NewsLetters
What's Happening in the Society
Most recent at the top
Historical Society of Whitpain
Boxwood House
1098 Skippack Pike
at the intersection of
Cathcart Road, Blue Bell
April,
2015 Newsletter of Wissahickon Valley Historical Society
[PDF file]
February,
2015 Newsletter of Wissahickon Valley Historical Society
[PDF file]
November 2014 Newsletter
We are very proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Board at their meeting on October 7 approved the nomination of the Franklinville School to be put onto the National Register of Historic Places. This nomination will be sent to the National Park Service in Washington, DC and later officially entered in the National Register. Inclusion in the National Register will ensure that our schoolhouse will exist for many future generations. It is a great honor to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
As you may all know by now the Historical Society of Whitpain is merging with the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society. This merger should prove to be to the advantage of us all who are interested in Historical Preservation.
Many thanks to our president Marie Goldkamp for her tireless work to get the Franklinville School onto the National Register. Without her efforts this would not have happened. Also without your generous and continued support in the form of dues, contributions and donations this dream could not have come true.
The process was a long, arduous and expensive one. We needed to employ Dave Kimmerly, a historical archivist, and to whom we give our thanks for his tireless work, to help guide us through the process. This expense, in addition to our other expenses (e.g. rent on Boxwood, insurance, electricity, repairs, postage. and other sundry costs associated with the upkeep of the Franklinville School and move out of Boxwood) has been a drain on our treasury. We are asking you to please renew your membership to the Society and to perhaps kick in a little more. Remember that it is only you, the individual members, who have enabled us to do what we have done.
President's Message:
Thank you for your past support of the Historical Society of Whitpain. Your support has enabled us to renovate and maintain the Franklinville School, our one room schoolhouse built in 1858. As we merge our society with the WVHS, we encourage you to continue to support historic preservation in Whitpain Township. The merger of our societies ensures that the Franklinville School and the 1895 School will continue to be maintained for future generations. I hope to see you at the Merger Celebration on November 16 at the 1895 School.
Marie Goldkamp
INVITATION TO MERGER CELEBRATION
The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society and the Historical Society of Whitpain are pleased to invite you to join us for an Open House Celebration marking the Merger of our two Societies and the pending listing of the Franklinville School on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Open House will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2014, with the formal signing of the Merger Agreement to take place at 2:30. The celebration will be held at the
1895 Public School
799 Skippack Pike
Blue Bell
at the corner of Skippack Pike and School Road.
For further information, please visit the website of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society at wvalleyhs.org. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Russ Bellavance at rcbellavance67@gmail.com or 215-646-6541.
I would also like to send out my personal thanks to all of you who have been so supportive of our Society through the years. We have weathered good and bad times but have always manged to get the job done. Please continue your support by renewing your membership. Again THANKS!
Herman Ehret
Click here, for the membership application
& renewal form in Word format.
For PDF format.
September 2014 NEWSLETTER
We have been invited by the members of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society to join them on September 8, 2014, 6PM at the 1895 Schoolhouse located at the corner of School Road and Skippack Pike.
We shall kick off the future merger of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society/Historical Society of Whitpain with a pot-luck supper and an evening of getting to know one another. We shall hear the latest news, learn about new artifacts donated to the Society, get a tour of the newly remodeled library in the 1895 Schoolhouse and a members’ show and tell. Attendees are encouraged to bring an item of interest to share and to give a short explanation concerning the item.
Please call Emmy Simon, 215-646-7731 to sign up for the pot-luck.
Coffee/juices/sodas provided.
Mark your Calendar
September 8 - Monthly meeting of WVHS
September 20 - Historical Society of Whitpain’s fall antique and plant sale at Boxwood house, Cathcart and Skippack, 9 AM
– 2 PMWe are looking for vendors for the Sale. Call 215-542-8845 if interested.
