In 1997, Willistown Historical Commission members Penny Goulding and John Nagy were looking to put together a brief history book about Willistown ahead the township's 1998 bicentennial. That brief book turned into the 685-page tome Acres of Quakers.

At its annual awards ceremony last week, the Willistown Township Board of Supervisors presented to Goulding the Community Service Award—aka the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Goulding has been a member of the Willistown Historical Commission since 1986. She currently serves as its chairperson.

Supervisor Bob Lange cited Acres of Quakers as an example of Goulding's commitment to preserving the history of the township. 

"The book includes historical information on 183 properties throughout the township," Lange said. "Penny, along with fellow historical commission member John Nagy, knocked on every door and saw every house and outbuilding in the book."

When asked if she had anything to say, Goulding, who had just come from a Historic Sugartown meeting, simply said, "No."

After a moment, she spoke briefly to thank former Willistown Police Chief Bob Valyo, whom "some of you gray-haired people might know."

"He was probably the only policeman at one point. But he also became chairman of the historic society. So, [the award] covers a bunch of people," Goulding said.

See also:

Jim Tate Honored With Inaugural Community Service Award

Volunteers for Historic Sugartown Day

Photos: Historic Sugartown Day 2012

Bad Signs for Malvern Borough (Literally)