The restoration of the fence that was installed 103 years ago in Bryn Mawr. The plaque reads: Bryn Mawr Park Fence. Installed 1923. Fabricated by Wayne Iron Works. 2025 Restoration made possible by a generous grant from the William B Dietrich Foundation. (Richard Ilgenfritz – MediaNews Group)
LOWER MERION — A combination of township officials, business owners, and civic leaders came together to mark the dedication of a plaque commemorating the renovation of a historic wrought iron fence in Bryn Mawr.
Through a grant from the William B. Dietrich Foundation, the township restored the wrought-iron fence that surrounds the large parking lot along Lancaster Avenue, across the street from Ludington Library. The fence was installed in the early 1920s, when the parking lot was a park.
During a brief ceremony this week, township officials, along with business and civic leaders, unveiled a small plaque commemorating the restoration of the fence.
“It is a privilege to stand here today to celebrate a project that honors both our past and our future: The restoration of the historic fence that was installed 103 years ago here in Bryn Mawr.
The plaque reads: “Bryn Mawr Park Fence. Installed 1923. Fabricated by Wayne Iron Works. 2025 Restoration made possible by a generous grant from the William B. Dietrich Foundation,” said Lower Merion Commissioner Scott Zelov.
According to Zelov, the fence was removed section by section and renovated and restored.
“For generations, this fence has been a landmark, a piece of our history, a familiar silhouette and silent witness to the growth and evolution of the Bryn Mawr community,” Zelov said.
Zelov said maintaining the township’s historic assets is an important priority for Lower Merion, and when they invest in preservation, they are honoring the craftsmanship of those who came before the present generations. It also ensures the character of Bryn Mawr remains the same.
Zelov went on to thank the Bryn Mawr Civic Association, the Bryn Mawr Business Association, township staff, and the many residents who supported and championed the efforts to revitalize the fence.
“I also want to express special appreciation to the William B. Dietrich Foundation, whose support was crucial in making this restoration happen,” Zelov said. “Your passion for our community and our heritage helps make Lower Merion and Bryn Mawr such a special place.”
Hank Wilson, president of the Bryn Mawr Civic Association, recalled playing as a kid in the park, which had a gazebo and Civil War cannons.
“It was just amazing,” Wilson said as he described the park.
According to Wilson, sometime around the 1950s, they gave up the park for the parking lot.
“We lost so much during that time,” Wilson said. “We lost the Bryn Mawr train station, which was one of the most wonderful architectural train stations on the Main Line. And it’s just a wonder that we finally were able to preserve a little bit of history.”
Karyn Bennett, president of the Bryn Mawr Business Association, on behalf of the business association’s members, thanked everyone involved in the fence restoration.
“Thanks to this grant, to the township and the perseverance of the township employees and the (township) manager in pursuing this grant, we were able to, as Hank said, keep history alive here,” Bennett said.
The plaque can be found in a flowerbed just inside the fence at Lancaster and Bryn Mawr avenues.