September 20 – 2014 Montgomery County History Fair- Heckler Plains Farmstead, 237 Landis Road, Harleysville
October 11 - WVHS’s annual market day/flea market - 8 to 2
July 2014 Newsletter
Meeting: Tuesday, July 29, 7:30 PM at the Boxwood House, intersection of Cathcart Road and Skippack Pike.
Program: History of Willow Grove Park
The program will include a slide show of the old days at the park and discussion of the music presented at the park. John Phillip Sousa was a frequent band leader at the park.
Speaker: Richard Karschner, former band leader at Upper Dublin High School
After the meeting, our museum room on the second floor will be open. Please come and see the many artifacts and photos which were donated to us through the years.
Open House: Sunday, July 20, 1 to 4 PM, the Franklinville School, 1701 Morris Road, Blue Bell. Come see our restoration of the last one-room schoolhouse open to the public in Whitpain..
Also open 1 to 4 p.m. are the 1895 Schoolhouse (Skippack & School Road) and the Evans-Mumbower Mill.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend. You can visit all three in one afternoon!!
Plant and Attic Sale: Saturday, September 20 from 9 to 2 PM at the Boxwood House. Vendors are needed for this sale. Please call 215-542-8845 for details.
On June 5 Carolyne Wurzer and Marie Goldkamp presented a program on the Franklinville School to the Mathers Mill Questers. The program was well received.
President's Message:
Please plan to attend the July 29th meeting since it will probably be our last meeting at Boxwood House before the merger with the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society. After the merger we will meet at the 1895 School on Skippack Pike. Please continue to support our society, financially and by attending our affairs, so that the Franklinville School may be maintained for future generations. Our school is a rare historical gem in Whitpain Township.
We are proud of the restoration that our society has accomplished through the years since the society was formed in 1983. Thank you for your support.
Marie Goldkamp
NOTE: September is coming up and we shall be asking you for dues to continue our work in maintaining the Franklinville School. Please consider renewing your membership. For those of you who forgot or otherwise did not send in your dues for 2013-2014, why not do so now. By paying now your membership will be good for the 2014-2015 year. Write that check and send it to: Historical Society of Whitpain, P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
Events of Historical Interest:
July 29 - Tea and Scones at the Ambler Library - Wealth of Minerals in Mont. Co. by Jim Johnston. 7 p.m.
Sad News: Paula Brogan passed away July 15, 2014. As committee chair of the Evans-Mumbower Mill she was a great supporter of our Society. She helped the Society in many ways which were not publicized, especially at the time of our 150th Anniversary. Our condolences go out to her family.
Good News: In August 2014 Gloria Jean Schoenagle will be showing her art work at Foulkways of Gwynedd, Call 215-643-2200 for directions and information. Gloria is well known to us all as a very talented artist and a long-time loyal member of the Society. She will be displaying works in oil, acrylic and pastel. The show is open to the public and admission is free. Make it a point to get out there and see her lovely works of art.
Any comments about the newsletter or information which may be relevant should be brought to my attention.
Thank you,
Herman Ehret
215-646-7315 hermoni@verizon.net
MAY 2014 NEWSLETTER
AFTERNOON MEETING: Wednesday, May 21 at 11 AM .
The Historical Society of Whitpain will hold a joint meeting with the WVHS on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 AM. We will meet at the Farmers' Union Hall which is the headquarters of the Worcester Historical Society.
It is located at 2011 Valley Forge Road in the village of Center Point which is before the village of Skippack. Go west on Skippack Pike and turn right at Valley Forge Road at the Exxon Station. It is the large white building next to the Exxon Station, on the left, after making the turn.
This 1898 building is a farm museum. After touring the building we will visit the Indenhofen Farm House built in 1725. The house is owned by the state but maintained by the Skippack Historical Society. The house and barn are located at the corner of Evansburg Road and Skippack Pike at Skippack.
Charlie Miller who is a board member of the Skippack Historical Society and loyal member of the Historical Society of Whitpain will give a tour of both buildings. There are many good restaurants in Skippack. Some members may choose to stay in Skippack and have lunch.
