Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - April 16, 2025

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2025 @ 7pm
A hybrid meeting was held both via Zoom and in person at the Township building.
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call of Members:
Commission Members Present: Patty DeFroscia, Donna DiPrinzio, Mark Evans, Lorraine Tindaro, Jamie Evans, Cathy Callahan, Tom Parr
Commission Members Absent: Leah Jennings
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal
Professionals Present: NA
Guests Present: Mike Bedrick, David Herkner, Carla Herkner
The Historical Commission April 16, 2025 agenda was posted on the Township website and at the township building on April 15, 2025. Agendas were made available to the public at the meeting. The 2025 Historical Commission meeting schedule was published in the Daily Local News on December 18, 2024.
Public Comment – None
Approval of 3/19 Minutes
Minutes were approved with one abstention

1. New Business:
   1. Thorn Tower Section 106 Review – SEPTA has applied for a permit involving the Thorn Tower which requires a Section 106 Historical Review. While it currently doesn’t look like there will be any adverse effects to the structure, the Township can become a party to the process in order to be kept in the loop. The Commission voted to respond to the invitation to become a party.
2. Old Business:
   1. Lincoln Highway Historic Marker Project – No updates at this time
   2.  Review Letter for Endangered Resources – Mark is composing a letter to the owner of the Blackhorse Inn property
   3.  Historic Preservation Ordinance – Historic Resources List – Mark is continuing to review the ordinance after speaking with some impacted property owners. He hopes to have an updated version in the coming months.
   4.  Schoolhouse Tours –
      1. Sign Up – Mark is a “possibly” for June 5th, will confirm. We still need a volunteer for August.
      2. Magnet/Merch Order – Magnets and stickers of the schoolhouse have arrived.
   5.  250th Grants – Old Caln Historical Society would like to participate in a grant application for our 250th combined event. The grant deadline is May 15th, so a steering committee will meet to iron out the application details. The commission voted to apply for a joint $20,000 grant.
   6.  Historical Commission Banner/Logo – Don presented a mock-up banner measuring 2’x9’ for our existing canopies with a Historical Commission logo. The group agreed that ordering two for $125.98 would be a good idea in case of multiple events or canopies. They did request that the design be more centered with a bit more space between the schoolhouse and the text. The motion passed unanimously.
   7.  2025 Event Planning
      1. Spackman Picnic – Special Event Permit Application – Mark completed the permit application and submitted it to Don.
3. Sub-Committee Reports:
   1. Membership – Still seeking at least one additional member – but we have room for 3.
   2. Events –
      1. Spackman Farm Picnic update – Mark has been speaking with Cedar Creek Catering about providing food for the picnic. A buffet, including staff, and coordination would be provided for $35/head for 150 people. Cedar Creek would also help with promotion. Jamie reported on a conversation he had with Mabel’s as well, which is a smaller operation, but very popular. The group discussed how registration will work and discussed the updated layout with the activities at the top of the hill. Don recommended meeting with the staff on-site to work out details with the steering committee.
   3. Spackman Farm –
      1. Sign Holders – More to come at a future meeting.
      2. Invasive Plant Removal Event – April 2nd – Abbey will be heading up with some other staff and volunteers to continue the invasive removal at the Farm.
   4. Marketing And Social Media – Unfortunately, we missed the deadline to be added into the CCHPN Ledger.
   5. Historical Preservation – Discussed above
   6. Caln At Risk –
      1. Taylor House/Vickers House – Regal is planning to replace the roof on the house. The existing porch will be repaired or replaced as well and they intend to use it for adaptive reuse. The Commission recognized everyone who helped to bring this success about.
      2. Lloyd Farm - Regal Builders has been working with the PD to install security cameras throughout the property to help with break-ins and vandalism. They confirmed that their goal is to preserve the farmhouse.
   7. OCHS Liaison Report – The Flea Market is coming up the first Saturday in May. Items will be accepted each night on the week before for pricing and sorting. The first open house of the year will feature a dedication of the repaired mounting block to Ira Needham at 2:00 PM.
   8. Finance Update – A $600 bus deposit is the only expense so far.
4. Additional Business:
   1. Cathy reported that Jennifer Thornton informed her that a meeting will be held on Tuesday June 3rd to discuss the historic district application. Cathy will invite her to the next Historic Commission meeting.
   2. Patty asked about a proclamation inviting the folks in Calne to visit in 2026 for the 250th.

 

• 8:48 PM