

PRESENT COMMITTEES Chairmen 1959-1960

I. Cm-tNITTEE ON HISTORIC SITES Mrs. John F. Nolan, Co-Chairman

377 Weadley Rd, King of Prussia,Pa.MU 8-4229 Mr. Benjamin Wilson, Co-Chairman

211h Chestnut Ave, Norristown,Pa. BR 5-8261

II. corn,fITTEE ON MEETINGS Miss Isabel Kesel Matsonford Rd, Radnor, Pa.

III. FINANCE COJ.U.fITTEE Mr. Robert Apnle Croton Road, Wayne, Pa.

IV. MEitP.ERSIIIP COMHIITEE Mrs. A. James Hackman

LA 5-45?.0

· MU 8-2876 ·

. 265 Candlebrook Rd, King of PrussiaBR ·9-4856

V. PUBLICITY cmTMITTEE Hrs. H. Walk~r Peters 425 Woodhill Rd, Wayne,Pa. MU 8-15J4

I,

APPE~DIX C -- na~e 2

VI. PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Mrs. William Denk 81 Steeplechase Rd, Devon.Pa.

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VII. HISTORICAL DATA COMMITTEE Mrs.Charles T.Kline,Jr. Box 205, Radnor, Pa.

~II. MUSEUM COMMITTEE Miss Dorothy A. Smith 608 Weadley Rd, Wayne,Pa.

IX. HOSPITALITY .COMMITTEE Miss Emily Exley - Co-Chairman

Radnor State Rd, Wayne,Pa. Mrs.William Taylor - Co-Chairman

Chetwynd Apt., Rosemont,Pa.

TE~fPORARY COMMITTEES Chairmen - 1959-1960

I. NOMI~ATI"lG COMNITTEE - To be appointed

II. HOUSE <-: GARDEN TOURS COIDJI't'TEE Mrs. James N. Rice Mrs. Norman Thomsen Mrs. Robert Balderston

Contention Lane, BP.rwyn,Pa. J76 Bair Rd, Berwyn, Pa. J86 Bair Rd, Berwyn, Pa.

III. CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES COMMITTEE Mrs. Price Deal Heppe Upper Gulph Rd, Vayne,Pa.

IV. ROBERTS SCHOOL RE-CPEATION COM~HTTEE Dr. WarrP,n Cocklin - in charge of building.

Montgomery Ave, Wayne,Pa. Mrs. William Pi~rce - in charge of furnishing and

interpretation - 111 Walnut Ave, Wayne,Pa. Mrs. Robert Apple - in charge of fund raising

Croton Rd, Wayne,Pa •

. V. CATFISH DAN LOCKHOUSE COMMITTEE

MU 8-1668

MU 8-9198

MU 8-0699

LA 5-3586 ·

NI 4-9552 NI 4'."'4947 NI 4-5089

.MU 8-J70J

BR 2-0578

MU 8-2767

MU 8-2876

Mrs. DeWitt Pugh Mr. Benjamin Wilson

Croton Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-223? 2116 Chestnut Ave,Norristown BR 5-8261

VI. KL"°lC"T OF PRUSSIA COOKBOOK COM?-tITTEE Mrs. William Wilson Land Crest Rd, Valley Forge WE J-69J4

VII. KING OF PRUSSIA INN COM)1ITTEE Miss Marjorie McKaig - Co-Chairman

King of Prussia Rd, Radnor,Pa.MU 8-0871 Mrs. Henry Townsend III - Co-Chairman

Radnor Rd, Wayne, Pa. MU 8-)147 VIII.BARV Dk'iCE COMMITTEE

~rs. Henry Townsend,III Radnor Rd, Wayne,Pa. IX. ANTI".)UE AUCTION COMMITTEE

Miss Dorothy A. Smith 608 \ieadley Rd, Wayne, Pa. X. SPECIAL ASSITANT TO PRESIDENT

Mrs. John T. Brugger Mr. Phel~s Vewberry

Broadview Rd, Wayne, Pa. 66 Walker Rd, Wayne, Pa.

MU 8-3147

!-IU 8-9198

MU 8-1810 MU 8-3832

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