This is an opportunity to visit two historic gems in the local community which are open to the public only at limited times. Please make plans to join us!
We will NOT have a June meeting. The next meeting will be held on July 29.
ANNUAL PLANT & ATTIC SALE!!
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9AM - 3PM, at
Boxwood House.
Beautiful hanging baskets, herbs, potted plants. Antiques, furniture, fine collectibles, gifts, books, attic treasures, refreshments and more.... The flowers and plants would make great Mother's Day gifts. Come on by and see what is going on!
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1-4, at the 1858 FRANKLINVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE!
Located on Morris Road, 1/3 mile West of Route 202. Come and see our ongoing restoration of the last one-room schoolhouse open to the public in Whitpain. Bring your children and neighbors to experience early American education as practiced in our local area!
Volunteers are needed. Please call 215-542-8845 if you are available to help.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, MAY 20th, 1-4, at the 1895 SCHOOLHOUSE.
Skippack Pike at School Rd.
President's Message
The boards and members of the Historical Society of Whitpain and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society voted to merge into one historical society. Our focus on local history, particularly early education, has been very similar. Our collection of local history complements their collection. The merger will take place in a few months. Please continue to support our society so we may maintain the Franklinville School. Thank you for your support.
Marie Goldkamp
Don't forget to renew your membership, if you have not already done so!! Many thanks to all of you who have already done so. Without you we could not exist!
So please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it (P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422).
Happy Spring to all!!!!
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 (hermoni@verizon.net)
APRIL 2014 NEWSLETTER
NOTE: We will not have a meeting in April. The May meeting is planned for May 20.
However there are other events scheduled which may be of interest to you
Mark Your Calendar
April 6 - Wissahickon Valley Public Library’s Celebration of the Book - Library Benefit Brunch, at the 34 East Tavern on Butler Pike in Ambler, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $30. Attendees may bring 1 book for an informal evaluation.
"Want to find out what your old book is worth? Then come to WVPL’s Celebration of the Book
Pick up an invite at the circulation desk in Blue Bell, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73), Blue Bell, 215-643-1320 or at 209 Race Street in Ambler, 215-646-1072."
April 12 - Sheep Shearing Day - Peter Wentz Farmstead. 2030 Shearer Road (off Skippack Pike east of the intersection with Rt. 363 - Valley Forge Road) - 10 a.m. - 3p.m. Free. This is a great event for families.
April 12 - Hope Lodge - Spring cleaning event - Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington - 9a.m. - 1 p.m. See their website for details.
April 14 - Monthly meeting of the WVHS at the 1895 Schoolhouse7:30 PM ( School Road and Skippack Pike)- The Role Played by the Northern Philadelphia Suburbs in Grand Scheme of the American Revolution. Presented byJames Magaziner
April 20 - Open House at the 1895 Schoolhouse, 1 -4 p.m.
May 4 - Community Open House at The Highlands, 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, 2 - 4 p.m.
Plant andAttic Sale: Saturday, May 10 from 9AM to 3PM at Boxwood House. We have many beautiful plants and baskets which make great gifts for Mother's Day.
ATTENTION!!
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS
One more reminder. If you want to become or remain a member of the Society please use the form below to send in your money. After all this time and my pleas for support of the Society, I’m just going to let you and your conscience decide what to do.
Thanks to all of you who have renewed. Your support is very much appreciated.
Any questions or problems, let me know
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 (hermoni@verizon.net)
The Historical Society of Whitpain
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION &
RENEWAL FORM
Non profit 501(c) All Contributions
are Tax Exempt
MARCH 2014 NEWSLETTER
Meeting: Tuesday, March 25, 7:30 PM at Boxwood House intersection of Cathcart Road and Skippack Pike.
NOTE: Since we have limited spaces in our parking lot, the township has allowed us to park in the designated area in the front and to the left of the barn.
Program: Ralph Strassburger's Franklinville School, our one room schoolhouse, ca.1858.
