I was pedaling to the park the other day and did a double take at this big old historic house on Yellow Springs Road near the covered bridge.

Turns out the place is about to become Party Central.

A popular backdrop for goo-goo-eyed engagement photos, the park is now officially getting in the wedding business, leasing an estate that had fallen into genteel decay to two Phoenixville guys: Robert Ryan Catering and Design and The Party Center.

The 5,000 sq. ft. home and gardens were once home to Philander Chase Knox, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. (Is it bad luck that knots will be tied at old Philander’s place?)