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Home : Quarterly Archives : Volume 23 |
Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
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Source: July 1985 Volume 23 Number 3, Pages 109–119 Our County Seat in the 1820's West Chester in the 1820's was a small, dusty, dirty - and, possibly, smelly - cross-roads town, like many other small towns. Its importance was that it was the county seat, and almost everybody had to come in to register deeds, file complaints, and take care of legal work. It was the largest borough in the county, although it boasted of less than 1300 residents according to the census. (Today there are 60,000 or more residents in the West Chester area of one square mile!) Although brick sidewalks were put down in about 1824, the borough was ten years away from macadamized streets. In fact, there were very few streets at all. High street ran north and south, and was the main way to Wilmington; Gay Street ran east and west, and was the way from Philadelphia to Lancaster through Strasburg. The stage coach came from Philadelphia, and increased its trips during the decade from three times a week to Philadelphia to a return trip on the same day. It is written that a trumpet would be blown as it was arriving, and the men of the village would gather at one of the taverns to get the mail, newspapers, and gossip from the driver and passengers. There was much travel between West Chester and Philadelphia, not only on the stage but by horseback and wagon as well. Droves of cattle passed through, and stopped, in West Chester; both the Green Tree and the Spread Eagle had accommodations for cattle, in fenced-in stockyards, as well as stables for horses. If you think traffic is bad today in Exton, think of the traffic - cattle, horses, wagons, coaches and pedestrians - trying to get through West Chester 160 years ago! It seems as though West Chester was at the cross roads for much of the cattle from the northern and western farms going either to Wilmington or to Philadelphia. In addition, teams carrying lime and manure, from the Paoli area for these farmers, also passed through the borough. In season, farmers would drive their wagons, loaded with wheat and corn and produce through West Chester, to be sold in Wilmington or Philadelphia, returning with household and farm items from these cities for themselves and for delivery to the shopkeepers in the borough. In many cases, the cattlemen and farmers would stay in the local taverns or inns. It was a very busy place! In the spring, summer and fall there were also vacationers, who came for the hunting and fishing along the Brandywine and other streams. Net fishing was very popular, and mullet were raised in the streams to attract reed birds for shooting. Other vacationers came to take long drives in the country, and some came just to observe the villagers. A number of important things happened in and around the borough during this time. From 1824 to early 1826 General Lafayette visited the United States; in 1825 he came here after visiting the Brandywine battlefield. His extensive travels are written up in several books; Futhey and Cope give all the details of his visit to Chester County. His entrance into West Chester was led by the militia; banners and flowers were hung from trees and windows to greet him. He stayed with Zibia Pyle, the burgess at that time, and was feted at a dinner held in the old court house. The citizens of the county walked, drove, and rode horses to get to West Chester to welcome him. According to Futhey and Cope, an estimated ten thousand persons gathered on High, Market, Walnut and Gay streets to see the General. He reviewed the troops gathered in Matlack's Field (where the Friends' Home on Matlack Street is now located), and was then conducted to the Grand Jury room in the old court house for dinner. Only forty men were invited to the dinner. There were 23 toasts, with many songs sung and poems read between them. The first paragraph of the first toast, in part, went: "General, it is our happiness to be appointed by our fellow citizens to greet you upon your visit to the scenes of your youthful gallantry on the banks of the Brandywine, and to bid you a sincere and cordial welcome to the bosom of our country. Language, indeed, can but feebly portray the joyous and grateful emotions with which we behold amongst us after a lapse of eight and forty years, the illustrious friend of human rights, who relinquished the endearments of his domestic circle in a distant land to aid the fathers of our country in their struggle for independence, and who, on this ground, sealed with his blood his devotion to the cause of American liberty. In you, sir, we recognize with the profoundest respect and veneration, the early, disinterested and steadfast champion of our Washington, our Wayne, and their gallant compatriots-in-arms - the youthful volunteer, who shared the toils of our fathers to secure the blessings of republican freedom to our land, and who, by the favor of heaven, has been preserved to witness the happiness and receive the benedictions of their grateful offspring." (This is just the first paragraph of the first of 23 toasts! It must have been a very long dinner.) But back to the everyday life in West Chester: between the 1820's and 