Speaker: David Kimmerly, an historic preservation specialist has been researching our schoolhouse with the goal of placing it on the National Registry of Historic Places. He has discovered many interesting facts concerning our schoolhouse and has many old photos that he will share with our society.
Please plan to attend this meeting to learn more about our school.
Plant and Attic Sale: Saturday, May 10 from 9AM to 3PM. We have many beautiful plants and baskets which make great gifts for Mother's Day.
President's Message:
The Historical Society of Whitpain and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society have had many joint meetings and open houses for the past few years. Our society has been discussing a possible merger with the WVHS for the past few months. We have two major reasons for merging with their society. First, our membership has decreased significantly in the past few years and the number of active volunteers has decreased with the drop in membership. Second, our society cannot afford to maintain both the Boxwood House, which is used for our meetings, museum and library, and the Franklinville School, our one room schoolhouse on Morris Road. Every year our expenses far surpass our income. We cannot continue our society in this manner. So our board and the WVHS board has approved a merger of the two societies. Since we need the approval of our membership we will discuss and vote upon this measure at our next meeting on March 25. We need you to be there to express your opinion and to vote, so PLEASE try to attend!
The WVHS will vote on this issue at their next meeting in April.
If you have any questions or comments please call me. Thank you.
Marie Goldkamp
215-542-8845
NOTE: We will not have a meeting in April. The May meeting is planned for May 20.
ATTENTION!!
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS:
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so. We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but please continue your support for historic preservation by renewing your membership by paying your dues ($15 Individual/$25 Supporting).
It is painless and can be done in the privacy of your own home.
We really need you to respond and help us support the Society. In addition to our normal expenses such as Rent for Boxwood, Insurance on the Schoolhouse, Utilities and Repairs, we are in the process of putting the Franklinville School on the National Registry of Historic Places. This exercise is not as easy as one might think, but has involved getting some experts to help put together the necessary documentation. These people do not come free, but must be paid for.
So please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it (P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422). You are invited to give an additional donation if you wish. Having done so, you will be able to better sleep tonight knowing that you did something to help preserve the Franklinville School and Boxwood House.
Thanks.
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 ( hermoni@verizon.net)
You can click here to download & print the membership application & renewal form.
PDF file
Word file
DECEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER
ANNUAL HOLIDAY SOCIAL MEETING!
Tuesday, December 10th, 2:30-4:30 PM
Please join us for an afternoon of friendship and refreshments! Everyone is invited to bring a sweet or savory treat for all to share. We will have no formal program but please bring stories of your fond memories of the holidays past. Many traditions have been passed on from generation to generation during the holidays. If you so desire, we would like you to share those traditions with our members.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us!
This will be our last meeting for this year. Our first meeting in 2014 will be in March 2014.
The parking lot at Boxwood is completed but we have lost some spaces. If we need more spaces, the township has allowed us to park between the back fence and the barn, facing the fence.
President's Message
I thank all the dedicated volunteers who helped with the Franklinville School Open Houses and the Attic Sale last May. I also thank our members who have paid their membership dues and those who gave an extra donation for our preservation work at the schoolhouse.
The Franklinville School built in 1858, still exists today because our society was established in 1983 with the goal of preserving the school. Please continue to support our society.
I wish you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.
Marie Goldkamp
Special Historical Presentations at the Wissahickon Valley Library in Blue Bell
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 2 PM: PowerPoint art slides and discussion on August Rodin presented by a guide from the Rodin Museum.
Friday, Dec. 6 at 2 PM: Chestnut Hill: Its Heritage, History and Homes, presented by author, Elizabeth Farmer Jarvis
To many of us this special time of the year is a time of giving. Please, if you have not already done so, support historical preservation and the Franklinville School by renewing your membership. We are in the midst of trying to get the School on the National Historical Register. This process does not come without costs!
