Historic Square Tavern Being Donated To Newtown Township

Press release from the Township of Newtown:

Pictured (l to r):

• Paul Sanfrancesco – BOS Supervisor
• Leonard Altieri, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
• Cathy Cavalier-Gach President of the Newtown Square Historical Society
• Larry Fischer – Member of the Newtown Square Historical Society
• Steve Spaeder – President and CEO of Equus Capital Partners, Ltd.

Newtown Township, PA; August 13, 2024 --- The Square Tavern

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Equus Capital Partners has agreed to donate The Square Tavern to Newtown Township. The property includes the historic building, the surrounding yard, the parking lot and the trail head. The property, at the intersection of Goshen Road and North Newtown Street Road (S.R. 252), dates to 1742 and has been preserved through several renovations over the years by its various owners including ARCO Chemical and most recently, Equus Capital Partners. In addition to the transfer of property, Equus Capital Partners will donate $25,000 for future maintenance.

During its ownership of the Square Tavern, Equus has continuously supported the Newtown Township Historical Society and has graciously allowed the Society to use the property without charge for activities and events including art shows, monthly open houses and tours for the public on its Historic Newtown Square Day. The parking lot has been an integral access point to the Township’s trail system. This transfer of the property to the Township will ensure that this historic property of significance and access to one of Newtown Township’s most popular trails will be preserved in perpetuity.

This transaction is consistent with the Board of Supervisors’ goal to preserve Newtown Township history, as demonstrated in the Strategic Plan of 2019, the enactment of the historic preservation ordinance in 2022, and the significant investments made to preserve historic resources such as the Paper Mill House and Bartram’s Covered Bridge.

“The Board of Supervisors has worked diligently to preserve the history of Newtown Township, from approving ordinances that support and protect historic structures to working in partnership with the Newtown Square Historical Society. Recognizing the importance of our Township’s history fosters a deeper understanding of our community identity,” states Leonard Altieri, III, Newtown Township Board Chair. “The Board of Supervisors thanks Equus for its continued support and partnership of our efforts. This is truly a momentous occasion for our Township community.”

“Equus is proud to support and promote Newtown Township in its efforts to preserve the rich history of our community,” said Steve Spaeder, President and CEO of Equus Capital Partners, “Benjamin West, the father of American painting, spent his childhood at the Square Tavern, which was operated by his father, John West. This property represents an important part of our Township’s history, and we are pleased to support its legacy.”

Newtown Township extends its deepest gratitude to Equus Capital Partners for its continued support and for its generous donation of the Square Tavern property, land and the cash donation.

The Board also extends its deepest thanks to the Newtown Square Historical Society which has been a vital partner in promoting and maintaining the Township’s history.

“The Newtown Square Historical Society thanks all of the stewards of the 1742 Square Tavern property, who have preserved, restored and continued to maintain this iconic symbol of Newtown Township’s history,” said Cathy Cavalier-Gach, President of the Newtown Square Historical Society, “We also thank the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors and Steve Spader of Equus Capital Partners for facilitating the transfer of the Square Tavern property. Newtown Township has demonstrated its continued commitment to historic preservation with this acquisition and has assured the community that Newtown’s history will remain a central part of our town’s strategic Plan. We are thrilled!”

A dedication ceremony will be held sometime in the fall and will be listed on the Newtown Township website and social media sites. We invite the community to join us once a date has been set.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors is beyond excited to be furthering one of the Township’s key objectives: to be stewards of Township history. Our community deserves no less, and the Board of Supervisors invites you to join it in celebrating this exciting news.

This press release was produced by the Township of Newtown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.