Tony Madrigale

To All of Our Friends and Customers,

We at Triple Fresh are very sad to learn of the passing of our former butcher, Tony Madrigale. Tony worked at this location for the Websters for 20 years. When we bought the store in 1987, Tony continued to work as the full-time butcher. In 1989, he became our part-time butcher until his retirement in 2015. He worked every Sunday and Monday, never missing a day of work.

He was beloved by his coworkers and his customers. Most loved to get "special cuts" from Tony as only he could do them. He would carefully merchandise every package that he processed always explaining to us that "you have to show them the meat."

Tony was an old school butcher that taught us how to cut and sell fresh meat. He was very instrumental in our success and we are forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Jim Petro
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"Like many people in the East Fallowfield area, I grew up with Tony as a fixture in the meat department at Triple Fresh.  I had the opportunity to work with him on and off for the last 25 years.  The “on and off” part was because of me, not Tony.  Tony knew my brothers, sister and I since we were the kids that would run around Hershey’s and (I’m sure – though they wouldn’t tell us) just get in everyone’s way.  I was the one over the last 25 years that has come and gone – school, other jobs, different departments in different places – meanwhile, Tony has soldiered on behind the wall in the Meat Department for over 40 years. 

Tony always has a smile ready for me when I venture behind that wall.  Growing up, he would always ask how I was, how school or work was going and, with a slightly mischievous smile and that Tony chuckle, what my brothers were up to these days.  Today he asks how my wife and son are, and listens to my mundane stories of life outside Triple Fresh with a knowing look and 84 years of experience in his eyes.

Tony has retired many times over the years, each of which amounted to a reduction in hours, the sort of “retirement” that one would expect of a worker like Tony.  Every Sunday and Monday (and sometimes other days as well) Tony arrives at Triple Fresh.  He pulls in the lot regardless of circumstance or weather.  There was at least one occasion that we assumed that Tony wasn’t coming due to the prodigious amount of snow, only to be surprised to see him walking toward the building, ready to work, surprised at our concern. 

Often, one will find Tony in the break room on his coffee break with a (microwaved to the point of boiling) cup of coffee in hand, sitting back, taking it all in, saying hello and conversing with anyone passing through the break room.  There have even been a few times Tony would catch a quick nap during his lunch break.  Each new person assigned to be Tony’s “meat wrapper” came away from their first day with a new friend.  Sure, Tony has had his favorites through the years, but everyone was always treated to a smile, a patient training session and a nice conversation.

Tony is the kind of guy that brings customers back.  Never too busy to stop and talk about cuts and cooking times, Tony is sought out by Triple Fresh regulars for advice.  He was my go-to guy for many of my custom-cut birthday filets.  My Dad credits Tony with being the source for much of his meat-cutting abilities.  His influence can be felt whenever you look into the meat case and will be for a long time to come. 

The old-school flavor Tony brings to this modern, fast-paced society is a truly endearing quality of the man behind the wall.  Though he is not one to talk about himself, if you ask the right questions, you might get treated to a brief anecdote about his time in China following World War II or about skinning calf’s heads as a young man starting his trade.  As I look back, I wish I had asked more of these questions in the times I could have, tapped into the vault of experiences contained within the man."

-An excerpt from Jim Petro III's tribute to Tony and his legacy here at Triple Fresh and Webster's. 

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In 2015, The Town dish came out to Triple Fresh and did a story on our meat department and most importantly, the ones who tirelessly work to bring you the freshest and quality meats. Tony Madrigale is specially high lighted in this piece as someone who knows his craft and is willing to give insight on what makes a good cut and how not to cook meat. Click this link to read more: https://www.thetowndish.com/news/2015/meet-the-meat-guys-of-triple-fresh-market/

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In 2015, Tony said goodbye to Triple Fresh and hello to retirement. He couldn't leave without a few words goodbye from his coworkers. Pictured here is his last day on the job

Tony and Tiffany

Tony and Nadine

Tony and Armani

Tony and Steven

Thank you Tony. You will be missed.

