Picture this: rolling hills dotted with elegant homes. This is Penn Valley a charming community nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s Main Line. Penn Valley isn’t your typical valley. It’s more of a gently sloping area. Its history is rich and fascinating.
Before 1930 Penn Valley was known by different names like Fairview Crow’s Hill and Bowler’s Woods. The area was primarily agricultural. The largest property was Penshurst Farm. It belonged to Percival Roberts Jr a descendant of the Welsh Quakers who settled Lower Merion in 1682. Penshurst was a sprawling 539-acre dairy farm. Its centerpiece was a magnificent 75-room mansion built in 1903. The mansion boasted impressive English gardens fountains a fish pond and a terraced stairway. It even had its own electricity and plumbing systems. The farm itself was incredibly productive with modern milking machines and prize-winning Ayrshire cattle. Penshurst milk was a local favorite because it wasn’t pasteurized.
Sadly the mansion was demolished in 1939. The land was later sold and developed into residential housing. Today all that remains of Penshurst are its gates. You can still spot them as Conshohocken State Road bends towards Gladwyne and Ardmore.
But Penn Valley’s history goes far beyond Penshurst Farm. The Penn Valley Women’s Club stands as a testament to the community’s spirit. Initially a schoolhouse and Sunday meetinghouse built in 1826-1828 by local farmers it later became the heart of the community. Although the original building was replaced and then razed around 1926 its remains are still visible. The restored club now houses The Penn Valley Civic Association. In 1978 it was designated a historic site.
Penn Valley also boasts a unique collection of William Penn milestones. Erected around 1793 these milestones marked the distance from the center of Philadelphia’s grid. Their backs bear the Penn family coat of arms. They’re a fascinating glimpse into the area’s early history. The area has its own Little Free Library on Hagys Ford Road. You can find the old Bicking family cemetery on Fairview Road too. Their paper mill was once one of twenty-four along Mill Creek. The creek powered mills processing wool paper and even gunpowder.
Today Penn Valley is a vibrant community known for its upscale homes excellent schools and strong sense of community. It’s a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. From its impressive past to its thriving present Penn Valley offers a unique and enchanting experience. The legacy of the area’s agricultural past and the influential families who shaped it continue to resonate in this remarkable place.