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Discover Frankford This Weekend

The Kings Highway Trust presents, this week, the First Annual Northeast Philadelphia History and Heritage Celebration.  

There are two events being held in Frankford. 

Tonight, at the First Philadelphia Prep. Charter School at 4300 Tacony Street from 7 to 9 PM, is Share Your Story.  Be a part of history and share the stories of your family, ancestors, and everything Northeast Philadelphia in a fun and interactive series of workshops hosted by Manor College Professor Matthew Smalarz and moderated by Jason Sherman.

Sunday, August 19th from 3 to 6 PM at the Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox Street, will be an architectural walking tour of Frankford with Debbie Klak and Diane Sadler. After the tour, then see ancient artifacts at the Historical Society of Frankford along with old photos and a slideshow.

This will also be the first opportunity to use the Historical Walking Tour of Frankford app.  So if you can’t make the event on Sunday, download the app on your mobile device and take the tour whenever you can. Search for Sidewalk.  Then search for the King’s Highway.  I’ve tested it and it is pretty good.

For more information about the event, follow this link.   See you Sunday at the Historical Society.

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Frankford at the Battle of Gettysburg

Frankford residents served in every major battle during the Civil War.  We mark the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this week.

These are the names of the men who died in the battle and one who was taken prisoner only to later die as a prisoner of war.

Joseph Johnson was born about 1838 and was a carpenter when he was mustered into the 121st Pennsylvania volunteers – Company I on August 13, 1862. Private Johnson was taken prisoner at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, and died in Annapolis, Maryland.

Peter McNally was born about 1838 in Scotland and was a shoemaker when he was mustered into the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company I on August 20, 1862. He died at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He was survived by his father Robert and mother Mary.

Robert Rae was born about 1826 in Pennsylvania and was working as a Mason when he was mustered into the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company I on August 18, 1862. He died at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He was survived by his wife Anna, daughters Catherine and Lah and son Charles.

James Butcher was born about 1839 and was a wheelwright living at 216 Frankford Avenue when he was mustered into the 28th regiment Pennsylvania volunteers – Company D on July 8, 1862. He died at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. He was survived by his father Thomas P. and mother Caroline. He is buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery – Pennsylvania Plot, Section D, Site #53.

Robert Lesher was born in Pennsylvania about 1839 and lived on Frankford Avenue near Cedar Hill Cemetery. He was working as a carpenter when he was mustered into the California Regiment, 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers Company D on May 28, 1861. He was wounded in battle on July 3rd and died of his wounds on July 8, 1863. He is buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery, section A, grave, 40. He was survived by his father Jacob, mother Hester, sisters Eliza, Mary, Rachel and Elizabeth and brothers Joseph and William.

Samuel C. Rodgers was born about 1832 in Pennsylvania and was a car driver when mustered into the 114th Regiment Pennsylvania volunteers – Company K on August 14, 1862. Private Rodgers died in Gettysburg on July 13, 1863. He was survived by his wife Sarah and sons William (8), Samuel (6) and Allen (4).

William Reynolds was born about 1812 in New Jersey. By 1860 he and his family had moved to Frankford where he worked in one of the mills. He was mustered into the 26th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers – Company I on May 31, 1861. He was wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and taken prisoner. He died on November 9, 1864, of “starvation and brutal treatment while a prisoner of war at Salisbury, N. C.”. He was survived by his wife Susan, daughter Sarah and son Jonathan.

Lest we forget.

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Cape May Ferry Sunk

The M/V Twin Capes, christened 43 years ago retired after thousands of runs between Cape Henlopen, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey, was sunk on June 15th to become part of Delaware’s artificial reef system. It was always a fun trip.  Video of the sinking below.

 

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Circus Comes to Frankford

The meeting begins at 6;30 on June 12th, with a social gathering at which food and conversation are shared prior to the presentation. This is always a very cordial event. If you are able, please bring some to add to the food and refreshment table array.  The circus presentation begins at 730 PM.

Circus Comes to Frankford -Patty McCarthy. It might not have been “The Greatest Show on Earth”, but it is an interesting and largely unknown part of the history of Frankford. Join us to learn more about the circus that was in our own backyard and some of the circus performers who called Frankford their “home”.

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American Revolution Landmark House in Frankford Safe for Now

It’s Time to Save This Piece of History

Hidden City Philadelphia ran a story yesterday (at this link) that the The Worrel-Winter House at 1548 Adams Avenue would be going to Sheriff Sale in May, unless some action was taken to prevent that.  I spoke to Andy Volodarski, the owner of 1548 and 1550 Adams Avenue, who reported that the tax issue has been resolved and the property will not be on the Sheriff Sale list.

1550 Adams Avenue

What is not resolved is the present condition of the house.  As Harry Kyriakodis said on Hidden City Philadelphia: “At 1548 Adams Avenue in Frankford there is a small, modest home with a big, important history. The two-story house is believed to have been built between 1712 and 1718 and is one of the oldest historical structures listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historical Places. The 18th century dwelling, where Thomas Jefferson recited the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 before it was read publicly, is currently vacant and in a decaying, fire-damaged state.”

It would be a tragedy to fail to save this piece of history which is entrusted to us here in Frankford.