Brandywine Creek above Baltimore Pike about 1905 NOTE; There are many stories of rocks in Delaware County about Indians and lost loves, Ravacoola in Glenolden and Annie's Rock in Clifton. Below is Deborah's story DEBORAH'S ROCKThe Story of the Tragic End of a Beautiful Indian PrincessLeaped Into Rushing Waters Broken-Hearted Over the Death of Her Dusky Lover, She Brought External Rest in the Peaceful Water of the Brandywine Near Chadd's Ford. "From a careful personal of local history and tradition handed down from our Heirs, the following article should interest all the lovers of ye olden times. When all Chester County was Nature's the great forest, stretched unbroken to the far west, and the red men reigned supreme. The Brandywine flows sluggishly, winding away among the hills; the forest trees extending their great arms from the high banks, throws dark shadows upon its surface. Here was the favorite haunts of the Lenapes, one of the great Delaware tribes. Wawaset had just returned from the war path with many scalps and a prisoner, a young brave from a neighboring tribe. He was bound to a pine tree in the midst of the camp to await a fate, on, so terrible. He was weary from the long march, the thongs cut through the skin of his wrists, yet he never uttered one complaint. The camp fires were burning low, and the solitary guard was trying to warm himself by the embers. Presently a woman came silently from one of the wigwams. It was Deborah, he daughter of Wawaset. Stealing softly through the night, she approached the captive. The girl was very handsome and in the darkness she appeared more like a spirit than human. "Modena," she whispered, "speak not and obey me," and without further words she cut the cords. Taking him by the hand she led him quickly away among the forest trees. "Oh, I am so glad to be near you once again," said Deborah. "How came it that you were caught, Every day I have gone to the white rock and waited for you, but you came not. I was almost in despair" So sudden was the transformation from misery to joy, that the exuberant spirits of the Indian maiden were at their height. "I will tell you all soon, but now, we must fly while we may," whispered the brave. ON THE SCENT The guard had missed his prisoner, the alarm was raised and already the sound hear the shouts of the savaged as they rushed hither and thither in pursuit. The night was damp and chilly, with a drizzling rain falling. This fact rather aided them in their flight as the wet leaves gave out no sound. By following a glade through the hills they come to the creek at what is now called: Chadd's Ford. Crossing they proceeded up the stream almost careless in there fancied freedom for they could not longer hear the shouts of the pursuers. Then she told him how her father, ere another moon, was going to compel her to wed an old man, a cruel old brave, she could not love. How her only hope was in his coming and so on. "You have saved my lift, fair one," replied Modena :and there is no thanks I can offer you that will re pay you, except my love. Will you take that? History does not record her reply, but we can form an opinion. About midnight the two were resting seated on a fallen tree, when out of the stillness came the war whoop of the Lenapes and the deep voice of Wawaset shouted: "Surround them". There among the cedars was the chief, followed by a half dozen of his tribe, while others ran swiftly to either side. Attempt at escape was useless. Raising his club Modena stood in defiance to them all. He had sworn to defend Deborah with hi life, now the time had come to prove his love. The club fell again and again and at every blow a savage fell; but numbers told. Overpowering him they literally cut him to pieces, his body rolling at the feet of the girl. And she was compelled to see his scalp taken before her very eyes. Turning to her Wawaset sneered: "You ungrateful daughter. How dare you defy me? You are disgraced before the whole tribe. Get up, you lazy hag, and march ahead. The girl hesitated a moment, gazing sadly at her dear friend, then with a cry like a frightened fawn she dashed to the cliff. The placid waters of the Brandywine lay fifty feet below. With one wild look and the sob of a broken heart she sprang into eternity. There was a splash, a few circling eddies -- that was all. And to this day the high wall of rock that overlooks the historic stream at Cope's Foundries, bears her name, "Deborah's Rock." Two centuries have passed and the noble red man has been nearly driven from the earth; yet belated fisherman are startled to hear a rustling on the rocks above and see the spectral form of an Indian maiden, her dark hair waiving in the wind, poise on the brink a moment, then leap head long toward the water, but a mist seems to gather and the ghost vanishes ere it reaches the surface. DCHPN Monthly E-Newsletter |
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Happy Holidays! Lots of things happening this month 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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Christmas at the Grange Nov 27, 2022 – Jan 08, 2023,1:00 - 4:00 PM Grange Estate, 143 Myrtle Ave, Havertown, PA 19083 See the trains in the barn and the trees Santas in every room in the historic Grange Estate. Gift shoppe is open for holiday shopping. Open most weekends 1-4 and some special events on Friday evenings. Dec 22 and 28 open 6-8 pm. Check website for details. | | |
