Posted on

Coming Tuesday Night at the Historical Society: Warrior Architect

Preserving & Promoting the History of NE Philadelphia since 1905
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD
The Center for Northeast Philadelphia History
 Tuesday, 11 September 2012
7:30pm

FRANK H. FURNESS
WARRIOR – ARCHITECT (1839-1912)

Join the Historical Society of Frankford in remembering the life and works of Philadelphia’s prolific architect, Frank H Furness — recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of this nation’s ten greatest architects — as we offer our own ceremonial eulogy for his contributions to Philadelphia and the nation. We will be joined by Frankford’s GAR Museum and Library, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the General Meade Society, the First City Troop, and others as we acknowledge his service as a Rush’s Lancer, his receipt of a Congressional Medal of Honor, and other lesser known aspects of his life.  
 
Of 800 structures built from his designs, only 200 survive today. Northeast Philadelphia is fortunate to have two of these — the Mortuary Chapel of Mt Sinai Cemetery, 1901 Bridge Street (http://mtsinaicemetery.org/history.html), and the Knowlton Mansion, Furness’ only remaining country house, at 8001 Verree Road (http://www.conroycatering.com/docs/km_travel.html).
 
As part of the city-wide remembrance of the centennial of his death. The Society has also mounted a special exhibition “FRANK FURNESS and NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA” devoted to Furness as a creative genius and including photographs, prints, and drawings of this masterpieces – both extant and sadly defunct – with emphasis on his designs for Northeast Philadelphia region, including Frankford. The exhibition presents materials from the Society’s extensive Library and Museum collections, as well as items on loan from other collections – including an original oil portrait by Albert Gury.
 
Refreshments served. Members free; Others $5.00
 
1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.frankfordhistoricalsociety.org
Posted on

Controversy Surrounds Cemetery Work

The Philadelphia Historical Commission is investigating allegations that work being done at the Knights of Pythias Greenwood Cemetery is being done without proper permits.  The Historical Properties committee at the Historical Society of Frankford raised the issue in response to neighbors concerns.  The cemetery appearance has improved greatly over the last two years, However the issue is the historical significance of the property and its preservation.

Response from the Historical Commission:

I visited the site myself on Friday, June 15 and photographed the area in
question. One of my staff members tried to contact the property owner for
two weeks, but no one returned his calls or answered his emails. We
therefore requested that the Department of Licenses & Inspections issue a
violation to the property owner for failing to obtain the Historical
Commission’s approval for the work. The Department is also issuing a
violation for failing to obtain a building permit for clearing more than
5,000 square feet of land. After receiving the violations, the property
owner will have an opportunity to take the appropriate corrective actions
(ie seek the Historical Commission’s and Department’s approvals for work to
remedy the situation). If an appropriate action is not taken, then the
Department and Historical Commission will seek to enforce the violations
through the courts. Thank you for your vigilence.

Jonathan E. Farnham, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Philadelphia Historical Commission

Posted on

Flags of the Confederacy and the Civil War

Preserving & Promoting the History of NE Philadelphia since 1905
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD
The Center for Northeast Philadelphia History
  
Tuesday, 12 June 2012  7:00pm
FLAGS of the CONFEDERACY
and the CIVIL WAR
Philadelphia Flag Day Association
Michael Axelrod
Join the Historical Society of Frankford and the Philadelphia Flag Day Association for ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE on this “War Between the States” (“War of Southern Independence,” “War of Northern Aggression,” “Freedom War”. . .) through a display of FLAGS OF THE CONFEDERACY, presented by the Philadelphia Flag Day Association, which has a collection of over 200 historic American Flags and Banners.  
Also, view the rare examples of CONFEDERATE MONEY and BONDS, a CSA Buckle, Books (The Society’s J Friend Lodge Collection), and Letters with ORIGINAL SIGNATURES of ROBERT E LEE, JEFFERSON DAVIS, STONEWALL JACKSON, P.G.T. BEAUREGARD – along with WEAPONS and other items from the Society’s vast Library and Museum collections.

Did you know that Frankford provided more recruits for the Civil War than any other town of its size in America?
As this is the Society’s Annual SPRING SOCIAL, members and guests are invited to bring refreshments (sweet or savory) to share.
Refreshments served.  Members free; Others $5.00
1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA  19124 

www.frankfordhistoricalsociety.org

Posted on

Great Program Coming up at the Historical Society

Flags of the Confederacy and the Civil War

Philadelphia Flag Day Association

Michael Axelrod, Vice President for Educational and Development

Tuesday, 12 June 2012 – 7:00pm

Historical Society of Frankford

1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124

Join the Historical Society of Frankford and the Philadelphia Flag Day Association for ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE on this “War Between the States” (“War of Southern Independence,” “War of Northern Aggression,” “Freedom War”. . .) through a display of FLAGS OF THE CONFEDERACY, presented by the Philadelphia Flag Day Association, which has a collection of over 200 historic American Flags and Banners.

Also, view the rare examples of CONFEDERATE MONEY and BONDS, a CSA Buckle, Books (The Society’s J Friend Lodge Collection), and Letters with ORIGINAL SIGNATURES of ROBERT E LEE, JEFFERSON DAVIS, STONEWALL JACKSON, P.G.T. BEAUREGARD – along with WEAPONS and other items from the Society’s vast Library and Museum collections.

Did you know that Frankford provided more recruits for the Civil War than any other town of its size in America?

 As this is the Society’s Annual SPRING SOCIAL, members and guests are invited to bring refreshments (sweet or savory) to share.