By Rachel Steveson

On hot summer days, I’m always on the lookout for indoor activities. With the sweltering heat and rainy afternoons we’ve had this week, I thought it best to take my camera over to the Historic Yellow Springs in Chester Spring, PA to cool off.

From Phoenixville, I drove ten minutes south on Rte 113, right onto Pikeland Rd, and left onto Art School Road.  The hidden village was nestled beneath tall hundred-year-old trees and surrounded in flowers and well-manicured foliage.

I parked my car next to an elegant tan building with a long gray porch and dozens of white-trimmed windows, then met my friend and the Property Supervisor, Andy Hurley at the entrance to the Washington Building.

Andy was fixing a venue sign when I appeared, a bulky tool belt wrapped around his small frame and a red kerchief around his neck. A large orange “Men At Work” sign stood behind him. I snapped a photo, smiling at the irony, then followed him into the building.

The wedding hall was filled with white pillars, hanging brass chandeliers, and a central fireplace with a gold-trimmed mirror mounted above. I pictured a room filled with round white tables, tall floral centerpieces, and handmade Pinterest-like decorations. I imagined a bride and her father spinning around the rustic wooden dance floor under the glow of the golden lights.

Andy snapped me out of my daydream and we made our way around the back of the building and across a bridge to take a photo of a 300-year-old tree, the tallest and largest I’d ever seen. Below us, we saw a bride and groom preparing for their weekend nuptials. We offered them assistance with floral arrangements, then continued our tour.

Our next stop was the Lincoln Building, which houses offices and a popular art gallery. It also used to house a small library, which has since moved to the Infirmary. The gallery runs all year long and showcases various local artists, mediums, and textiles. That day, we enjoyed a quilt exhibit filled with color.

We then crossed the street to the two-story Studio Barn where campers, amateurs, and seasoned artists visit throughout the year for pottery, drawing, and painting classes. We had the pleasure of visiting with a local potter, who explained the techniques she used to create her masterpieces. The highlight of the tour was the large outdoor wood kiln behind the studio, tucked under the pavilion.

The tour ended with a visit to Andy’s office, where he showed me his own collection of photography, including the photo of the trolley featured above.

For those of you looking for an artistic day inside, check out the Historic Yellow Springs website for their upcoming class schedule, or visit the art gallery. And say hello to Andy while you’re there!