Delaware County History

Martin Luther King and Beef & Beer

2012-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Dr. Peter A. Lillback is giving a talk on the Theological Genius of Martin Luther King this Sunday, February 26 from 4 to 6 pm at the P.I.T. 800 Manchester Ave. in Media, the information is below. The Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park is having a beef and beer fundraiser at the Jeffords Mansion aka the Park hdqters. The date is Friday March 9 at 630 pm. Tickets are 25 dollars in advance 30 dollars at the door. Beer is supplied by Box Car brewery of West Chester who have won several awards. The beef is from the "Pig Out" and believe me it is one of the best. The food is excellent! Come and support both of these causes.

The Delaware County Historical Society
Cordially invites YOU to join us for our FREE
Annual Black History Month Celebration

Featuring
Dr. Peter A. Lillback,
President, The Providence Forum,

Sunday, February 26, 2012 • 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Presenting
The Theological Genius of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s
Letter From Birmingham Jail

The Community Performing Arts
Center at P.I.T.
800 Manchester Avenue • Media, Pennsylvania
Sunday, February 26, 2012 • 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Renowned Author, Dr. Peter Lillback,
President of The Providence Forum, is author of
best-seller, “George Washington’s Sacred Fire.”
Donations appreciated.

Generously Sponsored By:
TD Bank/Newtown Square DNB First Bank

Colonial Plantation Beef and Beer
Animal Fund Benefit (we need to purchase a cow)
March 9th (6:30 - 10:30)
Tickets -$25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door
Location -Ballroom at the Jeffords Mansion, Ridley Creek
State Park

The Colonial Plantation is hosting a Beef and Beer on March 9th and CPP needs your support. All proceeds go to our animal fund and to the purchase of two Guernsey steer calves. We are going to train these calves to work as an oxen team. We hope to purchase chickens, geese and turkeys as well. A red Devon milking cow is also in the plans for the near future. The event will take place at the main ballroom of the Jeffords mansion in Ridley Creek
State Park. There will be music, dancing, food and liquid refreshment. Dinner will be
served at 7 followed by an Irish sing along. Beer will be provided by "Box Car Brewery"
and food by "Pig Out" of Chadds Ford. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the
door. Call the office (610-566-1725) to purchase your tickets or email at
hut804@comcast.net.

The First Clover Leaf

2012-02-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

With Spring and St. Paddys Day right around the corner{ I HOPE} I though a lucky Clover Leaf would be in order. The second Clover Leaf in the stae of Pennslyvania was built in Delaware County in 1939 and opened on September 1 of that year. This aerial view of Middletown Rd. and Baltimore Pike is from 1946. The Granite Run Mall would ne in the upper left today just out of site.
Also this week if you are looking for something to do monday with the kids off try these happenings below

Middletown Township Historical Society
presents
MIDDLETOWN MONDAYS

Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m.
at Lima Estates, 411 North Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063
Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Monday, February 20
THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE: A "FOUNDING SON" OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
by Gene Pisasale, author of Lafayette’s Gold: The Lost Brandywine Treasure
The lecture highlights the little known role that the Marquis de Lafayette played in America’s war for independence including his participation at the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777. His ongoing support, both monetary and political, helped win the war against Great Britain and earns him recognition as a “Founding Son” of the Revolutionary War.

Sixth Annual Presidents’ Day Celebration

at John Chads House
The John Chads House will be open

Monday, February 20, 2012

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in
honor of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays.

When General Washington
positioned his soldiers on the hillside next to the Chads House in 1777, a nervous Widow Chads
hid her silver spoons in her pocket. Costumed guides will lead tours of the little stone mansion
that survived the Battle of Brandywine and tell about its fascinating history. Don’t miss bread
baking in the beehive oven in the cellar kitchen! Visitors can walk along the scenic one-mile River Trail from the Chads House to the Brandywine River Museum. The John Chads House is
one of the Delaware County Historical Society’s Passport to History sites. Admission to the John
Chads House is $5 for adults; members of the Chadds Ford Historical Society and children 12
and under are free.
There will be many exhibits and special activities at the Visitors Center, free of charge. Younger
visitors can enjoy the coloring station and the collection of Presidents and First Ladies paper
dolls. Older visitors can be challenged by the Presidential quizzes, the “Name that US State”
game, or the Presidential matching game with portraits, names, and quotes from many well
known U.S. Presidents. There will be refreshments, costumed interpreters, and beehive oven
bread for sale. For information, call (610) 388-7376 or visit www.chaddsfordhistory.org. The Chads
House is located opposite the Barn Visitors Center on Creek Road, ¼ mile north of U.S. Route 1.

Nixon, Preservation and place names

2012-02-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

On this Saturday, February 11, the county along with the state is having a workshop on preserving Pennsylvania. All the information is below. The Newtown Square Historical Society is having a talk next week on Richard Nixon and some of the good things he did during his presidency like the visit to China in 1972. On my website I will soon be adding a section on old Delaware County place names used before 1950. Many such as Markham and Painters Crossing have disappeared in just a generation. Towns like Chelsea and Adele have also faded. I'm hoping some readers will send me info thru my website of what they remember, names that are not used anymore. My website is delawarecountyhistory.com and I also have a Facebook page Delaware County Pa history

Preservation Pennsylvania

invites the community to attend

Preserving Pennsylvania: A Workshop for Communities on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at the Government Center Building, Delaware County Council Meeting Room, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA.

The workshop will begin at 9:00am and conclude at 12:00pm. Registration will begin at 8:30am. In the event of inclement weather, the workshop will be held Saturday, February 25th, 2012. Presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), PennDOT and the Delaware County Planning Department, the workshop brings together preservationists and historical society representatives from across southeastern Pennsylvania to discuss strategies to preserve and protect places that matter. Leading experts in preservation, planning and transportation will provide attendees with the tools to protect, preserve and enhance historic resources. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration can be accessed online at www.paprojectpath.org or http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5fgg4pngvpc4dk6/start. Preservation Pennsylvania is the Commonwealth's only statewide, private non-profit, membership organization dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania’s historic places through creative partnerships, targeted educational and advocacy programs, special projects and technical assistance.

Newtown Square Historical Society
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
“THE NIXON ERA”
The Newtown Square Historical Society is proud to have noted Speaker and Historian Ashley Hunter as their February
15th speaker. His subject will be Richard Nixon, a President whose story will be of interest to many people – especially
those of us who lived through those turbulent times. Whatever his role in Watergate was, Watergate will always remain thebig question and darkest moment during Nixon’s term in office. Great moments such as when Apollo II landed the first man on the moon tend to stand alone rather than remembered as part of the Nixon era. Have we forgotten that Nixon was the first president to travel to China? Admission is free – all are welcome, so please come and bring a
friend.

