On Saturday, September 24 from 10am-4pm the Mill at Anselma will host its first ever “Conestoga Turnpike Day.”
The Conestoga Turnpike, incorporated in 1811, was one of the first paved roads in Pennsylvania, and made possible the transportation of goods between the markets in Philadelphia and the farms and frontier of the West. Along this road, which served everything from stage-coaches to cattle herds, there arose a number of inns, taverns, blacksmiths, wheelwrights and general stores. In the days before the railroad, the turnpike was the lifeblood connecting the city with the wilderness. It’s no coincidence that the Conestoga Turnpike and the Conestoga wagon share the same name.
The Mill at Anselma, situated at the halfway point along the Conestoga Turnpike, will host a festival in celebration of the bicentennial of this historic road. From 10am-4pm visitors will see demonstrations of blacksmithing and other historic trades, experience the different tavern fare available to both high-end stage passengers and lowly cattle drovers, and learn what kinds of goods might be shipped from the city out to the rural farms of Chester County.
Families can enjoy plenty of hands-on activities, take a tour of the working grist mill, and grab a bite to eat under the shade of our ancient sycamore trees. At 5:00pm, a special lecture will be held by Stuart Quillman, author of the book “The Conestoga Turnpike.” The lecture is free, but reservations are required.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (60+), and $3 for children 4-17. Under 4, Members and Military are admitted free of charge. The Mill runs continuously throughout the day. The Mill at Anselma is located at 1730 Conestoga Road (Rt. 401), ½ mile west of Rt. 113 in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
For more information, contact the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust at 610-827-1906, email [email protected] or visit www.anselmamill.org.
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