1830's there were forty-five to fifty businesses of all sorts in the borough; shops and factories which depended not only on the people of the borough for their livelihood, but also on trade from the farms and tiny villages in Chester County and the people passing through. The business district of Gay street went from Walnut street to the triangle at New, Gay and Hannum streets, and you could buy just about anything necessary for living in those times. There were four taverns or inns on Gay Street. Many of the businesses gave their addresses, in their advertisements, as "next to", "across from", "2 doors above" (or "below") a given tavern or other landmark. Other landmarks included the Methodist Chapel on the north side of Gay, between Church and Darlington; the Catholic Chapel, also on the north side of Gay, and the Academy, on the south side, both near New Street. (Of all these landmarks, only the Catholic Church, which has extended to take up the complete block between Darlington and New streets on the north side? and the Academy on the south side, marked by a placard on the building, are still in existence.) In so far as the inns were concerned, they rented rooms and in some cases served food. The bar in the tavern or inn was usually in a corner, and was latticed with a small opening board which would slide open to pass the drinks through. There was also a large door, with a very large lock. Drovers slept on the floor with the cats and dogs, and usually carried their own drink, called blackstrop, a mixture of rum and molasses. The Spread Eagle stood on the northwest corner of Walnut and Gay (where Thatchers' Drug Store now stands). In May 1823 Mr. Strickland, the owner of the Inn, advertised in the Village Record (VR 5-7-23) that "a Caravan of living animals including an African lion, 2 Arabian Camels, a Llama, a long tailed marmoset from Barbery, an African ape and music on a Belony organ with King David's cymbol" would be appearing. The admission was $.25, children under 12 half price. Strickland's, or the Spread Eagle, had a fenced stockyard in the back (probably where the parking garage is now located). There were also stables for horses in this combine. Where the parking lot is on Chestnut Street there was another large open cattle yard with a spring house. Across Gay street, on the south side, was a hairdresser. He advertised in the American Republican (AR 6-4-24.) that he had opened a shop and that he was from London, with all the latest styles. He didn!t last long, as high fashion was not particularly evident in West Chester! Next door, Joseph Townsend advertised (VR 5-27-18) a harnesss shop. He also made bridles and saddles and other leather goods at reasonable prices. In October 1826 Philip Apple advertised (AR lO-x-26) "A new manufactory of Copper, Tin and Sheet Iron ware" nearly opposite the Spread Eagle." The subscriber takes this method of informing his friends," he announced," that he has taken the Shop on Main Street nearly opposite the Spread Eagle Tavern, in West Chester, where he intends to carry on the business in its various branches - and he hopes, by strict attention to business to receive a share of their patronage. The above business is also carried on by the subscriber at No. 130 Corner of Third and Branch streets, Philadelphia. N.B. - Stills, Copper and Brass Kettles, Tea Kettles, Tin House-pipe and Gutters at short notice." A year later there was an advertisement (AR 4-24-27) for "A Scouring and Coloring business": "Enoch Hindley respectfully informs his friends and public that he has commenced the above business in all its various branches in Gay street, West Chester, nearly opposite the Spread Eagle tavern. He hopes from an experience of 17 years to be able to please those who favor him with their custom. Permanent blue, dyes on cotton yarn; all fancy colors on articles of silk, crape, woolen and cotton; Gentlemen's and ladies' garments cleaned and pressed in the best London style; blankets scoured and whitened; ladies' hats colored." In the same vicinity, William S. Middleton advertised (VR 6-28-26) that having "commenced the hatting business in Westchester on the main street nearly opposite Mr. Strickland's tavern", he "offers for sale at this establishment an assortment of plain and fashioinable waterproof hats which will be made of the best material at the lowest prices for Cash. Storekeepers supplied by the dozen at the shortest notice". Near Mr. Middleton's, Martha Taylor told the public in the Village Record (VR 4-30-23) that she "has just opened a New Store in Gay Street nearly opposite Win. Strickland's tavern where she proposes keeping an assortment of Fashionable and Cheap goods and hopes to enjoy a share of the public patronage". The entire south side of Gay Street, from Walnut to High streets, sold in 1828 for $1407. (This block now includes the travel agency, fire station, bank parking lot, photography store, tavern, Irish women's shop, and a restaurant!) From a few doors below the Spread Eagle, back on the north side of Gay Street, in August 1821, Joseph Cave, "Clock and watchmaker, respectfully informs his friends and the public in general, that he still continues to make and repair clocks and watches at this shop in West Chester on Gay Street a few doors west of the Spread Eagle tavern, where all orders in his