An alligator appears to be eying a dragon fly resting on some tall grass at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge in Parkland, Fla. (Photo by Rich Schwartzman)
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Hovnanian Enterprises wants to build townhouses along Brandywine Drive and that development could bring some extra revenue to Chadds Ford Township.
Bob Rosenthal, representing Hovnanian, gave an overview of a development proposed for land on the northwest section of the loop road near the Hannum’s Harley Davidson dealership. Plans call for 124 town homes on 20 acres.
Rosenthal said there would be walking trails, but no clubhouse or pool. The development is not projected to be an “over-55” community.
Entrance to the property would be on Brandywine Drive, not directly from Baltimore Pike, he said. An access to the Village at Painters Crossing Shopping Center is planned and a 45,000-gallon per day sewage system would be built on the property.
Resident Lou Dickinson wanted to know how the development would impact the southwest portion of the loop road. Mark Eisenhardt, from Henderson Group, said that the existing intersection on Baltimore Pike was designed to anticipate full development of the land in the proposal.
Township Supervisors’ Chairman Thorpe said that, with the completion of the Toll Bros. development, the township is looking for other sources of revenue.
A comment from former township Tax Collector Bruce Prabel was that residential development of the property would generate more tax revenue than would commercial development.
The property is currently zoned PBC, planned business center, so a zoning change would be needed before approval can be given. The plans also have to be reviewed by the Planning Commission before it goes to the supervisors for their vote.
• A plan to turn the parking lot at the former Pulsations night club into a townhouse development is now officially on the books in Concord Township. As previously reported, The Benson Companies made a preliminary presentation for the proposed construction of a 58-unit residential complex in June. No action was taken at the time, but township supervisors have accepted the plan for consideration. As part of the process, supervisors have authorized for advertising a zoning amendment that would allow for residences to be built on the former business site. The plan must still go through the Planning Commission before being sent to the supervisors for their approval.
• Supervisors announced that they will render, on July 31, their decision on a liquor license application for Terrain at Styers.
• A West Goshen resident asked Concord Township supervisors to enact an ordinance prohibiting skateboarding on Thornton Road. She told supervisors that she nearly hit 10 of them one day while driving on the township road. Supervisors’ Chairman Dominic Pileggi said he didn’t realize that there was no state law against the activity and that he would have the township solicitor begin work on such an ordinance.
• Rufus Miley, of Leopard Run, told supervisors that speed humps on Smithbridge Road need painting.
• State police reported an attempted burglary on Peter Lane in Concord Township. The report said someone tried to pry open both the front and rear doors of the house, but access to the home was not gained. Neighbors said a green Chevy Lumina was seen loitering in the area, according to the report. The incident happened on July 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• Due to a phone call from a concerned citizen, a Downingtown man was arrested for DUI while driving in Concord Township on July 10. State police reported that Joseph Alexander Vollmer, 36, was driving erratically and was stopped at Shavertown and Kirk roads after police got the phone call. The citizen had followed Vollmer, the report said. Vollmer and his passenger arrived at their destination but, instead of going into the house, they approached and confronted the citizen. Police saw the confrontation, approached Vollmer and found him to be DUI.
• State police are investigating a simple assault in Chadds Ford Township. Jorge Antonio Olano-Mancha, 42, reportedly of Chadds Ford, allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman at El Gran Rodeo at 2 a.m. on July 10. The report said the suspect struck the victim with a closed fist. Olano-Mancha then fled the scene, police said.
• Police are looking for a white female, aged 40-50 years old and standing 5 feet five inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall for an attempted theft at the CVS on Route 1 in Concord Township. A report said the woman tried to leave the store with merchandise concealed in her purse. When confronted by the store manager, the woman threw the merchandise into a shopping cart and fled the scene.
Brandywine River Museum guide Jane Flintner gets a show of hands for her question “Who sees birds are in this picture?” Children and adults were given a tour of Brandywine River Museum to explore “Animals in Art” from the Historic East Linden Street Community that meets at the Bethel AME Church in Kennett Square. The museum outing is one of the many activities in the neighborhood. Other activities include “Study Buddies,” Block Parties, Girl Scouts, luncheons for kids in the summer and after school activities during the school year. (Photo by Emily Myers)
Meet Sandy – CCSPCA’s longest cat resident to date. Sandy came to the shelter way back in chilly January after being found living under a shed. It took some time for Sandy to trust people, but these days she can be found lounging in the kitty playroom waiting for someone to come give her a cuddle. Sandy is very mellow and would best be suited for a quieter home. She gets along well with other cats and older children. Because Sandy has been waiting so long for her new family, she is available for the special “Cool Cats” adoption fee of $25. If you are able to provide Sandy or any of our other animals here at the shelter a home, visit the Chester County SPCA at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen or call 610-692-6113. Sandy’s registration number is 96806755. To meet some of our other adoptable animals, visit the shelter or log onto www.ccspca.org. Not quite ready to adopt? Consider becoming a CCSPCA foster parent! Additional information and applications are available online or at the shelter.
