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Howard Barnes We Miss You

It was a busy day yesterday and I thought about passing up the Historical Society of Frankford meeting but decided to go anyway and see what was on the agenda.  I knew there would be a video of Howard Barnes who was the former curator of the society.  He lived on Penn Street only a block from us and I have his autographed book so I thought I had heard it all.  The video ran over an hour but it was fascinating to hear this guy go on about the history of Frankford which he clearly had spent a long time researching.

Jim Young made his first appearance as the incoming President of the society since the departure of Paul Andell in June.  Jim spoke about some of the initiatives that the society will be taking on in the future.  Volunteers are always welcome and much needed.  I noted some new members sign up last night which is really the most valuable resource of this organization.

Before I left I met with Debbie Klak who has been following a discussion on the Gazette about the Overington mansion.  She dug up some clippings from the scrap books that the society has in its collection.  As time goes on those scrap books are golden with their treasure trove of information.  Posted below are some pictures of the meeting and also those clippings that may further illuminate the fate of the Overington mansion.  Click on any of the pictures for a more detailed view.

 

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Overington Park Planting May 14th

The rain fell 10 minutes after we finished. Somebody up there likes Overington Park. We mulched our 15 new trees, planted 71 donated plants and shrubs, 4 crates of cannas bulbs, and 50 packs of seed. We planted 3 new beds that we turned in April. A 50′ bed connecting two established beds along the Orthodox Street wall, a shade bed by the Pilling Street steps,  and the square bed by the play equipment. Also a small Ginkgo tree was planted. Our morning began with delicious baked goods made by our Friends group, and ended with warm soft pretzels. We laid out our plants by sun and shade and got under way planting. Once again we couldn’t have gotten it all done without the great help of Frankford High’s ROTC. Those kids shoveled a mountain of mulch and asked for more work, they are an invaluable resource.


Our Frankford Garden Club showed up in force. Friends of Overington Park count on them and they never let us down. Digging in wherever there was a need. Talking with our other volunteers, sharing their vast knowledge, and planting.  More neighbors from around the park joined us for the planting, this community of good people filling the park with positive work was very up lifting. Everyone’s hard work is making the park a beautiful place for all to share. As the season unfolds, the flowers should fill the park and let everyone know that Overington Park is a magical place protected and nourished by a great group of people who care.

Thanks for all of your hard work, Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park

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ANPU

Was over at Overington Park on a beautiful cool day a few weeks ago baby sitting.  We needed a little playground and Overington has a nice play set for the little kids.  We were there for a while and a guy was sitting over on the bench talking on the phone.  At first I didn’t know what to think.  Finally went over and asked him what was happening.  Turns out his name is Anpu.  He sells crystals.  No joke.

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, December 5, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Victorian Christmas Customs Jane Peters-Estes
  • Endangered City
    When – Fri, December 10, 6pm – 10pm http://gloomyhappy.wpengine.com/2010/11/30/endangered-city-exhibit-coming-to-the-globe-dye-works/
    Where – Globe Dye Works (map)
    Description – A benefit for the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia http://gedoproject.blogspot.com/
  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, December 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – ANNUAL HOLIDAY SOCIAL and PROGRAM ARAMINGO CANAL EXCAVATION Douglas B. Mooney. MA Senior Archaeologist, URS Corporation, Inc The Aramingo Canal was built in 1847 in the bed of Gunner’s Run – a stream emptying into the Delaware in Kensington – in an effort to increase commerce in the area. But the creek-turned-canal became so polluted that it was covered over in 1900. Douglas Mooney URS Corporation’s Project Manager, conducted an archaeological dig in Port Richmond, unearthing a 50-foot section of he canal’s wooden wall. Artifacts from this historic excavation will be displayed and Mr Mooney will provide an update on this project. Students, researchers, historians, genealogists, and all others invited. The monthly program meetings are held at the Historical Society of Frankford’s 1930 building, housing its Library and Museum. Enjoy the Society’s collections and exhibitions and learn something new each month. The annual December Holiday Program features homebaked refreshments throughout. Following the program, participants and presenters can refresh and exchange ideas. Members free; Others $5.00
  • Christmas Caroling
    When – Fri, December 17, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Overington Park (map)
    Description – On Friday Dec. 17th from 7 to 8pm we will be singing carols in Overington Park. We will be caroling on the steps leading to the play equipment, off Pilling Street. We encourage you to wear a holiday hat, listen to our joyful noise and hopefully join in. The Friends of Overington Park wanted to gather with our neighbors and raise our voices in celebration of the holiday season. Please come out and join us! All are welcome! Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, December 21, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Wed, December 15, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – Aria Hospital’s Frankford Campus (4900 Frankford Avenue) in the 2nd floor meeting room. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Love Your Park
    When – Sat, November 13, 10am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)
    Description This Saturday from 10 till 1 is, ‘Love Your Park’ fall clean up. We will be cleaning up and mulching our beds and trees for the winter. We will be raking up leaves and bagging them, digging out our tender bulbs, adding compost and mulch. We need as many hands as we can get, so come out and work with you neighbors, putting our park to bed for the winter. Water and pretzels will be served at the end of our clean-up to our volunteers. Thanks again for all your support, Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park
  • Turkey Bingo
    When – Sat, November 13, 5pm – 9pm
    Where – St. Joachim Church, 1527 Church St. Philadelphia (map)
    Description – Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Francis De Sales #2617 is hosting a Turkey Bingo at St. Joachim Church, 1527 Church St. Philadelphia on Saturday November 13, 2010 from 5PM to 9PM. Cost of admission is $20.00 and includes bingo cards, hot dog, chip, drink, and cake, and door prize ticket. We will also have baskets to raffle, 50-50, and additional food for purchase. If you bring a non-perishable food item for our food cupboard, you get a free raffle ticket. For information call St. Joachim 215-535-0580
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, November 16, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Frankford Parks Group
    When – Mon, November 22, 6pm – 7pm
    Where – Second Baptist Church – 1801 Meadow St. Phila. PA 19124 (map)
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Thu, November 25, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – TBA
    Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
  • FRANKFORD HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION BANQUET!!!
    When – Fri, November 26, 7pm – Sat, November 27, 12am
    Where – Colleen’s at the Savoy Caterers, 1444 Rt. 73 North, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (map)
    Description – Calling all graduates! Come and enjoy an evening of fun and reminiscing with fellow grads of the Red, Blue and Gold on Friday, November 26th, 2010 at Colleen’s at the Savoy Caterers, 1444 Rt. 73 North, Pennsauken, NJ 08110, 856-317-1000. Enjoy dinner, dancing and live music featuring the “FM Band.” GROUPS OF 10+ ORDER TICKETS NOW!! DON’T WAIT!! The cost is $60.00/person. Price includes cost of history/program book. Open seating, Cash Bar. (When purchasing multiple tickets for a table of special friends, please attach their names & graduation year to the order form.) Visit our website at frankfordalumni.com to download an order form now. For more information: Terry Tobin Treasurer 215-331-3644
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, December 2, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)