History Spotlight
An Early Preservation Success Story Written by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of the Marple Historical Society
T
he Lawrence family (for whom Lawrence Park was named) lived for generations at the confluence of Darby Creek, West Chester Pike, and Lawrence Road, on the border between Marple and Haverford townships. Sometime between 1690 and 1710, Henry Lawrence, an early settler, built a log cabin along the creek. The cabin was expanded over the years – like with the Massey House: Additions were added by subsequent generations as they needed additional space. Nearby they built a saw mill, which continued in operation well into the 20th century. In 1960, the cabin property was owned by Harry Dash of Broomall. The old home had been vacant for some time, and Dash proposed to demolish the house and replace it with a car wash and bowling alley, two very popular uses in the expanding post-war suburbs. Who would object?
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20 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Three-generation Lawrence home with original cabin along Darby Creek, circa 1960
A small band of history-minded people began to voice objections to the demolition of one of the oldest surviving structures in Delaware County. In Haverford, Madge Roney circulated a petition that attracted over 1,000 signatures opposing the demolition. Hilda Lucas of Broomall sought to have the Pennsylvania Historical Commission weigh in. Joyce Adams of the Haverford Historical Society alerted their members to the issue.