Refreshments will be served. Join us at the Dunwoody
Village Auditorium at 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 15th.
More details can be found on the Society’s website:
http/www.historicnewtownsquare.org/

Trees and preservation

2012-02-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

There is a talk in Aston this week on Big Trees in Delco and in Penna and with this weather it is a must to come out and learn. Plus the county along with the state is having a meeting on February 11, a Saturday morning. The meeting which features local and state experts is how to preserve and protect buildings and resources in the county. the meeting/ workshop will be held in the morning and is open to all.

Big Trees Of Pennsylvania

The Aston Township Historical Society will meet on Thursday February 9th at 7pm

in the Municipal Building. 5021 Pennell Rd., rear entrance, next to the T D Bank.

A.T.H.S will present Scott Wade a local Arborist and author of " King of Big Trees ". Mr Wade will present a power point program on Pennsylvania's Big Trees. Scott actually found his love of trees while working at Our Lady of Angels Convent here in Aston. With a lot of study and documentation, later he is able to help us understand what these Trees mean to nature and what they should mean to us also. Learn how they are measured and treasured by Scott and how others can help with this project. Mr. Wade was featured in the October Issue of the Philadelphia Magazine. Come learn how he has updated the book " Big tees of Pennsylvania ".

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Preservation Pennsylvania

invites the community to attend

Preserving Pennsylvania: A Workshop for Communities on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at the Government Center Building, Delaware County Council Meeting Room, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA.

Madaleen Ellis Scholarship for Newtown Township residents

2012-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Madaleen Ellis Scholarship was just established last year to promote history and to help a Newtown Township resident/student with higher education. Read below for the requirements. I have been adding 19th century marriage licences to my website with some new pictures so take a look and lots of good programs coming this month and next month. Visit my website for more information delawarecountyhistory.com

About the Scholarship
Established in 2011, the Madaleen Ellis Scholarship aims to promote interest in local history, support the mission of the Newtown Square Historical Society (NSHS) and support the education of our township residents. The scholarship also aims to honor the memory of a key contributor to the Society, encourage Society membership and awareness.

Scholarship Amount
$500.

Scholarship Requirements

High School Senior, Undergraduate or Graduate Student who is a resident of Newtown Township
Non-residents who have significantly contributed to the mission of the Society will be eligible to apply
Scholarship funds must go towards an accredited institution of higher education

Deadline
February 29, 2012

Application
Apply Online at: http://www.historicnewtownsquare.org/about/scholarship/

Marcus Hook Aerial view and upcoming events.

2012-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

The picture above is an aerial view of Marcus Hook from about 1947.

There are a number of interesting talks and lectures coming up this coming week. The John Chad house in Chadds Ford will be opened this coming Monday, January 17. If you have never been there it is worth the trip. It is one of the oldest houses in the county. While there take in the Chris Sanderson Museum. Chris was an eccentric historian who saved everything the visit is a must. On Wednesday January 19 there will be a talk on the U.S.S. Alligator, the first submarine purchased by the U.S. government. The talk is in Newtown square and should be quite interesting, there are some local ties to the submarine. There will also be a talk on the Darlington Dairy in Middletown on January 23. In the 19th century the Darlington Dairy butter was highly prized and was used at the White House in Washington by several U.S. presidents at their request.

Several other lectures are coming up visit my website delawarecountyhistory.com for more details and events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

at John Chads House
The John Chads House will be open Monday, January 16, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The last family to live in the c. 1725 house was the African-
American family of Maryann Strand. They lived there for close to nineteen years and were the
last to live in the house before it was purchased and restored by the Chadds Ford Historical
Society, more than 40 years ago. Guides will lead tours of the small stone mansion that survived
almost 300 years and tell about its fascinating history. Don’t miss bread baking in the beehive
oven in the cellar kitchen! Visitors can walk along the scenic one-mile River Trail from the
Chads House to the Brandywine River Museum.
There will be refreshments, a video showing some of Dr. King’s speeches, a coloring area for
young visitors, exhibits, games, and special activities at the Visitors Center, free of charge. The
John Chads House is one of the Delaware County Historical Society’s Passport to History sites.
Admission to the John Chads House is $5 for adults; members of the Chadds Ford Historical
Society and children 12 and under are free. For information, call (610) 388-7376 or visit
www.chaddsfordhistory.org. The Chads House is located opposite the Visitors Center on Creek Road, ¼ mile north of U.S. Route 1.

Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
“The U.S.S. Alligator”

Location:
The Dunwoody Village Auditorium,

3500 West Chester Pike,
Newtown Square, PA

Questions? Contact Jan Elston
(610) 353-1326
The “Alligator“ was the first submarine purchased by the US Government
back in the 1800’s. The Newtown Square Historical Society presents Guest
speaker, Dan Cashin, at the Dunwoody Village Auditorium in Newtown
Square, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. The program will begin at 8:00 P.M.
There is no charge to attend this presentation and school children are
welcome. Fifteen minutes prior to the program, the Society will have a brief
general meeting open to the public. Come early to stay informed about what’s
new in historic Newtown Square.
Dan explains how The Alligator influenced the history of Marcus Hook, As a
participant in many Civil War enactments, Dan is knowledgeable on many
facets of the devastating war between the Union and the succeeding states of
the south. His little-known story of the U.S.S. Alligator, includes the ironclad
USS Monitor and a Confederate submarine, CSS Hurley.

Middletown Township Historical Society
presents
MIDDLETOWN MONDAYS

Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m.
at Lima Estates, 411 North Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063
Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Monday, January 23, 2012
DARLINGTON'S CORNUCOPIA DAIRY
by Nancy Webster, Independent Scholar
Jesse Darlington settled in Middletown in 1795 and shipped fresh-churned butter to shops in Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia counties, first by horseback and then by wagon as roads were improved. For the next 200 years six generations of the Darlington family operated dairy farms along Darlington Road. Beginning in 1858 butter was shipped by rail to Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC, where it was served at the White House.

Delaware County Marriages and Closed Historical Sites

2012-01-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

Before September 30, 1885 marriage licenses were not required in the state of Penna. Before then there was just a church record if that. Many couples put announcements in the local paper. I and my typing committee have just started a large project copying marriage notices that were put in the Delaware County Republican newspaper from 1833 thru the 1880's. This will take awhile there are thousands of names but it will be a big help to people doing research. More historical events have been added to my website delawarecountyhistory.com

The Morton Homestead in 1948

Speaking of history wouldn't it be nice if the county or state reopened the Morton Mortonson Homestead on Lincoln Ave. in Prospect Park. As the oldest standing home in Penna. it would be nice if it was once again opened for visitors. Even a few hours on weekends would be nice. Any comments?

