Category: history

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Officer Gary Skerski Remembered

Officer Gary Skerski was memorialized on May 8th.  The video below shows a bit of that ceremony.  We live in a time when the word hero is over used.  He was a hero in the truest sense of the word.  He was the Community Services Officer for the 15th District when he was killed 10 years ago but he was working overtime that night when he was called to investigate the report of a robbery at Pat’s Cafe.

 

Natalie Pompilio and Robert Moran of the Inquirer gave a great account of his time which you can read at this link.

Posted on by

Step into History Tour Today in Frankford

This month marks historic observance of Decoration Day now known as Memorial Day. This will feature a tour of the GAR museum and library from noon to 12:45 and then participants drive down to St. Joachim Cemetery, the Wilmot Park Cemetery, Cedar Hill Cemetery, Frankford War Memorial at the stadium. The tour will finish up at the Historical Society of Frankford for a tour and light refreshments. Parking available in St. Joachim parking lot on Griscom Street. Free will offering.

step into history 2

 

 

Posted on by

History of Photography on Tap at the Historical Society

It does not get much earlier than Robert Cornelius.  Please join us on Tuesday May 10th at 7:30 PM for a lecture, presented by Rachel Wetzel, Photograph Conservator, on the history of early photography in America and the contributions made by Robert  Cornelius to the Daguerreotype process.

hsf

The lecture will also include information about a scientific research project on the conservation of ungilded daguerreotypes.

The Historical Society of Frankford is located at 1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124.

Posted on by

Historic Graveyard Tour at All Saints Torresdale

All Saints Church Torresdale Hosts Historic Graveyard Tour for Flag House D.A.R.

The members of FLAG HOUSE CHAPTER, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), were the guests of the History Committee of ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH TORRESDALE on a bright and balmy Saturday afternoon, April 16th, for a history tour of the church and its graveyard.

Flag House Chapter Regent Pamela Rivera was joined by officers, members and prospective members, including Christie Link, Patricia Coyne, Kathleen Zielinski, Colleen Kolakowski, Joyce Mosley, Wendy Lenhart, Erin Rodgers Schmidt, Peg Dungan Barr and Sonia Abrams Bostic.

After Regent Rivera opened the Flag House meeting with the DAR Patriotic Ritual and reading of the NSDAR President General and National Defense reports, All Saints Episcopal Church Torresdale History Chairman Debbie Klak introduced her committee members: Carol Rifkin, Suzanne Scourfield, Sandy Pytlewski, and Hilda Vertlieb.

The group learned of the church’s history, pre-dating the American Revolution, and viewed some of its architectural features in an entertaining and enlightening program presented by Ms Klak and her committee. Then it was out to the graveyard – where enchanting stories of many souls and their final resting places were related. Highlights included graves of Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War soldiers.

Finally, invigorated by the trek through the mid-18th century portion of the church’s expansive graveyard, all shared in a bountiful buffet of savory and sweet luncheon treats – and continued to share stories of their own Revolutionary War ancestors.

Slideshow at this link.

If you believe you might be descended from a Revolutionary War patriot, feel free to contact Flag House Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution at cameo1200@gmail.com to learn more about the opportunities available.

Posted on by

Wilmot School Has Been Designated as a Historic Building

At a meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission on April 8th, the Wilmot School at 1736 Meadow Street in Frankford was accepted for historic designation.  This ends the lengthy process of research and documentation by Joe Menkevich, Rev. Darrel Bradsbery, Pastor of Second Baptist which owns the building and Leon Brantley.

IMG_8897

This in an acknowledgment of the historic significance of this Frankford school building to the history of the City.

The benefits of the designation are:

Protection against inaccurate or unsympathetic alterations and unnecessary demolition offers a means to assure the preservation of the character of a resource or neighborhood. Historic designation serves as yet another tool for a community to retain its physical integrity. In Philadelphia and other cities, this has helped to enhance property values and to foster community pride. In addition, owners may request technical assistance from the Commission staff. Finally, for many, the ownership of a recognized cultural resource brings with it a satisfying sense of trusteeship of the past for the future. Owners of properties on the Philadelphia Register may apply for a Philadelphia Historical Commission plaque. Interested persons should contact the staff to request a plaque application.