The Dante Orphanage on Baltimore Pike in Concordville about 1930. The orphanage opened 100 years ago in early 1922. It closed in the 1960's and the building became the first home of the Delaware County Community College. I went there in 1969. Today the building is the Concord Twp. Municipal building.
January 23, 1922
DEDICATION OF NEW ORPHANAGE AT
CONCORDVILLE
Unveiling of a Bust of Dante, the Poet, Also a Feature
Another
exemplification of the enormity of America’s good will and the omnipresent
desire of her people to make more solid their bonds of friendship with Italy
was exhibited yesterday at the unveiling of a bust of Dante Alighieri and the
dedication of the orphanage of the Sons of Italy of Pennsylvania at
Concordville.
It
was during the banquet that followed that His Excellency Rolandi Ricci, Italian
Ambassador to the United States, proclaimed his intention of sending to King
Victor Emanuel a cable telling his highness of the strength of the friendship
between the two nations and of the forging of another link in the strong chain.
More
than 2000 people, mostly citizens of Italian birth, witnessed the ceremonies
and heard Dante Alighieri, Italy’s greatest and immortal poet, eulogized.
Ambassador
Riccci and some of the highest officials, as well as most learned men of the
State and county, received praise for their aid and the good will be shown.
The
ceremonies began directly following the arrival of the ambassador and his staff
and a special train bringing the guests of the occasion. The bust of Dante, erected in front of the
home, was first unveiled.
This
was the principal feature of the ceremonies.
The work is that of Onorio Rubtolo, celebrated Italian-American sculptor
of New York City. The bust, of bronze,
is mounted on a base of Tennessee marble and is a replica of the Ruotolo bust
of Dante which is shortly to be placed in the Public Library, New York
City. The artist is also the sculptor of
the bust of Enrico Caruso which was recently placed in the lobby of the
Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, a gift of the Italian tenor’s widow.
The
first speaker was A. Giuseppe Di Silvestro, grand master of the Order of the
Sons of Italy of Pennsylvania. He
outlined the work that has been done by the order within the past five years
and told of the self-denial of the 30,000 members that the orphanage might be
established. He spoke of Dante, his
accomplishments and the spirit they have instilled in the Italian people, and
expressed the hope that the teachings of this great poet would be taught the
future inmates of the institution that they might exemplify him.
Ambassador
Ricci congratulated Chevalier DiSilvestro on the work that the order has
accomplished, pointing out the patriotic course it will teach and how it will
assist in making desirable citizens of the orphans that are raised there. He expressed his desire of seeing that work
of the order repeated elsewhere.
SKETCH
OF DANTE – Dr. John L. Haney, principal of the Central High School,
Philadelphia, gave a sketch of the life of Dante, telling of the latter’s first
meeting with Beatrice and how she inspired him to write his immortal “Inferno,”
his greatest work. He told how he was
exiled in 1302 for his political activity and of his death 19 years later.
The
significance of his great works and his impression upon the people of today is
shown, said Dr. Haney, by the fact that last year the people throughout the
world celebrated his six hundredth anniversary.
After
the bust had been unveiled there was an inspection of the orphanage followed by
the dinner in the gymnasium. More than
1000 were seated in the hall and heard the addresses of the evening. Chevalier DiSilvestro was toastmaster and
introduced the speakers in their turn.
Judge
Eugene C. Bonniwell of Philadelphia told of his pride at being able to attend
the celebration. He said that the work
of the order – the establishing of orphanages – shows the highest type of
civilization and is a duplication of Jesus Christ’s treatment of the sick, the
lame and the halt, not only in the dedication of the bust of Dante but in the
establishment of a home here in America for the orphans of their race.
“The
glory is in giving, not taking,” said Judge Bonniwell. “I wish to God Pennsylvania had more
chevaliers A. Joseph DiSilvestro. I am
more than proud of your grand master.”
He
also paid tribute to Italy’s hero of the Pilave, General Diaz, and others of
her legion of heroes.
“Your
people show their approval of the work by their presence, said Senator Albert
Dutton MacDade, another speaker. “We senators, as your representatives, are at
Harrisburg to see that you receive your just dues and you can look to your
representative from Delaware County for help at any time.”
He
also spoke of the future possibilities of the orphans at the home. In closing, he paid highest tribute to
Ambassador Ricci. Judge Samuel E. Shull
of Monroe County, also praised the work of the Sons of Italy, and complimented
the ambassador on being the representative of such a race.