New Year Goings on

2011-12-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

I hope all of my few readers had a great Xmas and New Year. Needless to say nothing has been going on historicaal in the past month but that changes in January. The Middletown Lecture Series is back and this is whats coming

Middletown Township Historical Society

presents

Middletown Mondays

Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m.

at Lima Estates, 411 North Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063

Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Monday, January 23, 2012

DARLINGTON'S CORNUCOPIA DAIRY

by Nancy Webster, Independent Scholar

Jesse Darlington settled in Middletown in 1795 and shipped fresh-churned butter to shops in Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia counties, first by horseback and then by wagon as roads were improved. For the next 200 years six generations of the Darlington family operated dairy farms along Darlington Road. Beginning in 1858 butter was shipped by rail to Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC, where it was served at the White House.

Monday, February 20

THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE: A "FOUNDING SON" OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
by Gene Pisasale, author of
Lafayette’s Gold: The Lost Brandywine Treasure
The lecture highlights the little known role that the Marquis de Lafayette played in America’s war for independence including his participation at the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777. His ongoing support, both monetary and political, helped win the war against Great Britain and earns him recognition as a "Founding Son" of the Revolutionary War.
If you have not visited my website alot has been added delawarecountyhistory.com
I have added numerous pictures they need to be identified so please take a look. The picture above is unknown it is the Worrell Postoffice near Media

Sun Oil 104 years ago

2011-12-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

The sudden closing of the Sun Oil Refinery after 109 years is truly a shock! There are no words. The first picture above from 1907 gives a look at the refinery in horse and buggy days literally! The second picture is from the 1920's. There are all sorts of things happening in the county historically this weekend and next, Activities of all kinds and all ages so take a break, relax and enjoy some county history. Visit my website delawarecountyhistory.com and click on events for all the event info.
I added some early Sun Oil pictures from my collection. Below is an early picture of one of the first stills at the Sun Oil Plant from about 1910.

The above picture show early oil tankers at the Sun Oil Wharf. Notice that some are sailing ships in the early days oil was shipped in barrels.

Books and the first December weekend

2011-11-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Two new books are out just in time for Xmas! the Upper Darby Township and Middletown Township Arcadia books. Both are loaded with pictures. Info on where to get them is on my website delawarecountyhistory.com And the first weekend in December has several things going on see below. The Colonial Plantation has a lot of different activities on December 3rd for the for the whole family.

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation presents . .
Get into the Holiday Spirit with us! Saturday, Dec 3rd 11 to 4

Christmas at the Farm

$10 adult admission
$8 child admission (age 4 to 12)
The Plantation is located in Ridley Creek State Park and easily reached from the
Park Entrances on Route 3, Route 352 and Providence Road
For more information: visit www.colonialplantation.org or call the Plantation Office at 610-566-1725
Farmhouse decorated by Springfield Garden Club
Byers Choice “Farmer & Farmer’s wife” available for purchase! Limited Edition carolers!
MacDougall’s Victory Cakes for tasting & purchase
Tea Tasting

Come celebrate the holidays Swedish Style at the Trim-A-Swedish-Christmas-Tree Party!

The event takes place at The Swedish Cabin located at 9 Creek Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 on Sunday, December 4Th, 2011 from 2 PM until 4 PM. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Friends of the Swedish Cabin invite you to attend a special event of the season. We'll have Swedish holiday food from our Julbord, beverages, decorations, and Swedish Christms music. Help us decorate our Christmas tree, Julgran, with apples, heart baskets and straw ornaments. Tour the cabin and warm yourself by a roaring fire. And shop for gifts at our Butiken, too! It's fun for all ages! Start your Christmas Season by stepping back in time with this very special event! For more information call 610-237-8064 or 610-449-3577 or e-mail questions to TheSwedishcabin@comcast.net. God Jul!
Best regards,
Karen Micka Board of Director Member of Friends of the Swedish Cabin Realtor, ASP,SRES,ABR
610-565-1300 x 207
direct: 610-891-2462 e-fax: 610-340-2388
Please call for an appointment rather than email a request...thank you

Wassailing the orchard at 1 and 3 (a Plantation tradition)
Textile, woodworking and long rifle demos
50% SALE on all Plantation Store inventory
Visit Father Christmas from noon to 2
Make Christmas decorations
String popcorn and cranberries

See farm animals in their holiday finery
Especially for the kids
Last chance to visit the Plantation in 2011

Blackbeard and an old postoffice

2011-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

With Johnny Depp, Pirates have taken on a whole new life in the last 10 odd years. According to legend Blackbeard the pirate aka Edward Teach had a girlfriend he visited in Marcus Hook. The house still stands and Mike Manerchia who owns it will talk this Wednesday in Newtown Square.

Newtown Square Historical Society

Presents

“AHOY MATIES”

The Newtown Square Historical Society is featuring a slide and talk program on

“Blackbeard in Marcus Hook”,

by Mike Manerchia.

The presentation will be on Wednesday, October 26th, in the Dunwoody Village Auditorium, at 8:00P.M.
Mr. Manerchia, after purchasing an old house in Marcus Hook, discovered artifacts linking the house to Blackbeard the pirate. The house had been in his wife’s family for 100 years.

This is a fascinating discovery and is sure to be a great program.

Please come, and bring friends – refreshments will be served. The program is free to everyone. For more information, please check our website at www:historicnewtownsquare.org

And in keeping with the Halloween spirit a historic cemetery walking tour!

Halloween Walking Tour

and

Poetry Reading

Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM.

at Cumberland Cemetery,

the historic resting place for many prominent Delaware and Chester County residents, will be hosting a haunted Halloween walking tour on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM. Cumberland Cemetery remains a historic gem nestled in the heart of Middletown Township. It retains the charm and tranquility of a turn-of-the-century cemetery in a country setting.

At Cumberland Cemetery’s Haunted Halloween Walking Tour, guests will retrace the path and findings of a recent study undertaken by the paranormal investigation team from Southeast Paranormal Investigation and Research Team of Pennsylvania (SPIRT of PA). Learn about some “hidden” history of the Cumberland Cemetery while exploring the past lives and deaths of some of the cemetery’s residents. Along with some chilling tales of the paranormal, the walking tour will provide a study of the cemetery’s Victorian architecture, some burial customs throughout the ages, and gravestone symbolism. Group tours will be held at 4:00 PM. Each tour will be limited to 25 guests. Space is limited, so please RSVP to reserve a spot.