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Brandywine River Museum Critter Sale! Dec 01, 10:00 AM – Dec 04, 3:00 PM Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 The Brandywine River Museum will be holding their annual Critter Sale at the Chadds Ford Historical Society's Barn Visitors Center this year. Please stop by to support the River Museum and purchase some cute critters hand-made by their Critter Volunteers. | | |
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*The Evolution of Pastorius Park, the Park that Almost Wasn’t Dec 01, 2022 – Jan 02, 2023, 7:00 PM Kilian Hardware storefront, 8450 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 This Streetscape Exhibit will showcase the evolution of Pastorius Park throughout the years. Initially conceived as a dramatic landscaped double roundabout in the heart of Chestnut Hill, the Park has been rescued and maintained by Friends of Pastorius Park. | | |
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Brandywine Railroad Dec 02, 2022 – Jan 08, 2023, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and a carnival. | | |
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Holiday House Tours of Fairmount Park Dec 02-30, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Various- check website, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, USA In December, ALL 4 Historic Houses of East Fairmount Park are open for tours on a walk-up basis (various dates per house). $5* suggested donation (*except Woodford Mansion, which is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors/ students) | | |
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*Rose Tree Festival of Lights Dec 02, 2022 – Jan 01, 2023, 5:00-10:00 PM Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence Township, PA 19063 During the daylight-deprived month of December, Rose Tree Park sparkles at night with its annual Festival of Lights display. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere. Holiday Village on Fri/Sat. | | |
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Oshogatsu Dec 03/04, Dec 10/11, 10:00 AM –4:00 PM Shofuso, Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131 Celebrate an early Japanese New Year this holiday season with Ikebana, flower arrangements and traditional decorations of pine, bamboo, and berries. Displays for the new year’s tea and holiday games will be on view. Wear warm socks and enjoy the beauty of the winter Japanese garden. $9-14 (weekends) | | |
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Colonial Christmas Dec 03 & 10, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Colonial PA Plantation, 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073, USA Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation invites you to a festive day at the farm! Enjoy the holiday season with the sounds of music, the smell of gingerbread, and seasonal crafts and activities. $6-10 | | |
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*Artifacts Uncovered on Leiper House Property Dec 03, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Leiper House, 521 Avondale Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086 Swarthmore resident Kevin Connell walked the grounds at Leiper House with his metal detector and discovered lots of interesting artifacts; old coins, keys, tools, and more. The treasures will be displayed at the Leiper House. Mr. Connell will be on hand to share what he has learned about them. | | |
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Deck the Alley 2022 Dec 03, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Celebrate the festive season on Philly’s most historic residential street! At Deck the Alley, visitors can be swept away by the historic homes decked out in holiday style. The residents once again open their homes for a holiday celebration like no other! $10-25, 2 hr slots. Includes museum entry. | | |
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Walking Tour- The Modern Architectural Treasures of Davidson Road: The Remarkable Legacy of Oskar Stonorov Dec 04, 1:30 PM Tour Meeting, Davidson Rd & McCallum St, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Architect and sculptor Oskar Stonorov was one of Chestnut Hill’s more important, but lesser known, Modernist architects practicing during the 20th century. Several of his buildings have been lost, but the handsome houses he built to nestle into Davidson Rd’s park-side landscape remain intact. $15/25 | | |
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*Tree Lighting @ Thunderbird Lodge Dec 04, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Rose Valley Museum and Thunderbird Lodge, 41 Rose Valley Rd, Media, PA 19063 Celebrate the start of the Christmas Season with carols and lighting of the Museum’s tree. An old fashioned hour of song, hot chocolate, and community topped off by the lighting of the tree. Bring the entire family. | | |
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*Creating Christmas: How a Centuries Old European Tradition Became Something Uniquely American Dec 05, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall, PA 19008 How did the Christmas holiday become such a treasured tradition of gift giving, Santa Claus, family feasts, and domestic bliss? Join historian and archivist Mickey DiCamillo as he explains how the holiday was tamed, domesticated, and transformed into something uniquely American. | | |
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Virtual talk- The Modern Architectural Treasures of Davidson Road: The Remarkable Legacy of Oskar Stonorov Dec 06, 6:30 PM Virtual- registration required Architect and sculptor Oskar Stonorov was one of Chestnut Hill’s more important, but lesser known, Modernist architects practicing during the 20th century. Several of his buildings have been lost, but the handsome houses he built to nestle into Davidson Rd’s park-side landscape remain intact. $10/20 | | |
