Chester County Historical Society Presents the Story of Slinky Toy

Today, starting at 6:30 p.m. the Chester County Historical Society will present “The History of the Slinky in Chester County” at Barnaby’s in West Chester.

The presentation of this iconic toy, invented in 1943 by Delaware County’s naval engineer Richard T. James, is part of CCHS’s “History on Tap” series that brings history alive through programs held at local restaurants and taverns. Chester County native and WCU graduate Bob Swaim, a retired math and computer teacher, will speak about the toy, focusing on its ongoing popularity.

The Slinky  was first introduced at the Gimbels department store in Philadelphia in November 1945. 

The $97 Million Route 422 Project Moves Forward

Atglen based JD Eckman has been selected as the contractor for the $97 million project that will expand Route 422 near Valley Forge over the next four years.

The project will include construction of wider bridges over the Schuylkill River, as well as upgrades to the highway between the Route 363 and Route 23 interchanges. Among the areas that will be directly impacted by the construction are West Norriton, Lower Providence, Upper Merion, and Tredyffrin townships. Neighboring municipalities can also expect an uptick of traffic during the construction period.

“The awarding of this contract is a significant milestone in the plan to move traffic more efficiently on this heavily congested stretch of U.S. 422 by expanding the aging eastbound and westbound bridges between the Route 363 and Route 23 interchanges, and by improving the highway and ramps in this area,” commented PennDOT District Executive, Kenneth M. McClain.