Suppose An Eyes, a workshop for poets in Philadelphia and surrounding communities, will hold a Halloween-themed poetry reading at the cemetery at 5:30 PM following the Haunted Halloween Tour. Guests are cordially invited to attend one or both events.

For more information, please contact Bridget A. Monaghan, Director of Marketing for the Cumberland Cemetery. She can be reached at bridget@philadelphiafuneralcare.com or 610-449-8585.

Cumberland Cemetery is located at 447 N. Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063 (Rt. 352 across from Penn State Brandywine).

If you have not checked my website lately alot has been added. delawarecountyhistory.com

And does anybody recognize this building? It is an old post office from Upper Providence area

Trolleys and the Weekends Events

2011-10-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

If you have not visted my website, delawarecountyhistory.com a lot has been added including pictures and information on Delco trolleys and some new booklets.
Several good lectures and event are coming this week including:
Tonight
The Chester Historical Preservation Committee is sponsoring a lecture by Dr. Joseph Edgette on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 7 PM at the Hedgerow Theater, 146 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, Pa .He will speak on the role Civil War hospitals played in Delaware County Dr. Edgette is Professor Emeritus and Folkelore Emeritus at Widener University.His presentation will be very interesting and informative.
And the weekend:
The Newtown Square Historical Society requests the pleasure of your company at our very first Harvest Moon Party on Saturday, October 15th,
6-10pm at the Drexel Lodge Pavilion. Please gather with us, just a mile and a half west of town on West Chester Pike, behind the Train Museum. Enjoy a seasonal buffet and kick up your heels with live music from THE GNAWGAHYDES “Not real bluegrass, but better for you!” Just $12 for adults, children under 12 free. Members and Nonmembers are welcome. Please register on line at
http://historicnewtownsquare.org/news_events/fall_event.asp

COLONIAL HARVEST
and Craft Show
at
The Thomas Massey House &
The Marple Christian Church
Saturday, Octber 15 1100:Am -- 4:00 pm
Where: 1696 Thomas Massey House
Location: Lawrence & Springhouse Rds.
Broomall, Pa. 610-353 - 4967
http://www.thomasmasseyhouse.org/
Experience Early American Life in 17thCentury Marple
The culture, customs, hardships and the daily work routine will be
brought to life by colonial clad volunteers. Come learn and discover
how to churn butter, make candles, and apple butter. Also, see
a working blacksmith shop, and enjoy the delicious aroma from the
walk-in working fireplace while listening to the music of the Marple Community Band.
Stroll the lawn next door at the Marple Christian Church and visit their
Craft Sale where vendors will provide a variety of arts and crafts for
you to purchase.
Tours of the Massey House will also be available.
Come Enjoy the Colonial Harvest Day and Craft Show, Don’t Miss It!!!

COLONIAL HARVEST
and Craft Show
at
The Thomas Massey House &
The Marple Christian Church
Saturday, Octber 15 1100:Am -- 4:00 pm
Where: 1696 Thomas Massey House
Location: Lawrence & Springhouse Rds.
Broomall, Pa. 610-353 - 4967
http://www.thomasmasseyhouse.org/
Experience Early American Life in 17thCentury Marple
The culture, customs, hardships and the daily work routine will be
brought to life by colonial clad volunteers. Come learn and discover
how to churn butter, make candles, and apple butter. Also, see
a working blacksmith shop, and enjoy the delicious aroma from the
walk-in working fireplace while listening to the music of the Marple Community Band.
Stroll the lawn next door at the Marple Christian Church and visit their
Craft Sale where vendors will provide a variety of arts and crafts for
you to purchase.
Tours of the Massey House will also be available.
Come Enjoy the Colonial Harvest Day and Craft Show, Don’t Miss It!!!

Colonial PA Plantation Event
Sat. October 15 10 to 5 (last entry at 4) Sun. October 16 10 to 3:30 (last entry at 2:30)
Adults: $12
Children 4 to 12: $8
Under 4: free
No credit cards accepted
Medieval Days
From Rome to the Age of Columbus
Visit the camps and learn what life was like
during early and late Medieval period.
It's the Saxons, Normans, Vikings and Knights Hospitalers!
New this year is a 16th century Polish calvary unit and Romans with a ballista.

Souvenirs and food available for purchase

The Colonial PA Plantation

"where the past is your present"
Ridley Creek State Park . Media, PA 19063 . 610.566.1725

Food and Fun and witches at the Colonial Plantation!!

2011-09-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

A sunny weekend at last!! the big happening this weekend is the Foodways workshop at Newlin Grist Mill in Concord Twp. just off Baltimore Pike.

Newlin Grist Mill

Sunday Oct. 2, 2011
Historic Foodways Workhop
219 Cheyney Road

Glen Mills, Pennsylvania 19342
610-459-2359 www.newlingristmill.org

Must register!

Click below for more information

2011 Foodway Workshop_Registration Form

AND if you are like most men you love to see witches in action! They are having a mock witch trial etc. at the Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State park

Date - October 1, 2011

Time - 12 to 4 with last entry at 3pm

Adults - $8.00 and children (4 to 12) -$8.00

Fall is here and it a beautiful time to be on the farm. This children's event features, needle in the hay stack, corn husk doll making, lumberjacks, sack races, paper making, bean bag toss, hay maze, candle making, whizzers, and much more. Watch a woman defend herself when accused of witchcraft. Will she be able to avoid arrest and possible burning at the stake? Refreshments will be available for purchase. Leave the electronic games behind and enjoy fun on the farm the way it has been enjoyed for generations.

Just added to my website is the 1949 Delco Farm Bureau booklet. How many farms were in Delco in 1949? And their average size in acres? Would you believe over 800 farms and the average size was 50 acres! Go to my website and take a look

delawarecountyhistory.com

Colonial Plantation, Tavern Night and new books

2011-09-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

With all the rain this weekend, it is not the best time to be out. BUT there are things going on.

Ridley Creek State Park
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

Saturday and Sunday

September 24th, and 25th.

Farm Chores

Whenever you see farm chores you know that it will be a peaceful day where you can play "colonial" and enjoy the serenity of the farm. You are invited to work on a project or skill that you want to do

Savor the Past: Tavern Night Fundraiser at Newlin Grist Mill

When: Saturday September 24, 2011

Time: 7:00pm-9:30pm

Where: Newlin Grist Mill | 219 South Cheyney Road | Glen Mills, PA 19342 | www.newlingristmill.org

Cost: $40.00 per person

In celebration of the Nicholas Newlin Foundation’s 50th anniversary, we are holding an evening of sights, sounds, and flavors of the 18th century. Tavern Night will be held September 24th in the log cabin at Newlin Grist Mill. Go to my website for more information delawarecountyhistory.com

And last by not least 3 good reads by Mark Dixon of Radnor

New Books by Mark Dixon

The books can be ordered from the magazine's website -- https://subs.mainlinetoday.com/subscriptions/book.php -- as well as from the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. They are also in local bookstores - B&N, Chester County Books & Music, etc. The magazine's price is $19.79, plus $3.99 shipping and handling. Cover price is $19.99 for the Delaware and Chester County books, and $21.99 for the Main Line book.

