The Chester County History Center: Securing our future by preserving the past

By Gene Pisasale

Contributing Writer

Meeting with Ellen Endslow, the director of collections and curator at the Chester County History Center (CCHC), you get a strong sense that she cherishes every part of our region’s heritage—and it comes through as she describes the many exhibits she has created over the years. This is the third historical society that she has graced with her talents, following stints in Fairfield, Conn. and Buffalo, N.Y. One of her exhibits, “Becoming Chester County,” is now showcased at the CCHC, and it is something people of all ages will enjoy.

A large, red brick building constructed in West Chester in 1849 was used as Horticultural Hall for many years before the Chester County Historical Society occupied the building. The Society came to life in 1893, and noted historian and genealogist Gilbert Cope was a co-founder. The organization became the CCHC a few years ago to gain a wider audience by highlighting the people, places and events which are part of our local history and engaging more broadly with the public. Now celebrating its 130th anniversary, the organization has enriched its members and thousands of visitors with an extensive array of superb exhibits which make that history “come alive.”

Covering more than 300 years of Brandywine Valley history, “Becoming Chester County” takes visitors on a fascinating “walk through time, beginning with the Lenni-Lenape Indians who inhabited the area centuries before European explorers arrived. Of her work, Endslow said: “Sharing history is helping people to understand the long view of human experience.”

Her guided tour through the exhibit showcases that very well.

The exhibit features hand-made baskets and other artifacts linked to the

Lenape. Indian Hannah is also featured. In a segment titled “Moving In, Moving Out,” the extent of Indian habitation in the region is outlined.

In October 1682, William Penn arrived after being granted a charter for roughly 45,000 square miles of land by English King Charles II. Charles wasn’t being kind; he owed Penn's father, Admiral William Penn 11,000 British pounds. Since the Crown was short on cash, Charles decided to pay off his debt to the Penn family by taking ownership of property he’d never seen—and giving it to young William.

With this grant, King Charles solved two prob- lems: he saved himself some money and got a vociferous Quaker critic of the Crown out of his hair. Penn’s grant became the colony of Pennsylvania and his “Holy Experiment,” the city of Philadelphia its first “greene country towne.”

The display “William Penn: Founder” provides a succinct timeline which effectively explains how Penn’s grant created the area we know today as Chester County.

The rich agricultural and mineral heritage of the Brandywine Valley is showcased in displays describing how colonial-era settlers successfully worked the land.

In “International Trade and

Commerce,” the exhibit notes that “Flour went to the West Indies and Europe. Flax seed was the third largest Atlantic trade export.” Local craftsmen were quite industrious, using timber and iron deposits to create barrels, barrel staves and hoops which they sold to Caribbean merchants who used them for trade in sugar and rum. However, the many restrictions placed upon the colonists by the British Crown are noted as catalyst for a rebellion beginning in the 1770s which led to the American Revolution. Endslow created a superb narrative of the Revolution—literally a “walkway” through history where visitors can stroll and take in the critical aspects of that world-changing event.

The varying perspectives regarding independence are beautifully illustrated in a section noting the differing opinions of colonists on the idea of separating from the mother country.

Before Thomas Paine’s book Common Sense was printed in Philadelphia in January 1776, only about 25 percent of colonists supported independence. In the months following its publication, as the book was widely read and debated in taverns and coffeehouses, support for independence rose to over 50 percent by July 1776.

Citizens of Chester County also fought in another cataclysmic event—the Civil War—and a section on Gettysburg along with period artifacts tell this this story well. The locally based Phoenix Iron Company produced Griffen guns which fired the first Union cannonade at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Charles F. Taylor, brother of Kennett Square’s Bayard Taylor, was the youngest Colonel in the Army of the Potomac and fought there along with his group “the Bucktails.” He was killed on July 2, 1863 defending Little Round Top. There’s a wonderful display on the important social reform movement of the late 1800s/early 1900s, as well as a fascinating section on

G. Raymond Rettew, who was responsible for the first mass production of penicillin, which saved thousands of lives during World War II and subsequent decades. Endslow said the CCHC’s critical tasks are “preserving community stories through artifacts and conveying that in a way which allows people to better understand how they fit in.”

