SPOOM-MA SPRING MEETING

SPOOM (Society for the Preservation of Old Mills)

Mid-Atlantic Chapter Spring Meeting

LODGING: Exton Hotel & Conference Center, 815 N. Pottstown Pike (RT 100), Exton, PA 19341; 610-363-1100. Rate = $79 + 11% taxes = $88.00 for one King or 2 Double Beds, we have 5 rooms of each, so book early. Call and mention SPOOM for a reservation or go to: www.innsight.com/ibe/exton-pa/chesterhotelpa/reservations?room_check_in=2025-04-24&room_check_out=2025-04-25&promo_code=Chapter&rooms=1 to book online. Breakfast not included but available on-site or nearby.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Evening Meet and Greet  /  Dinner: 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Meet at The Pour House which features burgers, sandwiches & bar snacks with a big beer selection in an artsy tavern space. Address: 116 N Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA 19341 (across the four lane highway from our hotel) Phone: (610) 280-7900  Individuals order separately from Menu: pjspourhouse.com  There is only one check, so be prepared to calculate your fair share. $1 fee holds your reservation.

NOTE: Wear Sturdy shoes for walking outdoors and climbing stairs in mills.

Friday, April 25 - *** Bus Tour to Chester County Mills and Museums

8:15 am Board tour bus at the Exton Hotel for 8:30 departure.  Approx. 30 minute ride to the first stop.

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM East Pikeland PA Guided Tour: Snyder’s Mill and Colonial Powderworks (site) and Covered Bridge – Exterior of restored mill building, active covered bridge, site of Colonial powderworks (destroyed by the British in the Revolutionary War).

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Charlestown Mill. Guided tour of a restored non-working woolen mill with a tour guide and some working equipment. 12:15 PM Board the bus for the trip to lunch and meeting in park nearby.

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Charlestown Township Park for Box Lunch and Meeting in open-air pavilion.

1:45 to 2:00 PM – A short stop to visit Thomas’ Mill. A non-working mill viewed from the exterior, with Miller’s House next door. Non-working pitch-back waterwheel is visible on the exterior.

2:30 to 4:30 – National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum, Coatesville, PA 19320. (formerly Lukens Steel) Guided tour of home and plant buildings from Rebecca Lukens (first female Industrialist) and her descendants, over decades of iron and steel production.

5:00 to 6:00 PM – Bondsville Mill. Partially restored buildings and grounds from 19^th to 20^th century textile mills which manufactured Kentucky Jeans and various products including WW II, including bomber jacket linings and Eisenhower jackets. Sturdy shoes recommended for walking outdoors.

6:30 PM – Bus returns to Exton Hotel, for dinner on our own, in Hotel, or recommendations nearby.

***Friday Tour Cost of $99 includes coach bus, driver gratuity, tour fees, and lunch. Register for bus tour by April 14^th. NOTE: For the first time since pre-COVID days, bus transportation has been secured to provide the opportunity for socializing in transit and to simplify travel to sites, parking, and keeping to the schedule. There is no option or discount for individuals to drive on their own.

Saturday, April 26:  Breakfast in hotel or restaurant of your choice in the area.

Drive on your own to Mill at Anselma (30 minutes) 1730 Conestoga Road (Rt 340), Chester Springs, PA 19425, for tour of mill, view milling demonstration, and store.  Coffee & donuts will be available all morning.  Parking available on site.

9:00 to 11:00 – Tour & Demonstration Grinding at Anselma Mill, 1730 Conestoga Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425

11:30 to 1:00 – Tour of Schuylkill River Heritage Center, 2 N. Main St., Phoenixville, PA 19460 Admission includes: The Lukens Executive Office Building, Visitor Center,  120” Mill Motor House, Videos, Exterior Exhibits & Grounds Booklet. Those interested in optional tours of the Terracina (1849 Victorian Ironmaster Home), and Graystone Mansion (1889 Collegiate Gothic Ironmaster Home) can pay $5 that morning.

1:00 – Lunch on your own in Phoenixville, PA (numerous locations).

Saturday Afternoon:  Tour nearby Mills on your own.  List will be provided with registration confirmation.

***Saturday Cost of $25 includes tours of both sites and snacks at Anselma.

* * REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS  MONDAY, APRIL 14* *

Download, complete and mail Registration Form to pay by check or use the "Order Tickets" button below to pay via PayPal.

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