Spring lake Farm, c. 1834 located at the corner of Butler Pike and Welsh Road in Upper Du hlin Township. is one of those landmark historic sites that we tend to take for granted. We assume that something so beautiful. picturesque and serene will last forever. Unfortunately, with the development pressure in Montgomery County. nothing is a certainty unless we take action to legally protect historic resources. The property, which contains a stone house and ham, was the site of a popular summer art and music camp for over 30 years.
     The owners recently signed an agreement of sale with Beth Or Synagogue to build a new synagogue for its expanding congregation. The Conservancy, along with the Historical Society of Fort Washington and other historical organizations. met with two representatives of the congregation to encourage incorporation of the house and barn for adaptive reuse in the new plans. The synagogue then submitted preliminary plans to the township which did not indicate either structure for reuse.
     We know that many members of the congregation would like to see the buildings reused. Many members and their children attended the day camp and have land memories associated with the property. We are saddened that other members do not see the value of these resources and want to contribute to the preservation of the township's local history.
     We will continue to work with the historical society to promote the preservation of this property. The PA Historical and Museum Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers must review the plans and we will urge them to recommend preservation of the buildings.
     Upper Dublin Township is presently considering adopting a preservation ordinance to require the review of demolition permits on historic properties. This comes at a time of immense risk to the township's historic resources and is greatly needed. We commend the township for having the foresight to he proactive about preservation issues. If the historic resources at Spring Lake Farm are demolished. it will be a devastating loss to the township's history. We hold out hope that the synagogue will do the right thing and preserve these resources for future generations to enjoy.