Main Line Suburban:
We strive to preserve our history for so many reasons. We preserve out of a need for memories and to understand our past. We preserve to protect our quality of life, our pride of place and our sense of community. We preserve so that we can pass on to future generations Tredyffrin Township’s rich past. This past Saturday, June 20, the Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust held its annual fundraiser, In the Mood. This year’s theme was Bluegrass, Blue Jeans and Bar-B-Que and was held at the Barn at Sycamore Hill in Malvern. Together again as co-chairs, Judy DiFilippo and I sought to create a night of down-home good fun, to further awareness of historic preservation and to raise funds for the Trust’s rebuilding effort of the historic Jones Log Barn as a living history museum.

As the In the Mood committee worked on preparations during the day, we were concerned about the weather and the possible effect on the turnout. As if on cue at 7 PM, the music started, the rain stopped, the guests began to arrive and out came the blue skies and a rainbow. Through the generosity of Jackie and Fernando Becattini, their barn became the perfect backdrop for the sounds of bluegrass band, Walt Crider and the Old Time Way from York, PA. A very successful event, over 140 guests joined us in raising funds for our barn-rebuilding project.

As our country faces uncertain economic challenges, I would like to praise members of our local Tredyffrin community for working together with a sense of community spirit and support for preserving history in our community. Our historic buildings and neighborhoods help to provide a sense of place and community that attracts visitors and contributes to the quality of life for local citizens. “Place is not a synonym for location. Place is a location that has been claimed by feelings.”

On behalf of the Trust, I wish to thank our many volunteers, businesses, and corporate sponsors that helped provide an evening filled with music, drink, food, fun and laughter. It does indeed take a community to build a barn and I am grateful to live in a community where we can set aside our differences and come together for a shared common goal.

Pattye Benson
Co-Chair