Tag: historical society of frankford

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Coming to the Historical Society of Frankford in April

About 50 people turned out at The Historical Society of Frankford for the first program of 2019 on March 12th.  Jim Young gave a slide show presentation on Trolleys, from Horse-drawn, steam-powered to Electric Trolleys. He Also showed early pictures of the El being constructed. It was a great presentation.

Coming up on April 9th, Philadelphia Mansions– Stories and Characters Behind the Walls by Thom Nickels The Grandeur of Philadelphia’s Past Revealed- Philadelphia’s grand mansions and architectural treasures reflect its status in American history. For each Greek Revival home and Corinthian column lies a compelling story of the people behind them. Author Thom Nickels presents the cities most iconic homes and the stories behind them.

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Coming at the Historical Society of Frankford

The meeting on March 12th, at 7:30 PM:

Ride the Rails: Philadelphia Transportation from Horse-drawn and Steam-powered Vehicles to Trolley Cars and the Frankford El

Presented by: James Young, Alan Trachtenberg
The utilization of surface railway systems overcame obstacles caused by inferior roadways to provide a comfortable and efficient means of transportation in urban areas. They will present lantern slides depicting various models of horse-drawn, steam-powered, and electrified trolley cars and discuss the unique designs of some individual trolley cars. The Frankford Elevated commenced operation in 1922 and provided a rapid, limited stop ride between Northeast Philadelphia through Center City to West Philadelphia.  Lantern slides showing various stages of its construction will be presented to show the enormity of this project.

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The Historical Society of Frankford Presents The Whitaker Mills

The Historical Society of Frankford presents the 4th of its Fall Lecture Series for 2018

December 11, 2018, 7:30 PM
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA will precede the lecture at 6:30 PM.  All are welcome. Please bring light fare or desserts to share.

The Whitaker Mills:  Fred Maurer – Historian   and Robin Irizarry – Conservationist

Henry Whitaker’s Textile Mill began as a waterwheel operation in 1813 on the banks of the Tacony Creek at Tabor Road in the Olney section of Philadelphia. A dam was built to maintain water flow to the wheel and a covered bridge was built to carry Tabor Road across the creek. For 157 years the mill provided employment for hundreds of local residents and finally ceased operations in 1970. Some structures still remain and the land is now part of Tacony Creek Park and is part of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership environmental conservation efforts. Please join us to learn how elements of the past are being integrated into current environmental restoration projects.

Fred Maurer making a presentation in 2015

 

The Historical Society of Frankford
1507 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215)  743-6030

 

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Historical Society of Frankford presents the 3rd of its 2018 Fall Program Lectures

Up the Lazy River.

Jack McCarthy – Archivist, Historian and Author

 

Coming up on November 13, 2018, 7:30 PM at the Historical Society of Frankford

An illustrated lecture focusing on the grand estates and mansions that were situated along the Delaware River in Northeast Philadelphia in the eighteenth through the early twentieth century. See historical images of and hear the stories behind many of the elegant, now long-gone riverfront estates of Frankford, Wissinoming, Tacony, Holmesburg, and Torresdale.

All Welcome – Admission Free – Refreshments Served

Donations and Membership Applications Gratefully Accepted

The HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD

1507 Orthodox Street

Philadelphia, PA 19124

215-743-6030

Email: frankfordhistorical@gmail.com

Facebook: thehistoricalsocietyoffrankford

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A Gallop Through Northeast Philadelphia History

Historical Society of Frankford’s pop-up conference

“Transitions in Northeast Philadelphia History”

October 7, 2018
3-6 pm
1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Admission Free; Food and Beverages provided
Reservations are not required but appreciated:  johnbton47@gmail.com
Delaware  Valley Special Collections Librarians organize free special events every October, which they designate “Archives Month.”  The overall calendar of events can be found here:  archivesmonthphilly.com
This year the Historical Society of Frankford will participate by putting on a free-form conference of members and friends of the society who have researched various aspects of Northeast Philadelphia history and can bring the lore to bear in explaining the importance of maps, deeds, prints, and other documets from our special collections, plus a few items from our museum.  The public is cordially invited to come, enjoy the occasion, and interact with the featured researchers.
Committed participants so far include the following, with notes on their organizations or most recent research, which are just representative of their knowledge of local history:
  • Robin Irizarry, Philadelphia Watershed Coordinator, Tookany-Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership.
  • Prof. Matthew Smalarz, Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences, Manor College, on oral histories of Frankford Creek.
  • Robert Penn, on his distant uncle William Penn’s interesting financial arrangements, to create the colony that changed the world.
  • Fred Maurer, on Peter Dalbo, a case of incorporation of a Swedish landholder on the governing council.
  • Fred Moore, on Pennypack Creek through Swedish, Dutch, and Quaker control.
  • Tom Dayton, on his ancestor Peter Cock’s role as a principal translator between Swedes and Lenape, and Peter’s son Lasse Cock’s role as a principal translator between Swedes and Quakers.
  • John Buffington on some idiosyncrasies of documents in our special collections.
We also hope for commitments from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and several groups with historic preservation challenges past and present; the Tacony Historical Society on the creation of a historic district; the American-Swedish Historical Museum; several more Professors, and some other individuals with particular relevant lore.
Please come and see us on October 7, and bring your friends.
But wait, there’s more in Frankford that day:  the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library will also be holding an open house with free admission on October 7, from 12 to 3.  They’re at 4728 Griscom Street, and garmuslib.org.