HARRISBURG (June 19, 2023) – A historic barn located on land that served as a backdrop to the Battle of the Brandywine will be restored thanks to $100,000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
East Bradford Township was awarded funding for the restoration of Strode’s Barn and Springhouse, a part of Strode’s Mill Historical District, an agricultural and commercial crossroads village dating back to 1721.
“By preserving our historical landmarks like Strode’s Barn, we can tell a more complete story about our community’s history to future generations,” Comitta said. “This funding will help East Bradford Township continue the restoration of Strode’s Mill Historical District and further share our history and heritage with both residents and visitors alike.”
The township plans to use the funding to restore elements of the barn and create a historical center for residents and visitors to learn about Strode Mill’s role in early American history. The barn, located at Birmingham Road and Route 52 along the Plum Run Creek, was a local landmark, known for its iconic “Strode’s Country Fresh Sausage and Scrapple” mural for many years.
“On behalf of East Bradford Township, the Board of Supervisors would like to express gratitude to the PHMC for the generous award of a Keystone Historic Preservation grant for the restoration of Strode’s Barn,” said Bruce Laverty, chair of the East Bradford Board of Supervisors. “The Township has been working for a decade to save and restore this historic 1875 barn that is located in the Strode’s Mill National Historic District. This grant award is critical to our success and we would like to thank Senator Comitta, Representative Pielli, and the Township’s residents for supporting the effort to preserve a local landmark and an important part of our community’s history!”
The historical district played host to both colonial and British troops during the Battle of Brandywine and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
“This grant for the restoration of Strode’s Barn and Springhouse will go a long way towards the preservation of the rich history of our community for generations to come,” said state Representative Chris Pielli. “I am excited to see this restoration project move forward with the help of this well-earned grant.”
The grant is one of 48 awards announced by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission through the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program.
The program is funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund which is supported with a portion of realty transfer tax revenue.
Also awarded funding was the Chester County Department of Facilities for restoration and structural repairs to the historic Chester County Courthouse.