MARKING A MILESTONE

Quasquibicentennial: West Chester Borough celebrates its 225th anniversary

WEST CHESTER >> Regardless of whether you can spell or pronounce it, the borough is recognizing its 225th anniversary, or “Quasquibicentennial.”

The yearlong celebration recognizes the birth of West Chester and its incorporation and establishment.

Several events are planned during 2024. The well-attended kickoff took place on March 26 at the Chester County History Center.

“We are celebrating the rich history of the past, present and future of West Chester,” said Katie Walker, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste is pleased to live and work in West Chester.

“We came from very humble beginnings to this wonderful town that has such historic roots and still retains those roots with a cosmopolitan vibe,” she said.

“The 225th Anniversary celebrates the great history of West Chester from our beginnings as Turks Head to the vibrant town we have today that is a premier place to live and work,” said John O’Brien, executive director of the former BID or now-Downtown West Chester. “Our downtown is one of the anchors of West Chester and we are excited to celebrate this important milestone.

Sandy Riper runs Sunset Hill Jewelers and is chair of the 225th Anniversary committee.

“West Chester is a city in a town’s body,” Riper said, “and is anchored by the university, hospital and county.”

DeBaptiste talked about the split between Chester and Delaware counties. She talked of those humble beginnings when there were no sidewalks, few crosswalks and just six streets.

Many point to when Iron Hill Brewery set up shop in town as the turning point to the borough’s revitalization. To mark the milestone, Iron Hill will release a beer celebrating the 225th anniversary, on April 19.

The following is a list of some upcoming Quasquibicentennial events:

Sunday, April 21

225th Parade opening ceremony, 12:45 p.m. Parade starts at 1 p.m. Rain date April 28

Several downtown streets will be closed as borough officials, including the mayor and past mayors, first responders, police, fire departments, local marching bands, West Chester University, local high schools, civic organizations and non-profits, will all participate.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Birthday Bash. A community block party will be hosted by the First West Chester Fire Company. There will be fire trucks, activities for kids and live music.

Thursday May 30, 6 p.m.

The Chester County History Center is hosting a memorial cemetery tour to take place at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, on Paoli Pike.

Other history center walking tours include a special 225th tour to commemorate the first 25 years of West Chester. Mayor DeBaptiste will be hosting one of the tours. Also, this summer, projections of historic West Chester photos will light up the History Center.

October

The mayor will throw a party. Stay tuned for updates and time and place.

An anniversary theme will add to many other borough events, including, the West Chester Film Festival, Up on the Roof, the West Chester Restaurant Festival, Turk’s Head Music Festival and the grand finale, at the Christmas Parade.

BILL RETTEW — MEDIANEWS GROUP Celebrating West Chester’s 225th Anniversary are John O’Brien, Downtown West Chester president; left, Sandy Riper, jeweler and chair of the 225th committee; Tom Walsh, realtor and historian; Mayor and funeral director Lillian DeBaptiste; and Katie Walker, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — WEST CHESTER CHAMBER And they ate cake to celebrate West Chester’s 225th anniversary.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — MEDIANEWS GROUP Celebrants packed into History Center for West Chester’s 225th Anniversary.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — WEST CHESTER CHAMBER Celebrating 225years in West Chester.