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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.
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Have You Seen Frankford?

You may not have seen Frankford with its wealth of history.  Join The Historical Society of Frankford and The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia on a walking tour of one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Philadelphia. Enjoy refreshments at the Historical Society after the tour. 

The next tour of Frankford will be on September 8th at 10 am to 12 pm beginning and ending at the Historical Society of Frankford. On this tour, we will get to see the inside of St Mark’s Church (Frankford’s Cathedral).

Tickets for members of the Preservation Alliance or Frankford Historical Society $15.00. Others $20.00. Tickets available at the event.

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Historical Society Presents Elizabeth Drinker

The Historical Society of Frankford opens the Fall 2018 series on Tuesday, September 11th at 7:30 PM with the story of Elizabeth Drinker.

Doreen Velnich, a member and longtime friend of The Historical Society of Frankford, and recently retired from the Free Library of Philadelphia, will present a paper originally read to the Society in April 1931 by Mabel Corson, a founding member of the Society.

Elizabeth Drinker (nee Sandwith) (1735-1807) was a Quaker diarist of Irish descent who maintained a journal of her daily activities beginning in her teenage years. Her residence in Frankford was Womrath Place, which tradition defines as a special place of interest during the American Revolution.

As a Quaker she was opposed to the War on religious principles. Elizabeth’s account of the ordeals she encountered as a pacifist provides a glimpse into what life was like when both sides of the Revolution looked upon you as a traitor. The list of individuals mentioned in her accounts of this Revolutionary period constitutes a Who’s Who not only of the early days of Frankford but also of the Founders of America.

Come and experience this exciting presentation.

Admission Free
Refreshments served
Donations welcomed

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

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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.