|  
History of the Lenape Inn
In February of 1892 Jesse Kelley leased a piece of ground at Lenape
from Edward Brinton for a term of two years. He was going to erect
a building to be used as a restaurant. The ground secured was to the
south and left of the public road after crossing the bridge. He envisioned
a neat, one-story frame building twenty feet by sixteen. The back
of it would have a kitchen ten feet by twelve feet. He wanted to serve
confectionery and ice cream to the people who come by the railroad
and park all hours of the day.
In July 2,1892 the cornerstone of a new cafe was laid at Brandywine
Park, Lenape. The contractor was Davis Pennock. There were no speeches,
band, lemonade etc. for the occasion that would come in a couple of
days at the grand opening. The cafe would be finished in a day or
two. In February, 1893, Mr Brinton sold his farm and the purchaser
declined to renew Jesse Kelley's lease of the restaurant. Then in
April, 1893 preparations were made for a new proprietor to open business
at Cafe de Kelley.
August 18, 1894. The restaurant at Lenape was not a huge financial
success and was closed. There is a huge jump to 1906 when the restaurant
is founded as a restaurant and general store.The store at Lenape was
said to be prosperous and very convenient to purchase articles so
close to the railroad.
March 26, 1942, Lenape Inn at Lenape made a tradition of fine service
and genial hospitality. Approximately twelve years ago (1930), the
business was transformed into a modern Inn, and since its aquisition
by Mrs. Maude Johnson and her daughter, Miss Thelma Rasey won and
held a large patronage of discriminating people. The Inn seated 100
people in its then modern dining room, remodeled in 1940 its interior
with attractive knotty pine, indirect lighting and a square bar. Lost
track until 1946.
1946, Re-opening of the Lenape Inn, opposite Lenape Park.
Managed by George A. Abernathy. They served food, legal beverages
and had music.
In 1949 was advertised "Under the new management of Thomas A.
Carey". The Lenape Inn on the historic Brandywine at Route 52
announced its opening of dining under the direction of Mrs. Mae Clark,
on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1949. Luncheon 12 - 2 pm dinners 5:30 - 8
pm. Private parties could be arranged for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
if you phoned Lenape-9798
Lenape Inn, Route 52 and Brandywine Creek, 1960, announced Sunday
dinners and was opened on Palm Sunday and thereafter, 2 pm - 8pm,
reservations SW3-1488.
Philadelphia Inquirer, September 2, 1973. "Lenape Is Mostly Pleasant"
, If you thought summer was over it was claimed that you could go
and sit yourself comfortable in the windowed dining room of the Lenape
Inn and savor the signs of the season as you were wined and dined.
Among the friendly extras provided was a a small crock of cheese spread
and a basket of crackers to enjoy with drinks. The bread was fresh
and there was ample butter. The Inn had a "better-than-average"
wine list with reasonable prices.
The restaurant continued to be The Lenape Inn until the year 2000
when it became Simon Pierce, a restaurant and glass blowing facility.
You can go and watch the glass blowers working downstairs before or
after your meal with a gift shop off of the restaurant. All of the
plates, glasses etc. that they serve you with ore made by the company.
Bridges
of Pocopson | Chester County
Prison | Lenape Inn | Lenape
Park
|
