An Upper Darby "Beauty Spot" aka Stonehurst 100 years ago !! Upcoming Events

A postcard c.1930 of the Stonehurst Court Apartments shortly after they were built. Note all the open ground around the apartments. The apartments still stand at 7250 Walnut St.

NOTE: A special thanks to Upper Darby historian, Barb Marinelli for her help with this story. In Delco 100 years ago the county was growing fast with new developments popping up everywhere. The eastern end of the county especially so. Stonehurst was just one example. 

CHESTER TIMES – August 2, 1922 

STONEHURST IN DELAWARE COUNTY 

One of the Many Beauty Spots of Upper Darby Described

               For the information of those who have never experienced the pleasure of a visit to Stonehurst it might be well to mention that this community nestles just across the pike from the 69^th Street Terminal Station in Upper Darby Township.

               The Philadelphia newspapers persistently strive to steal Stonehurst from Delaware County and locate it in West Philadelphia.  The residents of Stonehurst themselves are in no wise sympathetic with this journalist attempt.  They are too proud of Stonehurst to wish it within the boundaries of Philadelphia, though many of them commute into the city in which they have important business connections.

               Probably the reason Stonehurst is so pretty from a residential viewpoint is because its name was conceived by a woman.  A committee from the Stonehurst Improvement Association labored tremendously for six long months to discover a rightful and proper name.  Finally, in utter despair, this committee accepted a suggestion from a feminine resident that Stonehurst would do.  But the men folk adamantly refuse to admit Stonehurst is just fitting.  However, the women are perfectly satisfied – and Stonehurst it remains and forever will, probably, so long as woman’s will prevails – and it does at Stonehurst.

               And the name Stonehurst seems, after a visual perspective, eminently proper.  As stated above, Stonehurst is a pretty community.  It certainly is and more.  But as stone predominates in the architectural design of the commodious and prettily situated homes of its residents, the conception of Stonehurst is by no means far-fetched.  It fits in rather appropriately and without extreme stretching of imagination.

               But there is much more at Stonehurst than a name and a setting of homes.  There is perceptible a strong civic spirit and community pride, energetically pictured by the membership in the Stonehurst Improvement Association.  This organization is almost as old as the community itself.  It was organized some four years ago, with Charles Gillingham as its first president, who was succeeded by Norman Hayes, both well-known Philadelphia business men.  W. H. Metcalf, Republican nominee for the assembly, is now presiding over its destinies; Preston V. Lee, is vice-president; A. T. Brown, treasurer, and Russell H. Bleakley, secretary.

               The chairmanships of its functioning committees include:  Charles R. Dinam, improvement; Preston V. Lee, executive; H. C. McIlvaine, membership; Percy C. D. Ralston, publicity; g. T. Kilner, tennis; Gartley G. Wright, entertainment.

               The objects of the Stonehurst Improvement Association are entirely civic in scope and character.  Politics are sternly frowned down.  Only property owners are eligible to membership.  Even the most rabid nonconformists admit this organization wields a wonderful influence for community uplift.  Before its inception there were no street lighting nor garbage system at Stonehurst.  There are efficient ones now.  It has secured carrier mail delivery and then went after the installation of mail boxes, and these boxes are coming by fast freight from Washington.  The streets were at one time improperly cleaned up.  Now they remind one of those in Spotless Town.  The policing department became somewhat loose.  It isn’t now.

               It opposed Mitten’s Amusement Park golden egg scheme.  This amusement park hasn’t arrived as yet.  And most wonderful of all – almost unbelievable – there is no kicking at Stonehurst over the tax rate.  Every property holder appears to harbor the idea the tax rate is quite equitable.

               What more could the Stonehurst Improvement Association be expected to accomplish; but it is maintaining its hewing practice, and when it hews; the strokes of the axe are aimed against those things which creep into communities that should not creep.

 

DCHPN Monthly E-Newsletter

Happy Halloween! Lots of spooky things happening this month Some events this weekend are cancelled/postponed due to the weather. Check before you go and stay dry! Read the announcements below for important information

October Events *Monuments and Memory: Christ Church and African American History - Part I Oct 21, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Zoom- registration required   Discussion and Q&A featuring author Professor Anne C. Bailey on her remarkable book, The Weeping Time: Memory and the Largest Slave Auction in American History. This book is one of the first to analyze the operation of this auction and trace the lives of slaves before, during, and after their sale.   Learn More *Helen Kate: Portraits of a Life Oct 22, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Helen Kate Furness Library, 100 N Providence Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086   When Helen Kate Rogers married Horace Howard Furness in 1860, her father was a millionaire and one of the wealthiest men in Philadelphia, the 2nd-largest city in America. Come hear about Helen Kate Furness, and what we can learn of her from what she has left us in her writings and in her portraits.   Learn More Sleep With the Ghosts Oct 22, 7:00 PM – Oct 23, 8:00 AM Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19153   Spend the night if you dare! Actual sleep is optional during this overnight paranormal investigation. Join the team from PARA X Radio and explore the buildings, myths & legends behind the fort's permanent residents! Light refreshments provided or BYO (no alcohol permitted.) 18+ $99   Learn More A tour of Raymond Farm and Nakashima Studios Oct 23, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Raymond Farm Center, 6370 Pidcock Creek Rd, New Hope, PA 18938   Join us for an up close and personal view of the Raymond Farm Center for Living Arts and Design and the Nakashima Woodworking Studios. Meet us in New Hope, PA, about 45 minutes northeast of Philadelphia for a day of exploration and learning. $175-200   Learn More *Visit the Fifties at the THE BETH SHOLOM AUTO INVITATIONAL Oct 23, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Beth Sholom Synagogue, 8231 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027   The driveway of Wright’s glass-roofed monument will be filled with beautifully restored and passionately maintained examples of midcentury automobile design. The Visitors Center, Wright Design Store and the synagogue will be open for tours. Registration required, donations accepted. Food truck.   Learn More *Screening of "Women Builders and the Earthen Architectural Heritage of Central and West Africa" Oct 24, 5:00 PM Kleinman Forum- Fisher Fine Arts Library, 220 S 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104   Watch the film, followed by a Q&A with the director Amélie Esséssé. Architect Amélie Esséssé has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of management, restoration, conservation and valorization of African heritage.   Learn More *Delaware County's Most Haunted with Laurie Hull Oct 24, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Springfield Twp Library Meeting Room, Library Ln, Springfield, PA 19064   Have you ever wondered what went on in the deep dark past of Delaware County? Are there spirits among us? What are the stories and folklore that haunt our backyards? Local author and psychic medium Laurie Hull shares her paranormal investigations of Delaware County. Registration required.