-Your Triple Fresh Family

Fact Friday- Baseball Week

You're probably wondering why we make such a big deal about Baseball Week here at Triple Fresh. There's actually not much to the story, other than a love for baseball, a love for pleasing customers, and a mindset to not take the work place "too seriously."

Baseball Week was started 10 years ago by (younger) Jim Petro. The year 2008 saw a red hot season by the Philadelphia Phillies which would later earn them a World Series win at the end of the year. Baseball fever was high and the Petro family had their own love of baseball in their lives. What better to combine their love of baseball with their love of serving their community?

Baseball Week serves to celebrate baseball and to also celebrate you, our neighbors. During this week you could win free stuff, baseball tickets, discounts, Belly points, or dollars off your sandwich.

Sure, the Phillies aren't where they were 10 years ago. That doesn't mean that Baseball Week isn't any less important here. Besides, the Petros are Yankees fans!

Ballpark food without the ballpark prices! 

From left: Khadejah, Lindsey, Karli 

From left: Rachael, Piggy, Lindsey 

Fact Friday - Torte vs Cake

Here at Triple Fresh we are proud to provide the best quality desserts from Pellman Foods. Pellman’s is a local and family owned dessert provider where their specialty is quality cheesecakes, cakes, and tortes.

Which brings us to the subject, what is a torte? It looks like a cake, is served with a fork like a cake, and even sits on a plate like a cake. So how is it any different? Well, here are a few things that we’ve discovered:

Torte

A standard chocolate Torte from Pellman Foods

• Very little to no flour in use
• Ground nuts and breadcrumbs can take the place of flour
• Short in stature
• Average 2-4 inches in height
• Since there is no flour, it will not rise to the height of a cake
• Not much room for various sizes
• Tortes are more elegant and elaborate in their design
• Toppings mostly consist of frosting, glaze, creams, and nuts.
• Before it’s decorated it is soaked in syrup or liqueur to give it a moist texture

Peanut Butter Cup Triple Chocolate Cake from Pellman Foods

Cake 

• Common ingredients include sugar, eggs, butter, and flour
• Can be taller in height
• Around 4 inches in height
• Due to the flour, cakes rise when they are baking
• Ton of room for creativity
• Cakes are served in various shapes, sizes, and colors

There is no scientific research that shows one is more delicious than the other. Cakes however are more popular than tortes.  If you want to expand your dessert options, we would suggest a torte for you; specifically from Pellman Foods. You can find both of these delicious desserts in our freezer section right in the store. Pick one up today!

Source used: https://www.proflowers.com/blog/difference-between-torte-and-cake

Triple Fresh BBQ Full Meal 2018

It's that time of year again! Take a peek at our BBQ menu for the 2018 season.

Take the taste of Triple Fresh BBQ to your own cook out. We sell our New Orleans and Memphis sauces right here in store.

Fact Friday- Lukens Pierce House

What we've learned over these last two months is that Ercildoun's history doesn't exist only on pictures and paper, but architecture as well.

In this area, we have one of the rarest houses in the United States. It is commonly known as the "octagonal house". You can drive past it on Wilmington Road and it's just a hop, skip, and jump from Triple Fresh. The official name of this house is the "Lukens Pierce" house, due to Pierce and his family residing there. Lukens Pierce is related to Gideon Pierce, a prominent member of Ercildoun who pops up in its history very frequently.

The Lukens Pierce house

Orson Squire Fowler of New York popularized the octagon house. They popped up all over the country, with several still in existence. These types of houses were popular starting in the 1850's and ending in the early 1900's. These houses can be seen in Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and New York. It is believed that the Lukens Pierce house is the only one of its kind in southeastern Pennsylvania. 

The house was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on March 14, 1973 which is 45 years ago this week! 

The Lukens Pierce house is NOT open to the public. However, there are houses in the states we've mentioned above and ones in Mississippi that are. If you're ever in those areas, it could be worth checking out. 

Source used: www.livingplaces.com 

Hereford Beef

Looking in the meat department, you'd see that we've added something new to our selection. This is something that even our regular customers weren't familiar with. The name is Hereford Beef and the game is providing the best taste in the beef industry.