line will be thankfully received and executed with dispatch". (AR8-29-21). Mr. Cave was also a constable of the borough. In addition, he was in charge of the cannon "Diane", probably a six-pounder, which was fired for many years on the 4th of July after each toast. This celebration was held in Liberty Grove, which was located at the northeast corner of Gay and Matlack streets. The sergeant-at-arms was directed to furnish each magazine with 16 rounds of blank cartridge, and the cannon was always fired to the east. (An automobile repair shop is now on this corner.) The Green Tree Tavern was on the northeast corner of High and Gay streets (where the Green Tree apartment and the Rite-Aid drug store are located today). Across High Street (where Woolworth's store now stands) was a large residence. The rest of the north side of Gay Street between High and Church streets were mostly residences and offices, occupied by Sarah Turner, William Hughegy Joshua Weaver, Dr. William Darlington, and Townsend Hairies. Near the corner with Church Street William French advertised (AR 11-5-23) a "Brush Manufactory: The subscriber has commenced the Brush making business at the North East corner of Gay and Church Streets, directly opposite the Cross Keys Tavern, West Chester, where he now has and will constantly keep for sale a complete assortment of Common & Fancy Brushes: which he will warrant equal to any manufactured in Philadelphia and which he will dispose of at Philadelphia prices. Store-keepers and others will find it to their advantage to call; Country bristles will be received in exchange for Brushes". Zibia Pyle, who, as mentioned, was host to General Lafayette in 1825, had his office on the northeast corner of Church and Gay streets. Across Gay Street (where the Mosteller complex is now) was the Cross Keys (later called Whitehall) Tavern, run by Beaumont Davis. Here the troops would muster for a march to Liberty Grove on the 4th of July. East of Beaumont's, J. M. Hollis advertised (VR 4-18-21) that he "Respectfully informs the public that he has opened shop in the borough of Westchester, in Gay Street, two doors above the Cross Keys Inn, where any work in his line will be thankfully received and faithfully executed. His former customers in the vicinity of Downingtown are informed that Mr. Joseph Hunt and Mr. Wm. H. Brown of that place will receive any work they may be inclined to favor him with, which will be carefully finished and returned on the 4th Saturday of every month, A continuance of custom is respectfully solicited". On the same side was Jonathan Valentine's store; in November 1819 he advertised (VR 11-17-19) that "A good assortment of well finished stoves for sale by Jonathan Valentine" had just been received from Hopewell Furnace. A little more than eight years later, James Walton, in April of 1828, advertised (VR 4-1-28) that he had removed to the house formerly occupied by Jonathan Valentine in Gay Street, and now had "Dry Goods, Groceries, Liquors, Queensware, Hardware, Earthenware for cash". Next door, in 1822, was the harness shop of Wm. Work, who advertised (VR 8-2-22) that he had "removed to his new brick building in Gay Street next door to Jonathan Valentine's store and a few perches above Beaumont's Tavern, where he will continue to carry on the Coach and Harness Making Business in all its various branches. Those who favor him with their custom may rely on having their orders promptly and neatly executed". Four months later, however, he announced (AR 12-4-22) he "has removed to his new Brick shop next door to the Methodist Meeting House in Gay Street, where he continues to carry on the above business (coachmaking) in all its various branches, and being prepared with the best materials he hopes by strict attention to business to merit a continuancy of that liberal support which he has heretofore received from a generous public. N.B. A good second hand Gig will be exchanged for farm produce". Eliza Sproul informed (VR 4.-24.-22) "inhabitants of West Chester and vicinity that she commenced the business of Mantua-maker and Milliner in Gay Street, two doors above Mr. Beaumont's Tavern", but a year later she advertised (VR 4-30-23) that she had removed "to a house lately occupied by Dr. Quinn in Gay Street a few doors above the Crosskeys in the borough of Westchester where she continues to carry on the Millinery and Mantua making business as heretofore; that she intends keeping fashionable Bonnets on hand, ready made, together with a good assortment of trimmings; and hopes the knowledge she has obtained of the business will entitle her to a share of the public patronage". (A mantua is a loose garment worn over undergarments, and is suitable for indoors or outdoors. And "ready made" clothing, incidentally, was all hand-made, as the sewing machine had not yet been invented.) The busiest part of the "shopping district" was the western end of Gay Street between Church and Darlington streets. Dr. Ehrenzeiler had his office across Church Street from Zibia Pyle's; it has been stated that he "never attended medical school, but was still a very good physician". (His office was where Bob Norris' shop is today.) Edward Miller had a boot and shoe manufactury next door. He advertised (VR 5-9-21) that he "Respectfully informs his friends and public in General that he