When you are the owner of a property that contains historic or cultural importance to the local community, you tend to be in the public eye quite a bit. Interested people may want to stop and ask questions or possibly take a look around, but that isn’t always appreciated.

Change is in the air…

Shady Lane, former teen hangout for several decades, was sold a few weeks ago and is already seeing some big changes. I had the opportunity to explore the property several months ago, and my all-access adventure was a real treat. I also learned some great history about the early days of the property as well.

As I’m told, the new owners have already razed the barn and garage, plus the front wall and ceiling/roof was removed from the former dancehall. If you remember from my previous story, the walls of the dancehall featured an endless amount of “autographs” from former visitors, as shown below.

Shady Dell’s new owners aren’t looking to be in the spotlight and really just want to make the property their home without strangers stopping by unannounced. Not everyone is willingto  embrace such publicity with open arms and in the end, one can certainly understand their feelings.

Days before the sale of the property was finalized, the former owners contacted me to share the news. I was welcome to stop by for a final visit and offered any mementos that may still be found in the old garage, barn, and dancehall. Items from the “Dell days” were long gone, but I did bring home a few pieces that I found to be interesting. These treasures included an old wooden trough for watering livestock, a U.S. Calvary chain used by mules and horses to pull wagons, and even what I believe is an old radiator hose – at least 15 feet, never used – with a York, PA business marking as shown below. That item was likely from the automobile business once on the property in the 1920s. More items to write about, no doubt.

I’d like to congratulate the former owners with the sale of the property, and wish the new owners well as the transform the spot known as “The Shady Dell” into a home… their home. May they find the peace and quite they desire, but if they’d ever like to talk about local history, I’ll be sure to clear my calendar for another visit.

NOTES:

1. Those interested in the music from the days of “The Dell” are invited to the Shady Dell Music and Memories blog.
2. I’m exploring a unique historic landmark this weekend and am extremely excited for the opportunity I’m being given. “Mum” is the word right now, but more details will be released soon.