Inside the Llanerch Power Station, Wilbur Hall photographed workers waiting to shovel coal into the massive boilers powering the Hamilton Corliss steam engine [photo at top left]. Electricity generated here to run the trolleys also lighted many local homes and street lamps. In an ironic twist, the coal was delivered to the traction company by its rival, the Pennsylvania Railroad. Service to West Chester was provided until 1959. The buildings and water tower stood along West Chester Pike until 1972.
[Photo caption] A Bird's Eye View of Llanerch
This 1920's aerial photograph, taken by Victor Dallin, shows the Llanerch car barn, the site of Llanerch Crossing Park as well as homes in Llanerch. Can you find your house?
1. Llanerch Car Barn and Power Plant
2. Coal Yard
3. Pennsylvania Railroad Station
4. Toll House & Station
5. Llanerch Firehouse
6. Llanerch Presbyterian Church
7. St. Andrew's Methodist Church
8. Llanerch School
Photo courtesy of the Hagley Museum and Library
[Bottom left photo caption reads]
Offices of the Philadelphia and West Chester Traction Company, Llanerch car barn, power station and water tower circa 1900. Current site of Kohl's Department Store.
Photo from the Wilbur Hall collection.
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