Birchrunville General Store facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Birchrunville General Store
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Birchrunville General Store, March 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hollow and Flowing Springs Roads, at Birchrunville, West Vincent Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Built by | Dewees, T.B. & I.L. |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002368 |
| Added to NRHP | March 21, 1978 |
The Birchrunville General Store is a really old and important building located in West Vincent Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It was built way back in 1898. This special building used to be a busy center for the community.
It's a two-story building made of stone and wood. It has a cool style called Late Victorian. You can spot its unique roof, called a mansard roof, which is covered with special "fishscale" slate tiles. There's also a small wooden bay window that sticks out.
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What is the Birchrunville General Store?
The Birchrunville General Store was designed to be more than just a place to buy things. It was a true hub for the people living in the area. Imagine a place where you could get everything you needed!
A Peek Inside: What Was It Like?
This historic building served many purposes for the community. It was built to be a general store on the main level. Above the store, there was a meeting hall where people could gather. Below the store, there was even a creamery.
What is a General Store?
A general store was like an old-fashioned supermarket and community center all rolled into one. Before big grocery stores, people would visit a general store to buy almost anything. You could find food, tools, clothes, and even candy there. It was a place where neighbors would meet and chat.
More Than Just a Store
The Birchrunville General Store was a "banked structure." This means it was built into the side of a hill. This design allowed for different levels to be easily accessed. The main store was on one level, while the creamery was below it. The meeting hall upstairs was a place for community events. It was a very clever design for its time!
Why is it Special?
The Birchrunville General Store is considered very important because of its history and unique design. It helps us understand what life was like over a hundred years ago. Because of its importance, it has been officially recognized.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The Birchrunville General Store was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. When a building is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering. It's like a special badge of honor for historic sites!
Part of a Historic Village
The store is also located within the Birchrunville Historic District. A historic district is an area with many old buildings that together tell a story about the past. This means the store is part of a whole neighborhood that has kept its historic charm.
