A 20-inch by 30-inch stagecoach exhibits accoutrements from another era,
whether it be the soft, maroon velvet cushions lined with cord, the delicate
lace curtains or the wooden handle that moves to open the carriage for
those wanting to peek inside.
The coach, a model of a French riding coach, actually comes from France
and was on display in an exhibit at the 1939 World’s Fair in Flushing, N.Y.
World’s Fairs date to the 1700’s but this particular one was remembered for
its size and timing. Planned years earlier during the Great Depression as a
way to rise from that situation, the 1939 event brought 44 million people to
New York City and was one of the most expensive American world fairs
ever.
The 1939 World’s Fair was divided into themed areas: transportation,
communications, government and the food and amusement areas.
In the organization of the event, Grover Whelan, president of the New York
World’s Fair Corporation, made several trips to France to convince them to
participate in the grand extravaganza.
After they agreed, the French included this replica as part of their national
exhibit.
When the fair ended, the riding coach sat in Mr. Whalen’s office for some
time. Later, it was passed to his daughter, who lived in Rose Valley. Her
son, Andrew Saul of the Delaware County Institute of Science, donated the
showpiece to the Delaware County Historical Society, where it can be seen
to this day.
The Delaware County Historical Society is located at 408 Avenue of the
States in Chester. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday
and Friday; 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Parking is free in the lot behind the building or across the street in the city’s
municipal lot.
For more information or for ways to get involved, please call 610-359-0832.
This French stagecoach can be seen at the home of DCHS at 408 Avenue of the States in Chester.