It all started in Herefordshire, England where white-faced, red bodied cattle were being raised. America started to import the cattle in the 19th century. In 1881, the American Hereford Association (AHA) was started to protect the "genetic purity" of this breed.

An ideal candidate for Hereford Beef

In 1995, studies were conducted at the Colorado State University to see if it really does measure above the rest of the competition. What they found was its superiority in taste and tenderness in many categories. The Certified Hereford Beef program was created and has since been set as the standard for great tasting and quality beef that is sold to customers.

For a cattle to be considered by Hereford, it has to have a number of unique traits. Some of them are the following:

• Must have predominately (51%) white face
• Hereford and Hereford-English crossbred cattle 
• Herefords, Black Baldies, and Red Baldies 
• Beeftype breeding only 

To learn more about Hereford Beef, their mission, their story, or even some recipes, click this link and it will take you to their official website.

If you have any questions for us, give us a call at 610-384-5037 and ask for the meat department!

Easter Egg Hunt 2018

It's almost that time of year again! Triple Fresh's annual Easter Egg Hunt planning is underway.

Date: CANCELLED 

Due to unsuitable weather for outdoor activities, we have to officially cancel this outdoor event. We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we hope to see you at the egg hunt next year. 


Where: Triple Fresh Market lawn.

This year, due to its popularity, some rules have been updated to make this day as simple and fun as possible.

1. Ages will be divided into two separate groups.

1 to 5 years in one group and ages 6 to 10 in another group. Ages 1-5 will have their hunt in the back yard while ages 6-10 will have their hunt in the front yard.

2. All parents are responsible for their own children. Please DO NOT drop your children off and leave them.

3. There will be a Golden Egg  for both age groups. Whoever finds the golden egg first, wins a special surprise!

As if this couldn't get any better, we are holding another BBQ during this event, so make sure to grab some chicken and ribs for lunch (or dinner)!

We are hoping for another great turnout for this Egg Hunt and we're so excited to host it again this year.

Keep an eye out, a special guest might make an appearance!

The egg hunt is a free event!

Fact Friday- Rebecca Lukens

The month of March is mostly recognized as the month of Women’s History. In light of that, we will discuss Rebecca Lukens as a business woman and a local important figure.

Rebecca Lukens was born on January 6, 1794 in Marlboro, New Jersey. Her father was Isaac Pennock, a Quaker, who founded the Federal Slitting Mill near Coatesville around 1793.  

Rebecca was an eager child and always willing to learn. Her father’s mill captured her interest in the business world at a young age and served as a starting point for her. Because of her family, she received a better education than most children, especially girls, during that time.  During her education in Delaware, she learned sciences, French, and mathematics.

In 1810, Rebecca’s father acquired the Coates farm and converted the sawmill that was on the property to an iron works. This would be known as the Brandywine Iron Works and Nail Factory. After Rebecca met and married Dr. Charles Lukens from Philadelphia, Lukens left the medical practice and joined the family in this iron business. While Rebecca was becoming a mother, Charles helped his father- in- law by becoming a partner in the business. Rebecca would return to the business world in a few years, however.

Rebecca Lukens

Starting in 1816, the business was being leased to Rebecca and Charles. Together they came to the conclusion that boiler plate steel was the future they wanted to head towards. They reconstructed the mill to produce these boiler plates. Sources say that in December of 1818, the mill became the first in the United States to produce boiler plate steel. This would be considered a high quality steel.

Due to this “first”, they were brought on board to construct the first iron hauled steamboat in America in 1825. This saved the mill from bankruptcy. This was the vision Rebecca and Charles had for the mill and were excited for the opportunities to continue.

Sadly, Charles never saw this project completed due to an unexpected illness which resulted in his death. He was only 39 years old and left behind a pregnant Rebecca.

This did not stop her however. She was determined to keep the family business afloat and raise her children. Not putting her eggs in one basket, she invested in a warehouse, a saddle shop, and dwellings for her workers in the Coatesville area. 

