The Birdsboro Community Memorial Center began in 1919 in the historical "Bird Mansion." Centrally located on Main Street in Birdsboro, the Center has been a place for family activity throughout the years, and our programs have produced state championship basketball teams and "All-American" girls basketball players. The historic building in which the center is located was built in 1751 by William Bird and it is believed that the main central portion of the building was actually erected in 1737. William Bird was the founder of Hopewell Furnace, now a historic landmark operated by the United States National Park Service. The Bird Family, in 1796, sold the mansion to Matthew Brooke, owner of the Brooke Iron Company and the Brooke Land Company. In the early part of this century, a group of local business people saw the need for a place where the young people of the area could gather for recreational activities. These local residents organized a YMCA and in 1921 the E&G Brooke Land Company deeded the "Bird Mansion" for the sum of $1.00, to the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center and YMCA in order to provide a place for recreation and learning for the youth of the area. During the 1960's the YMCA was disbanded and the community, not wanting to let this valuable asset slip away, sought help from the United Way, and was successful in keeping the center open as the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center. Thirty-three years ago, the Center was severely damaged by Hurricane Agnes, having water up to the second floor. The community rallied around this famous landmark, so near and dear to their hearts, and was able to complete the restoration of the building. Led by the Junior Womans' Club of Birdsboro, residents and members of the Rotary Club, Birdsboro Jaycees, Odd Fellows, Lions' Club, Senior Womans Club, and Daniel Boone High School Music Boosters shoveled mud and furniture out into the streets, scrubbed down floors and walls and refurbished the damaged building. A series of winter storms in 1996 brought 45 inches of snow which caused the rear section of the roof to collapse. A much larger multi-purpose room was built in its place. This room houses our dance studio, senior citizen center and is available as a rental for parties. Two hundred plus years have passed since the structure in question was built. It has served many purposes. It has seen many political, social, and economic changes and has made many adjustments. The historical mansion has been the major portion of our community heritage and it is hoped that it will maintain this honor for generations to come.
