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Early Kimberton
The early history of Kimberton is largely encompassed by the four buildings at the main intersection of the village. Much of the following history is based on information gathered by the Pikeland Historical Society. The scenes shown are images from a wonderful painting by John Pierce depicting life in the village about 1834. The painting hangs in the lobby of The Kimberton Inn. We have reproduced it here.
The village of Kimberton came into being in the second half of the 18th century, though it's namesake did not arrive until 1817 and its name was not formalized until 1820. As with many villages in the area, it came into being because of a tavern, in this case Chrisman's Tavern. Chrisman's Tavern dates back to approximately 1768, with Chrisman receiving his tavern license in 1771. The tavern was known as a stopping point on stagecoach routes to Yellow Springs at the time of the Revolutionary War as well as to Lancaster. Following Emmor Kimber's purchase about 1818, the tavern became over the years a store, post office, general store/drug store at various times when the tavern business moved across the street to the new Boarding School Inn (now the Kimberton Inn). This building is currently an antiques store.
The village took on a new role with the establishment of Chrisman's Mill. Built as a grist mill in 1796 by George Chrisman and operated continuously until 1938, the mill had two 18ft. overshot wheels driving three pairs of grinding stones, fed by a race with an 18ft. drop from a pond on the Royal Spring's creek, just west on Pughtown Road. Drawing much activity to the Kimberton crossroads, the mill was central to the growth of the little community. This building is currently the Kimberton Post Office.
The role of the village broadened again in 1818 when Emmor Kimber established the French Creek Boarding School for Girls in a house built in 1787. The school was extended to 20 rooms with a classroom building in rear (now demolished). Kimber was a Quaker teacher who came from the Westtown School to establish the boarding school. He and his 4 daughters taught at the school and ran it until 1848, just before his death. It became known as a model for progressive education which drew students from great distances. Kimber was an entrepreneur, once owning all the buildings and businesses at the Kimberton' crossroads. He was involved in many broader enterprises, including the development of the Reading Railroad. He was also an abolitionist, operating a stop on the underground railroad under the school.
A "still house" or distillery was housed on the site before the Sign of the Bear tavern was in operation, as was a tenant house for Chrisman's businesses. By 1820, Emmor Kimber saw the need for accommodations for relatives of his students, and converted the building to become the Boarding School Inn. Known as the Kimberton Hotel by 1856, the enterprise had become the site of area cattle and horse auctions, with a barn, carriage shed and pens. It was a regular stop for traveling entertainers, and a focal point for community affairs. This is now The Kimberton Inn.