About the Author

Mark E. Dixon has lived in the Delaware Valley since 1987, when he moved from Texas to a Drexel Hill apartment complex where American Bandstand’s Dick Clark once lived. Though not himself a native, he grew up hearing about “the beautiful city of Philadelphia” from his mother, who moved here in 1945 to do social work and ended up marrying a Hahnemann University medical student from Michigan. And the roots go deeper: Dixon’s mother chose Philadelphia based on stories told by her grandmother. In 1886, Dixon’s great-grandmother—a descendant of some of the region’s earliest settlers—was a shopgirl at Wanamaker’s Grand Court, opposite city hall in Philadelphia. And there, though it was surely against John Wanamaker’s rules, great-grandmother let herself be romanced by—and later married—a midwestern Quaker who was in town on business but needing a pair of gloves. Those tales provided a window into the area’s history, later supplemented by Dixon’s joining the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) -- which, he observes, is practically a historical society itself.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Not much is happening this week in Delco History. The big story is the pictorial history of Middletown Township is just out and will go on sale this week. The book was written by Mary Ann Eves and published by Arcadia Press. Lots of great pictures including Sam Riddle, owner of the race horse, Mn of War and for who Riddle Hospital is named for.
Next week the Colonial Plantation is having a Civil War reenactment on Sept. 17 and 18th and also that weekend at the Lazeratto in Tinicum is their River Front Ramble. Visit my website for more info on theses and other events. delawarecountyhistory.com. have also added allot on Delaware County Trolley routes and pictures take a look. The link is on the main page.

History Happenings this week Old Time Baseball!!

2011-08-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Newtown Square Historical Society opens the 1742 Square Tavern at Rt. 252 and Goshen Road each and Paper Mill House Museum (St. David's and Paper Mill Roads) in July and August on Sundays from 1-4:00 p.m.

For more information, and to verify openings on a particular date, please check our website at http://www.historicnewtownsquare.org/.
The Colonial Plantation last year hired Dave Nielson from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia to run the farm. Dave has done an outstanding job and if you have not been to the plantation in awhile come and and see Dave at work, he knows his stuff.

Ridley Creek State Park
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

We are now open to the public Thursday, Friday,

Saturday and Sunday

August 20th, 21st and 28th. Farm Chores
Whenever you see farm chores then you know that it will be a peaceful day where you can play "colonial" and enjoy the serenity of the farm. Work on a project or skill that you want to do. Email me if you can attend any of the above dates.

AND

If you like baseball, see how it was played in the 1860's when the game first became organized!

At the Phila Navy yard this weekend August 20 and 21

This two-day vintage base ball exposition and tournament is
hosted by the Philadelphia Athletic Base Ball Club and the Haverford Township Historical Society.

See twelve of the mid-Atlantic League’s clubs play base ball as it was in the 1860’s…the players wear authentic uniforms, use period-style equipment, play by the rules of 1864 and, honoring customs of the day, and never smile in photographs. The clubs represent large cities – Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. , New York- and small cities too – Easton, Maryland, Lewis, Delaware and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. All are re-formed clubs: actual teams of the era, playing every weekend April to October along the East Coast, enthusiastically putting the 140-year gap-in-play behind them every time a player swings and hits out towards first base.

Over the past 12 years clubs have been the subject of TV and print pieces from Comcast to Fox, to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Baltimore Sun and Sports Illustrated. Some clubs have even represented the era in motion pictures.

Matches begin at 10AM with six clubs (three simultaneous, one and one-half hour matches) on the
parade grounds until 3:30PM. See clubs which last pitched and fielded in the 1870’s. Shake hands with vintage players who will be available for explanation of rules and some tall story-telling.

. Period style items raffled each day.
. Bring blankets, folding chairs, a picnic, family, friends and sweethearts.
. Refreshments for sale.

Delaware County History

2011-08-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

Now that old friend Rose Quinn has mentioned my website in the Delco Times "Cop Shop" maybe some people will actually know I'm here!! If you have never visited delawarecountyhistory.com please stop and take a look, it has a lot to offer. New on the site is numerous pictures and information on old trolley lines that once ran in Delaware County, courtesy of Stan Bowman. A Delaware County Facebook page was just started last week and has numerous pictures that need to be identified so take a look. Ant comments, questions etc. are always welcome
Thanks
Keith

Delco History Events in the next two Weeks

2011-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Colonial Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park April 30 , 11 - 5. Last entry 4 PM      Sheep to Shawl
Textile making in the 18th c., sheepshearing, spinning, weaving, flax processing, lucet and more.
                                                                  sheep to shawl
                                                           for more info click on Pdf above

Come out and join us for

1799 Lazaretto

Saturday May 7, 2011

Time 10-4

Community Day 2011_

Click pdf above for more info

AND

My website delawarecountyhistory.co will receive an award from the Heritage Commission under " Special Project on May 3rd!

Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park Opens Saturday, April 2nd

2011-03-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

April 2 “The best our pretty farm affords”
Colonial crafts, hearth cooking, sheepshearing,
woodworking, weaving & more. 11 - 5. Last entry 4 PM
Opening Day
April 9 Spring Fun Day -
crafts and other activities. Noon to 4. Last entry at 3 PM
Fun for kids with games,April 23 Easter Egg Hunt
11 AM only!! Children under 12.
April 24 Closed on Easter Sunday
April 30 Sheep to Shawl -
sheepshearing, spinning, weaving, flax processing,
lucet and more. 11 - 5. Last entry 4 PM
** For a complete calendar of special events, visit our
website. Additional events will be posted in the FarmTextile making in the 18th c.,

Bank Pictures

2011-03-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

The Wachovia/Wells Fargo Bank has chosen pictures from my historical collection to decorate their larger branches in Delaware County. The Ridley/Folsom branch just got theirs put up on March 19 yesterday. The next time you are in the bank take a look. My historical pictures will also be appearing in the Wachovia/Wells Fargo branches in Springfield, Haverford, Media, Glen Mills, West Chester etc. So take a peek.
Alot of Civil War happenings will be starting next month as the 150th anniversary of the Civil War kicks off.

