About Us

The Malvern Memorial Parade has been sponsored by the Upper Main Line Memorial Association for decades. Originally known as the Upper Main Line Memorial Sunday Committee, it is likely the group had its roots in the older Paoli Memorial Association, which was formed in 1896 as trustee for the Paoli Memorial Park. The Malvern Memorial Parade draws its heritage from the Paoli Day festivities (sponsored by the Paoli Memorial Association) first held prior to 1820, and the introduction of “Decoration Day” in 1868.

The Association has been fortunate to have many notable Malvern residents as committee members. Fred H. Thomas, a prominent member of the community since 1923 was known as “Mr. Malvern” and was active in the Association for much of his adult life. Alison Burr wrote an article in the Daily Local News in 1960 encouraging residents to support the parade. His efforts produced “ one of the most colorful and impressive Memorial Sunday Parades in its history.” Mrs. Catherine J. Annear, fondly know as “Mrs. Malvern”, was the driving force for the Parade for many years until her death in 1981. With the passing of Mrs. Annear, preparations for the 1982 never took place. It was the quick planning by Kathie and Jerry Brown that kept the Parade’s uninterrupted record intact with a People’s Parade held on June 6, 1982.

Later in 1982, the Association was reorganized under the leadership of Frank and Carole Ortner, who continue as Chairpersons today. W. Walter Scott, Pete and Linda Thorell and Betty Burke were among the group that kept the tradition alive. Bill and Nancy Satterfield and Frank Venditti were also part of the 1982 committee and continue to serve as members along with Frank’s wife Rose Marie. Wiley and Helen Behler have also been actively involved since 1982. With Wiley’s passing in 2005, Helen and her family plan to continue their involvement with the popular Cake Walk after the Parade. Paul Hyduke and Anna Novelli have contributed to the organization for many years as well. Bob and Sue Bucco and Rich and Betsy Lee are some of the “newcomers” to the group, having been involved for over ten years. Jean Milne, Marianne and Paul Charlton, Peggy and Jay Chiappa and Bill Sitman are the newest members of the Association.

We are always looking for new members to help continue the Memorial Parade tradition into the 21st century.

A Century in Malvern, edited by Nancy B. Schmitt (1989) was the source for the information included above.