Manufacturer: Scammell China
User: Pennsbury Inn, Morrisville, Penn.
Date of examples: circa 1952-1954
Notes: The Pennsbury Inn was built of blue granite fieldstone in 1714 on what was then known as the Baltimore Pike (now U.S. 1). The building has survived and had many owners, and exactly when the more modern restaurant opened in this historic building is a bit of a mystery. The Penn Manor Realty Company, which was formed in 1942, applied for a tap-room liquor license in January 1951. The earliest newspaper article found that mentions it as a restaurant is from May 20, 1952, which states "newly-decorated Pennsbury Inn." It was advertised in 1954 and in 1964.
On Aug. 2, 1956, Mrs. Fred Watts was appointed manager of the inn.
In October 1957, owner Penn Manor Realty leased the operation of the inn to the Penn-Ten Corporation, which was composed of local business and professional men. Penn-Ten made extensive alterations and changed the name of the Hunt Room to the Candlelight Room. On Oct. 18, 1957, Patrick Corbey, Jr. became the Pennsbury Inn's manager. Duncan Hines included the Pennsbury Inn in his 1961 "Adventures in Good Eating" guide.
In 1973, the Pennsbury Inn building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Over time it has been called the Lancaster Inn and Hal-Dell Farm. In 1995, it was converted into a B&B. Recently it operated as Wild Wisteria.
Scammell produced crested china for the Pennsbury Inn on their Ivory base. The red and black crest matches the shield used in newspaper advertisements. "Pennsbury Inn" in red, Old English-style lettering, is a separate part of the pattern. A red verge line completes the design.
Sources:
Bristol Daily Courier, Jan. 30, 1951 – tap-room license
Bristol Daily Courier, May 20, 1952 – newly decorated
Bristol Daily Courier, Aug. 2, 1956 – Mrs. Watts, manager
Bucks County Courier Times, Oct. 8, 1957 – lease
Bristol Daily Courier, Oct. 18, 1957 – Patrick Corbey, manager
Bucks County Courier Times, Dec. 3, 1960 – Duncan Hines
Wikipedia – history
Contributor:
Larry Paul, author
