Something Unusual Is Going to Happen At Wayne

Just one hundred and fifty years ago this winter, George Washington and his troops were encamped between Wayne and Valley Forge. Nowhere else in America does the true spirit of Colonial times linger as it does among the picturesque hills of this historic region.

It is most fitting that a spot so rich in Revolutionary tradition should serve as the background of a group of homes in which the Colonial atmosphere is to be faithfully recreated. Such a colony – a veritable Colonial village, in fact – is about to be founded on a five hundred acre tract of the choicest countryside in the Martin’s Dam section, 6 minutes by motor north of Wayne Station.

These single homesteads will occupy sites varying from one and one-half to five acres, and will be built in the true Colonial or the closely related Georgian styles. Some will be of stone, others of brick or clapboard. There will be replicas of Mt. Vernon, Montecello, and other early American mansions. Absolute fidelity to period detail will be pleasingly blended with the appointments of a luxurious modern home. There will be old Colonial plank floors, forged iron hardware, real Colonial mantels with large white log-burning fireplaces, and quaint period electrical fixtures. These homes will have five and six bedrooms and three baths. Prices range from $25,000 to $40,000.

Here is an ideal location for the man who wants to live in the country, and yet keep in close daily touch with his business. There is thirty-minute express service (no change of cars), on the P.R.R. Main Line from Wayne to Broad Street Station, with eighty trains daily, and a commutation rate of sixteen cents. In addition there are 134 trains a day on the Philadelphia and Western R.R., and bus services along the entire Main Line.

Adjoining this tract is the new “Chester Valley Stables” riding academy, from which one may take daily rides over the beautiful countryside and through the Valley Forge Park of 2,500 acres. A polo field and steeplechase course will shortly be added to its facilities. The new St. Davids Golf Club is within walking distance to the south, while adjoining this tract to the north is the newly completed Valley Forge Golf Course. Directly east, and practically adjoining, is the “Bob White Farm”, home of the Chester Valley Hunt. At Wayne is a new motion picture theatre with 1500 seating capacity. Wayne also has numerous fine stores and public, parochial and private schools. Six churches.

The tract is bounded on three sides by State highways, with improved and widened tarvia roads running through the property. All streets are electrically lighted and there is Springfield water service. Quaint sign posts have been placed throughout the settlement.

One of these homes will soon be completely furnished in the Colonial manner. Plots of from one and one-half to five acres are available for those desiring to build their own homes in this highly restricted Colonial Village.

See the large model of each homestead and a most unusual ten-foot painting of this section a the office of J. Howard Mecke, Jr.

1929 aerial view of the J. Howard Mecke real estate development of Colonial Village looking northwest. Lower right corner is Warner Rd, with Pugh Rd going from lower right to upper left, while the horseshoe-shaped road at right is Lafayette Rd. (Dallin image courtesy of the Tredyffrin-Easttown Historical Society and teh Hagley Museum and Library.)

 

1956 topographical map, Colonial Village in the lower left.