Francis L. McKelvey and Son

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Francis L. McKelvey and Son - Landscape Contractors
225 Rock Hill Road
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

(610) 664-3531 ph
(610) 664-1043 fx
http://mckelveyandson.com

In the late 1890’s, young Francis McKelvey relocated to the United States from the Southern Ireland province of Bally Gawley. Francis settled in Narberth and spent the early 20th century honing his gardening skills at the Philadelphia Fairmount Parks division Horticultural Hall, where he worked for several years with his sights set on someday starting his own company. Francis’ dream was realized in 1916 when Francis L. McKelvey Landscape Contractors was founded with a client base in the Merion section of Lower Merion Township. In the early years, Francis would walk his horse-drawn utility cart to tend to formal gardens on early estates. Francis’ job as head gardener at private homes also included keeping furnaces full of coal. He was also one of the first contractors in the area to own a new Ford Model T Stake body truck and a gas-powered lawn mower around 1930.

Around this time, Francis also began expanding his business throughout Lower Merion Township, which would pave the road for generations to come. The most substantial business growth, however, came in the 1960’s and 1970’s when son Francis Jr. and grandson John took on larger Main Line properties and commercial projects as well. The business also saw increased growth in the 1980’s as tree care crews were brought on and the eldest great grandson, John, Jr., developed landscape design skills to usher in the fourth generation to the most productive period to date.

Today, Francis L. McKelvey and Son is operated by John, Sr. as President with John, Jr. as head designer with Joe, and Jeff working in sales and operations. With a work force of 50 employees, our company is equipped to handle all Residential and Commercial landscape projects.