carries on the Boot and Shoe Manufactury at his shop the next door above Dr. Ehrenzeiler's in Gay St. All orders from town and country will be punctually attended to; the work will be done in the neatest and most durable manner; and at moderate prices." Next to Edward Miller, P & C Kendall opened a New Store, announcing (VR5-16-21) "The subscribers have opened and now offer for sale at their new store in Gay Street, Westchester, a general assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, Glass and Queensware, which were purchased at the lowest prices and will be sold for cash at a very small advance. The inhabitants of West Chester and its vicinity are respectfully invited to call and view them." A month later they advertised (VR 6-13-21) that they had "in addition to their former stock an extensive variety of fresh and seasonable cloths and cassimeres, Hankin and Canton Crapes - Brillings - Searsuckers - Ginghams and Cambrics which will be sold at their New Cash Store in Gay Street Westchester at or below Philadelphia prices. P & C Kendall have on hand Madeira, Sicily, Teneriffe and Lisbon Wines. Also a few pipes Brandy and Gin of Best Quality." [A pipe is 126 gallons.] Next was Burchall & Wickersham's chairmaking shop. Burchall and Wickersham advertised (AR 8-14-22) as having on hand fancy rush bottom and Windsor chairs and settees. They also did sign painting. (Apparently both the Kendall store and Burchall & Wickersham's were on land owned by Miller, however, as in 1824 the Estate of Edward Miller, including the boot and shoe manufactury, P & C Kendalls, and Burchall & Wickersham's chairmaking shops, were advertised (VR 1-7-24, VR 4-14-24, VR 12-18-24) for Public Sale.) The Methodist Episcopal Church or meeting appears to have been next. This building was set back from Gay Street, and another building was built by Thomas Ogden in front of it. The Village Record rented this new building, and so advertised in May of 1823. In April 1825 Daniel Husted advertised that he had opened a boot and shoe making business in this building, taking the place of Edward Miller. West of the Methodist Church, T. Sweney advertised (VR 5-9-21) "Thomas Sweney respectfully informs his old customers and public in general that he continues to carry on the tailoring business in all its branches at his old stand next door, west of the Methodist Episcopal Meeting House in Gay Street, Westchester, where all orders in his line of business will be executed with dispatch, in the most neat and durable manner and fashionable style. T. Sweney entertains the hope that his constant endeavors to give satisfaction to his employers will ensure him a continuance of that generous patronage which it shall be his study to deserve." Also on the north side of Gay Street Reed and Peirce advertised (AR 12-11-27) a currying business; "The subscribers inform their friends and the Public that they have commenced the above business in the borough of Westchester on the north side of Gay Street (Near the Chapel) where they keep a constant supply of Leather, suitable for shoemakers, Coach and Harness makers and hatters, including Morocco and Lining Skins of various colours which they will dispose of to their customers upon accommodating terms. Also Cash paid for Slaughter hides and skins at the highest market price." On the south side, in June 1824 Hannah C. Harlan announced (VR 6-21-24): "New Store. Hannah C. Harlan informs her friends and the public, that she has commenced the business of Milliner and Mantua maker in Gay Street opposite the Chapel; where she has a new and fashionable assortment of leghorn, Straw and Silk Bonnets; ribbons, laces, artificial flowers, curls, muslins, ginghams, calicoes, battest silks, gloves, stockings and assortment of domestics, shell combs &e, &c. Also Sugar, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Molasses, Soap, spices, &c." To the east, Sarah C. Lamborn (VR 11-24-30) "respectfully acquaints her friends and the public in general that she continues the business of Milliner, at her old stand in Gay Street, Westchester, nearly opposite the Village Record Office, where she has for sale various and new fashionable articles of dress for Ladies, among which are Hoods, Leghorn Beaver, Bolivar, Plush, Straw Dunstable and Plaid Pleated Bonnets - Silks, Shawls, Gro de Grance, Jockey Caps for Boys, an Assortment of Cloaks, ready made, Riding habits and Dresses, made at the shortest notice, Scarfs with Bobbinet lace, Worked Collars, Veils of different kinds, Cambric Muslin, Gloves, Ribbands and various other articles in her line of business which will be disposed of upon very moderate terms." In the same block there was also a bakery, which advertised: "Charles Sink, Baker and Confectioner, Gay Street, West Chester continues his business at the old stand and is anxious to give satisfaction as when he was younger. He will bake family loaves of Bread for Customers, by the barrel, or supply them daily through the Summer with Baker's loaves. Cakes of all descriptions, kept for sale, and lovers of fruit with oranges, tamarinds and lemons in their season. Also nuts, raisins, mint stick, candies and all the usual variety found at a well regulated confectioners. All favors thankfully acknowledged. NB. Two good Boys, who can come well recommended, are wanted as Apprentices." Jacob