We are writing to ask for your help in preserving a local historic landmark, the Octagonal School
House at Birmingham Friends Meeting, also known as Harmony Hall. Finished in December
1819, this historic building, used over the years as a school and polling place, by township planners and private organizations, and as a Sunday school, needs some immediate repairs. It is located on the Brandywine Battlefield Trail and is often visited by people taking the driving tour
of the battlefield.
The Octagonal School House needs repairs to the plaster both inside and outside due to moisture wicking up the walls. After meeting with historical architects, plasterers, gutter experts, excavators, and landscape experts, the Property Committee at Birmingham Meeting developed a plan to repair and renovate the Octagonal School House. The plan, estimated to cost approximately $13,800, includes installing custom gutters and repairing the outside plaster. In addition, the inside plaster will be repaired after allowing time for water to wick out of the walls. The plan also includes the installation of a dehumidifier and crawl space ventilator fan to help reduce moisture.
This fall, Birmingham Meeting’s Preservation Fund was able to pay for installation of the gutters and the ventilator fan. However we still need $10,000 to repair the plaster walls. We are asking if you would be willing to make a contribution. We are hoping to have most of the work done before the Battle of the Brandywine re-enactment which will be held next May. Your contribution is tax deductible and can be mad te to Birmingham Friends Meeting—Octagonal School House Fund, 1245 Birmingham Road, West Chester, PA 19382.
Thank you so much for your help in preserving our local heritage.
Your Friends
Birmingham Monthly Meeting
of the Religious Society of Friends
1245 Birmingham Road, West Chester, PA 19382
610.793.1734
BirminghamFriends@verizon.net
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