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Learn about the three historic buildings built in the early 1700s and the people who called these buildings their homes

Welcome to the Chadds Ford Historical Society. This is the start of your digital tour of the society's three historic structures: The Springhouse, the Chads House, and the Barns-Brinton House. Before you digitally head to the next stop let me fill you in on the history of the organization and how we got here. The Chadds Ford Historical Society had its genesis in the first Chadds Ford Day of 1958. Neighbors gathered at the then tranquil crossroads to get to know each other better, share their talents and share their interest in preserving the beauty and history of the countryside. They came and paraded in their period dress led by “Town Crier” Chris Sanderson. Works of art by Howard Pyle and the Wyeths, as well as other local artists, were exhibited in the old barn. Everyone had a good time, and one could sense that a community spirit had been enkindled. In 1959 and 1962 “The Day” was repeated--again on the Saturday nearest the anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777. In 1967 the John Chad house--home of the early pioneer for whom Chadds Ford was named--was for sale. The neighbors were concerned about its state of deterioration and, of course, were well aware of it historic and architectural significance--a fine example of early 18th century stone Pennsylvania architecture. It had to be saved! In order to buy it a corporation needed to be formed. The Chadds Ford Day Committee seemed the logical group to implement founding the corporation. In 1968 the Chadds Ford Historical Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of Pennsylvania and Chadds Ford Days became a week long Art Festival held in the Tri-County Conservancy’s newly purchased Hoffman Mill. Thousands came and the new profit was $37,000--enough to purchase the Chad House. Unexpectedly another important building was for sale in 1969--the Barns-Brinton house. It too was in a state of serious deterioration. Chadds Ford Days in 1969 became a week-end. Profits were considerably less than those from the previous year. However, with the help of several generous donors, the Society was able to purchase its third historic building. Today the Society's goal is to protect and preserve these historic structures and interpret them for the education and enjoyment of the community. The First historic structure you will see on your digital tour is the springhouse.

Our Visitor's Center is located in the Heart of the Chadds Ford Village and was built in the early 1990's on the foundation of an 1800's dairy barn. This building houses our offices, library, temporary exhibit room, and meeting room. Come by for a visit and tour our three historic houses and see whats new in our exhibit room.

This is also the first stop of your digital tour of the Society's historic buildings.

The Barn Visitor Center: Groundbreaking was held November 1, 1990.  The dedication celebration was held from November 8th to the 10th, 1991.

Visitor's Center

Francis Chadsey emigrated from England in 1685 and married his second wife, Grace Stanfield, in 1695. They had six children. He purchased a 500 acre tract in Birmingham Township in 1696 from Daniel Smith, an original purchaser of Wm. Penn. Daniel Smith died intestate and due to legal problems Chadsey did not take possession of the tract until 1702. He died in 1713, having built a corn mill on the Brandywine, the dam and mill race of which are still visible. He was a member of the assembly of lower counties, elected in 1707 and in 1705 was appointed by the court to lay out the roads from the forks of the Brandywine to Naaman’s Creek Mill. His inventory indicates he was a man of means who lived in comparative comfort. His eldest son, John, inherited the entire plantation and half the corn mill when he became of age. John Chads became of age in 1717 and soon after constructed the springhouse as his new home. Of the four facades of the springhouse only the east and north have remained unchanged since their construction some 250 years ago. The western facade was severely altered when the window was closed in sometime in the 19th century and there are signs of several patching jobs done in this area at different times in the springhouse’s history. It is difficult to draw any conclusions about the south wall because coats of whitewashing hide its secrets. We do know that a shed was built to cover the entrance to the spring room. The chimney in the northwest corner is a reconstruction. The cedar shingle roof is likewise a reconstruction, but it is supported by the original roof rafters.  InteriorIn the spring room, the spring is still active, flowing out of the base of the east wall and exiting at the southwest corner. Niches are located in the north and east walls. Also of note here is the corbelled masonry support for the first floor fireplace. The most noteworthy feature of the first floor room is the fireplace, with its distinctive recessed double cupboards. This fireplace has the same sort of paneled chimney breast as the fireplace in the mansion house, although the woodworking for this fireplace is probably simpler. As is evidenced from the photograph on exhibit, considerable work has been done on the interior of this room. The window to the left of the fireplace was rebuilt when evidence of its earlier existence was discovered from clearly delineated cracks in the stone work. The door was rebuilt. The walls were replastered. A small section of the original plasterwork may be seen on the north wall. The ladder to the attic (or loft - for sleeping) has been reconstructed in the proper location. The rafters supporting the loft floor are original, wit the exception of the one on the east side of the ladder (just on the right as climbing the ladder.) The poplar floor of the loft has replaced the badly deteriorated original. The first floor flooring and the beams (visible in the spring room) are replacements.

