Tag: benjamin rush

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BREAKING: STUDY REVEALS HISTORIC HOUSE ON RUSH ESTATE BUILT BTWN 1830-1850

greewoodfrontrushhouse

A study commissioned by the owners of Greenwood Cemetery and the Philadelphia Historical Commission into the purported residence of Benjamin Rush has found the house was built between 1830 and 1850, precluding the possibility that the Signer of the Declaration of Independence could have spent any time inside it since he died in 1813.   It would have been a nice feather in the area’s cap if it had been Rush’s house since he was a player in the country’s founding and it would have led to more speculation as to what other founding fathers may have visited or even stayed in the house.

It’s still an old house though and the press release indicates that these findings clear the way for the structure’s restoration back into it’s correct historical context, i.e. a house from the middle 1800s.  It also coincides with the re internment of some 3000 graves currently being moved from the back of the cemetery to the front so that Cancer Centers Of America may build a parking lot and possibly buildings on land adjacent to their center.

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Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery/Benjamin Rush House

greenwood-front-entrance

The Northeast Times reports on the meeting about the future of the Benjamin Rush house:

About a dozen community stakeholders offered cemetery officials their thoughts on what the future should look like for the Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery/Benjamin Rush house rehabilitation project last week in a conference room at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

In 2005, CTCA moved into the old Parkview Hospital campus, adjacent to the 44-acre cemetery, at 930 Adams Ave., in Northwood.

Greenwood Holdings, a company affiliated with the hospital, and minority shareholder Friends of Greenwood acquired the cemetery and its historic yet ramshackle buildings last year.

That includes the circa 1782 Benjamin Rush House, where Doctor and Mrs. Rush are said to have served tea to George Washington and Annis Boudinot Stockton (who lived at Morven in Princeton).

Greenwood Holdings, working with consulting engineers and preservation architects, plan to restore the house, which was used as the cemetery office for many years, and transform it into the centerpiece for the cemetery.

Philadelphia Graveyards and Cemeteries author Tom Keels, who also guides tours through Laurel Hill Cemetery in East Falls, acted as a facilitator for the meeting, holding off answering questions from attendees, instead asking for their “out-of-the-box” ideas.

Joe Menkevich, former Northwood Civic Association president and amateur historian, suggested that CTCA, which has several hospitals located across the country, might consider naming this particular location the Benjamin Rush campus, noting that Rush himself worked on a treatment for cancer during his lifetime.

Read the entire story here.

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • ‘Living Healthier’ fair in Frankford
    When-Fri, July 31, 10am – 11am
    Where-St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave. (map)
    Description-Rep. Tony Payton to host free ‘Living Healthier’ fair in Frankford Please mark your calendars for Friday, July 31, when I host my first “Living Healthier” fair with Greater Philadelphia Health Action to help people learn some simple but effective ways they can lead a healthier lifestyle. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 31 at St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave. It will feature a variety of local community health-care providers, free on-site examinations, and information to help adults and children live healthier lives. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. People of all ages are welcome to attend. If you would like more information about this event or any other state-related issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When-Sun, August 2, 12pm – 5pm
    Where-4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description-From Ft Sumter to Appomattox: General Samuel W. Crawford Presented by Mr. Rich Wagner
  • Community discussion on the potential use of the historic Benjamin Rush house
    When-Mon, August 3, 6pm – 8pm
    Where-Medical Office Building at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in the third floor conference room (map)
    Description-Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery will host a community discussion on the potential use of the historic house. As you know, the house has been inhabitable for many years however; under new ownership the cemetery has plans to renovate and restore the house. Please see www.kpgreenwoodcemetery.org for the full details. The guest facilitator will be Ann Barton Brown. Ms. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge, including thirty-five years experience as a curator, collections manager, strategic planner and fundraiser for museums and non profit arts and community organizations. With your input we hope to determine the most effective use of the house, not only for the cemetery but for the community as well. Therefore, your participation is greatly appreciated. The meeting will be held in the Medical Office Building at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in the third floor conference room on August 3rd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If you have any questions please call 215-533-2967.
  • Kick off rally for National Night Out
    When-Mon, August 3, 6pm – 8pm
    Where-Wal*Mart Parking Lot – 1601 South Columbus Blvd. (map)
    Description-Philadelphia’s Night Out Kick off rally for National Night Out Monday August 3rd, 2009\ Please join us in honoring Philadelphia’s Town Watch groups Wal*Mart Parking Lot – 1601 South Columbus Blvd. Fun for the whole family – music, refreshments, prizes You don’t want to miss this great event Don’t forget to turn on your lights and turn off crime on August 4th
  • National Night Out
    When-Tue, August 4, 8pm – Wed, August 5, 12am
    Description-Don’t forget to turn on your lights and turn off crime on August 4th
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When-Thu, August 6, 7pm – 8pm
    Where-Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Overington Park CleanupNext Week In Frankford
    When-Sat, July 25, 10am – 1pm
    Where-Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)
    Description-I know this is short notice but we are having a small clean up this Sat. morning from 10 till 1 in Overington Park. We will need help weeding and mulching the trees and flower beds. There will be some kind of refreshments for the people who show up and put in some work. Anything time you can give would be helpful! I know it’ summer and your busy , but if you could stop by, we would love it. Thanks for you support and help, Friends of Overington Park.
  • Bake sale/crafts/yardsale at Overington House
    When-Sat, July 25, 11am – 3pm
    Where-Overington St. and Griscom St. (map)
    Description-We are praying for good weather! 11 am to 3 pm Saturday. Home made empanadas, baked goods, and other delicious food prepared by hand with care. Beverages and hot dogs available. Handmade crafts and jewelry for sale, some made by the children living at Overington house. New and gently used clothing for sale (women’s and children’s) Help support the families at Overington House while getting bargains to take home to your family! 100% of proceeds go directly to helping the families at Overington House. Overington House is located at 1528-30 Overington St 19124 (Behind the Frankford Library) To volunteer or to learn more about Overington House go to www.overingtonhouse.org .
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When-Sun, August 2, 12pm – 5pm
    Where-4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description-From Ft Sumter to Appomattox: General Samuel W. Crawford Presented by Mr. Rich Wagner.
  • Community discussion on the potential use of the historic Benjamin Rush house
    When-Mon, August 3, 6pm – 8pm
    Where-Medical Office Building at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in the third floor conference room (map)
    Description-Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery will host a community discussion on the potential use of the historic house. As you know, the house has been inhabitable for many years however; under new ownership the cemetery has plans to renovate and restore the house. Please see www.kpgreenwoodcemetery.org for the full details. The guest facilitator will be Ann Barton Brown. Ms. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge, including thirty-five years experience as a curator, collections manager, strategic planner and fundraiser for museums and non profit arts and community organizations. With your input we hope to determine the most effective use of the house, not only for the cemetery but for the community as well. Therefore, your participation is greatly appreciated. The meeting will be held in the Medical Office Building at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in the third floor conference room on August 3rd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If you have any questions please call 215-533-2967.
  • National Night Out
    When-Tue, August 4, 8pm – Wed, August 5, 12am
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When-Thu, August 6, 7pm – 8pm
    Where-Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)