History graces Marshallton festivities

The remains of a Revolutionary War-era tavern and inn will provide the backdrop for an annual tree-lighting ceremony in the historic Chester County village of Marshallton on Saturday.

Colonial carolers, a sing-along, and refreshments will add to the festive activities from 4 to 6 p.m. Parking will be available at 1400 W. Strasburg Rd.

The tavern has been a part of Marshallton since 1750. During the 20th century, the five-story apartment building, which had grown up and out from the original inn and tavern, was abandoned and deteriorated, prompting intervention from a citizens' group. With assistance from donors, the "The Friends of Martin's Tavern" determined that much of the building could not be salvaged while remaining historically accurate. Instead, it was stripped down to its surviving period masonry, painstakingly repointed and restored to an accurate historic footprint of the original building, now a park that is surrounded by green grass and bordered by historically accurate shrubs and trees.