A reverence for the past – and, for some, a passion for pork – attracted about 100 area residents to Chesterdale Farm in East Bradford Township on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The occasion, the third fundraiser for the Friends of Strode’s Mill, came a day after the 238th anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, an event that features prominently into the group’s efforts to save a seven-acre tract at the historic Strode’s Mill crossroads.
The Battle of Brandywine was the subject of a presentation by Michael C. Harris, a former educator at the Brandywine Battlefield and the author of Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America. It was also commemorated by the 1st Delaware Regiment Revolutionary Reenactment, which lined up outside the 1838 barn of Chesterdale’s owners, Richard and Theresa Gallagher –about a quarter-mile from the Strode’s Mill crossroads.
Although the deteriorating northeast corner of the intersection of Lenape and Birmingham roads is probably best known today for the faded letters that proclaim “Home of Strode’s Country Fresh Sausage, Scrapple” along the building, its historic significance began much earlier. Revolutionary War troops purchased supplies from Strode’s Mill across the street and thousands of British forces marched past the crossroads on their way to the Battle of the Brandywine.
Efforts to rehabilitate the site have required the kind of tenacity that Washington’s troops displayed. They began when Linda Kaat, an area preservationist whose previous historic rescues have included the Glen Mills Train Station, Martin’s Tavern in Marshallton, and the Stargazers’ Stone in Newlin Township, stopped at the corner to write down the phone number on the for-sale sign more than five years ago.
Her work to galvanize support and funds to purchase the tract gained traction earlier this year with a dedicated core of volunteers and assistance from East Bradford Township, which purchased the property in June with the understanding that the Friends of Strode’s Mill would help raise the renovation funds.
Since then, construction crews have begun work on the site, which 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 is not historically significant, and plans call for taking it down to its colonial-period foundation.
Once it’s renovated, the barn could anchor an interpretive educational venue, with information on Chester County’s early industry and Indian population, Kaat said. A parking area would enable visitors to tour the site and enjoy the gurgling Plum Run, which traverses the grounds.
The property lies within the proposed Brandywine Trail Corridor, which calls for bike and pedestrian pathways to the borough and other trail networks. Eleven buildings and 120 acres of the Strode’s Mill crossroads appear on the National Register of Historic Districts.
Those who attended Saturday night’s festivities enjoyed bluegrass music provided by the multi-generational Lenape Grass Band and culinary fare that included pork barbecue and scrapple sticks dipped in maple syrup, the latter a creation of Gene Gagliardi, the inventor of Steak ‘Umms. They also applauded the efforts of Kaat and her team of volunteers.
Rep. Chris Ross, R-158, said he was particularly impressed with the presentation by Harris. “He did a remarkably great job,” said Ross, adding that Harris provided fresh insight and details about the strategies and geography of the battle, which ended near Jimmy John’s Pipin Hot Sandwiches on Route 202.
Ross said that in these days of dwindling government funds, it’s gratifying to see a successful grassroots initiative like the Friends of Strode’s Mill. “I’m delighted the effort is being made because it’s so important to preserve these areas,” he said. “And when you have neighbors united, I think you end up with something that’s more robust and long-lasting.”
Brian Wolf, one of many reenactors in period garb who lent an air of authenticity to the gathering, agreed. Wolf, who lives in the shadow of the Battle of the Brandywine in Birmingham Township, said he’s been affiliated with the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment since 2002. “I’ve loved history for as long as I can remember,” he said.
Colin Hanna, a former county commissioner, said he has lived nearby for more than four decades and grew up purchasing sausage and scrapple from Strode’s. “It needs to be restored to the kind of jewel it can be,” he said.
Pat Comerford, a West Chester entrepreneur, also grew up nearby and has fond memories of spending time with members of the Strode family. “We used to ride the pigs,” he said. In fact, sometimes it represented the animals’ last bit of exercise before their demise.
But it was the slow demise of the scrapple factory building that pained another neighbor. Rich Gallagher said he and his wife discussed the possibility of trying to buy the property as the roof started to collapse; however, they realized that they were already overextended.
In 2008, they began rebuilding their barn, which only had had three stone walls standing. Since then, they’ve used salvaged barn wood to begin returning the structure to its former glory. “We fully support Linda’s effort, and I told her we’d do whatever we could to help,” Gallagher said, explaining his role as a host.
Kaat said she was thrilled that so many people braved the rain to attend the fundraiser; however, she lamented the fact that the weather discouraged others. “A number of people who RSVP’d ended up not coming,” she said. “We lost about 50 people.”
Those unable to participate can still help with the project, Kaat said. Anyone who contributes $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.
Kaat said preliminary estimates suggest that the group will fall short of its $20,000 goal for the event, more likely earning about $12,000. Mother Nature deserves much of the blame, she said, explaining that the rain not only decreased the number of bidders for the silent auction, but it also required the rental of tents.
“I was so happy to see so many people make the effort to come out despite the weather,” she said. “That made my night.” She credited the evening's success to a host of volunteers, who handled duties ranging from the silent auction to the food.
Kaat said she was also buoyed by people’s interest in having names added to the plaque for a $1,000 contribution. “It’s a great way to pay tribute to someone,” she said, adding that one woman bought two spots.
For more information, visit http://www.friendsofstrodesmill.com or the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofstrodesmill.
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