Speaking
in Italian, Ambassador Ricci expressed his intention of sending the telegram to
his king. He said that the members of
the order were worthy of the trust that had been placed in them, and that the
institution will be a monument of their integrity and generosity.
Continuing,
he expressed his belief that the Italians must feel kindly toward American, not
only because of the security and the comfortable homes provided but because of
the latter’s appreciation of Italy’s architecture, music and particularly that
immortal Italian literature of which Dante’s is the foremost.
He
said that the virtues of the Italian people are thrift, love of family, love of
country and sacrifice for their children and that the establishment of the
orphanage is a reaffirmation of the principles taught in the father land. In closing, he again complimented the work of
the Sons of Italy.
Judge
Bonniwell, addressing his excellency, offered an addition to the
cablegram. He said that as
representative of one of the oldest and most patriotic orders in America, the
Sons of the American Revolution, he wished to add its compliments.
Ambassador
Ricci accepted and thanked Judge Bonniwell.
The cable will be sent to the king as first soldier of the country and
the first citizen of Italy, from the Italians and Americans who participated in
the dedication and subsequent exercises.
VISION
OF UNION – Eugene V. Alessandroni, Philadelphia attorney, told of his vision of
a more harmonious union between the people of Italy and America. He said that the work of establishing the
orphanage is not the work of the wealth of a few but the sacrifice by the
workingmen of a few pennies which gradually grew into the fund with which the
work was accomplished.
This
deed contributes to the welfare of the nation, said Mr. Alessandroni, and later
the many orphan children of the Sons of Italy who are raised in the home, will
show their devotion to the land of their parents’ adoption.
Dr.
Francesco Cubicciotti praised the establishment of the home. He said it is but the beginning of a
movement, to build similar ones throughout the United States. He also spoke of the similarity between the
ideals of Dante and the work which the order is accomplishing.
Among
the other speakers of the day were A. Giuseppe DiSilvestra, grand master of the
order; A. Perfilia, grand keeper of records; Baldo Aquilano, past grand keeper
of records; Mrs. Dario Tedesco, Mrs. Spinelli, venerable of the order, and F.
A. Fravascio.
Among
the notables present were Judge Eugene C. Bonniwell, Durell Shuster, secretary
to Mayor Moore; Dr. John L. Haney, Judges Patterson and Brown of Philadelphia,
and Judge Shull of Monrose County; Chev. L. Stilletti, Italian Counsel at
Philadelphia, Chev DiVincenzo, vice consul, Dr. Michael DeVitis, Pittsburgh;
James M. Hamilton, Senator and Mrs. MacDade and Chev. Vincenzo Sellaro, founder
of the order.
During
the evening a relief of Mr. DiSilvestro was presented by Anthony Fileuri. After the presentation, the former made an
announcement that the order will send a telegram to the aged mother of the
ambassador complimenting her on the merits and ability of her son.
One
humorous point of the ceremonies was the presentation to his excellency of a
box of lemons, a token in memory of those of the order who opposed the
establishing of the orphanage.
DCHPN Monthly E-Newsletter |
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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 |
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Please check the websites for updated information before attending and be safe! * Indicates a free event. Some events require pre-registration and close when full. The list includes events in the surrounding areas as well. If you have an event you would like on this list on future e-newsletters, please submit by the end of the month to dchpn_planning@yahoo.com. |
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Fun and Games on Horseback Halloween Show 2022! Oct 15, 9:30 AM Tory Hill Farm, 226 Ivy Mills Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342 Join CTHS and Tory Hill Farm for this fun equestrian event. Multiple classes including Halloween Costume class and Pumpkin Chase. Ribbons awarded for each class. Riders registration $7.50/class. Parking limited. | | |
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*International Archaeology Day Oct 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Newlin Grist Mill, 219 Cheyney Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342 Dig into history at Newlin Grist Mill as the site celebrates and participates in International Archaeology Day. This year it coincides with the final Public Archaeology excavation of the year at Newlin Grist Mill. Members of the public are invited to assist professional archaeologists. | | |
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*Sellers Hall Fall Open House Oct 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sellers Hall, 7125 Walnut St, Upper Darby, PA 19082 Sellers Hall, a historic building built in 1684, was the homestead of the renowned Sellers Family. Come learn more about the history of Sellers Hall, the work being completed to help preserve it, and a brief tour of the Underground Railroad Walking Tour with the Friends of Sellers Hall. | | |
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Area in Focus Tours at the Rail Park Oct 15, 10:00 AM – Oct 16, 1:00 PM Philadelphia, Noble Street, N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 The tours will highlight each section of the Rail Park Vision & the sites' potential to become a public space connecting Philadelphians to nature and each other and will focus on one section of Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park, including The Tunnel, The Cut, & The Viaduct. Suggested donation $10 | | |
