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One of the biggest historical disasters of the past few years was the demolition of the "Waldheim" mansion, called "Sullivan Hall" in its later years, by Valley Forge Military Academy. The mansion was originally home of the William Henry Sayen family, designed by David K. Boyd in 1900. The mansion was designed to look like the Pennsylvania governor's mansion, because of Sayen's political aspirations. The house was purchased by neighboring Valley Forge Military Academy when the family moved out, and it was used for decades as the students' infirmary under the name "Sullivan Hall." Unfortunately, the Academy did not keep up the house, and economical reasons were blamed when they were forced to demolish it in 2001. Despite outcry from the North Wayne Protective Association, Waldheim's demolition began in April, 2001, almost 100 years to the day after the former resident, William Henry Sayen, was elected president of the first Radnor Township Board of Commissioners in 1901. At the same time that Radnor Township Commissioners were paying homage to Sayen and the other first Commissioners during the Centennial celebrations, they approved the ruthless and unnecessary demolition of Sayen's former home.
Below are photographs of the house just before it was torn down and during the demolition. They offer a detailed historical record of the building as well as documentation of its demise.
All photos by Greg or Jeffrey Prichard. Click on the images to see larger versions.
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The house as seen from its lawn
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A little closer...
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... and closer...
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... and closer. The balcony had just been removed.
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The west end of the house.
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The west end from head on.
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The east end.
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The columns reflected in a front window.
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The west portion of the front porch.
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The point where the porch overhang comes out of the wall.
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Where the east wing intersects with the middle section.
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A rear gable.
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A portion of the rear.
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The rear, looking east.
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The rear, looking west.
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The west end of the rear.
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The rear middle section.
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Looking up the main staircase. The railing had been removed.
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Looking up the staircase at a large window.
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Looking down from the top of the staircase.
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Looking toward the stairs from a front window.
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The Demolition
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A backhoe digs in.
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A closer view of <
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Piles of wood behind the main entrance.
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The partially standing stone structure.
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The middle section still standing, despite the disappearance of the entire west end.
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The interior sees the light of day.
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The backhoe continues to dig in, climbing on top of the rubble.
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Sources:
© 2005 Wayne History Online / Greg Prichard
Page Last Updated : 27 October 2005
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