The Springhouse
The springhouse was either built at the same time as the mansion house (before 1725) or before.  It could well have been completed before the house so that Chads, the builder, and his apprentices, could have a roof over their heads while work proceeded on the house. 

When John Chads moved into the mansion house, the springhouse was then occupied by a tenant who helped Chads till his land.  The springhouse continued to be so occupied until the mid-1940’s.  For a short time in the late 19th century the building served as a one-room school.

During the Battle of the Brandywine (September 11, 1777) the northwest corner of the springhouse was damaged by British and German artillery fire.


Springhouse

This was a home. Although Elizabeth and John Chads had no children of their own they must have been friends with many who would have come to their home often (look up the long list of children to whom she left money, furniture, etc., in her will.) This tour highlights architectural information more likely to interest adults than youth groups. For information about the human element in this house, see the youth tours for this home. With both types of information you can tailor your summer or adult tour to the audience by focusing on architecture, domestic life, cooking and baking or the Revolutionary War, just to name a few. It was a big working farm – 500 acres originally. (Note the number of animals in John Chads’ inventory after his death.) It was a business operation: the corn mill, the tavern, and ferry at the ford. As a fording place it was an important link to metropolitan areas for visiting and for marketing produce, animals, etc. John Chads was innovator and proprietor of this only documented ferry across the Brandywine in Pennsylvania. It was only natural then that such an entrepreneur’s name be chosen to name the village – Chadds Ford. The Great HallThe first room you enter is called the Great Hall. It would have been used for a variety of things, including eating, working, and leisure. It also would have been the most public space in the house, with several doors providing access to the more domestic rooms. Most guests would not have gotten past this room, as only friends and important visitors would have been allowed in the parlor and the rooms upstairs. As a public space, this room would have been furnished to underscore the wealth of the Chads and their importance in the community. Another interesting fact about this room is that it contains the only closet in the house, which would have been used as an office closet or pantry.This room is perhaps most important as the space where John Chads conducted his many businesses. In 1736, John Chads built a ferry across the Brandywine River and petitioned the local courts to allow him to set standard rates for his service. That same year, John also received a license to run a tavern, which is believed to have been in the former dwelling of Francis Chadsey. Chads' tavern was very popular with both travelers and members of the community. When the local court was unwilling to renew his tavern license in 1742, 77 of his neighbors signed a petition stating that Chads ran a very orderly and hospitable tavern. The court eventually renewed his license when Chads threatened to absolve his ferry business. John continued to run both the ferry and tavern until 1746, when he relinquished both businesses to his cousin-in-law James House. The ParlorThe parlor was the nicest room on the first floor and served as a private living room. One of the main functions of the parlor was taking tea, a sign of civility in Colonial America. It could have also been used for entertaining friends and family, as well as recreational activities such as reading and playing cards. It is important to note the fireplace as evidence that this room is a nicer room than the Great Hall. Instead of a mantle, this fireplace has recessed cupboards, which were common in wealthy Quaker homes. The sides of the fireplace are also concaved to help heat escape into the room and add a more aesthetic appeal.This room would have reflected the Chads’ high status in the community. They were among the wealthiest families in the area in the 1730s and 40s, and at one point were the highest taxpayers in Birmingham Township. Although neither one attended college, they were both considered well educated at the time and possessed several books in their inventories. Because of the respect he held in the Goshen Meeting, John Chads was given important tasks such as executing wills, reviewing