Avery Tyrell’s roots in Newtown run deep. Her grandparents, Pete and Pat Tyrell, were among the original founders of the Newtown Square Historical Society. Her father, Preston, is a longtime volunteer and historian for the Newtown Square Fire Department.
This spring, 17-year-old Avery added her own mark to that family legacy with a project that will benefit the community for generations: a thoughtfully designed trail and educational experience on the grounds of the historic Paper Mill House on St. David’s Road.
Avery joined the Boy Scouts in 2019, the year girls were first permitted to join. From the outset, she set her sights on becoming an Eagle Scout—the highest rank in Scouting, awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and outdoor skills, and who complete a major public service project before turning 18.
After considering several ideas aligned with her strengths in science, ecology and English, Avery focused on the history and environment of the Darby Creek area. Her project: to design and build a trail system with interpretive signs that tell the story of the 19th-century mills that once lined the creek—and to highlight the site’s natural ecology.
The project included six educational signs and three handcrafted benches placed along new walking paths. But planning was just the beginning. Avery had to raise funds, purchase materials and organize volunteers to bring her vision to life.
Once she announced the project, support poured in from both the Scouting and local history communities. With help from her Radnor Troop 284G—fellow Scouts and their families—her plans expanded. The benches were built from mahogany, expected to last 40 years, and the signage was fabricated from solid aluminum for long-term durability.
On May 10th, more than 30 volunteers turned out to spread wood chips, install signs, and position benches—all under Avery’s direction. As a graduate of National Youth Leadership Training and a former Senior Patrol Leader, she was well-prepared to lead.
If you’ve ever visited the Paper Mill House and noticed the crumbling ruins near the parking lot, you may have wondered what stories they hold. Thanks to Avery’s research and vision, those stories now come to life along the trails. Explore the paths, read the signs, rest on a bench by the creek, and rediscover the history of what was once Newtown’s busiest industrial hub.
For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website at: https://nshistory.org/