“Becoming Chester County” is an outstanding exhibit which anyone interested in local history will thoroughly appreciate. Endslow’s words capture its essence: “It’s hard to overstate the importance of preserving local history. Our opportunity is to share that with as many people as possible.”

Walking through her exhibit, it is clear she has done a superb job. The CCHC welcomes new members, and for more information, please visit the website at www.mycchc.org.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His 11 books focus mostly on the history of the Chester County/midAtlantic region. His newest book is Heritage of the Brandywine Valley due out in June 2023. Gene’s books are available on his website at www.GenePisasale. com and also on www. Amazon.com. He can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

EDWARD F. KAVANAGH

Edward F. Kavanagh, of Avondale, passed away on May 24, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. He was 80.

He was the spouse of Sandra (Lawrence) Kavanagh, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Francis Kavanagh and Ruth (Brown) Kavanagh of West Grove.

He was “Pop Pop” to his four grandsons, and “Uncle Eddie” to his many nieces and nephews. Pop Pop was most proud of his family and cherished them every day. Ed was a proud graduate of Salesianum High School in Wilmington, Del. Ed attended King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. for two years and majored in math.

He was proud to have been from West Grove, and regularly supported the community during his lifetime. Ed served on the board of the Southern Chester County Hospital and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. He was a 25-year member of the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Salesianum Alumni Association, the Suburban Contractors Association, and the InterCounty Contractors Association. He owned his own

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For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10 site development and excavating company (F.P. Kavanagh & Son, Inc.) for over 37 years.

He loved golfing at the Kennett Square Golf & Country Club and later in life his greatest joy was spending time with his four grandsons and their friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Wendy Abernethy and Tina Land (Neil); and four grandchildren, Robert Abernethy, Kevin Abernethy, Colvin Land, and Wyatt Land (Emma).

All are invited to visit with the Kavanagh family and friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on June 10 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, 8910 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, Pa. 19311. Ed’s funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Salesianum School, 1801 North Broom Street, Wilmington, Del. 19802 https://www.givecampus. com/campaigns/2079/donations/new or St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother https://saintgabrielparish. org/give.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).

To view his online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

Gail Marlene Pedicone

Gail Marlene Pedicone, of West Grove, died on May 21, 2023 while surrounded by her family. She was 86. She was born on Feb. 8, 1937 to the late Orville and Kathryn Conner. She was the wife of the late Victor G Pedicone, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

Gail is survived by two daughters, Connie V McMillan of Avondale and Mary Gail PediconeBleiler (and her husband Shaun) of West Grove, one son, Victor G Pedicone Jr. (and his wife Carla) of Toughkenamon, as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gail worked in the family business alongside her husband growing roses at Pedicone Greenhouses.

Gail loved cooking and baking as well as taking trips to Delaware Park to play the slot machines.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately and lovingly called her their Google.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at West Chester Hospital as well Penn Hospice for all the care, kindness and support.

A graveside service was held on May 31 at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

ANNA E. MCCLAIN

Anna E. McClain, 84, of West Grove, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Born in Nottingham, she was the daughter of the late Allen and Elizabeth Brown McClain.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Darnell McClain.

Services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

Obituaries

JOHN BANCROFT SWAYNE

John Bancroft Swayne III, a resident of Unionville, passed away at his home on May 16, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.

John was the beloved husband of Nancy Tindle Swayne, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.

Born in Wilmington, Del., John was the son of the late J.B. Swayne, Jr. and Betty (Fairbank) Swayne.

John graduated from the George School in 1958 and Penn State University in 1961. Upon graduation, John joined the U.S. Army and served as a Military Intelligence Specialist. After serving his country, John joined his father in the family business, The J.B. Swayne Company, a mushroom business located in Kennett Square. John was the third generation Swayne to work in the mushroom industry. Eventually, John’s father sold his mushroom business to the Clorox Company for whom John went to work both in Kennett Square and England.

Desiring to own his own mushroom business, John jumped at the opportunity to purchase the mushroom spawn division from Clorox when they decided to sell The J.B. Swayne Mushroom Company. In 1981, the J.B. Swayne Spawn Company was born. John sold his company in 1999 to his biggest competitor and largest supplier of mushroom spawn in the world, for whom he worked for two years following the sale.

John and Nancy loved to travel and explore the world together, visiting many exotic locations. Nantucket was their favorite island in the United States and they spent time there every year.

