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.