We also have other recurring costs as well as repairs to keep the School House in good condition. Please take a few minutes to sit down and write that check. It will be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Best wishes for the upcoming Holiday Season and for Good Health and Happiness in the New Year,
Herman Ehret,
Newsletter Editor 215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
To print out the Whitpain MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & RENEWAL Membership for: October 1, 2013 - September 30, 201
We are a Non profit 501(c) All Contributions are Tax Exempt
October, 2013 Newsletter
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, October 29 at the Whitpain Township Building, Meeting Room B at 7:30 PM.
The meeting
will NOT take place at Boxwood because the parking lot is still
being rebuilt. This will be our last regular meeting of the year.
PROGRAM:
The American Civil War, a program on the Union soldier, the
Battle at Gettysburg and the role of Montgomery County in the war.
SPEAKER:
Michael Jesberger, is President of the New Jersey
Regiment, a Revolutionary War reenacting organization. He is also a
member of the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry, a Civil War reenacting
organization.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: I thank the members who helped with the Franklinville School Open House on Sunday: Beverly Hahn, Ethel Hutchinson, Dot MacDermott, Pat Plumb and Carolyne Wurzer. The open house was a great success.
Please be generous with your support of our society. We are in the process of researching information on the schoolhouse with the goal of listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. Thank you.
Marie Goldkamp
NOTE: We welcome your submission of any events of historical interest for our newsletter
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS:
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so! Dues and private donations are our only regular source of income for our historic preservation, maintenance and programs. We are a small, self-supporting volunteer group with NO endowment, business sponsors or steady outside income! We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but PLEASE continue your support by paying your dues or otherwise contributing.
We count on each of you to help us continue our
work. Please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it. Get
that out of your way thereby clearing your conscience and allowing
yourself be able to sleep better tonight knowing that YOU have
helped to preserve our past! You will also help the Society to
save money on postage because all of you who have not paid your dues
will get a special request in the mail or a midnight knock on your
door!!
To get Dues Renewal form, click here.
Thanks to all of you who have paid your dues!
If for any reason you cannot or do not wish to renew, please let me know by sending me an e-mail or give me a call. If you have any suggestions for making the Society more relevant or attractive to your needs, also please let me know. Your opinions, good and bad are important to us!!
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, Newsletter Editor,
215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
SEPTEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER
NOTE: The meeting will NOT take place at Boxwood because the parking lot is still being rebuilt. This will be our last regular meeting of the year. It will take place at the Whitpain Township Building, Meeting Room B at 7:30PM.
The next meeting will take place on October 29 at the Boxwood House at 7:30 PM. Michael Jesberger, an historical reenactor will present the American Civil War, a program on the Union soldier, the Battle at Gettysburg and the role of Montgomery County in the war.
OPEN HOUSES:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, and OCTOBER 20 1 to 4 PM at the Franklinville School. These will be the last Open Houses in 2013. Pick a date and join us for some fun, and bring the family. We need a few volunteers to help greet visitors, socialize with our other members, and serve light refreshments. Please call 215-542-8845 if you are available to help that day.
NOTE: The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society will NOT have an open House on September 15. They will have an open house October 20 from 1-4 PM. They are preparing for their Market Day on October 12 from 8 am to 2 pm at the 1895 Schoolhouse (School Lane & Skippack Pike). They are looking for vendors ($20.00 booths available outside). Call Audrey Hahn, 267-421-5019 for info. Volunteers needed for set-up, museum tours and food table.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 1 to 4 PM Evans-Mumbower Mill the WVWA presents ‘Old Fashioned Mill Day". For more Info call 215-646-8866
NOTE: We welcome your submission of any events of historical interest for our Newsletter.
President's Message:
I thank Emmy Simon, Mabel and Bob Whittock for assisting Dave Kimmerly, an historic preservation specialist, in his research on the history of the Franklinville one room schoolhouse. The society has asked Dave to assist us with the goal of listing the school on the Register of Historic Places. Please be generous in your financial support of our society so we are able to accomplish this goal.
Thank you.
Marie Goldkamp
OtherEvents Of Historical Interest:
Wissahickon Valley Public Library in Blue Bell will present a Program: History of Peter Wentz Farmstead by Kim Boise on Thursday, September 26 at 2 PM.