marriage certificates, and holding Orphan’s Court in this very house. Orphan’s Court handled the estates of those who died without a will and was meant to protect a child from a greedy widow or step-father. Among the many people whose estates he settled was William Barns, the original owner of the Barns-Brinton House. The StairsThe spiral staircase has been restored since the Historical Society took over the house, but it replicates what would have been there when the house was built. Second Floor Guest ChamberThis room would likely have been used as a children’s bedroom if the Chads had any children, which they did not. Instead, it was likely used as a guest bedroom. Unlike the other rooms in the house, this one never seemed to have a fireplace.When John Chads died in 1760, Elizabeth continued to live in this house for another thirty years. For at least some of that time, her cousin Amos House appears to have resided with her in this house. While the Battle of Brandywine was erupting around them in September of 1777, Amos House went outside to inspect the fighting. As he watched Continental and British artillery fire at each other across the river, a cannonball landed close to him and knocked him on the ground. General Washington, who was riding close by, apparently noticed this and admonished Amos for leaving the safety of his house. Amos and his wife Martha would go on to have at least one child, who made the original sampler on the mantle of the fireplace. Master Bed ChamberThis is the room where John and Elizabeth would have slept. The fact that it was located directly above the parlor, the finest room on the first floor, indicates a sort of linear hierarchy of the rooms. According to Elizabeth’s will, the bed was the most expensive item in her inventory, likely because of the curtains and canopy which would have been hand-sewn by a talented upholsterer.1Despite having no children, John and Elizabeth seemed to have enjoyed a happy marriage. When John died, he left the house to his “dear and well-beloved wife” and saw to it that she was cared for physically and financially. An interesting clause in his will stated that he promised to give the house to his cousin Joseph Davis when Elizabeth died under the condition that he provide her with firewood throughout the rest of her life. Unfortunately for Davis, Elizabeth outlived him, and house eventually went to his son Benjamin.Since Quakers believed in universal equality, Elizabeth enjoyed more freedom than most women in colonial America. Many wills from the Goshen Meeting have her name alongside her husband’s as a witness. She also was listed as an “overseer” of the Birmingham Preemptive Meeting in 1780. She was also living in the house during the Battle of Brandywine and allegedly hid her silver spoons in her petticoats in the event of plunder. The Basement The KitchenThe basement would have been used for a variety of domestic work, including cooking, ironing, and washing clothes. Most of these chores wouldhave been done by the women of the household. Elizabeth Chads was able to employ servants to help her with domestic work as she had the money but no children to help her. We know that John and Elizabeth had at least one indentured servant who apparently ran away from his next employer. We also know that John’s father owned three enslaved servants, though we don’t know what happened to them after he died. While the family would have enjoyed the nice rooms we saw upstairs, servants would have had to sleep in the basement, attic, or out buildings.The large walk-in kitchen fireplace is a common - indeed necessary - feature in an 18th century home. The crane hovering over the fire would allow the cook to control the temperature and hang pots and pans without getting too close to the fire. The beehive oven, a reconstruction, would have been used to bake bread or pies. We also have on display various cooking items, such as a reflector oven and toaster, all of which were mainstays in a colonial kitchen.The basement is the only floor of the house with an interior stone wall partition. This served to keep temperatures relatively constant in each room trap the heat from rising above the kitchen. The Cooling Room/ Root CellarThe room adjacent to the kitchen was used as a cooling or keeping room - also known as a root cellar or vegetable bin. This room was used to store vegetables (carrots, turnips, parsnips, potatoes, squash, etc.) and other produce that would require a cool dry place as opposed to the damp storing area in the springhouse.

