Each parcel of land has its unique history, told in successive chapters. The Sill family owned a 92-acre farm along West Chester Pike from 1721 until 1926, and built the stone house and barn on the property. Donald Barrows, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman with Biddle and Newbold connections, bought the farm in 1926 and used it as a country retreat named “Lane’s End.” In 1963, he sold the farm to the Mariani family, and they developed the Edgmont Country Club, with the old farmhouse converted into the clubhouse with a bar and restaurant. The golf course lasted until March 2016 when the land was sold to developers. Today, the community named Ventry at Edgmont Preserve is rising out of the old farm fields. Each of those chapters needs its own article.
I chose Edgmont Country Club as the site of my high school reunion in 2013. In walking through the clubhouse I became interested in the history of the farm. Who lived here before the golfers took over? I was able to find a granddaughter of Donald Barrows and asked her if she had any memories of the property. She wrote a long and thoughtful reply:
“I remember it well, and was there several times. What a beautiful home! I went back to visit once after they’d turned it into a country club and was horrified to see a bar in the living room, I think it was. And a garish rug in place of the beautiful Persian carpets.
The room with the walk-in fireplace was the dining room, and my grandparents ate there in great style until the end. Finger bowls and all, I swear. Horrified that they’d think she wasn’t bringing us up correctly – my mother always made sure our already excellent table manners were up to par for such a very old-world experience.
They bought a pony named Tonio for the grandchildren to ride, and George, my grandfather’s aide, wingman, or whatever it was they called them, from the war would take us out riding. He was a jack of all trades and basically ran the estate, I believe. He was such a part of the family that after they sold Lane’s End and moved into smaller but equally grand quarters, he was with them until he died.”
Coming across my notes from 2013, I wanted to share with you this small slice of life at Lane’s End.
For more history on Edgmont Township, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our Facebook group, “Edgmont Historical Society.”
