Back in 1860 the coming of the Philadelphia & Baltimore Central Railroad spurred area growth. By the 1880's, West Grove had three mills, and a casket factory. It also was home to the Dingee & Conard Co., a large rose-growing firm, now the Conard-Pyle Co., located in neighboring Penn Township.

The town and its environs today remain largely rural and there isn't much in the way of businesses - a drugstore, barbershop, sub shop, and video store. But residents don't seem to mind. They like the small-town flavor and the emphasis on family life with all of the recreation leagues and churches.


A special glimpse of one of many
carefully restored Victorian houses.

A picket fence enhances the spirit of preservation, patriotism and
beautification in many neighborhoods.
Residents say much of the recent growth has occurred in the past two decades. One of the last frontiers for development in the county has been the southern end of the borough, where, officials note, a couple hundred new homes have been built.

A good many newcomers commute to their jobs in either Wilmington or Philadelphia. They like living in a community with neighbors whose roots run deep.

Many old-time families turned out in 1993 when the borough marked its 100th anniversary. There was much talk at the celebration among newcomers about how the municipality covers less than a square mile, got its name. It came from the Friends Meeting House, built in 1787 on Harmony Road on the western edge of London Grove Township. Records indicate the Jacksons, Michners, Puseys, Prestons and other families were among the first settlers in the area. A citizens' petition in incorporate West Grove as a borough was approved by the Chester County Court of Quarter Session on Nov. 29, 1893.

Those who have lived here for some time are proud of the community work done for the Avon Grove War Memorial. It honors the people who lived in the school district, went to its schools and served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. A different stone represents each of the wars.

Most residents respect their neighbor's privacy - one reason why it is not widely known a sports world celebrity lives in West Grove. Now that his baseball days are behind him, Dallas Green spends a good deal of time listening to the rumble of his tractor. The onetime Phillies manager can be seen bouncing around his 30-acre farm. He managed the Phillies to their first-ever World Series title in 1980. Green also was general manager and vice-president of the Chicago Cubs. He managed the New York Mets from 1993 - 1996.


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