Bethel Twp. Preservation Society Brings DE County History to Life

I’d like to say a few words about the good folks at the Bethel Township Preservation Society. Although they are just 5 minutes across the PA/DE state line from my home, I had never attended one of their events. I knew that one of my former clients now living in a Delaware Historic Home, the Penny House, was a member because of her past ties, but it was a nice occasion at their Open House on Saturday to get acquainted with the Society members and see some of their artifacts, slides, and albums (and sample some of Lois’ delicious pizzelles!). Pictured is a barn extant at the time of an historic sites survey in 1984.

Bethel, smallest of all the original townships of Chester County, is triangular in shape, its southern line adjoining the state of Delaware, the northwestern boundary being Concord township, the eastern, Upper Chichester. The township is mentioned as early as 1683, and again at the court held "11 mo. 6,' 1684", the inhabitants of "Concord, Bethel and Chichester were ordered to meet on the third day of the next weeke."

When Delaware County split from Chester County in 1789, the seat of local government was retained in Upland/Chester. As the interior developed, complaints grew concerning the distance to the county seat and finally was moved to Media in 1850. So by 1789, Bethel Township no longer was a part of Chester County, but a part of the newly formed Delaware County.

So watch this space for news of Bethel Township Historic Homes, because this new member of the Bethel Township Preservation Society plans to update you on the latest Historic Homes in the area!