Saturday October 13 Market Day Wissahickon Valley Historical Society at the 1895 Schoolhouse - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please make plans to attend. This is their main fundraiser.
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS: Please consider renewing your membership to the Historical Society of Whitpain NOW!!
Your dues are our only regular source of income for our historic preservation, maintenance and programs. We are currently putting together information which will be used to get our Franklinville one room School onto the National Historical Registry. This will take money to do, so please renew your membership.
I have put a copy of the Dues Renewal form at the end of this newsletter you can print out and mail it to P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA, 19422.
Thanks
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 7:30PM at Boxwood House, intersection of Cathcart Rd. and Skippack Pike
NOTE: The last Monday in May is Memorial Day so we are moving up our meeting by one week.
PROGRAM: Presidential Leadership: Does it Matter? This program will review our past presidents' successes and failures, discuss some models of presidential leadership, and offer observations on the nature and sources of presidential power.
PRESENTED BY: James Hilty, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History, Temple University. Dr. Hilty is an expert on presidential politics and is best known for his critically-acclaimed book, Robert Kennedy, Protector Brother. During his 41 years at Temple,
he has been History Department Chair and Dean of the Graduate School.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: A new slate of officers will be elected at our May 21 meeting. The Offices are as follows: President / Vice President / Treasurer / Corresponding Secretary / Recording Secretary
Anyone interested in serving as an officer, please contact Marie Goldkamp.
NOTE: There will be NO meeting in June. Our next meeting will be held on July 30.
Open House at the Franklinville School is scheduled for Sun, May 19, 1-4 PM. Volunteers are needed. Children are welcome to come and write on slate boards, play period games and dress up in period clothes. Great photo-op!!!
Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 Schoolhouse will also be open to the public on that day, 1-4 PM
Evans-Mumbower Mill will be open from 1-3 PM.
Franklinville School Open House dates for 2013: 5/19, 7/15, 9/16 & 10/21
Our May Attic Sale was very successful and well attended. Many thanks to all who attended.
President's Message: Thanks to all who helped with the Plant and Attic Sale on May 11: Herman
Ehret, Ethel Hutchinson, Joyce Keller, Dot MacDermott, Judy Hahn, Tom Goldkamp and Pat Plumb. The Attic Sale was a success thanks to your efforts. I also thank all the members who supported this event.
A special thanks to Judy Hahn and Aaron Quinn who weeded the gardens at the Boxwood House. They look beautiful.
Marie Goldkamp
Saturday, May 18. The Centre Square Fire Company celebrates their 100th Anniversary. Their parade begins at 11 AM at Skippack Pike and
Penllyn- Blue Bell Pike and ends with a ceremony at the fire station.
Events of Historical interest:
Worcester Historical Society. Open House Saturdays, 9 am - Noon, at the Farmer's Union Hall. See what Worcester was like 100 years ago!
Saturday, May 25 - Morgan Log House, Kulpsville will host a military encampment of the 18th, 19th, and 20th century wars - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, May 27, 2013 (Memorial Day) – “Our Forgotten Past” will be the focus of the annual tribute to Norristown native & American hero, Winfield Hancock in Hancock Square at 12 noon. Hancock Square sits right outside the Montgomery County Courthouse (Swede and Main Streets). Music by the Norristown Chorale. Narrative by
W.S. Hancock Society Historian, Bruce Stocking with wreath laying. For more information call – 610-630-0912 or see their website at
www.wshancocksociety.org
Saturday, June 1, 2013 Worcester Historical Society's Annual Flea Market,
Worcester Township Community Hall at Heyser Field 1031 Valley Forge Road, Fairview Village 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the 73rd Annual Farmers Union Horse Show! Featuring breakfast & lunch on the grill by Friends of Worcester & the Historical Society's famous Bake Sale. Plus antique, craft, and jewelry vendors, and new this year -- perennials! To be a vendor, visit our website at worcesterhistorical.org
Saturday, Oct. 12 (Raindate - Oct. 14) - WVHS Flea Market & Bake Sale at the 1895 Schoolhouse. Please share date with possible dealers. Volunteers needed.