Sources say that the mill business flourished under her leadership with many calling her a genius and a savvy businesswoman. History shows that Rebecca made smart choices and stayed focused during the many hardships, tragedies, and troubles in her life.

“The First Female Industrialist” died on December 10, 1854 in her home in Brandywine Mansion. At the time of her death, she was the richest woman in Chester County.

This is a classic story of someone turning their sour lemons into lemonade. There were many times Rebecca could’ve called it quits and gave up the business when people didn’t believe in her. Instead, she believed in her own courses of action which resulted in her status today as an icon in the industrial world and is credited as the first female CEO.

Her story is inspiring since she lived during a time where women couldn’t even vote. We are happy that this Coatesville resident broke barriers and ceilings all in a time where it was deemed impossible. We hope that her story inspires all girls and women to take control of their own careers whatever it may be.

Sources used: http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2014/04/rebecca-lukens.html

http://www.chestercohistorical.org/historys-people-rebecca-lukens-tough-nails

Lent Take out Menu 2018

Fact Friday-Church of Christ

Over the past month or so, we have learned that Ercildoun was a place where the freedom seekers passed through to reach a better life. After the Civil War, some of them stayed and made a life here and a town their own.

Their descendants still reside here in town and some of them have passed down the stories that were given to them. A man by the name of Milton Searle tells the story of Samuel Ruth, a former slave from the South, came here with his wife Louisa. They, including a man named James Brown, were baptized in this area and started to hold Bible studies in the area regularly. According to Searle, they were the first people of color to worship in Kelton, located in Penn Township.  They were given a letter from the Church of Christ to build another congregation in 1868.

This then prompted Samuel to hold Bible study sessions in peoples’ homes and encouraged others to join in worship with them. He then started to meet in the Abolitionist Hall with Quakers in the area in December of 1868.

Photo courtesy of Localcemetaries.com

Louisa Ruth, Samuel’s wife, worked for a Quaker woman in the area. The Quaker woman sold them an “8.163 acre plot of land” which then became Church of Christ.

On April 7, 1911 the deed was entrusted to Samuel Ruth. However, the deed also stated that no organs or other musical instruments to be used or kept in on the premises.

Searle also stated, “The stones for the foundation were dug and carted from the Jacob Carter place just south of the village and the stone mason was Mr. Compton. The Ruth children and community members carried the stones from the quarry to the building site.”

That same year, the church bought more land for a bigger parking lot and to expand the graveyard.

Today the church is still very much used and beloved by the community.

Everyone deserves to make an impact in their community. Those who were escaping for a better life did just that.  The Church of Christ was lead by some truly fearless people who took their faith seriously and wanted to make their lasting legacy here in Ercildoun.

Without knowing the black history of Ercildoun, you only see half the picture. Ercildoun is too important to only know half of its story.

Note: The information for this Fact Friday comes from the book Ercildoun: A Quaker Village in Chester County, PA by Janet Polk Morris. Morris gathered her information from Great Grandmother Leah’s Legacy, Remember! You’re Free” by Ida Jones William which was also used for this post. William is Samuel and Louisa’s Granddaughter. Ercildoun resident Milton Searles also provided information for Morris, which was then used for this post. We here at Triple Fresh do not claim ownership of this information and are strictly using it for education purposes.  

Easy Chicken Marsala for Two

You don't need to make something crazy to impress your significant other. Here is a recipe that is quick yet fancy and it doesn't break the bank!

Ingredients

-6 chicken tenders (about 1.5 pounds)

-¼ cup oil

-½ cup All-purpose flour

-½ tsp salt and black pepper

-½ tsp ground black pepper

-8 ounces sliced mushrooms, white or crimini

-¼ cup sweet Marsala wine

1- cup beef gravy

Directions

Put the chicken tenders side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put flour in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly. 

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Gently lay cutlets into the hot pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. 

Remove the chicken to a large dish in a single layer to keep warm. Lower the heat to medium and add the mushrooms and sauté until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol and reduce by half. Add the beef gravy and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through.

Serve with asparagus, and thin spaghetti or garlic mashed potatoes.

