Just across Route 100 (Creek Road) from the Chadds Ford Historical Society is John Chads House, perched on a hill overlooking the Brandywine River flood plain. The Chads House, located in Chadds Ford, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is a significant historical site. The house was built after 1712 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 11, 1971. This makes it a site of interest for those keen on exploring historical landmarks.
The ca. 1725 Chads House.
Construction and Early History
The house was built in 1725, possibly by John Wyeth, Jr. The initials "J. W. Jr." are neatly carved in stone by the upper right window on the front or south wall of the house. The Chads House was built ca.1725 and became the home of Quaker farmers John Chads and Elizabeth (Richardson) Chads in 1729, the year of their marriage. In 1729, John married Elizabeth Richardson, and the house on the Brandywine became their home. The style and appointments of the house, as we know it today suggest moderate wealth. Its simplicity reflects Chads’ Quaker heritage.
Brandywine Battlefield - John Chadds House [Wall Damaged By British Artillery]
John Chads, heir to his father’s 500-acre plantation along the Brandywine, commissioned John Wyeth, Jr. (no relation to the Wyeth family of artists) to build a house on the banks of the creek. John Chads commissioned John Wyeth Jr. to build his two story bank house around 1725. The house is built into a bank as a two-and-a-half story bank house constructed with undressed local Brandywine blue stone. Its oak floors, paneling and woodwork are original and a good example of early 18th century Pennsylvania architecture. The hall-and-parlor floorplan was a typical layout in early houses of the mid-Atlantic region, especially from the late 1600s through the early 1700s. Typically consisting of two main rooms on the ground floor, this plan featured a larger “hall” used for daily living and a smaller “parlor” reserved for more private or formal uses such as sleeping or receiving guests. These two rooms were often arranged side by side.
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Life and Times of John and Elizabeth Chads
By 1736, Chads had successfully petitioned for a license to operate a tavern “where he now dwelleth.” About the same time, he began a ferrying service across the Brandywine. The county loaned John thirty pounds to establish a ferry. The crossing became known as Chad’s Ford. Chadds Ford was likely named for Chad’s ford - the site of his fording place was referred to frequently in early documents. As travel increased the ford often became impassable. John was instrumental in establishing a ferry across the Brandywine in 1731. The ferry continued to serve travelers until 1827 when a bridge was built across the creek.
John Chad’s marriage to Elizabeth Richardson October 7, 1729.
They occupied the home together until John died in 1760, leaving his widow the use of the house and forty acres of land. After John Chad’s death in 1760, Elizabeth continued living in the house as a widow until her passing in 1791. John wrote in his will, "my plantation and tract of land, containing about 40 acres for her lifetime. Sum of 30 thirty Pounds, also household goods, and kitchen furniture, my plow, a harrow, choice of two of my best horses, and two of my best shoats, four of my best cows, all corn now in the barn, and corn in the ground, and hay or fodder being on the place. Thirty five pounds yearly...paid every 6 months. Sufficient fire wood...hauled to her door.". Although Elizabeth never had children, her nieces and nephews were attentive to her needs. Elizabeth remained in the house for over 60 years, and according to reports, observed Hessian and Continental troop movements from the attic window.
The Battle of Brandywine and Elizabeth Chads
During the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, Widow Elizabeth Chads stayed here in the house. The widow Chads stood fast during the Battle of Brandywine, “burying (sic) Her Silver Spoons Daily in her Packet (pocket) until the Danger was over.” The John Chads House was vulnerable during the Revolutionary War since General Washington built his fortifications on grounds above the house which sits on a hill. She reportedly hiding her silver spoons in her pockets. Elizabeth had to deal with the daily looting. She took steps in burying "...her Silver Spoons Daily in her Packet [pocket] until the Danger was over."
Spring House at the John Chads House.
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The Springhouse
The two men probably stayed in the Springhouse and slept in its loft while the house on the hill was being built. The springhouse on the Chads House property is believed to date to the 18th century. It is tucked into a bank just downslope from the main house. The building sheltered a natural spring that provided cold water for drinking and food storage. Of special architectural interest in the Springhouse is the brick-faced corner fireplace which may have originally had a wooden mantelpiece. It is similar to the two corner fireplaces in the house on the hill. All three have recessed double cupboards above the mantel, for display and storage. One corner of the Springhouse is believed to have been damaged by artillery fire during the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777 as evidenced by the patchwork on the south wall. The Springhouse, besides providing water and shelter, served as a schoolhouse between 1837 and 1844.
Preservation and Restoration
Eventually the house fell into disrepair. In 1968 local residents formed the Chadds Ford Historical Society in order to preserve this site. The House and the Springhouse remained in private ownership until their rescue by the Chadd Ford Historical Society in 1968. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places, part of the Chadds Ford Village Historic District and an element of the Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark. Purchased by Chadds Ford Historical Society in 1968 and has been restored and furnished. After extensive work under the supervision of restoration architect John Milner, the buildings were opened as house museums in 1971. Elizabeth Chads’ beehive oven was rebuilt in 1981 and thousands of loaves of bread have been baked in it since then. In keeping with the c. 1725 John Chads House and Springhouse, the building’s facade is local fieldstone and frame.
Visiting the John Chads House
John Chads House offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. The John Chads House and Springhouse are open for tours by appointment only. Tickets may be purchased at the Barn Visitor Center at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford. Tours by guides in colonial costume, breadbaking in beehive oven. May through Labor Day. Admission includes Barns-Brinton House and the Springhouse; Students ages 12 to 17 are $3 and admission is free for children 12 and under and Chadds Ford Historical Society members. The John Chads House is located at 1719 N.
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