Keemhle also operated a currying shop in the same block until June 182-4, when he advertised (VR 7-14-24): "Notice. The subscriber has removed his Currying Shop from the old stand in Gay Street, Westchester, to the Tanyard in Westgoshen on the Strasburg Road, adjoining the borough where he intends to keep a constant supply of all kinds of Leather as usual, which he will sell on the most reasonable terms for Cash or Short Credit; and he hopes his former customers and the Public in general will favor him with their custom. NB. Cash will always be paid for Green Hides and Calf Skins. JACOB KEEHMLE." (His mother, incidentally, who lived on South High Street, owned the first piano in West Chester.) Across Darlington street, on the southwest corner of Gay and Darlington, Judge Isaac Darlington had a residence, and nearby Lewis Iddings advertised (AR 10-5-25) a "New Drug and Medicine Store": "Lewis Iddings, having served a regular apprenticeship to the business of an Apothecary, and acquainted himself with the compounding and preparations of Medicines has opened an assortment of fresh Drugs and Medicines, at his Store in the borough of Westchester (on Gay Street between the residence of Judge Darlington and the Academy) which he will warrant to be genuine and will furnish them to Physicians, Storekeepers and others at the Philadelphia prices. NB. Prescriptions put up in the most careful manner." By 1830 another "New Drug and Chemical Store", to the east of the Academy, was advertised (VR 4-21-30) by Edmund 0. Maginnis: "The subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of West Chester and the public generally, that he has commenced the Drug and Apothecary Business, at the above stand, a few doors west of the Academy, with a general assortment of Fresh Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Glass, Dye Stuffs, Varnish, &C. Physicians can depend upon having their shops furnished complete with every article used in practice, at the city prices. They will certainly find it to their advantage to purchase of him. Every attention will be made to furnish them with genuine and well selected Medicine. He had all the new and popular Chemical and Pharmaceutical preparations selected with great care and warranted genuine. Storekeepers will be supplied with Patent Medicines, &c. on moderate terms. A generous discount allowed for cash. Orders thankfully received and punctually attended to. I intend devoting my entire attention to this business; and hope therefore to merit a share of the public patronage." (This shop may have succeeded that of Lewis Iddings.) Also east of the Academy was a shop for "Millinery and Fancy Articles" which advertised (AR 10-12-25) "Ann Cable respectfully informs the citizens of West-Chester and its vicinity that she has taken a Shop on Gay Street, two doors east of the Academy where she has for sale a variety of Fancy Goods, such as silks, Ribbons, Laces, & C. Also, Leghorn, Straw and Silk Bonnets, made to any pattern, plain or fashionable, in the best manner and at fair prices. Every reasonable exertion will be used top lease those who may favor her with their orders, which will be gratefully acknowledged." In the Sharples account of Gay Street, written in 1899, he mentions a Mr. Court's butcher shop, but I could not find an advertisement for it. In December of 1827, however, in a notice (AR 12-18-27) of an Order of the Orphans Court of Chester County, a house and lot of ground, "the late property of Henry Court, deceased, bounded by Gay Street, lands of Wm. Winterbottom, Wm. Wollerton, etc." was offered for sale by David Townsend, Guardian of Henry Court a minor. Sixteen months later (VR 4-28-29) Jane and Charlotte Givens informed their friends and the public that they removed to Mrs. Court's front room two doors east of the Academy. This also appears to be the same building as the one used by Ann Cable. Jane & Charlotte Givens stated that they were continuing mantua making, plain and gay, and have assortments of trimming and other articles, adding "NB. Clothing for little boys made in the most modern style. An apprentice will be taken to the above business." In the same advertisement, Jane Richards also "informs friends and public that she removed into Mrs. Court's house in Gay Street to carry on business of Milliner" in connection with the above. William Winterbottom, whose lands adjoined the Court property described above, was also in the clothing business, advertising (AR 5-12-24.) his "Cheap and Fashionable Clothing Store. The subscriber grateful for past favors informs his friends and the public in general that he continues, at this old Establishment in the borough of West Chester in Gay Street, near the Academy where he has on hand and intends keeping a general assortment of ready made clothing, of the latest fashions; also on hand an elegant assortment of Cloths, Cassimeres, Vestings and Spring and Summer goods. The subscriber flatters himself, from his experience in business, that he is qualified to please in makimg the most fashionable or plain clothing so as to give general satisfaction to those who may please to favor him with their custom. All orders will be thankfully received and punctually attended to. William Winterbottom." A John Twaddle also advertised (AR 4.