Marple Historical SocietyPresents

How the Civil War Influenced Colonial History

A Lecture
By
Dr. Clarissa Dillon
March 22nd
at 7:30

Marple Christian Church, Lawrence Rd. Broomall

3/24, 7:30pm, Thursday, Reevaluating the Role of the US Colored Troops in the Am Civil War at Concord Twp Com Center, 45 Thornton Rd, free

Check my website for other events coming this week. delawarecountyhistory.com

A "Center" name for 69th Street Terminal

2011-03-06T00:31:00.000-08:00

Septa is renaming the 69th Street Terminal! Now it will be a Transportation Center! What is that?? Another piece of local history lost.

My friend, Jeff Marinoff says it best. His comments are below.

SEPTA is going to change the name of the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby to the 69th Street Transportation Center. This after the recent 100th Anniversary of the 69th Street Terminal was celebrated by SEPTA.

Back in 1980, SEPTA tried its very best to call the Kawasaki cars Light Rail Vehicles and the lines Light Rail Lines. Everybody called them trolleys and trolley lines. SEPTA finally gave up and reverted to officially calling them trolleys and trolley lines again.

But this "Center" thing is really annoying. The word is so overworked. We have centers for everything. We have convention centers, sports centers, arts centers, performing centers, transportation centers and many other kinds of centers. In New York City, they have Lincoln Center and in Philadelphia there is the Kimmel Center. To me it's so unimaginative, tiresome and nauseating. So leave it to SEPTA to come up with the 69th Street Transportation Center. I wonder how much they paid a consultant to dream it up for them? And what will all the signage changes cost cost the taxpayers? And then they will certainly have to have a costly advertising campaign to announce the change. And all of the voice announcements on the buses, trolleys and subway cars will have to be changed, as well as maps, etc.

SEPTA already has the Frankford Transportation Center, the Olney Transportation Center and several others. Somebody sat up nights dreaming the name up.

When will Suburban Station become Suburban Transportation Center? How about 30th Street Transportation Center? How about Market East Transportation Center? It will go great with the Norristown Transportation Center. Is all of this as sickening to others as it is to me?

So even if we discount the historic nature of the name 69th Street Terminal, this "center" thing is just obnoxious. SEPTA already has the Wissahickon Transportation Center, the King of Prussia Transportation Center, the Granite Run Transportation Center, the Chester Transportation Center, the Oxford Valley Transportation Center and the Willow Grove Transportation Center, among others.

Just think, we could have Grand Central Transportation Center, Penn Transportation Center in New York City and Newark Transportation Center in Newark. Washington could have the Union Transportation Center......... Geez, I could charge a fortune in consulting fees for all of this wonderful advice !! No problem, the sucker taxpayers would pay for it !!

Ridley's Migdetville

2011-02-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

I still keep getting asked about Ridley's "Midgetville" across from Taylor Hospital on Princeton Ave. The rumour has always been that the houses, the few that are left were built for midgets because the doorways are so low. The story is far from the truth. The area along Stoney Creek and Princeton Ave were built about 1910 by Norman P. Sloan. Sloan, a wealthy cotton broker from England developed the area to look like medieval England in Tudor style thats why the low doorways.If you look at the few house that are still standing they have that English "Tudor" look. Sloan lived on Chester Pike and rented the houses till about 1930 when he sold them. There was a swan pond on Chester Pike at the entrance in the early days. Many of the houses were torn down in 1970 when Parkewood Towers were built. Parkewood Towers was the original entrance to the development. I just added a map of the area to the Ridley Township page on my website if you want to see what it originally looked like.

This week in Delco History

2011-02-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

As a Board member of the Colonial Plantation, the entire Board would like to thnak everyone that came out Friday night in the bad weather tomake our Beef & Beer a sucess. Everything went well and the food from the "Pig Out" in Glen Mills was great. Thanks for all of your support.
I recently received this email below from France and I'm hoping a reader may be able to help this historian from France. He is looking for members of the Facciolo Family from Clifton Heights. Hopefully a reader can help him

My name is Geert Van den Bogaert and I am a Normandy (France) based WWII historian.

For the past 3 years I have been researching a battle fought during WWII by C Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division on 13 June 1944 near a place called Moulin des Rondelles. It was a costly battle for company C as 23 men were wounded in action and 10 made the supreme sacrifice for their country and freedom.

My research culminated in the inauguration of a monument to the brave men of C Company at the very spot where they fought that day in the presence of the daughter of one of the men who was killed during the battle and earned himself the nation's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

His exploits have been researched and documented and are now preserved for future generations to remember. It is my goal to do the same for the nine other men whose names are listed on the monument.

One of them is Pfc. James Facciolo from Clifton Heights, PA. According to his obituary in the Chester Times dated 30 December 1947 (attached) James Facciolo was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Facciolo, 155 South Springfield Avenue. Besides his parents he was survived by two sisters Carmela Urbano and Jennie DePaoloantonio and two brothers, Frank and Phillip Facciolo, all of Clifton Heights. Today he rests in the Holy Cross cemetery.

I would be very interested in finding out more about James Facciolo's life and service during WWII. Can you provide me with any additional information or do you know of anyone who might be able to help? I am hoping to find a picture of Pfc. Facciolo. I would also like to find any of his living relatives to inform them about the way he is honored over here in France.

My e-mail is geert.van-den-bogaert@wanadoo.fr

Friday Fundraiser

2011-01-26T17:43:00.001-08:00

On Friday, January 28, 2010 the Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park will be holding a Beef and Beer at the Jeffords Mansion in the Park. The event is to honor George Washington, but it is really a fundraiser to help the plantation and it's animals make it thru the winter. All non-profits have suffered in this economic climate and the Colonial Plantation is no exception. I'm on the Board there and your support would be greatly appreciated. The tickets are $25.00 and can be bought at the door or by contacting the Colonial Plantation at 610-566-1725 for more information. The beef will be supplied by the "Pig Out" of Thornbury Township and they have won several local awards for best BBQ. The beer is coming from a micro brewery in West Chester that has also won awards. Hope to see you there. There will also be a Cash Raffle drawing of $1000 dollars tickets can be purchased that night for $20 dollars and you need not be present to win.

Colonial Plantation Fundraiser Cancelled

2011-01-20T05:45:00.001-08:00

The beef and beer fundraiser that was to be held tomorrow, Friday January 21 at 6:pm at Ridley Creek State Park by the Colonial Plantation has been cancelled. The Board of the Plantation decided to cancel with the new snow storm coming in tonight. The event to raise funds for the Plantation will be held next Friday, January 28. The event will be at the Jeffords Mansion, 351 Gradyville Rd. the main Ridley Creek State park Offices. Tickets are $25.00. There will be more about this event next week.

