The Rent Is How Much?

Pa. county may owe rent of 200 roses
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Franklin County may be centuries behind in rent on two of its public buildings — having accumulated a debt of more than 200 roses.
County officials were reminded of the debt after the recent death of Chambersburg resident John F. George, a descendant of community founder Benjamin Chambers.
Benjamin Chambers first established the local rose rent tradition by requiring three churches that settled in Chambersburg to give his family one flower a year in return for land. The congregations consistently have paid the annual floral rent.
But George had said for years that a deed transferring two lots for use as a county courthouse and jail also required the county to pay his family one rose a year. The deed, dating to 1784, is kept in the courthouse and can be viewed on microfilm.
The issue never gained much traction with county officials.
George always said he "was grateful the Chambersburg churches were so faithful to pay their rent every year but was disappointed the county refused to do so and owed the family over 200 roses," the Rev. Bill Harter, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring, said during a memorial service on Saturday for George, who died July 15.
Rose rent traditions date back to 15th-century Britain.