Hospital property was once a dairy farm

Samantha Grier/Staff photographer Hospital officials say they are planning to create an art wall in the new West Chester Medical Center paying homage to the communities of West Chester, Mason and Liberty Twp. The beam above the fireplace was taken from the Dudley Farm.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 11:35 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The 400-acre property that was the Dudley Farm in West Chester Twp. was widely known for its quality dairy products.

“The family used to show cows all over the area and were widely recognized for their dairy expertise,’’ said auctioneer Mark Mallette during a sale of the farm’s items in 2006.

During the auction, toys, books, rugs, vehicles and furniture were sold to hundreds of bidders. But a few items remain.

A beam and a horseshoe from the farm owned by James William Dudley are displayed at the West Chester Medical Center, 7700 University Drive.

Hospital officials placed the beam and the horseshoe in the cafeteria above the fireplace to pay homage to the Dudley family and township residents.

Hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Garcia said the Dudley family delayed selling the property long after the township became a developed area. She said the hospital purchased the property after the farm closed.

“We worked closely with them to preserve the farm and the property ... We also wanted to honor the tradition of farming and agriculture in this community,’’ Garcia said.

In addition to the farm items, the hospital also has artwork from Butler County artists on display.

The artwork includes photographs and paintings of pastoral scenes in the community.

Stephanie Savicki, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said the response from the community has been great.

“The community has been very welcoming to us and we know we picked the right place to build a hospital.’’

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