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The History of the Devon Inn

J. Michael Morrison, Historian, Lecturer & Author

May 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

$15 / person
Devon Inn circa 1900

On the eve of the opening of the 121st anniversary of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust is delighted to welcome guest speaker J. Michael Morrison to the 2016 Spring Lecture Series on Wednesday, May 24 at Jenkins Arboretum*, 631 Berwyn-Baptist Road, Devon, PA. Reception will begin at 7 PM, followed by lecture at 7:30 PM.

The Philadelphia Main Line was largely created by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a means of getting people out of the city to enjoy the cooler countryside.  At each station, an inn was built to accommodate guests.  One of the most beautiful and elaborate inns along the route was the Devon Inn.  From 1882 to 1913, many wealthy and socially prominent families from Philadelphia and elsewhere spent their summers there.  The Devon Horse Show itself was once held on the lawn of the magnificent inn.  Join us for the history of the Devon Inn, including thought-provoking images taken throughout the period.

Michael Morrison is the President of the King of Prussia Historical Society (est. 1953) and a member of the board of directors of the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society (est. 1936). He is the author of three books pertaining to local history, and a third-generation antiques dealer and appraisal consultant. Michael was also a founding member of the “Rediscovering Devon” Committee, created to document and preserve the rich history of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

A graduate of Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, he is currently involved in historic restoration and architectural interior design.  His background has given him a unique perspective as it relates to the identification of historic locations long since lost to progress, and he has personally helped restore and preserve two historic properties in Chester County, as well as countless artifacts and manuscripts.

If you are unaware of your past, you are destined to repeat it, and not even know why

J. Michael Morrison
The Trust is grateful to Dr. Harold Sweetman and the Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, for their generous sponsorship of the “The History of the Devon Inn” lecture on May 24. Plan to arrive early for the lecture and enjoy the botanical gardens wonderful collection of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns.

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

631 Berwyn-Baptist Road
Devon, PA 19333
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