The John Chads’ House is a fine example of early 18th century architecture and construction in southeastern Pennsylvania.  Its style and appointments suggest moderate wealth and social station.  Its simplicity reflects its original Quaker heritage.

Chads is considered “the founder of Chadds Ford” because he started several small industries which formed the nucleus of the community.  In 1731 he began to operate a ferry at the ford itself.  He at length obtained official Penn sanction to run the ferry in 1737.

The John Chads House

When you face the front of the tavern built by William Barns. Behind you, where the footpath is now located, was the original road to Baltimore, then called “Ye Great Road to Nottingham”.  Prior to the arrival of the automobile, this house could be reached within a day’s journey from Philadelphia. The house was built in 1714. It is divided into two sections, the half on the northern side containing the public rooms, both tavern and sleeping rooms, and the southern side containing the separate private quarters, parlor and bedroom. The construction of the building gives evidence it was built to be used as a tavern; however, Mr. Barns did not secure a license to operate it as a tavern until 1722.         The house is built entirely of brick with a field stone foundation. The side of the house we are facing was constructed using a Flemish bond construction. Each row contains a stretcher (the long side of the brick) alternating with a header (the short side of the brick). The headers have a Black glaze. If you look carefully at the pattern you will discern the appearance of Greek crosses.  The Black glazed header bricks form the top and bottom of the crosses, the red stretcher bricks form the middle.  Greek literature, history and science were important parts of the education of the early colonists, both formal and informal, and was evident in many aspects of the culture.” In addition to the brick patterning and color, there is also a course of bricks that is not flush with the rest of the wall. Can you see it above the basement level? These are the three ways this side of the home is different from and fancier (i.e. more expensive) than the other side and one of the reasons we know that this is the original front side of the building.The sides and rear of the building uses English bond, a row of stretchers followed by a row of headers. The English bond was easier to lay and less expensive to build. Note however, the brick pattern work under the south eve, called a diaper pattern. Under the north eve there is a date stone.          Mr. Barns was a Blacksmith. He worked in iron and Black metals. As you tour the house you will want to note the variety of hinges and hardware pieces used on the doors. (H hinges, H/L hinges, Butterfly hinges and strap hinges). Most of the hardware in this house is original. It would appear Mr. Barns used his home as a showroom for his work. Also, just imagine what need the traveler would have for a Blacksmith! Bumping in a wagon or carriage over the rutted dirt roads would necessitate frequent wheel, wagon or harness repair. Mr. Barns and his wife Elizabeth operated the house as a tavern until Mr. Barns’ death in 1731. At the time of his death, Mr. Barns was heavily in debt. His tavern and assets were sold to pay debtors. The building passed through several hands until its purchase in 1753 by James Brinton. It stayed in the Brinton family for 106 years. That is the reason for it being called the Barns-Brinton house. In 1969, the house was purchased by the Chadds Ford Historical Society. It was restored to original condition by John Milner, a restoration architect in Chadds Ford. The gardens you see here contain sweet and simple herbs. Today this is called an herb garden. But, the colonial herb or kitchen garden, would include all vegetables for human food and it would be the responsibility of the colonial housewife. She, with the help of the young children, would be responsible for the planting, maintaining and harvesting of the garden. The quality and quantity of her harvest would determine how well her family ate throughout the entire year. The kitchen garden would have been very close to the house and surrounded by a stockade fence to keep the unfenced animals from destroying it. All kinds of eatable vegetation would have been planted. In addition, the colonial housewife would have made extensive use of the herbs that grew in the wild. To help insure a good harvest, in the days before pesticides and fertilizers, the colonial housewife and farmer made use of plants. All plant waste was used as animal food or compost. Certain plants were used to benefit food production.        Mr. Barns would have greeted guests here in the tavern room. The visitor would most likely have wanted a drink and something to eat. The need for refrigeration and sanitation was not understood in the early 18th century, but it was known that water and milk frequently caused disease. Therefore, drinks made from boiled water, such as teas, or alcoholic drinks would have been served. Beer was a common drink of the day for children and adults. Most likely, Mrs. Barns made her own beer. It was brewed in several strengths from a very low alcohol level (like our near beer today) to a high level of alcohol. Rum would have been served.  Non alcoholic drinks such as shrub, tea made of china tea leaves or perhaps the leaves of bee balm, spearmint or peppermint, caraway, chamomile or another herb, might have also been served. Alcoholic or expensive drinks would have been kept within the barred area.The fireplace is a cooking fireplace. Mrs. Barns would probably have done all her cooking here. The main meal of the day was served at midday. It would be the only cooked meal, with the exception of porridge or some simple fare in the morning. The evening supper would have consisted of left over dinner. Generally, bread was baked once a week. However, if a large number of guests frequented the tavern, Mrs. Barns would have baked more often. There is no oven built into this fireplace, but there is evidence of a shed having been attached to the building at this door (to the right of the bar).  The oven may have been within that shed or in a separate building that now lies below route 1.       Guest Quarters         In late afternoon or early evening, drovers herding cattle, sheep, pigs or perhaps geese to markets in Philadelphia and Baltimore might have chosen to have their evening meal and lodge for the night at William Barns Tavern. The Drovers would have mostly likely spent the night with their animals, but other travelers would have appreciated this room.        