Did you know Malvern has a village flag and the Malvern Historical Society had a hand in choosing the design? The initial project to create a village flag was sponsored by Malvern American Legion Post 375 under the direction of Adjutant Ted Burckett and Mayor Dale Lewis.
Doing a little early Spring cleaning yesterday, we have rummaged up some fun files from 1999: the not so distant past, one might say.
This article was published in the Malvern Community News on August 12, 1999 and showcases the winner of the flag design contest. Shown here recognizing the occasion at Malvern Village Hall are (from left to right): Joe Columbo, Past Adjutant of American Legion Post 375 Ron Suciu, Miss Maura Gahan (winner of the contest), Malvern Historical Society President Frances L. Montella, Mayor Dale Lewis and Malvern Historical Society Secretary Jason Lombardi.
Did you submit an entry back in 1999 participating in this design contest? If so, we most likely still have your entry drawing. Leafing through files, we have come across a folder of submissions and we would like to offer them back to those who created them.
Stop by our building on Saturday mornings between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon to claim your entry drawing; they are free to the rightful original submitter.
Category: Uncategorized
New Officers 2016
Welcome to the newly elected officers of the Malvern Historical Society.
Upcoming Auction
Upcoming auction in Malvern on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 10 a.m. for the sale of the historic “Hardesty Homestead” on East Main Street. The home has been the residence of the Kraft family for several decades.
This large brick home was built between the years 1824-27 by Rev. William Hardesty who platted the original town of Troy (respectively now Malvern) in 1834. The property consists of 7+ acres which includes the family burial ground containing the mortal remains of some of Malvern’s founding citizens.
This historic property has strong ties as a safe house along the Underground Railroad and the burial grounds on the property are said to be the resting place of two fugitive slaves who perished while in the care of the Hardesty family.
Hardesty Cemetery Clean-up
Several representatives from the Malvern Historical Society took part in the clean-up of the old Hardesty Cemetery this past Saturday. This is in preparation for the upcoming auction of the home and property (includes the cemetery) this coming Saturday, October 15. Credit is extended to Malvern school teacher Matt Chiurco for spearheading the project….thank you!
This hallowed burial ground contains the mortal remains of some of Malvern’s most notable pioneers and founders.
The first documented burial is 1836 with the final internment taking place in 1883. There are a total of 36 known burials, but likely more with unmarked graves. The man who built the old “Hardesty Homestead” to be auctioned in less than one week is buried on these grounds. Said Rev. William Hardesty platted the original village of Troy (respectively today’s Malvern).
Also buried on the grounds are Malvern’s first mayor, first banker, two early Malvern postmasters, and a Carroll County auditor. The grounds also contain the remains of numerous infants and children. Legend has it the grounds contain the remains of two fugitive slaves Hardesty was aiding in their journey to freedom. The slaves perished while in his care and he buried them on his property, as is passed down through Hardesty family remembrances.
The cemetery contains the remains of three Civil War soldiers. Many thanks to Frank Chiurco for doing the honors of placing American flags on those three graves along with Malvern American Legion Post 375 for donating the flags.
This sanctified ground is now presentable to the future owners, to be discovered this Saturday morning. It is hoped they treat the grounds with the respect and reverence it deserves.
Bonnie Newell Chiurco, of Newell Realty and Auctions (who will be in charge of the upcoming sale) writes:
“This Sat we are selling the Kraft property at auction. There is a cemetery on the land with 35 graves. I want to thank our son, Matt & some of his students that came to work over the weekend to clean up the area. They did an awesome job and I want to thank them so much for their help. I’d also like to thank Doug Angeloni, Jason Lombardi, Charm Woods and Lynn Edwards for their help. This group was able to find 32 headstones. My last thanks goes out to my husband, Frank for the many hours he spent there with his tractor & mower making it possible to access the cemetery. Again, I feel we live in the best area in the country where people willingly give of their time to help others.”
It is kindly reminded the burial grounds are on private property and permission must be obtained to view the area.
Thank you to the volunteers who gave of their time and strengths to resurrect an integral piece of Malvern history.
Thank you to Bonnie Chiurco for providing the photos for us to share.
Next Meeting
The next monthly meeting of the Malvern Historical Society, Inc. will be Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the society’s building located at 108 East Porter Street. All are welcomed to attend.