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John had many interests that he was able to pursue upon his retirement. He loved to walk his dogs both for their exercise and his own. In addition, he enjoyed a daily swim, working on his farm, and even returned to riding horses. John was an avid supporter of his college alma mater, and he attended as many Penn State football games as his schedule permitted.

To those who knew John Swayne, they found him to be a true gentleman with a loving heart. A man who never complained, John possessed a sense of humor, was humble and kind, and full of courage. Throughout his courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease, John cherished the people who came to visit with him and always shook their hand and thanked them for thinking of him.

John is survived by Nancy, his wife and the love of his life; his daughter, Lauren (Pablo) and son Ash (Rebecca); as well as five grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers, Lew (Debra), Bob (Peggy) and his nieces and nephews.

As per John’s request, there will be no formal service. John’s ashes will be spread over the farm he loved, Stone’s Throw.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 250, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 or the Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 1011 West Baltimore Pike, Suite 208, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

John will be missed by his family and friends.

To view Nancy's online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

London Grove Township wins top award in PennDOT contest

London Grove Township received the top prize in PennDOT’s Build a Better Mousetrap Contest during the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors’ Excellence Awards ceremony. The event, which recognizes the significant achievements of townships and their officials from across the state, was held as part of PSATS’ 100th Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show in Hershey. The conference attracted attendees from every county in Pennsylvania.

The Build a Better Mousetrap Contest honors projects built and designed by road crews or municipal employees to improve safety, reduce costs, or increase efficiency.

London Grove’s public works crew brainstormed ways to address failing inlet tops and risers.

“With our infrastructure starting to age, we were seeing a significant number of inlet top and riser failures in developments constructed during a ‘building boom’ that occurred in the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Shane Kinsey, London Grove’s director of Public Works. “In many of these cases, the inlet box and associated stormwater piping was in excellent condition. In one development alone, we identified the need to replace inlet tops and/ or risers on over 90 inlets.”

He added, “Wanting to save costs, we wanted to limit any curb and roadway repair to those absolutely necessary. We quickly realized that we needed a solution to lift the inlet tops from the inside as opposed to the traditional lifting methods from the outside of the inlet top.”

The crew devised a mechanism that allows them to replace most inlet tops without removing the adjacent rolled curb, which has decreased the size of associated asphalt repairs, leading to significant cost savings in both materials and labor.

The township primarily used metal left over from other projects, so the total cost of the project was under $200.

“Our public works staff pride themselves on performing the best job possible in the most fiscally responsible manner,” Kinsey said. “The staff and elected officials are proud and honored to be selected for this award, which exemplifies the goals we strive to meet daily.”

Office for Rent

NOTICE

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SEQUOYAH COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Case No. CV-2021-134

STATE OF OKLAHOMA, ex rel, Jack Thorp, DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Plaintiff, vs.

2017 TOYOTA CAMRY

VIN: 4T1BF1FK6HU273384,

Defendant, MARIO SALAZAR-MENDEZ, CARLOS DIAZ-MOLINA, Potential Claimants.

NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE

STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO:

MARIO SALAZAR-MENDEZ

162 S. OXFORD DR. NEWARK, DE 19702-4123

CARLOS DIAZ-MOLINA

162 S. OXFORD DR. NEWARK, DE 19702-4123

And all others claiming an interest in the above described property, namely:

2017 TOYOTA CAMRY

VIN: 4T1BF1FK6HU273384 which was, on or about the 13th day of April, 2021, in Sequoyah County, State of Oklahoma, used or intended to be used to transport or conceal, or facilitate the transportation for the purpose of sale or receipt of a regulated controlled dangerous substance, or in which vehicle, a controlled dangerous substance was unlawfully possessed by an occupant thereof, and in which vehicle said drug was unlawfully kept, deposited or concealed or unlawfully possessed by an occupant thereof. The owner, claimant or other party in interest may file a verified answer and claim to said property with the Sequoyah County Court Clerk’s Office located in the District Court in and for Sequoyah County,State of Oklahoma located at 120 E Chickasaw Ave., Sallisaw,OK 74955, and serving a copy of the same with the District Attorney of Sequoyah

County, Oklahoma, within fortyfive (45) days after the service of this “Notice of Seizure and Forfeiture,” exclusive of the day of service, after which time the State of Oklahoma will move the Court for an Order of Forfeiture for said property, pursuant to the provisions of 63 O.S. § 2-503 et seq. Dated this 30th day of June, 2021.

