 This is a view of the historic Mansion House, located on Route 23, one-half mile west of the center of Valley Forge and across the highway from the post office. It will be saved from demolition.
About two months ago, Mrs. Yale Irons, Valley Forge. contacted Rep. Joseph P. Ujobai and asked what could be done.
Mrs. Irons was advised to contact Valley Forge Park Supt. E. Clyde Pyle and Gen. Augustus Janeway, former Phoenixville resident and a member of the Valley Forge Park Commission. Also showing considerable interest was Mrs. Franklin Wildman, Paoli.
Supt. Pyle and Admiral Felix B. Stump, Chief executive Officer of Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation, worked together in an effort to save the building. Admiral Stump, in a letter to The Daily Republican, stressed that the Mansion House was of great historic value. "This building is a great symbol of freedom," his letter read in part, "because it is in this building that a great number of patriots made the final supreme sacrifice to bring freedom to this nation."
Because of the interest shown by the above-named individuals and others as well, the General State Authority will restore part of the building to its original condition.
The structure adjoins the sight of a new post office to be built soon. The old brick schoolhouse on the west side of the post office site will not fare so lucky, as it will be torn down. The new post office is scheduled to be ready next February.
Fears Arrested
There have been many persons in the Valley Forge area who have been fearful that the historic old Mansion House hotel on Route 23, one half mile west of the center of Valley Forge, will be demolished when a road project goes through.
Just the other day, a letter from Admiral Felix Stump, chief executive officer of Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation, said that it was a shame that this old structure, which served as a hospital during the American Revolution, would be torn down.
Such will not be the case. Through the efforts of Mrs. Yale Irons, Mrs, Franklin Wildman, Valley Forge Park Supt. E. Clyde Pyle, Gen, Augustus Janeway (a former Phoenixville resident and member of the Valley Forge Park Commission) and the Commission, enough interest was shown to cause the State to assure the people that the old hotel will not only remain, but may be repaired where necessary.
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