Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives

Source: July 1985 Volume 23 Number 3, Page 82

Foreword

Page 82

The February meeting of the Club was in effect a "mini" oral history seminar as club members recalled "shopping before the supermarket". Their recollections were recorded on tape, a transcription of which (thanks to Elizabeth Goshorn) is the first article in this issue.

In the next article is another example of the stories hidden within the walls of many of the houses in our area. In telling the history of "the Latch house" Grace Winthrop also reminds us of the accomplishments of one of its residents perhaps deserving of greater recognition: how many people know that the man who drafted the first map of the state of Nevada once lived in Devon?

Barbara Fry's article on quilts was the program for the Club's meeting in March. She illustrated her talk with old quilts and patches from her collection. Club members were also asked to bring some of their quilts, many of them made by a grandmother or a great-grandmother and in the family for many years. It was quite an exhibit!

On the lighter side is the account of the power mower derby that was a unique Decoration Day celebration in Devon thirty-one years ago. (It might be argued that this is perhaps deserving of lesser recognition - but it is a part of our local history!)

And finally, through her compilation of old newspaper advertisements Grace DeCaro has recreated our bustling county seat of 160 years ago. Her paper on West Chester in the 1820's was first presented at a meeting of the Volunteers of the Chester County Historical Society.