PAOLI PENNSYLVANIA - PAOLI Homes and Real Estate For Sale

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The name "Main Line" is the title given to the group of suburban communities west of Philadelphia which grew along the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1832. It was originally built by wealthy industrialists to ease their commute from Philadelphia to their country homes, gentleman farms and summer residences. The railroad, which transported goods and mail as well as people, quickly prospered as did the surrounding developments and businesses. Today there is a collection of communities (Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Villanova, St. Davids, Wayne, Berwyn and Paoli.) named after the railroad stations, each of which was built in a unique manner, preserving the ambience and beauty of the area. Today, as when the main line railroad was first built, it is an easy commute to center city Philadelphia from each station. Each township and local community has worked diligently to preserve the natural greenery and open space for the residents and visitors alike, to enjoy.

The Borough of Phoenixville, with a population of about 16,000, is a semi-rural/suburban community situated in Northeastern Chester County on the west bank of the Schuylkill River. It lies about 27 miles from Philadelphia and some 5 miles from Historic Valley Forge National Park. The historic borough of Phoenixville, once home to steel and iron mills, is a 19th century town of historic homes and a quaint commercial district. It is well worth the time to walk around it and visit the Historical Society and museum, see the giant Mural which depicts the history of Phoenixville and the Foundry Building next to it. For those interested in history and the outdoors, the surrounding area offers many interesting recreational opportunities, such as walking trails, covered bridges, canoeing, historic homes and interesting architecture. Commuters and visitors have access to the region via bus services and arteries including routes 23, 422, and the PA Turnpike.

We all know well the events that took place in Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78. But the fact is that George Washington was a late arrival in the history of our area. The story of our land begins in 1680 when William Penn granted to Charles Pickering a large tract of land along the Schuylkill River and bounded by streams ' one of them now known as Pickering Creek. His first name was given to Charlestown Township of which one section of the Mountain was a part until 1826, when it was divided and then became know as Schuylkill Township. In 1681, Charles Pickering started mining along the river for precious metals. Two years later he was tried for counterfeiting and fined forty pounds. However, it was discovered eventually that his counterfeit coins had a higher silver content than did the official colony money. He died a wealthy man! Mining was again tried in this area about a hundred years later. These mines may still be seen at the Audubon Wildlife sanctuary. Our own 'Mountain' has always been known as Mount Misery. Legend tells of William Penn visiting a friend on Valley Creek and becoming lost in the hills. He spent a night of misery stumbling over rocks and fearful of wild beats. He finally discovered a settlement and shouted with joy. As a result he named our hill Mount Misery and the hill in the park where the Observation Tower used to be, Mount Joy. In 1957, Valley Forge Mountain was started as a residential community by Arthur Binns. The first family moved here in September, 1958 and two weeks later they were joined by the Frank Degers who had recently relocated. At that time the steep hill between Rock Hill and Quarry Lanes was a working quarry and only two roads were paved. Deer, especially a fourteen-point buck and an albino, were frequent visitors to our patios. The south side of the 'Mountain' located in Tredyffrin Township was developed a little later. Its first resident arrived in March 1961. Tredyffrin is another township steeped in history and one of the most familiar sights is the Octagonal School House at the foot of Diamond Rock Road. It was opened on September 21, 1818, having been built by the local residents for $260.93. It was shaped octagonal so that the greatest number of children would receive maximum light and heat. The children faced the windows with their backs to the center stove while the teacher faced the door. It was closed permanently during the Civil War and was not restored until 1918. One of the most beautiful landmarks in Chester County is the Knox Covered Bridge. It was built in 1865 and named after General Knox who was encamped here with George Washington. The Valley Forge Farm, adjoining the bridge, was purchased in the early 1900's by Philander C. Knox, a former U.S. Attorney General and Senator representing Pennsylvania. There is no family relationship between General Knox and P.C. Knox. This farm is now part of the Valley Forge Park. It is interesting to note that Yellow Springs Road, was the route used by Washington's soldiers to carry their sick and dying men to the hospital in Yellow Springs (now known as Chester Springs) and to St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley, then an improvised hospital. An important event took place on July 4, 1976 which affected our neighboring Valley Forge Park. President Ford signed the authorization for the park to come under national administration and to be known as the Valley Forge National Park. The transition from state to national park took many months and it was not until March 31, 1977, that the administration of the park was finally turned over to the National Park Service. Fittingly, this took place as the park was ready to celebrate its 200th Anniversary on December 19, 1977, one year after the national Bicentennial. Every day visitors from every corner of the world come to see Valley Forge Park, and in many respects we are a `host' community, not only to our fellow Americans but to many guests from foreign lands. We are fortunately, indeed, to live upon land so deeply enmeshed in the remarkable story of beginnings of our country. We feel sure that our forebears would be happy if they could now see this hill as the beautiful, wholesome community that it is. The above was written by Charlotte Bartlett ' one of the earliest residents of Valley Forge Mountain who has since relocated.

Hide away on the top of Valley Forge Mountain where families can peacefully cool off on hot summer days or relax during a Friday night cookout after a long work week. This intimate facility is located on Horseshoe Trail (above the Sunbowl) on property leased form the Mountain Association. In addition to its ten-foot wading pool, there is a 60 x 25 foot main pool with a diving 'L'. Dressing rooms are provided and lifeguards are on duty during pool hours. Membership is limited to 100 families and is available first to the residents of the Association and returning members. Membership fees include a one-time, non-refundable initiation fee of $500 and annual dues of $450 plus $25 per child. Those interested in joining should call Bill Suplee, our membership chairman, at 610-783-6714, or visit the website at www.VFMSC.org. During the season from Memorial Day to Labor Day the swim club phone number is: 610-783-9946

The Valley Forge Mountain Racquet Club is an independent, non-profit organization offering 3 outdoor, state-of-the-art, Har-Tru clay tennis courts. The club is located immediately west of the Sunbowl on Horseshoe Trail. Summer activities include tennis options for players at all skill levels, coordinated by registered tennis professionals. Classes, clinics and private lessons for any skill/age are also available. Membership dues include the whole family. Please call Lin Cox-Tobin for membership information at 610-935-0195.