|
In 2005 Haverford Township purchased the abandoned property at the intersection of West Chester Pike and Darby Road. The property was once the site of a contentious right-of-way dispute in 1895 between the PA Railroad and the West Chester Traction Co. The battle, fought mostly in the courts but also with angry words and an occasional axe handle, was a case of an underdog emerging victorious.
The Llanerch Crossing Park Committee was formed in the summer of 2005 (a collaboration between the Llanerch Civic Association, the Haverford Township Historical Society, and Boy Scout Troup 434), with the purpose of beautifying this lot. To honor the railroad rights battle in 1895, two murals were painted depicting the conflict and landscaping with a railroad theme. Our first mural was organized and painted by Llanerch Eagle Scout Hank Gottsch. The second mural, depicting the “Battle of Llanerch Crossing,” was painted this summer by mural artist Jared Bader.
The committee spent the 2006 summer working with professional park designers to develop a landscape design for a park at the site. The park will consist of several red brick pathways leading to a central area with raised planters, benches, lighting and a historical marker. Engraved grey bricks will line the pathways. The committee is offering a brick fund raiser to pay for the installation of the pathways and other landscaping.
To help with this wonderful cause or get additional information, please view this form. Brick orders are being coordinated by Dawn Watson, at 610-449-4986 or DMW@D-Watson.com.
|