Living History: The antiquarian booksellers of Chester County
For centuries, books have kept an important written record of our heritage. With the advent of the internet, independent bookstores across the U.S. have felt the sharp impact of competition at a time when our world is turning increasingly to electronic media for information. Once dominant Borders has gone out of business; many avid readers are wondering if their favorite neighborhood store will be the next to go. The present environment is a challenging one for small, single-shop booksellers- yet a few have survived in and around Chester County, their cozy interiors a haven where people can relax with a classic story.
In 1934, William Baldwin ventured into the book business. His efforts over the years began a family dynasty and a vast collection that is now one of America’s premier bookstores. Baldwin’s Book Barn is housed in a five-story Quaker stone building that dates back to 1822. The store near West Chester now has over 200,000 books, including rare first editions, historic manuscripts, art, antiques and ephemera.
After running the business for decades, William retired and passed it over to his son Tom in 1983. As you walk through the door, you can feel the building is steeped in history. There’s a wood-burning stove in the entry room near rustic wooden cabinets. Several friendly cats roam the hallways.
Some famous personalities have come through its doors, including John Steinbeck, Andrew Wyeth and Gregory Peck. Every conceivable category of publication is here, along with special sections on local and regional history. Strolling through the hallways and side rooms, you see the rough-hewn wooden beams from the original structure, with one sign above a narrow stairway joking “Duck or grouse”.
Tom Baldwin is a congenial man, his warm personality coming through as he chats with you about his favorite memories. “I once came across a first edition of The Great Gatsby by accident- the sale price was in the $100,000 range. We also had an original copy of John Audubon’s Birds which sold for $3 million.”
Like other book dealers, he’s had to embrace the Internet to help maintain his business. When asked about the future of the industry, as it competes against electronic retailers, he remains optimistic. “We started using the Internet for business back in 1996 and we’ve actually seen it pick up a bit recently.” Tom feels their uniqueness with special events like book signings by local authors and a growing international presence will help.
Tom Macaluso’s piercing dark eyes get your attention as you enter Macaluso’s Rare Books in downtown Kennett Square, his mature face and white hair the marks of a man who has lived and learned quite a lot since opening his bookstore in 1973. Once a professor of English, Macaluso quickly shows his familiarity with great works of literature and modern classics. He’s even done research into the papermaking process to give him a greater understanding of book production- and allow him to detect potential “fakes.”
Tom’s hands have held prized copies of Chapman’s “Homer”, Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” and Darwin’s “Origin of Species.” His shop offers a wide variety of tomes including first editions, as well as historic maps and manuscripts. He actually does a majority of his business via the Internet and doesn’t worry that digital media might overtake books. “There will always be books for people who want to enjoy the feel of a great book in their hands.”
Sam Hankin has run Wellington Square Books for six years; the store in Exton is an upscale place with a comfortable atmosphere. A fountain greets visitors as they step inside. Although more modern in appearance, his sense of appreciation of great, classic works from the past is evident as you walk around the store, recently voted “Best on the Main Line”. A member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (along with the two previous establishments), he’s devoted a separate area to his rare book collection. Sam even conducts a popular radio show called Avid Reader on WCHE in West Chester. His shop hosts local and nationally recognized authors with book signings and special events.
With the proliferation of Kindles, Nooks and e-books, one wonders whether hard copy books will still be printed 20 years from now. To many, including this author, a world without books would be a strange and very lonely place. These great booksellers feel that books will survive- and their devotion to maintaining a part of our history in print is a testimony to their love for- and commitment to- our heritage.
Photo caption: Tom Macaluso in his Kennet Square book store Macaluso’s Rare Books. (Courtesy image)
* Gene Pisasale has written two historical novels of Chester County. For more information visit his website at www.GenePisasale.com or e-mail him at Gene@GenePisasale.com
Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pa. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System, which delves into the life and many accomplishments of this important Founding Father who almost single-handedly transformed our nation from a bankrupt entity into the most successful country in the history of mankind. Gene’s books are available on www.Amazon.com. His website is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.
Mary M. Mason, 87, of Kennett Square, died Monday, July 9, at the Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.
Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Domenico and Teresa DeGhetto Mason.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square, and the Kennett Area Senior Center.
Mary loved her cat and all cats. She enjoyed gardening, baking, doing cross-stitch and being with her family and friends.
Mary was a tax auditor for the IRS in Wilmington for 37 years, retiring in 1979.
She is survived by one brother, Joseph Mason of Kennett Square; many nieces, nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by one sister, Catherine Leo.
You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 6 to 8 Sunday evening, July 15, and again from 8:30 to 9:30 on Monday morning, July 16, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith Street in Kennett Square,. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