*Everything mentioned in this recipe can be found right in the store! Except the Marsala wine. 

Photo courtesy of Broke & Literate

Valentine's Day Happenings

Can you believe it's that time of year again? Valentine's Day is right around the corner and Triple Fresh has you covered.

We have flowers being sold by the dozen, by carnations, and bouquets. Prices vary from $4.99 to $19.99.

Grab a sweet for your sweetie! In the bakery we are selling cookies, brownies, and other pastries that are festive for Valentine's Day.

Some of our festive cookies

We also have cards and candy if you want to make a simple but sweet gesture.

Whether you are buying for a special someone or even for yourself, make this Valentine's Day a great one!

Just some of the beautiful flowers we have here in store

Fact Friday- Ercildoun Seminary

On Buck Run Road, you may pass a rather large house that has seen a thing or two in its life time.

This house was once a learning institution, a beer hall, and now a shelter for families in need. Let’s start at its beginning and see how this building came to be.

The building first opened its doors in 1854 as a learning institution for boys. Three years later, it would be transformed into a Seminary for all girls. It was referred to as the Ercildoun Seminary.

The education received at the Seminary included, but was not limited to, Geography, Chemistry, History, Astronomy, Latin, French, and English. With a list like this, the education didn’t come cheap. It was $80 a semester to attend. This included room and board, tuition, and laundry.

A tornado hit the area in July of 1877 (this is explained in more detail in our previous post).  Its upper floor was ripped off and destroyed from the powerful winds. The building was then abandoned by Mr. and Mrs. Darlington, a couple who lived there full time in the Seminary. They went on to create a similar learning institution for girls in West Chester.

The building reopened in 1879, two years after the storm. Over the next decade or so, the Seminary was lead by a handful of Head Masters. Professor George Moore was the last to hold this position.

It became residential in 1906 and was no longer used as a learning institution. When Prohibition was tightening its grip on the country, the building was used as a beer hall and named The Academy. To keep this under wraps, it was disguised as a literary club. Authorities caught wind of this in 1933 and were shut down soon after. Ironically, 1933 was the year Prohibition ended.

What the building looks like today. Courtesy of Bimmerpost

With its drinking past behind it, the building was then used as housing for special needs children from the 1940's to the 1970's. 

As of today, it is now the site of St. Joseph’s House. This organization assists single mothers, widows, orphans, and families in times of crisis. If you are not familiar with St. Joseph’s House, visit their website and take a look.

Like many of the buildings in Ercildoun, it was adapted over time to fit the community’s needs of the time. They needed a school in the 1850's so they built it. They needed a residential area in the 1900's so they changed it. They needed a place to keep their alcohol in the 1920's and 30's, and then they made it so.

You don’t have to look far for historical treasures. Sometimes all you have to do is take a quick walk down the road. 

Source used: Polk Morris, Janet. Ercildoun: A Quaker Village in Chester County, PA. (2014): 71-74.

iSwich Gourmet

There is a hidden gem that is as sweet as the cookies they sit next to: iSwich Gourmet.

What is iSwich Gourmet?

iSwich is sugar that is organically and locally made. The flavors include Espresso, Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, Lemon, Lime, Coconut, and Dark Coco.

Here is a short description for each flavor:

Espresso- Our espresso sugar is made from dark rich coffee beans and our organic sugar. This goes great with ice cream, yogurt, cupcakes, or hot chocolate. You can also add it to your favorite chocolate or vanilla cocktails!

Vanilla Bean- Tahitian vanilla and organic sugar cane are found in this vanilla bean sugar. This also can pair with ice cream and cupcakes. You can also jazz up your brownies and creme brulee.

Cinnamon- This is a spicy sugar that goes great with apple desserts, sugar cookies, and toast! It also sits well on the rim of your glass for mulled apple cider and cocktails. Perfect for the fall season.

Lemon- It's tart and sweet. This combination can goes great with berries, muffins, or pound cake. Also goes great with flavored vodkas.

Lime- This likes to be paired with your Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. Goes great with tonic or margarita drinks for a special touch. This also goes well with ice cream, pound cake, cupcakes, sugar cookies, and berries.