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*"Changing the Face of the City" Panel Discussion Dec 07, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Center for Architecture & Design, 1218 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Our Changing the Face of the City project concludes with a thought-provoking panel discussion of leaders in the built environment to explore how the historic dynamics of preservation and urban planning have affected current practices in real-estate development, housing, etc. Light refreshments. | | |
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*Virtual Tenement Talk – The Last Million: Europe’s Displaced People from World War II to the Cold War Dec 07, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM YouTube Live Historian and bestselling author David Nasaw discusses his latest book that examines the failures of the international community to resettle over one million displaced people following World War II. Mark Hetfield, the Director of HIAS, will participate in the discussion. | | |
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*The Attack on Pearl Harbor Dec 07, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Zoom- registration required December 7, 2022 is the 81st anniversary of the terrible attack. Join military historian, lecturer and tour guide, Mike Jesberger for a discussion on the events that led up to that fateful day in 1941. A very powerful slideshow will accompany the lecture including actual photos from the time. | | |
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*Clara in a Time of War by C.J. McGroarty Dec 07, 7:00 PM Winsor Room- Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087 Join C.J. McGroarty for a reading and discussion of her new book Clara in a Time of War which is a compelling story set in 1777 Chester County. As war is raging in the American Colonies, Clara Fletcher struggles to make do on her Chester County farm while her husband is off in the fight. | | |
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*The Paradox of Urban Revitalization with Howard Gillette, Jr. Dec 08, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Zoom- registration required In profiling nine cities grappling with challenges of the twenty-first century, author Howard Gillette, Jr. evaluates the uneven efforts to secure racial and class equity as city fortunes have risen. | | |
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Holiday Happy Hour with The Rail Park Dec 08, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM The Trestle Inn, 339 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Friends of the Rail Park welcomes park goers and community members for an End of the Year Happy Hour celebration at the Trestle Inn! Enjoy a cocktail (or a few) with the Rail Park staff, mingle with your neighbors, and get the inside scoop on what to expect in 2023. Donations welcome | | |
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*History Happy Hour: Love and Life - Controversy in Lafayette Square Dec 08, 5:30 PM Zoom- registration required Renowned Victorian painter George F. Watts gifted his painting "Love and Life" to the American people in 1893, and the painting made its way to the White House. Hear WHHA Historian Sarah Fling discuss this painting that caused controversy over White House art! | | |
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*Retro Reads: Yuletide Writing Dec 08, 15, 22, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081 Celebrate the festive season by exploring some well-loved yuletide writing by classic authors. On Thursday evenings Retro Readers are welcome to join Jenifer and the occasional guest for a virtual discussion of classic literature. | | |
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In With The Old 2022- YFPA Dec 08, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Oaks Cloister, 5829 Wissahickon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144 We invite friends of the Preservation Alliance of all ages to this rare opportunity to tour this one of a kind structure, which remains to this day a private residence. Join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and camaraderie with fellow preservationists amidst the home’s sparkling beauty. $30-50 | | |
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*The Mysterious Death of Tutankhamun: Disease? Trauma? Murder? Dec 08, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Zoom- registration required This lecture will examine briefly the events surrounding the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the recent theory that Tutankhamun was assassinated by a blow to the back of the head, and we will review what, if any, evidence points to the role that disease and/or trauma may have had in his death. | | |
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*Trim a Tree Dec 11, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Lower Swedish Cabin, 13 Creek Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 Help decorate the Christmas tree. Have some snacks from the Julboard (Christmas Table). Tomte Search for the kids. Craft little gnomes and reindeer. Tour the cabin and warm yourself by a roaring fire. Shop for gifts at the Butiken including shirts by local artist Erica Harney. Light refreshments. | | |
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