Preserving the Past: Angela Svonavec Leads Efforts to Protect Historic Toll House

What Happened

Angela Svonavec, a member of the Great Crossings Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is spearheading efforts to maintain the Old Petersburg Toll House in Addison, Pennsylvania. The site is one of the few remaining toll stations from the original National Road.

Constructed in 1835, the stone structure served as the primary gateway for travelers moving westward during the early expansion of the United States. It currently holds a listing on the National Register of Historic Places but remains categorized as an endangered landmark.

The local DAR chapter manages the property, providing tours by appointment to educate the public on its history. The site recently hosted participants of the Flag Across USA relay, highlighting its role as a communal touchstone for national heritage.

The Core Points

Angela Svonavec is working to preserve the 1835 Old Petersburg Toll House in Pennsylvania.
The site served as the first toll collection point on the National Road, America's first federally funded highway.
The structure is currently listed as an endangered landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Great Crossings Chapter of the DAR manages the site and offers educational tours by appointment.
The toll house recently served as a checkpoint for the national Flag Across USA relay.

Context in 60 Seconds

This effort reflects a broader societal shift toward community-led historic preservation. As aging infrastructure faces the threat of urban development and neglect, private citizens and local organizations are increasingly stepping in to manage landmarks that federal or state programs may struggle to maintain.

Investing in heritage sites like the Old Petersburg Toll House serves both cultural and economic purposes. Beyond preserving architectural narratives, these sites often become anchors for local tourism, helping to sustain small-town economies in rural areas while strengthening community identity.

Bottom Line

Angela Svonavec and the DAR are protecting a critical piece of 19th-century infrastructure, ensuring that the history of the first federally funded highway remains accessible to the public.

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