Who remembers getting these post cards from Valley View Apartments at Valley Forge to let friends and family know your new address?
Read more about Valley View Apartments, aka Marquis and now 251 DeKalb here.
Valley View Apartments
Category Archives: E-History Fact
Copy of facts published on Facebook and previously in the Upper Merion Township e-Newsletter.
Kerr Family Farm
The Kerr farmhouse was located near where Tannery Drive meets Kerrwood Drive, and it is an excellent example of an 18th century farmhouse and its later addition. It was a flag stop in the Chester valley Railroad, and since their land was used for the right-of-way, they were permitted to flag down the train and ride free of charge.
The photograph of the back of the Kerr farmhouse shows the summer kitchen as a detached building on the left. The building was once the Reesville Tannery during the 18th century, and it is said that General Washington and his men often met there. Prior to its demolition, a beam was discovered bearing the initials of many of his generals. It was less than a quarter of a mile from the King of Prussia Inn, and would have been a very convenient place to meet.
The milk wagon was a common sight traveling throughout the neighborhoods in the 19th century. Everyday life on the Kerr farm during the latter part of the 19th century, is captured here in these family photographs.
(Photos courtesy of Jimmy Kerr.)
Pennsylvania Turnpike Opens
The Pennsylvania Turnpike, the first in the nation, officially entered service October 1, 1940, exhibiting new concepts of superhighway design and demonstrating that revenue bonds could finance toll roads. Planners predicted that 1.3 million vehicles would use the turnpike each year, but early actual usage was 2.4 million vehicles, and sometimes as many as 10,000 vehicles per day were recorded. In addition to reducing travel time between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg by three hours, the turnpike created an economic boom to areas along its path. This magnificent road was a monument to national pride and the spirit of motoring during the late years of the depression.
With the success of the original 160-mile segment, the Turnpike Commission planned to expand the original turnpike to a high-speed cross-state route, connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This was shelved with the onset of World War II, but with the war’s end, the Turnpike Commission resumed construction.
The Philadelphia Extension extended the turnpike east to King of Prussia near Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The first phase of that expansion made the highway slightly longer, stretching it to US 15 near Harrisburg. That section opened on February 1, and the rest of the expansion, east to King of Prussia, opened on November 20, 1950. The original eastern end of the Philadelphia Extension was at what is now the present- day interchange with Interstate 76 and US 202.
Corner History – Croton and Radnor Roads
The King of Prussia Historical Society is often contacted by curious folks trying to find out the history of their family, neighborhood or home. Most recently we were contacted about a property at the corner of Croton and Radnor Roads which is now on the market.
This cabin, at 1171 Radnor Rd, Wayne, is very unusual for the Upper Merion area; more like something you’d find in the Poconos. While the cabin is thought to have been constructed around 1930, it sits on a corner with a rich history. The area was once the site of Hughes Saw Mill that made gun stocks for the Civil War. There was briefly a quarry at the site. The Colonial Village Swim Club followed and in the late 1980s the Springbrook housing development was built.
We’re still not sure who built the cabin that is for sale or why. Perhaps they were caretakers for the Swim Club, or perhaps they worked for Ms. Emily Exley.
The corner had also been home to an Indian School; a boarding school where Native American children spent their summers learning to be “American” in an effort to get the Native Americans to integrate into the American Culture. The Indian School closed down at the beginning of the 20th Century, and was eventually purchased by Ms. Emily Exley in 1926 who already owned a cabin up the street on Radnor Hill Rd, the Exley Log Cabin, aka Cherry Garth. This cabin dates back to 1648, with the original part of the structure being one of the oldest – if not the oldest – surviving cabin structure in Pennsylvania.
This is a lot of history for just one little corner of Upper Merion. Imagine the historical treasures the rest of the town holds. That is part of our mission – to research and preserve the rich history of our township. Please consider joining the King of Prussia Historical Society to support our efforts, and remember to share your stories and consider sharing your photos, videos, and memorabilia to add to our archive.
1117 Radnor Rd Wayne (property for sale)
Photo courtesy of Radnor Historical Society