History is looking for a home in Middletown
To the Times: The Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) was first organized in 1982 in anticipation of the celebration of Middletown’s 300th Anniversary in 1986. Those original members did a fabulous job in gathering artifacts, collecting pictures and recording stories about out little town. In fact, a book detailing the history of the township was written and published with great success.
In the early 1990’s the society was disbanded, and was reformed in April of 2009 in anticipation of the township’s 325th Anniversary in 2011. And once again the historical society delivered for the momentous occasion. And shortly after that they published a second book on the township’s history through the Arcadia series of picture books; and it was another resounding success! Since the reorganization of MTHS in 2009, the group has been looking for a place to call home. They have a lot of history, and a lot of artifacts, but have no place to store or share them with the public. And it’s not for lack of trying!
Middletown Township does not have an ordinance on the books supporting the preservation of historical sites or building. As such, many of our town’s treasures have gone to the way of the wrecking ball or what is called “demolition by neglect.” For a good look at “demolition by neglect” check out the historical Pennell House on the Franklin Mint property on Baltimore Pike. What was once a viable business and historically restored property 10 years ago is now a deteriorating and vandalized house on an overgrown lot. At one time the developers of the Franklin Mint City hinted that maybe that building, or the old Donavan property (across from Thomas Chevrolet – now torn down) could be used by the historical society or other community organization as a home. But that never materialized. The society then thought there may be a home on the Smedley property that, through a voter-approved referendum several years ago, authorized the township to buy the 76-acre historic property on the northeast corner of Rose Tree and North Middletown roads. That location, which is manageable and convenient for a small organization like MTHS, had to be ruled out because its uses were strictly limited as outlined in the purchase.
Another possibility became one of the residences on the Sleighton property that fell into the hands of the township. Although remote and off the beaten path, the organization thought something would be better than nothing. But alas, that did not come to fruition either.
The latest attempt at finding a home is seeing if there is any room at the recent township purchase of Roosevelt School. The purchase was made in the hopes that the building could be put to some sort of adaptive use that could serve the entire township. The building needs work and as of this writing the future use for it is unknown.
MTHS is dedicated to preserving the township’s rich history and artifacts that made Middletown what it is today. And while MTHS IS supported by dues, donations and the help of Middletown Township Council, what they really need is a home. So if you happen to have a spare house or barn, or any other structure that can be used as their “home,” feel free to contact them at www.mthsdelco.org. I’m sure they’d love to hear about it.