Local history for the day

Jessica Parks has an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about some little-known local Civil War history:

Neighbors opposing the proposed demolition of the William Penn Inn in Lower Merion presented information suggesting that the building might have harbored runaway slaves. At a meeting of the township Historical Commission, a resident of the inn showed photographs of a trapdoor panel and a hiding place between the second and third floors.
Gerald A. Francis, president of the Lower Merion Historical Society, said it would be nearly impossible to prove that runaways passed through, but "it would make sense" given its location near other known safe houses.
Joseph Price, one of Lower Merion's most notable Quaker forefathers, built the inn in 1799. In his diaries, Price wrote of giving money to slaves and helping them on their way to freedom, Francis said.
William Dupertuis said that, when he moved into one of the inn's apartments fifteen years ago, "I was told about the understanding of it being a stop on the Underground Railroad and there were hidden panels." Dupertuis showed photographs and described how a rope-and-pulley system hidden in the wall opened up a four- by eight-foot space in the ceiling.
Robert Wise, a historic preservation planner hired by the developer, said he had no idea about a possible slavery connection when he prepared his report. "This is news to me," he said.
John Rayer, the developer buying the property at Lancaster Avenue and Clover Hill Road, estimated the inn would cost two million dollars to restore to historical standards. He wants to build five single-family houses on the two-acre lot.
The Historical Commission unanimously recommended a ninety-day delay in the demolition. The plan is scheduled to be considered by the Planning Commission on 8 September 2014.

Rico says that's right up the street from him; he'll have to check it out...