Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Goshens mark 200 years since split
In 1817, Goshen Township was divided into East Goshen and West Goshen
EAST GOSHEN » East and West Goshen townships are throwing a party and everyone is invited. 2017 marks the two-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the two townships.
Fireworks will finish off the afternoon and evening bicentennial celebration at East Goshen Park, Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Historically focused highlights, starting at 2 p.m., include a Battle of the Clouds recreation held at the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Building, a short parade led by the West Chester East Marching Band, a dramatic re-enactment of the signing of the dissolution papers (kids can add their own John Hancock) and an East Goshen-West Goshen pistol duel.
Fifteen food trucks will be on-site, and there will be moon bounces for the kids and a Jeff STAT helicopter will make a landing.
Two stages will feature live music by Chester County’s Ameri kids, Not Quitting Our Day Jobs, and headliners, the Blues Brotherhood. Kevin Price will perform a trio of patriotic songs, followed by the fireworks display.
Rick Smith, township manager of East Goshen, talked about the ongoing relationship.
“Today we’re still neighbors — two neighbors who have been around for a long time,” he said.
The townships have a business relationship, West Goshen treats East Goshen’s wastewater and the two townships have worked together on road projects.
In 1817, it was decided that at 22 square miles, Goshen Township was too big and people were unable to travel and attend meetings.
On June 12 that year, township residents, Richard Thomas, George Massey and John Jacobs met at the Boot Tavern and recommended the creation of East and West Goshen townships.
Casey LaLonde, West Goshen township manager is amazed by the growth in population. A total of 757 residents called West Goshen home in 1820. Now the two townships shelter a combined 42,000 residents.
“(The bicentennial celebration) is a fascinating look at 1817, when Goshen Township grew too large,” LaLonde said. “Township residents decided to split the township in two to better merge their local government.”
Historical activities schedule: 2 p.m. Battle of the Clouds Presentation (registration required at eastgoshenrec.com); 3 p.m. parade; 3:30 p.m. welcome and signing of the Dissolution Papers; 4 p.m. pistol duels and battlefield demonstrations; and throughout the day, Ben Franklin demonstrates his inventions.
Music schedule: 4:30 p.m. Amerikids; 5 p.m. Not Quitting our Day Jobs; 6:15 p.m. The Blues Brotherhood; and the National Anthem performed by Kevin Pierce.
Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
Ongoing activities, from 3 to 8 p.m.: moon bounces; carnival games; Paoli Hospital health screenings; 300 feet of food trucks; helicopter landing at 5 p.m.; petting zoo; face painting; Wharton Esherick Museum; Malvern Library and period re-enactors.
For information about the celebration or to get involved, call East Goshen Township at 610-692-7171 or visit www.eastgoshen.org or call West Goshen Township at 610-696-5266 or go to www.westgoshen.org.