Welcome to the New Year!

2011-01-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

Many things are just starting to happen in 2011. A meeting will be held on Saturday January 15, 2011 of the "Friends of the Lazaretto" at 9:15 am in the Tinicum Township Library at 620 Seneca St. in Essington. This is the groups first meeting and they hope to get organized and have something done to preserve the old Lazaretto. The Lazeratto is the old Quarantine Station at Wanamaker Ave. and the Delaware River. It was built in 1799.
On Friday, January 21, 2010 the Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park will be holding a Beef and Beer at the Jeffords Mansion in the Park. The event is to honor George Washington, but it is really a fundraiser to help the plantation and it's animals make it thru the winter. All non-profits have suffered in this economic climate and the Colonial Plantation is no exception. I'm on the Board there and your support would be greatly appreciated. The tickets are $25.00 and can be bought at the door or by contacting the Colonial Plantation at 610-566-1725 for more information. The beef will be supplied by the "Pig Out" of Thornbury Township and they have won several local awards for best BBQ. The beer is coming from a micro brewery in West Chester that has also won awards. Hope to see you there. There will also be a Cash Raffle drawing of $1000 dollars tickets can be purchased that night for $20 dollars and you need not be present to win.
The Middletown Historical Society which just started last year is having " Middletown Mondays", a lecture series. I will be speaking next month, but this month on January 24, 2011, Nancy Webster will be speaking on " Middletown Mills". Nancy served on the Delco Planning Department for many years. The lecture begins at 7:30 pm at the Penn State Brandywine, Main Building room 101. The lectures are free and open to the public.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 7:30 I will be giving a talk at the Springfield Historical Society on Delaware County Covered Bridges. One covered bridge is still standing on Goshen Rd. in Newtown Township. In 1919, Delaware County Council made a commitment to get rid of the last covered bridges just as the state and national roadways were just starting to be created. I will be showing pictures of the old covered bridges and their locations today. Surprisingly, even now foundation ruins can still be seen. The lecture will be held at the Springfield Township Municipal Building at 56 Powell Rd. The lecture is free and open to the public.

December Happenings

2010-12-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

There are no more happenings in Delaware County Historical circles till after the New Year. I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. I will be speaking in Springfield and Middletown Townships next month but more about that next year. If you have never visited my site delawarecountyhistory.com, this cold weather is the perfect time to take a look. Even if you hate history, as many do, there are over 200 maps and pictures to look at for every community in Delco. Maps are from the 1870's thru the 1940's. So when you are inside watching reruns take a look. You might be surprised how interesting local history can be.

Tours Galore, Candlelight and House Tours

2010-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

Back from Vacation!! I survived and went Parasailing came back in one piece. December is the month of House tours thru out the county and just a few are mentioned below. Not to late to sign up. I will be helping at the Media House Tour next week. More events are listed on my website, delawarecountyhistory.com

Chadds Ford Historical Society's Candlelight Christmas

The Candlelight Christmas Tour celebrates it's 25th Anniversary this year! On December 4th from l to 6, enjoy touring a 19th century farmhouse, a massive stone bank barn converted to a unique home, and a 20th century home furnished with antiques and over 40 nativity scenes from around the world. For further information, call 610 388-7376 or http://www.chaddsfordhistory.org/.

Norwood Historical Society

Holiday Celebration

Sunday, December 5, 2010 between 4 & 7 pm.

Kick off the upcoming holidays with the Norwood Historical Society at our Holiday Celebration at the Morton Morton House located behind 517 E Winona Ave. Norwood, PA. on Sunday, December 5, 2010 between 4 & 7 pm. We will be hosting a celebration with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and many delightful finger foods, desserts, cakes, coffee and teas The price is $20.00 per person. Please make reservations by calling Maureen

Olphert, 610-532-5520

Media Historical Society

presents a

Media Boro Historic House Tour

Saturday December 11, 2010

10am to 4pm

Tickets $25.00

Carriage rides etc. Click on link below for more information

Media Historical Society House Tour

Delaware County House Tours

2010-11-19T05:35:00.000-08:00

You missed a great talk last week on Sears Houses at Aston Township. Sears used to sell houses that came in a kit. Next month there are house tours all over including, Chadds Ford, Haverford and Media. Information for these and other December happenings are on my website, delawarecountyhistory.com. Middletown Historical Society is up and running and starting in January will start a lecture series, "Middletown Mondays". The first lecture will be on Middletown Mills. The Colonial Plantation Fundraiser went very well and the Board would like to thank all those who contributed or attended. I will be on a cruise for ten days so there will be no updates. Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Events this week in Delco History Talks and Lectures

2010-11-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Aston Township Historical Society

On Thursday, November 11, 2010

at 7 PM, Aston Township Historical Society

is providing a lecture entitled:

"Is There a Sears Roebuck & Co. Catalog Home in Your Neighborhood?".

Will be held at the Twp. building, 521 Pennell Rd.

Don't miss the

COLONIAL PLANTATION'S

FALL FUNDRAISER on Friday, November 12 @ 6 p.m.

To be held at the Jeffords Mansion in Ridley Creek State Park

Tickets $40.00

includes food and drink

Great Auction Items

Delaware County Institute of Science

11 Veterans Square, Media Pa.On Monday November 8, 2010 at 8 pm

presents

" Delaware County Postcards and Postcard Makers

Keith Lockhart

I will be showing over 80 postcards from all over the county from the part of the last century.

Go to my website for more information on these

and other activities

delawarecountyhistory.com

Big Events and Exhibtions Coming to Delco!

2010-10-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Delaware County Historical Society in Chester is having two big exhibitions starting next month. First an exhibit on Al Aberts the Chester native and 1950's singer. Also next month an exhibit on General Smedley Butler of the U.S. Marine Corp. Butler who lived in Newtown Square was one of the very few men to win the Congressional Medal of Honor twice.
Also coming this weekend a few more ghostly haunts in Delco including one at the Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park. Check my website under Events for these and more Delco History Happenings!
delawarecountyhistory.co

Historical Weekend Events in Delco

2010-10-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

There are two big events happening in Delco this weekend. First in Ridley Creek State Park at the Colonial Plantation they are having Medieval Days and the Lazeratto in Essington at 2nd and Wanamaker Sts. is having an open house. Both of those events are this Saturday. Go to my website for more info on these events, delawarecountyhistory.com. This coming Wednesday, in Newtown Square the historical society is having a talk on Sandy Flash. Flash was a famous 18th century highwayman who operated in Delaware County.

