Delaware County History: Clifton Heights Bank Opens!! Colonial Plantation gun show!!

Anyone recognize this building from Clifton Heights? It is still standing. Today it is the Adult Health Center at 214 E. Baltimore Pike.

Note: A 100 years ago many boros etc. in Delaware County had their own bank. From Ridley Park, Darby, Lansdowne, Morton etc.

CLIFTON’S BANK IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Seventy Thousand Dollars Deposited the First Day

Many visitors Make Calls

The First National bank of Clifton Heights which was incorporated by the Delaware County Courts in March last, formally opened its doors for business at 2 o’clock yesterday morning, and from the influx of depositors there is every indication that it will have a long and successful life.

There were about two hundred depositors, large and small, and it was estimated when the closing hour arrived, that at least $70,000 had been deposited.

During the day refreshments were served to the patrons, consisting of ice cream, cake, coffee and sandwiches.

THE OFFICERS – The bank has a capital stock of $50,000 and connected therewith is a saving fund, under direct connection of the banking business. The president is Henry T. Kent, of Clifton Heights, and the vice presidents, Henry Vahle of Clifton Heights and J. Milton Lutz of Llanerch. The directors are Henry T. Kent, Clifton; H. H. Haines, president of the First National Bank of Rising Sun Maryland; D.M. Taylor, president of the First National bank of Oxford; W. Frank English, Lansdowne; Henry Vahia, Clifton; Frederick Schoff, Philadelphia; A.H. Eyles, Addingham; Thomas Wolfenden, Lansdowne; John Wolfenden, Cardington; Joseph K. Somers, Garrettford, Joseph H. Richards, Philadelphia, superintendent of Maintenance of Way of the Pennsylvania Railroad and J. Milton Lutz, Llanerch.

The bank building was built generally by home contractors. It is of stone, 36x50 feet, the contractor and builder being Edward W. Winterbottom. It is supplied with a Stiffel-Freeman vault, and a safe of the Hibbard, Rodman and Ely Company. The electric wiring was done by J.A. Girney of Lansdowne; the roofing by C. McCollough of Lansdowne, and the painting by W.B. Remley, Lansdowne.

ELECTRIC PROTECTION – The building is electrically protected by the Burglar Munity Company, and a demonstration was given of its virtue by Joseph Weatherby, Jr., assisted by William Hunter Freese, an illustration of which is interesting and is as follows:

The vaults of the National Bank of Clifton Heights are protected by the electric system of the Burglar Immunity Company, 420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia.

The opening of the door as much at the fraction of an inch will set off the alarm bell on the outside of the bank building and at night light a red lamp.

The bell is twelve inches in diameter and may be heard for a long distance. The same result follows should the wires be tampered with or cut. The signals will be given in the event of any tricks performed by electrical experts to beat the system such as tampering with the wires or signals.

The vaults are so protected by metallic sheets electrically charged so as to prevent any entrance or attempt at entrance from any direction.

The system is in use and protecting banks in the West, Clifton Heights National Bank being the first to adopt the system in the East.

The installation here is based on the patents of H.F. Freed of Peoria, Ill., and Joseph Weatherby, Jr., of Philadelphia.

LOCK, STOCK AND BARRELL

During the month of September 1777, a mixed American army of Continental Troops, State Troops, and local Militia met and fought a British & German army in a number of battles commonly known as the Philadelphia Campaign. Much has been written about the battles, but little has been said about how these 12,000 Americans came to be armed--especially when common people in their mother countries were forbidden to do the same.

Join local historian Chris Reardon as he showcases his collection of early American firearms and accoutrements and discusses the laws and culture that allowed these British citizens to possess, manufacture and carry hunting and military-style arms. He'll highlight how firearms evolved over time, and dispel some of the most pernicious myths about these weapons that helped to win our nation's independence and carried us Westward into the frontier.

Tickets are $35.00 ($30.00 for members.) Admission includes a light dinner and drinks served in the Plantation farmhouse, followed by the presentation and a tour of the Plantation. Tickets must be purchased in advance so that we can arrange dinner and seating.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Chris Reardon served for many years as a member of the East Goshen Historical Commission and on the Board of the Paoli Battlefield. He has served as a longtime volunteer at Newlin Grist Mill, Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation and Valley Forge Historical Park.

Menu:

Texas Beef Brisket (slow smoked, thin sliced, with sauteed onion a jack cheese.)

Kielbasa and Cabbage (smoked kielbasa, applewood smoked bacon, fried cabbage, potatoes, onions topped with jack cheese)

Mac and Cheese

Tossed Salad with a selection of dressings

Dinner Rolls

Beer and Wine

Non-Alchoholic Beverages