Coconut- This is a new flavor! This goes great with coffee, tea, pancakes, or waffles. If you're more of a dinner person, pair it with your curries, chicken, or fish.

Dark Cocoa- Also a new flavor, this is for anyone who loves chocolate. This loves strawberries, pancakes, and French toast! Coffee and White Russians go best with this sugar flavor.


iSwich Gourmet is located right where the cookies live. Stop in today and try something new this month!

Pictured here are Espresso, Vanilla Bean, and Lime

Fact Friday- Ercildoun

Over the past month we have explored the historical background of Ercildoun. This place has been in existence for a very long time and has a lot more stories to tell.

On this Friday, I would like to share some quick facts about this small but impressive place.

1. Ercildoun is about 43 acres in size.

2. It is often referred to a "hamlet" and not a city or town. A hamlet, by definition, is a small settlement, generally one smaller than a village. It is considered a large hamlet.

3. There was a tornado that took place in 1877 that was very significant and taught in college courses for quite some time. More information on that event is in the previous blog post!

4. The name Ercildoun was taken from a poem by Sir Walter Scott. The poem was titled, "Thomas the Rhymer".

5. At first, the name was spelled Ercildown until it was changed to the current spelling on April 14, 1854

6. There are about 100 people that live in Ercildoun.

7. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 1985.

8. One notable residents was Rebecca Lukens, who is recognized as the first female CEO of an industrial company, Lukens Steel.

9. It is home to the People's Hall. This building was heavily apart of the anti-slavery movement.

10. It is in East Fallowfield Township, home of the best market place and caterer, Triple Fresh!

Fallowfield Meetinghouse, built in 1811

Sources used: "Ercildoun, National Historic District, East Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Coatesville PA 19320".www.livingplaces.com. 2018-02-1.

Philly Cheese Steak Pull-Apart Sliders

You don't have to be a "Pat" or a "Geno" to make this easy and delicious take on a Philly classic!

Ingredients

1 Package of King's Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12 count)

1 lb of chipped steak

1 Medium yellow onion, diced

12 slices of American cheese

6 slices of provolone cheese

3 Tablespoons of mayonnaise

3 Tablespoons of butter

Salt and ground pepper to taste

4 Tablespoons of oil (vegetable oil works well)


Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven at 350F

Cut rolls horizontally into top and bottoms (leave individual rolls connected). Place bottom half of rolls in an 11x7 inch casserole dish. Spread the mayonnaise over the rolls and layer with American cheese.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and chipped steak. Cook continuously flipping the meat over and slightly chopping the meat into slightly smaller pieces until meat is no longer pink. This is easier with two spatulas if you have them. This process should take about two minutes. Spread meat over American cheese evenly.

Return skillet to medium heat and add remaining oil and onions. Sautee onions until soft and slightly caramelized. Spread onions over meat and topped with the slices of provolone cheese.

Place top half of rolls on the provolone cheese. Melt the butter in a microwave and brush top of the rolls.

Cover the casserole pan with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Cut rolls from each other and serve!
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This simple recipe is enough to keep your guests happy for the big game.

If you don't have the time to make these sliders, call Chef Mark and he'd be happy to make them for you!

Go Eagles! 

Our very own sliders in the deli! 

Fact Friday-The Great Tornado of 1877

The weather has been awfully strange so far this year. All of this inconsistency had us pondering about the great tornado that hit Ercildoun in July of 1877. Yes, a tornado. According to some sources, this particular tornado was studied in some college courses.

An eyewitness account that was documented in Ercildoun: A Quaker Village in Chester County, PA spoke about the big storm and its aftermath.

Seminary after tornado

The account tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Darlington who were living in the Ercildoun Seminary at the time. They were the only ones there since all the other children went on break. It was late in the afternoon when Mrs. Darlington alerted her husband of a loud rumbling noise. He tried to tell her that it was just a strong thunderstorm. He was proven wrong when he approached his window and saw an insidious funnel cloud coming right for them. As soon as they could process what was happening, the upper floor of the seminary was non-existent. 

