DEVON, Pa - It has been said that in order to know where you are going; you have to know where you have been.  It is a philosophy that is wholly embraced by the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.  The organization has, over the past several years, challenged itself to improve both its facility and the amenities offered to the riders and the public. And while Devon keeps its eye on the horizon, it does so with its feet firmly rooted in its past.

The Devon Inn: The Pennsylvania blue stone roof is thought to be the inspiration for Devon Blue. From the collection of Barbara and Jack Jacobsen

On Sunday, October 27, Devon celebrated that past at an exhibit entitled, "Rediscovering Devon." The afternoon of history, held at the Chester County Historical Society, was developed in conjunction with the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society and the Chester County Historical Society. 

Mary MacAdoo holds her painting of "Wynnewood", the model for Devon's hackney logo.

The event and exhibit emerged from a shared vision to document Devon's history lead by Devon Executive Committee members, Bobbi Cowley and Fran Jacobs, TEHS Past and Current Presidents, Roger Thorne and Michael Morrison, and CCHS President, Rob Lukens.  A committee of passionate volunteers has been mining for information, photographs and artifacts, generously loaned by generations of Devon supporters, to assemble the most comprehensive portrait of Devon's 117 year history to date.  Representatives of all three organizations spoke eloquently of how Devon's history is interwoven with the history of the Main Line and Chester County and continues to be part of the fabric of the community.  

Another study of "Wynnewood", this one on loan from Harriett and Richard Clark

After the presentation, which featured a large screen viewing of exquisitely restored photographs narrated by Roger Thorne, the 180 guests of the event were free to wander the exhibit and see Devon's past come to life in the form of hundreds of photographs and memorabilia dating from the first Devon Horse Show, held at the long gone Devon Inn in 1896, through the early part of the 20th century, America's post-war heyday, the shows 100th anniversary, to where it is today.  Devon's story is, however, not complete.  The exhibit may be the culmination of several years' work, but it is also an appeal to continue to glean information, seek out individuals with stories to tell, find the missing photographs; there is always more to be learned of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair's long and rich history.

One of Devon's 278 prized trophies.

Guests received a special edition of the Tredyffrin Easttown History Quarterly filled with photographs, anecdotes, and articles of and about Devon's history.  It also offers insight into the multi-year, collaborative process of bringing treasures to light and preserving them, and the most detailed, illustrated timeline ever developed.

The exhibit will remain open through Saturday, November 2, from 9:30am to 4:30pm.  The TE History Quarterly is available by contacting the Devon Horse Show office at 610-964-0550, or  lisa@devonhorseshow.org. The cost is $10, plus $2, shipping and handling.