-24-27): "Bottling. The subscriber respectfully informs his friends and the public generally that he has commenced Bottling in West Chester, under the store of Mr. Winterbottom in Gay Street, where he intends (by continuing to supply his customers with Porter and Ale, of the best quality) to merit a continuance of those favors hitherto so liberally bestowed upon him, and they may reat assured his utmost endeavors shall not be wanting to give general satisfaction. NB. His bottling cellar in Downingtown will be continued as heretofore." John Brown had a Livery Stable a few rods east of the Academy in Gay Street, advertising (VR 4-18-27) "Horses and Gigs for hire". Next came the Academy itself. Opposite the Roman Catholic Chapel (and west of the Academy) Ann Hodgson (VR 3-28-27) "begged to inform friends and patrons she will carry on Mantua making and all branches at the house of Wm. Hodgson". Thomas Ogden owned the next few houses, according to a sale notice of December 1828. In early 1830 Angus M'Kay advertised (VR 4-28-30) his business of "House and sign painting and glazing. The subscriber returns his thanks to his friends and public for the liberal encouragement he has received from them, and hopes by prompt attention to business, to merit a continuance of their favors. Those who wish to have painting done are assured that the best materials shall always be used, and the work done in durable and workman like manner, by applying to the subscriber, fourth dwelling house in Ogden's new row Gay Street." On the north side of Gay Street, Samuel Augee advertised (AR 4-17-27) a "Hat Manufactury, Samuel Augee presents his grateful acknowledgements to his friends and the public, for their liberal support during the past year. He now takes this method to inform them that he still continues his Hatting business, in Gay street nearly opposite the Academy, where he now offers for sale, a large and handsome assortment of ready finished hats of every description both plain and fashionable. Likewise the latest fashioned Bolivar Hats (if bespoke) and an assortment of handsome drab hats, just finished and on hand. To convince those who are of the opinion that hats of the same quality can be purchased cheaper in the city, he only asks a call. An apprentice is wanted immediately to the above business." Adjoining the Catholic Church lot, James Jefferis announced (VR 6-23-30) the opening of a Chair Making establishment, and advertised "James Jefferis opened in the borough of West Chester on Gay Street, nearly opposite the Academy, adjoining the Catholic Church lot, an extensive establishment for the manufacture of Settees and Chairs, of all descriptions, gay, plain, Windsor, Fancy or rush-bottom, of the best materials and workmanship, and finished in the most fashionable style. He will be happy to receive at all times the calls of his friends and customers, being well satisfied that the lowness of his prices will give general satisfaction. Orders from the country punctually attended to and chairs of all kinds repaired on the shortest notice. NB. Copal Varnish of the best quality also for sale at reduced prices." At the triangle of Gay and Hannum streets was the Washington House, another hotel, run by a Mrs. Jefferis. West Chester at this time was a man's town. The men went to lectures, traveled, read, marched, taught, ran the borough government, wrote, and worked. They would gather at the Academy on Gay Street to discuss their own ideas about politics, farming, the arts, botany, astronomy, and any important local topics of the day. The women, with only a few exceptions, stayed at home. They shopped, cooked and served, quilted, sewed, or taught young children. A few women were teachers, and, as noted, some were dressmakers or shopkeepers. Apparently there were no cultural meetings for the women. Religion played a very important part in the lives of West Chester1s citizens. The Quakers and Methodists were predominant. The Presbyterians and Baptists used the court house for services. The Catholics had a Chapel where infrequent masses were held; it was serviced by a traveling priest from Wilmington or Philadelphia. There were few musicals and plays. An interesting article of the period noted that one woman was read out of Meeting for listening to music! The population started to grow toward the end of the decade, as farmers wanted to have town houses. Many new buildings were erected on Gay and other streets to house new residences and shops. Soon after this time Market Street came into prominence. The houses on Gay Street during the 1820's were generally two or three stories high, with two rooms on each floor and an attached kitchen in the back. There was also usually a garden, with shrubbery. The water pump was either in the front or the back. Most houses were made of brick. With the number of shops, businesses and factories, plus the horses, dogs and cattle, you can see that for the most part our county seat was dirty, dusty, very busy, and an important place during this era. The information for this article was gathered from the clipping file of the Chester County Historical Society. The Society was founded primarily to save Chester County artifacts. Its collections today are numerous and varied, and the library collections an excellent source of research concerning the county. |
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