Mr. Darlington’s new stables, house, and carriage were destroyed in less than a minute. His heavy cow was flown over a 20 ft hedge and landed in his neighbor’s yard.

Another resident by the name of Emma Scott Tracey was not around at the time of the tornado, but her family would always speak of how great their house and property was pre-tornado. Tracey would say, “The yards were beautiful as our neighbors’ Dupont Longwood Gardens.” Her family’s property was restored but their large property was turned back into farming grounds.

The damage that this storm cost was about $36,000. The Fallowfield Meeting House was not harmed by the dangerous winds.

Two years later in 1879, physical evidence of the storm was mostly gone and the properties were either rebuilt, or the rubble was cleaned up.

To learn more about the interesting history of Ercildoun, think about purchasing Ercildoun: A Quaker Village in Chester County, PA written by Janet Polk Morris. 

Football Party Packages

Take a look at our tasty and carefully prepared party packages!

The People's Hall Entry #5

We’ve discussed the history of People’s Hall, its link to the building of Triple Fresh, and its place in the community. The building has lived a long life and it is starting to show.

Keep in mind this building was completed in 1847. Think about the many snow storms, thunderstorms, a rare tornado, and other forces of nature it had to endure during its 170 year existence.

Inside the building, there are some exposed ceilings and repairs that are long overdue. Preservation Pennsylvania, according to their site, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping buildings like the People’s Hall. This organization has added the Hall to a list titled “Pennsylvania at Risk”. This means that it is an endangered historical site that urgently needs new repairs and attention.

The People’s Hall is operated by a Board of Trustees. The Board has discussed the difficulty in trying to restore the Hall to suitable physical conditions.

The good news Facebook friend is that you can help! There is a way to make a donation, no matter how big or small, by visiting the website www.peoples-hall.org or by visiting the People's Hall Facebook page by clicking “Shop Now”.

The People’s Hall has helped our community through hard times and now it is our turn to help it.

We hope you have enjoyed this mini-series on our neighbors, The People’s Hall. We were very pleased to bring you this exciting story in hopes that its legacy will not be forgotten.

The People's Hall Entry #4

During the times of slavery and the Civil War, there was something called the Fugitive Slave Law that covered even the “safe” Northern territories. This law made it illegal to assist a freedom seeking slave and to turn him or her in to the authorities if found. If you did not comply with this law, you would be fined $1,000.

What if the authorities didn’t find out? Well, that’s a good question. Many of them didn’t. In Ercildoun, the heavily Quaker community shared in the common belief of anti-slavery. Most neighbors did not rat each other out. There was the occasional dispute between neighbors with different opinions on the matter, but the Fugitive Slave Law was rarely enforced in this area.

After the Civil War, many freedom seeking slaves built a life here. According to Historic Resources of East Fallowfield, men by the names of Jacob Carter and Samuel Ruth created the Christ Disciple Church in 1894. Services were held there and later in People’s Hall.

The daughter of Samuel Ruth, Isabella Stokes, had this to say about People’s Hall in a 1974 written piece provided by Historic Resources of East Fallowfield:

“One old building still stands,

As a tribute to voices now stilled,

It stands as a monument to Old “Friends”

Who dared to do right.”

In our previous posts, we state that after the war, people held church services in People's Hall. It was then Ercildoun's local library and a polling place for voting. It also served as the meeting place for the area's Historical Society.

The common practice of neighbors helping neighbors in East Fallowfield existed long before Triple Fresh. However, it is very important that we take that same value and attribute it in our store after all these years.

Whether it was something big like Underground Railroad assistance, or just being a friendly face in the neighborhood, we at Triple Fresh are very proud to be a part of this long history of giving, helping, and community.

We hope you are enjoying this mini-series about People’s Hall, Ercildoun, and the rest of East Fallowfield Township. Make sure to like the People’s Hall Facebook page if you haven’t done so already!

Sources used for this piece: Historic Resources of East Fallowfield Township, Ercildoun: A Quaker Village In Chester County, PA by Janet Polk Morris,