The source for the UCHS logo is a cast iron fence with a grape vine pattern in a rinceau motif. Examples of this fence design are found in front of several Second Empire homes in Spruce Hill.

By the 1840's the abundant amount of anthracite coal from the fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania flowing to Philadelphia down Pennsylvania's river and canal systems provided an ample source of fuel for the industrial cast iron foundries. Cast iron, an alloy high in carbon, is more brittle than wrought iron but also more weather resistant. In addition, it pours readily, making mass production of ornamental iron possible.

Our Robert Wood Foundry (later Wood and Perot) was a national leader in ornamental iron production, shipping iron fences such as New Orlean's famous cornstalk fence, from the Port of Philadelphia. Ornamental iron was available in many stock patterns which were widely copied, so unless a piece is signed, it is difficult to attribute it to a particular manufacturer.

For more information about the history of ornamental iron and a discussion of iron fence restoration techniques see: Henry J. Magaziner, Old House Journal, "The Art of Ironwork" May/June 1997. pp.33-39.