As Chairperson for Buckingham Township’s Historical and Architectural Review Board- HARB, I find the history of buildings extremely fascinating. The first Historic District of Buckingham Township was Spring Valley- at the intersection of Mill Road and Route 202. In addition to Spring Valley, there are now four (4) new districts within the Township which require a review by HARB for any exterior changes to a building.
Blacksmith shop as it appears today
A local builder and new member to HARB- John Gemmi is renovating a building in the Village of Spring Valley, and has researched the building’s history as the work has progressed. The structure was originally a blacksmith shop owned by a Patrick Barrett in the 1800’s and was located on the northeast corner at Mill Road and 202. Mr. Barrett also had a Hardware Store, a Wheelwright shop, resided above these shops, and eventually handed the business down to his son who brought it into the 20th century. As one views these images, the world was quite a different place then- please enjoy.
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