And, to Think!
By Michael Pillagelli
They say, ”Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow” and who would have thought that a simple idea sparked over $3,000,000 in donations to the Chester County Hospital over the years? You see, it all started out in November of 1935 when the twelve representatives of the branches of the Women’s Auxiliary were meeting in their semi-annual meeting held at the Chester County hospital. They politely listened to the accolades from the president of the auxiliary on all the kindnesses that were extended to the hospital patients by the auxiliary volunteers and how that helped make our “Healing House on the Hill” such an outstanding hospital.
She addressed her crowd with the thought that Chester County had more than its share of fine old mansions as well as many smaller, simpler but stately country properties abounding in our environs. She continued with the fact that our beautiful properties were meticulously and carefully restored and well known and filled with antiques and family treasures that would be admired by those who would buy a ticket to attend such an event . She also stated the idea that “Our historic past can be a stepping stone for our present needs and why not consider a tour sponsored by the four Chester County based hospitals?”
After a round of questions, benefits and doubts, the County President at the time, Mrs. Arthur T. Parke, took matters into her hands and appointed Mrs. William A. Limberger, President of the West Chester Branch Auxiliary to explore the idea some more.
Mrs. Bernice M. Ball was the Ways and Means Chairman of the auxiliary at the time and she joined in with Mrs. Limberger to hopefully add to their list of fund raisers which included teas, horse shows, charity balls, cook books, card parties, concerts, plays, flower markets, supper parties, fashion shows and even a fair. But this, said Mrs. Ball, would be the feather on the cap of money making.
Upon contact, the Phoenixville and Coatesville hospitals found the idea impossible to undertake at that time, but the two ladies got an “Interested” in the fourth hospital which was also in West Chester, The Homeopathic Hospital, which shortly after that became the Memorial Hospital. So now we have the Chester County Hospital and the Memorial Hospital in the loop for the event benefits. Representatives from the two hospitals met at Dr. and Mrs. William Limberger’s 1786 serpentine home, Green Ledge Farm, outside West Chester proper. Although it was a Women’s Auxiliary project, three to four gentlemen were always invited to the meeting to act as historical advisors to the event. They included Dr. Henry Pleasants a physician, author and historian, and Mr. J. Carroll Hayes lawyer and President of the Chester County Historical Society. Also invited were Mr. Francis D. Brinton historian, collector and antiquarian extraordinaire along with advisor- consultant Mr. David Stockwell. Their knowledge of the homes, history, and contents of said properties was invaluable to the Women’s Auxiliary and the composition of this premier impending tour.
The criteria then, and still today, for the tour was established as an early structure furnished with antiques, an historic home either by use or association, and/or a newer structure with significant architectural features or collections.
With both hospitals and all the original 22 homes open for the tour in the West Chester area the original event was tagged as “West Chester Day.” The tour cost was $1.00, and the proceeds were for the two cooperating hospitals. Tickets and information were provided prior to the event at the town antique shop of Mr. David Stockwell. As Chair and with her house open as part of the tour, Mrs. Limberger served tea, in china cups from a silver teapot to each of the ticket holders that toured her home between 3 and 5 p.m. Several hundred ticket holders were thrilled at this first of its kind event in the West Chester area.
This Main Street Fete booklet from the Nantucket House Tour dates ten years prior to the inception of our West Chester Day- Chester County Day but was the inspiration for what has become the longest running house tour in the states and that has provided over $3,000,000 to the Chester County Hospital over the past 80 plus years. And, to think, a simple idea from a summer vacation could have continued on and delighted now thousands of guests on the first Saturday of October.