Saving the Past

2010-10-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

The call came in about a month ago. A Delco Fire Co was getting ready to celebrate their 75 anniversary. They had no history at all the old minute books were gone. But what they were really looking for was pictures of their old firehouse. The old firehouse was still standing and the fire company had been in the building for over 40 years. But they did not have one single picture of the building when it was a firehouse, none. Hard to believe isn't it ? Happens all the time. Other Fire Co's. and organizations have contacted me in the past. Same thing, no pictures, no information. All of it was lost or tossed. If you do not want to keep it or have no space give the records and pictures to your local historical society. It's not just local groups either.
In the 1980's Delaware County threw out all sorts of things. Among them, the first 100 years of Delaware County tax records. Luckily a professor heard about it and literally dumpster dived to save almost all of them. They were at Neuman College for years and have been given back to the county just a few years ago. Without that professor we would have lost them all. So don't toss it!! Save it or give it to someone.

Concord Twp meets tonight about the Pierce house and Toll Bros.

2010-10-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Members of the Concord Township Historical Commission and Concord Township Historical Society plan to take their case to township supervisors at their monthly meeting 7 tonight at Maris Grove, 200 Maris Grove Way, near Concordville Town Center at routes 1 and 322. Come out and support them. Enough of Delaware Counties Historical sites have been lost. Lets not lose another!!

Also Upper Darby Historical Society is having an open house at The Collen Brook Farm which is 300 years old this year

October 10, 2010

From 1 to 4pm

Come celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Collen Brook Farm at our annual “Fall Festival”

Marvine and Mansion Roads, Drexel Hill

610-924-0222 www.udhistory.org

Click on the link below for the events details

Fall Festival at Collen Brook 2010

Concord Twp Historical Society vs Toll Bros.

2010-09-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

Henry Pierce House within Garnet Valley Estates
A Toll Brothers Development
Will this house be saved?
An outline of the issues with Toll Brothers,
who want to demolish this house,
and our elected officials,
who need to enforce the law requiring its restoration.

Concord Twp. Historical Society is asking for your support to help save a house in Concord Twp.

Click on the link below for more details!

http://www.delawarecountyhistory.com/DelawareCountyHistoricalEventsMeetingsEtc..htm

Historical Weekend Events in Delco

2010-09-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

In Ridley Creek State Park at the Colonial Plantation Saturday, October 2

Fall Fun Day is here and it a beautiful time to be on the farm. This children's event features a hay slide, needle in the hay stack, corn husk doll making, lumberjacks, sack races, bean bag toss, hay maze, candle making, scavenger hunt, rubber ducky races, whizzers, and much more. Watch a woman defend herself when accused of witchcraft. Will she be able to avoid arrest and possible burning at the stake?

Refreshments will be available for purchase. Leave the electronic games behind and enjoy fun on the farm the way it has been enjoyed for generations.

The Plantation’s hours are 12 to 4 with the last admission at 3.

Octrolley Fest in Darby Boro,

The day will begin at 10:30 at Buttonwood Saturday October 2
Park next to the new Transportation Center for a dedication of the historical marker signs provided by SEPTA. The scene will then shift to Fire Co. No. 1 for music, historic displays, scarecrow making, a pumpkin parade, fun, and surprises throughout the day. The trolley will begin running at Noon. (Pick up in front of Old Borough Hall) and will run until 3:00.(Free...Space Permitting) More about theses events on my website! delawarecountyhistory.com

At 3:00, Joe Becton will give his wonderful "Evolution of Jazz" presentation and Keith Lockhart will show slides of area history.

And if you like old maps a new atlas has been added to the site from 1934 of the western part of Delco

Brandywine Battlefield Needs Your Help!

2010-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

The Brandywine Battlefield which is now locally run and not run by the state needs help. They have raised over $240,000.00 dollars and need another $60,000.00 for a total of $300,000.00 by September 30. They need the money to get money from the state to keep the park open and running. The Battlefield gets over 50,000 visitors a year many are local people and school students. The Delco Tourist Bureau donated 600 dollars would be nice if they donated more, they are making their October 19th event, Taste and Tour of the Countryside a fundraiser for the park.. If you would like to help you can make a donation you can mail it to "Friends of the Brandywine Battlefield" P.O. Box 202 Chadds Ford Pa. 19317. The park is one of the largest and prettiest in the county and deserves our help. Take the time to make a donation to preserve this great historical site.

Historical Happenings in Delco

2010-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Alot is happening in Delco Historically this weekend but the big one is at the Colonial Planatation in Ridley Creek State Park. It is their Civil War Weekend. Visit my website delawarecountyhistory.com check the main page unde "Events" to see what is happening

New Historical Society in Middletown

2010-09-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Middletown Township has organized a historical society to preserve the history ot that community. I wish them the best of luck but there are already too many historical societies in Delco. Many do alot like Springfield, Radnor and Aston which lold regular meetings and programs once a month. Others do very little. Alot needs to be done to preserve the history of this county for future generations.

Like to take pictures??

2010-09-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

If you know Delaware County well and like to take pictures I have a project for you. I'm looking for people who would be interested in taking before and after pictures. I have many c.3000 pictures of the county taken before 1948. While many are instantly recognizable a number are impossible to determine where they were taken unless you know. Many local historical societies have the same problem with old pictures. Updating old photos with new pictures is the way to go. If you are interested let me know
Keith

Fall Historical Events in Delco

2010-09-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is a great time to get out and see what the history of Delaware County has to offer. This Saturday September 4, The Marcus Hook Preservation Society will have an ice cream social in honor of the Rochambeau March in 1781 to Yorktown. The event starts at 1 in the afternoon. A revolutionary regiment will also be camped out. The Aston Township Historical Society presents noted local Historian, Ms. Carol Fireng, one woman trunk show. This event will be presented on Thursday, September 9th at 7 PM at the Aston Township Municipal Building, 5021 Pennell Road, rear entrance. Ms. Fireng will demonstrate her extensive collection of women's Colonial clothing. More about these events are on my website delawarecountyhistory.com on the main page under events

Delco Vets

2010-08-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Anna
It is sad that the Delco Vets do not have a better place and more space. There are several Medal of Honor winners from Delco. It is also sad that the Morton Homestead in Prospect Park is closed due to state budget cuts. It is the oldest house in Pa. dates from 1654. The Brandywine Battlefield was almost closed last year.

The Delco History Blog is now open!

2010-08-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not know me, I'm Keith Lockhart, a lifelong Delco resident and local historian. This blog is to get people talking about the great attractions and history we have in this county. For starters what do you think are the best history sites and museums in this county and are they used enough and why or why not?
And of course visit my site delawarecountyhistory.com