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*Harvest Day 2022 Oct 15, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thomas Massey House, 469 Lawrence Rd, Broomall, PA 19008 Bring the whole family to tour the Massey House, see blacksmithing and cooking demonstrations, and learn colonial games. See the new display by Marple Historical Society. | | |
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Patriots Day 2022 Oct 15, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Brandywine Battlefield Park, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Come out to enjoy living history demonstrations, reenactors, firing demonstrations and much more! $8-12 | | |
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*Philadelphia Open Studio Tours Oct 15, 12:00 PM – Oct 23, 6:00 PM Various locations- check website POST is a program of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, is the largest tour of personal and professional artist studios and creative workspaces in the region, and one of the premier open studio tour events in the country. Oct 15/16 & 22/23, 12-6 each day. | | |
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*Fall Festival at Collen Brook Farm Oct 16, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Collen Brook, 1034 Mansion Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 Sheep shearing, wool spinning, tool demonstration, kids activities, colonial crafts and games, mansion tours, face and pumpkin painting, apple bobbing, and scarecrow making. Donations welcome. | | |
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*Happy Birthday 219! The Athenaeum at 175 Oct 17, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Zoom- registration required Join Curator of Architecture, Bruce Laverty, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the completion of the Athenaeum’s “New Hall.” Bruce will examine the immediate impact our landmark building had on Washington Square, in Philadelphia, and around the world. | | |
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*Kennedy: The Cuban Missile Crisis Oct 17, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St, Essington, PA 19029 This program traces the events of possible nuclear war. For thirteen days the United States and the Soviet Union stood face to face with the fate of mankind and the world hanging in the balance. Part 2 of 3. | | |
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*Author Visit: Kathryn Canavan author of True Crime Philadelphia Oct 17, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Springfield Twp Library Meeting Room, Library Ln, Springfield, PA 19064 Philadelphia is known for its firsts like zoos and libraries, but the city was also home to more nefarious firsts! America’s first bank robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and its first octo-murder. Kathryn Canavan will discuss these as well as the real-life killers who inspired HBOs Boardwalk Empire. | | |
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*Ordinary Poisons: Quack Medicine, Fashion Victims and Good Intentions Gone Bad Oct 18, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Helen Kate Furness Library, 100 N Providence Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086 They say that what you don't know can't hurt you...but this lecture proves otherwise. From arsenic wallpaper to radium water, explore the different historical ways that everyday objects could kill. Presented by Jennifer L. Green, Director of Education at the Chester County History Center. 16+ | | |
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North Philadelphia was Built by the Nouveau Riche Oct 18, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Zoom- registration required As Philly grew to become an industrial giant in the Gilded Age, business owners amassed vast fortunes and expanded north along Broad Street. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of North Philadelphia’s development as we look at its past, present, and future. $10-15 | | |
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Revolutionary Speaker Series- Michael C. Harris Oct 18, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Brandywine Battlefield Park, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Michael C. Harris will discuss the content of his second book, Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia, October 4, 1777. After, visit the museum exhibit and enjoy light refreshments. $20 | | |
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*A Modern “Colonial” Home: A Century of Dames on Latimer Street Oct 19, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM NSCDA/PA Headquarters, 1630 Latimer St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Part 1 in lecture series by Laura Keim, Stenton curator. Ritter & Shay designed the Latimer Street Club House in 1921 but with Colonial and Federal influences. Light refreshments & wine at 4:30. Talk at 5:15. RSVP required. | | |
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The Great Pumpkin Carve Oct 20, 4:00 PM – Oct 22, 9:00 PM Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Join us for a three day 'Chadds Ford tradition' where over 70 giant pumpkins are carved by local artists on Thurs. and will be lit and displayed on Fri. & Sat. All 3 nights enjoy a 'kid friendly' Haunted Trail, raffle prizes and live music from "Kenny & Friends". Food, local craft beer. $5-15 | | |
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*When there were witches: an exploration of the Salem Witch Trials Oct 20, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall, PA 19008 Archivist and historian Mickey DiCamillo unravels the events of 1692 with help from archival documents from the period. Join us as he discusses this fascinating part of American history using transcripts from the early interrogations of people accused of witchcraft. | | |
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