Although there was no recognized state until the late 1700s, businessmen and lawyers and other more refined gentlemen would have also traveled “Ye Great Road to Nottingham.” Women lodged in public places only when absolutely necessary. These more genteel clientele would be housed in this room for the night on straw filled pallets. If there would have been a woman lodging here for the night every attempt would have been made to insure her privacy. If this was the case it is possible that the men would be sent to the attic for the evening.        The poplar paneling surrounding the fireplace is original as is the oak flooring. The grillwork is made from cedar shakes and provides ventilation too the closets. There was no door between this room and the one used by the family on the opposite side of the house.        Elizabeth Barns, with the aid of her daughter and perhaps a neighborhood girl would have had the responsibility of cleaning this room as well as the rest of the building. As bathing was not the habit it is today, herbs would have been an important part of their housewifery in this room. A selection of chamomile, hyssop, or lavender alone or in combination, might have been included in the stuffing of the mattresses to counteract the odor of unwashed bodies. Family Parlor      Elizabeth Barns’ family consisted of her husband, William, 4 boys and 1 girl. This is the family parlor where the Barns family would have spent their evenings before the fire. Perhaps the boys and William would mend small farm equipment, polish or oil iron items made by William, or carve wooden bowls for use in the tavern. Elizabeth and her daughter might have been employed spinning or weaving on a tape loom. Early evening was the time for this type of chore, as outside chores and housekeeping and cooking chores consumed most of the daylight hours.         Prior to the 18th century and up to the 19th century women were the primary physicians and healers. Elizabeth might have used the early evening hours to discuss and prepare various remedies with her daughter’s assistance. Throughout the summer Elizabeth and her daughter would have collected various parts of cultivated and wild herbs for use in tinctures, poultices, and teas. Some of the herbs used in remedies would have included: rue, rosemary, mint, chamomile, sage, sorrel, comfrey, St. John’s wort, feverfew, tansy, plaintain and stinging nettles.        The poplar fireplace mantel and raised paneled woodwork are original. Also of interest is the stairwell window which you can observe as you ascend the stairs to the second floor. This window was originally intended to be a window. From the outside of the building you can see the brick arch work that exists in this area and over the other small windows. Evidently during construction of the building it was decided that this window was unnecessary, for whatever reason. We know that it was bricked up during the original construction of the house as the brick and mortar used match that of the original brickwork. Family Bedroom          This room is where the entire Barns family, all 7 of them, would have spent the night. We know that William Barns had 3 bead steads, 3 chaff mattress and 2 feather mattresses at the time of this death and most would have been used in the family bedroom. Clearly everyone shared a bed as well as sharing the bedroom.         While the furniture in the house is not furniture owned by the Barns’ it is furniture such as might have been in a typical 18th century home. The bed is a rope bed. This rope because it would stretch over time would have to be tightened regularly. On top of the ropes would have bee a box spring of straw, cornhusks and herbs, topped by a mattress of goosefeathers and 6 or more pillows and bolsters. The pegs on the walls are for hanging clothing or chairs that are not in use. The chamber pot was used by everyone at night and had to be emptied in the morning. Sometimes the urine was collected and stored for later use in dying fiber or bleaching clothing.         The clothing worn by rural colonial inhabitants was made of wool or linen. One of the benefits of linen and wool is their flame retardant properties.1.  Babies of both sexes were swaddled at birth. It was recommended that the swaddling be changed once a day. The infant’s arms were swaddled for the first 6 months, then released. At about 1 year of age they would be put into stays and a shift-type gown.2.  Toddler and preschool aged children wore a shift, a one piece dress that laced up the back with leading strings handing off the shoulders, topped with an apron and a cap. Girls usually wore one-piece dresses until puberty.3.  Women and older girls wore a shift (which also served as a nightgown), stays, a pocket, at least two petticoats, an apron, and a gown, jacket or shortgown. They wore a cap over their hair and a kerchief around their necks. 4.  Men wore britches, a loose fitting shirt (which was also a night shirt), and perhaps a long waistcoat (vest) over their shirt. When boys reached 5-7, they began to dress as their fathers did. They were ‘breeched’.          As mentioned in the beginning of the tour William Brinton died in 1731. He was heavily in debt at the time of his death. His largest creditor, James Few, was awarded the house and appointed as guardian for the children. We know that about 10 years after William’s death, Elizabeth joined Kennett Meeting, only to be “read out” shortly after for drinking too heavily. What happened to the children remains unclear. It is probable that they were indentured out to local families until they reached their majorities or in the case of little Elizabeth, until she was married. Thank you so much for taking our digital tour and we hope that you stop by the Historical Society and see these beautiful buildings for yourself.

William Barns’ Tavern, now the Barns-Brinton House, is important both architecturally and historically.  Built in 1714, the dignity of its proportions and the design of the Flemish bond brickwork using Black headers, make it an unusually fine example of early Pennsylvania architecture.  There is a subtle sophistication about it which makes it unique in comparison with other local houses of this period.  It was purchased in 1969 by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

The Barns-Brinton House as it looks today

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The historic structures of Chadds Ford Historical Society

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