ATTENTION!!
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS
Thank you all who have renewed.
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so. We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but PLEASE continue your support by paying your dues ($15 Individual / $25 Supporting).
We really need you to respond and help us support the Society. In addition to our normal expenses such as Rent for Boxwood ( $ 100.00/ month to the Township/ $1200.00/year), Insurance on the Schoolhouse
( $1,051 this year), Utilities (PECO about $ 30 per month even when we use no electricity) and Repairs, we want to put the Franklinville School on the National Registry of Historic Places. This exercise is not as easy as one might think, but will involve getting some experts to help put together the necessary documentation. These people do not come free, but must be paid for.
So please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it (P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422). You are invited to give an additional donation if you wish.
I often wonder if anyone reads these pleas for dues, because of the underwhelming and sometimes lack of response. What can I do to have you respond, positively or negatively.
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 ( hermoni@verizon.net)
The Historical Society of Whitpain
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & RENEWAL FORM
Membership Year: October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013
MARCH 2013 NEWSLETTER
Meeting: Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 PM at Boxwood House intersection of Cathcart Road and Skippack Pike.
Program: Pastors and Patriots: The Muhlenberg Family of Pennsylvania. This program will explore the history of the Muhlenberg family, one of the most influential Pennsylvania German families of all time. Henry earned the title of patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America. He married Anna Maria Weiser and they had eleven children. Three of their sons achieved significant renown. Peter became a Revolutionary War general. Frederick was the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Henry, Jr. was a renowned botanist. This presentation will be accompanied by images of the family's houses, portraits, etc.
Speaker: Lisa Minardi, a curator at Winterthur Museum is also the president of The Speakers House in Trappe, PA.
Plant and Attic Sale: Saturday, May 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Boxwood House. Donations of small items and baked good would be appreciated. Volunteers are needed. Please call 215-542-8845 if you are available to help that day.
Franklinville School Open House: Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 4 PM. Volunteers are needed. Children are welcome to come and write on old slate boards, play period games and dress up in period clothes. Great photo-op !!!
Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
There will be NO meeting in April. Our next meeting will be held on May 21
President's Message: Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make our Franklinville School Open Houses and Attic Sales so successful last year. Carolyne Wurzer and I presented the history of the Boxwood House and the Franklinville School to the Poor Richards Questers on March 5. We enjoyed meeting their members and thank them for their donation to our society.
Marie Goldkamp
Special Thanks To:
- Gloria Schoenagle, a member and juried artist who donated many of her beautiful paintings of Normandy Farm scenes to our historical society. These paintings will be sold at our meetings and at the Attic Sale on May 11.
- Larry Wesson who removed the large fallen branch from the schoolhouse property.
Sad News: One of our members, Bill Ridenhour passed away recently. Bill was a wonderful person, blessed with a beautiful voice. He sang at the 150th year Anniversary of the Frankilnville School. Anyone who was there cannot help but remember his most beautiful and inspiring rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Bill also sang at other meetings and at our Holiday Social in 2011. This wonderful man will be missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
ATTENTION!!
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so. We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but please continue your support by paying your dues ($15.00 Individual/ $25.00 Supporting).
We really need you to respond and help us support the Society. In addition to our normal expenses such as Rent for Boxwood, Insurance on the Schoolhouse, Utilities and Repairs, we want to put the Franklinville School on the National Registry of Historic Places. This exercise is not as easy as one might think, but will involve getting some experts to help put together the necessary documentation. These people do not come free, but must be paid for!
So please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it (P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422). You are invited to give an additional donation if you wish. You will also save us the costs of sending out separate mailings.
Having done so, you will be able to better sleep tonight knowing that you did something to help preserve the Franklinville School and Boxwood House.
Thanks,
Herman Ehret,
215-646-7315 (hermoni@verizon.net)
Click here for the membership form.
Newsletters