Coatesville Historical Commission

Coatesville Historical Commission This page was created to inform the citizens of Coatesville and Chester County of historical anniver

In general, the function of the Commission is to further the interest of the people in all matters relating to the history of the City of Coatesville and its environs. To that end, it may acquire and maintain appropriate exhibits, issue bulletins and other publications, cooperate in or sponsor commemorative, educational research programs and serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all

such matters. The Commission shall have the power of review and make recommendations in any case involving the demolition of a landmark structure or alteration that would be in such a manner as to change its essential character. The Commission shall have the opportunity to study and review all plans and proposals involving the reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition and razing of property designated landmarks as herein provided. Meetings are to be held monthly, or as required by the members before the commission. The Commission shall keep records of its proceeding and shall make annual report of its transactions and activities to the City Council. All meetings, records and accounts of the Commission shall be public.

01/01/2023
12/25/2022
11/24/2022
11/10/2022
The best of our past can the best of our future‼️
10/09/2022

The best of our past can the best of our future‼️

09/14/2022

The City Remembers a Coatesville Treasure…

On Sunday, September 11, 2022 as the city reflected and participated in 9/11 ceremonies and attended the funeral services of one of our most precious centenarian. That same day City Hall lost a man who was larger than life, with a heart of steel and a passion for those less fortunate than others. Charles (Chip) Huston, Coatesville Assistant City Manager, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022 after a 3 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer.

One would never know the journey Chip traveled unless he’d share the humorous side of his fight, and when he told his story you didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He always knew the end was near, but he continued to work and serve the City of Coatesville. His impact on the City reads like a collection of short stories of good deeds, progress, advocacy, community building and leadership. He proudly displayed his commitment to our administration and the vision for Coatesville each and every day. Chip was instrumental in several city projects that will have his lasting mark for generations. We were grateful to have shared an office with Chip, a friendship with Chip, a smile with Chip. If you knew Mr. Huston, please take a moment to remember him and pray for his loving family in the coming days…

~ James L.

BEFORE ……Ancient Egypt, China, Greece & Rome……THE LENAPE WERE HERE…….
09/12/2022
Lenape Archaeology

BEFORE ……
Ancient Egypt, China, Greece & Rome……
THE LENAPE WERE HERE…….

09/11/2022
09/05/2022
07/04/2022
Photos from National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum's post
06/30/2022

Photos from National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum's post

06/14/2022
06/06/2022

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our hiring event last night! We’ll be back at it this Saturday from 1-3pm. Fill out an application on the spot and learn more about our career opportunities!

204 E Lincoln hwy
Coatesville PA 19320




04/17/2022
02/24/2022

"The Flight That Changed History"

C. Alfred "Chief" Anderson, African American Instructor Pilot for the Tuskegee Airman — takes First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on a flight, 11 April 1941. The First Lady was visiting the Tuskegee Institute’s children’s hospital when, unaware of the flight program, was surprised by all the aircraft traffic. Asking to meet the chief instructor — “Chief” Andersen — she said to him I always heard "colored people couldn't fly," but it appeared that he could. "I'm just going to have a take flight with you.” The First Lady’s security detail did not think this was a good idea — but Anderson was not about to turn down the First Lady. Landing after a 40 minute flight, the delighted First Lady declared: “Well I see you can fly, all right!"

Being Black in 1927, no one would teach “Chief” how to fly. His passion unquenched, he bought his own plane and basically taught himself to fly. With a little help along the way (mostly from a German aviator, invited to the US to help set up airmail routes), in 1932, Anderson became the first African American to receive an air transport pilot's license from the Civil Aeronautics Administration. He went on to mentor and train thousands of pilots — the Father of Black Aviation in the United States.

This endorsement by the First Lady was a huge boost to the Tuskegee Airman program. Formed as the 332nd Fighter Group, the Red Tails, the 450 Tuskegee Airmen who saw combat flew 1,378 combat missions, destroyed 260 enemy planes, and earned over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, among numerous other awards.

The Coatesville story continues to unfold….
01/16/2022

The Coatesville story continues to unfold….

Last donation of 2021 to the Graystone Society. A Coatesville boiler works cast iron sign. Many thanks to Kenneth W. Hanson Sr.&Jr. and Cheryl Hanson.

01/01/2022
12/25/2021
11/29/2021
11/29/2021
NATIONAL IRON AND STEEL MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE‼️
11/28/2021

NATIONAL IRON AND STEEL MUSEUM
OPEN HOUSE‼️

About 25 years earlier than our Coatesville Train Station‼️🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂Who has postcards and old photos if the station to ...
11/27/2021

About 25 years earlier than our Coatesville Train Station‼️

🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

Who has postcards and old photos if the station to share?

A SEPTA source confirms that a contract to rehabilitate Shawmont Station is on the agenda for approval at the December board meeting. The station, located in Roxborough, is the oldest passenger railroad station in the United States, designed by William Strickland and opened in 1834 by the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Railroad. (Photo taken 11.22.21)

11/25/2021
11/06/2021
11/04/2021

Right through Caln Twp-Coatesville-Valley Twp- Sadsbury Twp

10/31/2021

Address

1 City Hall Place
Coatesville, PA
19320

Opening Hours

7pm - 8pm

Telephone

+16103841546

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Comments

My latest short story, a narrative I wrote about Coatesville. I am proud to call this place home. Here's to bigger and brighter things in the future!
I'm starting a part-time gig writing various short stories, both fiction and non-fiction on vocal.media. For my next piece, I am writing a narrative about a place I call home. From 2013 until last August, I called Valley Township my home, and in a couple of weeks, I will be moving into our forever home in East Fallowfield. I am proud to lay roots in this historic place and call it home!
Hello, I have a question...can anyone please tell me what the stone tower and partial wall of a building that is at the intersection of Providence Hill Rd and Shoreham Dr. is ? My daughter used to live on Shoreham Dr and this tower has always intrigued me, I'm so wondering if this building is historical. Thank you..:)
My brother in law was Harry U. Vandegrift Jr. His father was the pharmacist in Coatesville many years ago. His mother was the former Helen Rice. I think she may have been a school teacher. All have past on, but I have pictures taken by the Vandegrifts and there are old pictures of people that I have no idea who they may be. No names written on the back of most of the pictures. If there is any interest in them, let me know. Otherwise I'm going to dispose of them.
Thinking about the YWCA; Any history on it, i.e. how old is the building and has it always been used as a shelter for women?
Question - does anyone know where the old Brandywine Valley Fire Company used to be on Main Street in Coatesville? Thanks!
Any pictures of the old Scott Sr. High?
Found in Haverford, PA bottle digging
Anyone remember when Coatesville had a newspaper called The Village News? if so where was it located at and who was the owner? I already have part of the answer.
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