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Charlestown Township |
Historical Commission– HARB met on Tuesday, May 18th at the Wisner-Rapp House in Charlestown. These members were present: Nancy Long, Rosemary Philips, John Pittock, Fran Rodgers, Cindy Thompson and Dan Wright. Carol Quigley substituted for Dale Frens. Absent members were Melissa Dicranian, Sheila Klement and Mike Richter.
Chairman Rosemary Philips passed out an announcement about the Chester County Preservation’s Virtual Heritage Series. There would be a webinar about the historic Gardner-Beale House in Caln Township on May 20th and registration for it was possible. She also gave members an invitation offered from Tredyffrin Township for a training program for education in historic preservation.
In old business Rosemary spoke of the work being done on Brightside Farm. She had spoken with Linda Csete and was told that the roof on the farm house has been completed. They discussed projects proposed by HARB and Dale Frens. The chicken houses need repairing and some ideas came up. Rosemary explained that the Pyle Farm had raised special cow, pig and chicken varieties and these were an important part of their heritage. It was thought that some Charlestown residents might be interested in raising chickens. Repair of the chicken houses could be a beneficial Eagle Scout project. Dan Wright said that he would be in touch with some scout leaders to find out if there was interest in this.
In a discussion about the Township Cemetery, it was reported that the mason hired by the Township to do this work has been on medical leave and unable to do this work. It may be another six months before it can be restarted and that timeline may be extended because of weather conditions. HARB will address this situation again to make certain that it is carried out.
The Historic Atlas Project has been completed and Jane Dorchester has sent material to township planning commissions. An official map which will include addresses of historic sites will be sent to our Planning Commission and our Historic Commission. All material will be available online to others. This project will set the standard for historic resources and ensure uniformity for all municipalities.
In new business, a discussion followed about an update on Swiss Pines. Nancy Long has had informal contact with the trustees of that site. They are interested in the demolition of the historic Peake House on that property. That would require working with the Historic Commission. The trustees must reach out to us if that is to happen. It was suggested that a site visit would be helpful.
The meeting was adjourned. Our next scheduled meeting is on July 20th and members will be notified if we plan to meet and of the location.