Jack Thorp, District Attorney

BY: (signed by Will Cosner) James D. Dunn, #16829 Assistant District Attorney, District 27 120 E. Chickasaw, Suite 204 Sallisaw, OK 74955

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Estate Notice

Estate of Henrietta Drew, Deceased. Late of Phoenixville, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Georgianne McEntyre, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson Richetti & Daigle, LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 210, Allentown, PA 18101.

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Estate Notice

ESTATE OF Dallett G. Tice late of West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Dallett G. Tice having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to:

Helen Elaine Keen, Executrix c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street

P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363

Phone: 610-932-3838

Estate Notice

ESTATE OF FRANCES L. DUVALL a/k/a FRANCES LANE DUVALL, DECEASED.

Late of New London Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to SANDRA DUVALL-WOLFE, EXECUTRIX, c/o William B. Cooper, III, Esq., P.O. Box 673, Exton, PA 193410673,

Or to her Attorney: WILLIAM B. COOPER, III, FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP, P.O. Box 673, Exton, PA 19341-0673 6p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of ROBERT H. BRYNILDSEN aka Robert Brynildsen, Deceased, late of the Borough of West Grove, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Letters Testamentary, have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payments without delay to: ROBERT STEPHEN BRYNILDSEN, Executor, c/o his attorney, JOHN M. ASHCRAFT, III, ESQUIRE, 20 North 5th Street, Suite #1, Emmaus, PA 18049-2406 6p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR

GRANT OF LETTERS

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Lawn Care

ESTATE OF SUSAN TROYAN, Deceased. LATE OF Londonderry Township, Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims or demands against or indebted to the estate should make claims known without delay, or forward payment to Executor: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd., Oxford, 19363, Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363

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NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION NOTICE

Clover Mill Planned Community Association has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Fox Rothschild LLP, Stone Manor Corp. Ctr. 2800 Kelly Road, Suite 200, Warrington, PA 18976 6p-7-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, June 20th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 23-6-173

Writ of Execution No. 2017-06157

DEBT $387,891.42

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of New Garden, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a Plan of “Sherwood Pines” Sections I and II, made by George E. Regester, Jr. and Sons, Inc., Registered Land Surveyors, Kennett Square, PA dated 4/6/1982 and last revised 7/7/1982 and recorded 12/1/1982 in Chester County in Plan No. 4203, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the cul-de-sac, at the end of Little John Circle, at a corner of Lot

No. 19 on said Plan; thence extending from said beginning point along Lot No. 19, South 06 degrees, 50 minutes 33 seconds East, 176.82 feet to a point on the Northerly right of way line of the Route 1 By-pass; thence extending along the same, the two following courses and distances; (1) South 83 degrees 09 minutes 27 seconds West, 115.20 feet to a point and (2) South 89 degrees 29 minutes 00 seconds West, 183.86 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No.

1; thence extending along the same, North 67 degrees 03 minutes 18 seconds East, 185.75 feet to a point, on the cul-de-sac at the end of Little John Circle, aforesaid; thence extending along the same, the three following courses and distances: (1) on a line curving to the left, having a radius of 50.00 feet, the arc distance of 135.86 feet to a point of reverse curve; (2) on a line curving to the right, having a radius of 25.00 feet, the arc distance of 21.03 feet to a point of tangent and (3) North 66 degrees 00 minutes East 6.66 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING Lot #20 on said Plan.

BEING Parcel Number: 60-1-

37.22

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Inc., Greenpoint Mortgage Funding Trust 2006AR3, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-AR3

VS DEFENDANT: Glenn Hall & Joann Hall

SALE ADDRESS: 5 Little John Circle, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT, LLC 215-851-8429

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, June 20th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 23-6-184

Writ of Execution No. 2022-06085 DEBT $210,382.58

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG

TAX PARCEL # 08-05-0154

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC

LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS DEFENDANT: LEE ANN MONTGOMERY & KRISTIAN A. SCHULTZ

SALE ADDRESS: 501 West 2nd Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, June 20th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market