Steps from where George Washington’s troops procured grain from Strode’s Mill in East Bradford Township, an equally tenacious group procured funds on Friday, May 15, for a project to turn the deteriorating northeast corner of the crossroads into a source of community pride.
The Friends of Strode’s Mill held a country casual fundraiser at the East Bradford Boarding Home for Boys, a 1800s educational institution that is now a private residence. It sits across the street from the landmark Chester County site that is being rescued.
Organized by Linda Kaat, an area preservationist, the effort to rehabilitate the approximately seven-acre property at the intersection of Route 52 and Birmingham Road gained momentum back in February when Kaat, who had been interested in the site for some time, held the first gathering to drum up support for protecting it.
Since then, the property, which had been for sale for years, was put under agreement. Kaat said closing is expected within the next couple of weeks, at which point East Bradford Township will become the property’s owner, and the Friends of Strode’s Mill will work with the township on the needed renovations.
Kaat, who estimated that the project is a third of the way from being transformed from an eyesore to an asset, said she’s delighted with the response so far. More than 100 people attended Friday night’s event, raising almost $12,000. The number was almost uncanny, Kaat said, because she had just received an estimate to replace the barn roof that came in at $11,850.
Many people contributed to the success of the fundraiser, Kaat said, singling out Bob and Anne Powers and their children for their generous hospitality and delicious food. In addition, Donna Dymek, who runs the Strode’s Mill Gallery across the street from the former sausage factory, solicited numerous works of art for the silent auction.
Among the guests were at least three generations of the Strode family, Kaat said. Speakers included Rep. Chris Ross (R-158), who expressed support for the project, and Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who reaffirmed the commissioners’ commitment to open space and preservation. A county grant helped make the purchase possible.
In addition, the audience heard from Jay Rowan, who, along with his brother, Michael Rowan, has been handling the estate of their sibling, Mark Rowan, who owned the property until his death in July 2013. Jay Rowan said he believed his brother would be pleased and proud of the plans for the property.
The crowd also got insight from Kaat, whose passion for history has spearheaded numerous preservation projects in the region, including the Glen Mills Train Station, Martin’s Tavern in Marshallton, and the Stargazers’ Stone in Newlin Township.
Although the property is probably best known for the faded letters that proclaim “Home of Strode’s Country Fresh Sausage, Scrapple” along the building, it has much greater historic importance, Kaat said.
While Revolutionary War troops purchased supplies from Strode’s Mill, Kaat said the British forces marched past the crossroads on their way to the Battle of the Brandywine. Over the years, in addition to the scrapple factory, the tiny village boasted a timber business, a farm, a pressed cider operation, and a blacksmith/wheelwright.
The Strode’s Mill Historic District earned National Register distinction in 1989. The petition championed the area as a thriving “crossroads village, providing a variety of services for the surrounding community and for people traveling toward Kennett and Concord.”
On each corner of the crossroads sits a building significant to the village history, including the Strode's Mill - longtime home of the Strode’s Mill Gallery – and the boarding school, now the Powers’ residence.
The corner that Mark Rowan owned includes a two-story English-style stone barn, which is structurally sound; and a linear barn addition used for the sausage operation, which has fallen into critical disrepair.
Kaat said the addition, with its collapsing roof, is not historically significant, and she envisions taking it down to its colonial-period foundation. The barn, which would be restored, could serve as a demonstration site for the early industry of Chester County.
Markers and signage could create an interpretive educational venue, which should also include the area’s Indian history, Kaat said. A parking area would enable visitors to tour the grounds and enjoy the watershed area, anchored by the gurgling Plum Run, or take advantage of opportunities for additional meandering.
The site is on the proposed Brandywine Trail Corridor, which would eventually allow bike and pedestrian pathways to the borough and possible linkups with other trail networks.
“If we don’t do this, all this wonderful history will be lost,” Kaat said. “We want everyone to realize how lucky they are to live in an area with such a rich heritage, to be more attuned with the sense of place that goes with it.”
Mandie Cantlin, assistant township manager in East Bradford, said the supervisors authorized the acquisition of the property last week, and a settlement date has not been set yet. She expects it to occur within the next six weeks.
Once the township officially owns the property, Cantlin said it would formalize an agreement with the Friends of Strode’s Mill, who will be raising the funds for the renovations, to divide the labors and proceed with the work.
The first construction phase will focus on stabilization and safety, and because the process will involve some demolition, permits and approvals will be needed, Cantlin said. “We have to go through that process just like anyone else would,” she explained.
Depending on the time frame, she said a temporary fence may be erected on the property. “The good news is that everything is continuing to move forward,” Cantlin said.
More positive news came through the environmental report that was just completed, Kaat said. Considering the numerous hazards and toxins that could have been found, Kaat said: “We were very lucky. One small pipe is wrapped with asbestos.”
Kaat said myriad ways exist to help with the project, which will be relying on volunteers. She said those who contribute $1,000 or more, either in cash or in services, will have their name – or the name of a loved one – added to a plaque that will be placed at the site when it is completed. She said the group is particularly looking for tradespeople who might want to donate their skills or offer a reduced rate.
"Whatever someone wants to contribute would be welcomed," Kaat said. "There is so much that we're going to need."
Plans are already underway for another fundraiser, which will be held at a nearby historic property with a barn on Route 52. Kaat said she’s hoping to double the attendance.
Kaat said one of the benefits that has already surfaced is the “sense of community” the project has engendered. Kaat said neighbors who didn’t know one another have met, and people who once worked at the sausage plant, who maintain a strong allegiance to the Strode family, have called to see how they can assist.
“This is such a special place,” Kaat said. “It’s just going to be such an asset for everyone.”
For details, visit www.friendsofstrodesmill.com or the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofstrodesmill.
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