Beginnings

Country Villages, the original newspaper of Hershey’s Mill, included background especially in Winter 1981, an issue after two villages were complete and two more under development. Special locations were also noted around that time.

Sales have been brisk at Hershey’s Mill, in spite of the housing downturn elsewhere.  Located near Paoli, on Philadelphia’s famed Main Line, the residential village for young people over 42 reports a steady stream of buyers. Each village offers offers amenities and features of a custom-designed residence.

Our residents are from all walks of life. Ask them what they like best about Hershey’s Mill and they’ll tell you the same: Beautiful setting.  Nice neighbors.  Refined lifestyle.  Country-club activities.  Convenience of living and, most important, 24-hour security.

Hershey’s Mill dwellers own their homes but share expenses of all common areas, including their back and front yards.  The adult residential community is unique in that it combines golf-course living and beautiful open-country without the headaches of upkeep.  Home owner Associations, in which residents are voting members, maintain the outside though a ‘maintenance fee’. 

Another “Beginnings” article by early an original owner tells of the turbulent days and financial woes along with ownership by various banks and current residents.  Construction began in East Goshen Township February 1974 on Ashton Village.  Residents looked forward to an active lifestyle for the rest of their lives. 

Can you imagine as a parent whose children had grown up and moved out, moving to a concept of living that was a dream come true, having already sold your past home and moved into your new, only to have to rent without a settlement, learn of the legalese and bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo then being told months later or years you were going to be evicted. 

June 1977 each tenant received “official” notification from FDIC on details to vacate the premises.  The Liquidator planned to “PLOW IT UNDER” after August 5, 1977 once authorities “Throw us out” of what is now Hershey’s Mill.  August 10, 1977 another letter came to inform of a new purchase and to disregard the eviction notice received from the financial owners. Once again they dodged a bullet. 

They were pioneers in the wilderness – not knowing what to expect each morning regarding the future of Hershey’s Mill. 

Now in the 2000s it’s hard to imagine the roller coaster of Hershey’s Mill past.  Other areas of development from the early eighties Mill were well underway with lesser but continued challenges on construction and financing.

Sullivan House, is a gracious Social center of Hershey’s Mill.  “Sullivan House has the aura of a fine Irish Georgian country house, and we intend to keep it that way.”  Also see history for more past and ‘Happennings’ for a current photograph of the Sullivan House.

The Community Center (which was in the paper then as Winfield Hall) OPENS for social, cultural activities bring Mill residents together regularly.  Hershey’s Mill elegantly appointed community center, offers many new activities to Mill dwellers.  Homeowners find that part of the fun is meeting regularly with active people who like the same things. Receptions, holiday parties, educational events and hobby workshops are planned.  There’s also a billiard room.

Pool built by America’s ’73 Top Award Winner.  A Gold medal for the Best Commercial Pool in the U.S. was given to the builder of Hershey’s Mill pools by the National Swimming Pool Institute.

Private Hershey’s Mill Golf Club Scene of Gala Clubhouse Opening. Main Line’s Country Club set turned out in droves for the opening of Hershey’s Mill Golf Club’s luxurious new clubhouse, the first private golf club in the area since Waynesborough. In viewing the new 18-hole chamiopnship golf course, people people were overheard saying it’s “Gorgeous”. Set high on hill surrounded by tree-lined vistas and rolling fairways, few clubs anywhere can boast of such a setting. Friends chatted in front of the native stone fireplace while others sat at tables by sweeping glass window-walls affording panoramic views of Chester County countryside.

180-acre Privately Owned Golf Course.   “One of the most beautiful in the Philadelphia area”. “It is truly an ecological showplace”.  Each tee looks into a stunning vista in Hershey’s Mill.  It will be a very sporty layout.  Two-thirds of the holes are through wooded areas.  On the front 9 there are 2 holes with stream crossings and 3 over ponds.  Bother 17th & 18th are water holes.  There are 60 traps on the entire 18-holes, with 20 of them fairway traps.  The first 9 holes, now complete, by spring in 1983 the entire 18 will be ready for play.