Tag: History

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Wallace Shaw of the 71st Pennsylvania

At last night’s meetup of the Historical Society of Frankford, my father kept a name in the back of his mind, should the opportunity arise to research it.  The name came from a distant cousin’s email:

Do you plan to go to the Frankford Historical society meeting on the 14th? They are planning to discuss the Civil War Monument at Cedar Hill Cemetery, and I see you have the info posted on the Frankford Gazette site. My brother Bob and I are interested because our GGGrandmother’s brother, Wallace Shaw, who was in the 71st PA Volunteers, was killed at the Wilderness and his name is on the monument…in very unreadable condition

I had never heard of the Battle of the Wilderness before.  Somehow Mr Shaw’s name came up mid presentation, and without missing a beat, Patty Coyne pulled out a book published  by The [original] Frankford Gazette detailing Frankford’s representatives in the Civil War.  And we found Mr Shaw on page 6 with the rest of the 71st Pennsylvania Volunteers(they actually have a website: http://www.71stpavolinfantry.org/, I found this incredibly neat).

Apparently this sort of stuff happens often there.  Many history buffs come looking to dig up names.  Debbie Klak said they’re more than welcome!

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September Program of the Historical Society of Frankford Discusses the Civil War

Last night’s meeting centered around the discussion of the civil war memorial in Cedar Hill Cemetery.  A group dedicated to preserving and educating the public about Frankford’s Civil War Memorial has been attempting to document all of those buried in the circle of honor.

After the war memorial presentation we were allowed to view the personal papers of  John Hilton, a private from the Civil War, who’s collection is housed with the Society.

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, September 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – FRANKFORD CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015) research has begun on the CW veterans interred in Frankford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn of the all-volunteer effort to install individual gravestones involving the Sons of Union Veterans, CW re-enactors, Masons, SW Roundtable members, and others – and how you can be a part of this effort to preserve the history of Frankford and the nation.
  • Sidewalk art contest for kids and pet event
    When – Sat, September 18, 10am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)
    Description – We will be holding a sidewalk art contest for kids. If adults would like to show off their skills with chalk they are welcome to come. There will be prizes for the kids and refreshments for all! Thanks for your support. Also, A veterinarian and a team of volunteers will offer low-cost vaccinations and microchips to pet owners (both dogs and cats). They will also give out info about spay/neuter, pet care, leash laws, etc. They will give out vouchers for $40 spay/neuter and vaccinations for pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Also, they have leashes and collars they will give people.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, September 21, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Thu, September 23, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – Edmunds School, 1197 Haworth St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
  • Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’
    When – Sun, September 26, 12pm – 4pm
    Where – Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library, 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’ General Meade’s Famed Warhorse Returns Home to Post #1 Ceremony at 1:30pm Refreshments & Beverages Tours & Talks Parking at St Joachim’s R.C. Church lot on Griscom St. Please R.S.V.P. to: garmuslib@verizon.net or call: 215-289-6484
  • Unlitter Us Rally and Fair
    When – Fri, October 1, 11:30am – 12:00pm
    Where – outside of Holiday Thriftway (5147 Frankford Avenue) (map)
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, October 3, 12pm – 5pm
    Where4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: “Civil War Spies and Guerillas” Dr Sid Copel
  • Friends of Overington Park
    When – Tue, October 5, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – CORA Neuman Center at 1000 Orthodox Street (map)
    Description – Come out and discuss our park and what we an do to make it a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, October 7, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
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Cedar Hill Cemetery 1871

Below is a story done by the Philadelphia Ledger in 1871 about the Cedar Hill Cemetery.  It’s interesting in the description of the cemetery and also the details of the Civil War Memorial.  It includes the text of the inscriptions that are now not readable.  Thanks to a good friend Kathy D’imperio.  Click on the image to get a full size view.

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Frankford Civil War Memorial

As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, we should be hearing more about the pivotal part Frankford played in that era.  The Civil War Memorial at Cedar Hill Cemetery is one important monument that is going to get some attention.  The program this month at the Historical Society of Frankford is aimed at bringing some attention and hopefully helping hands to preserve this treasure.

When – Tue, September 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
Description – FRANKFORD CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015) research has begun on the CW veterans interred in Frankford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn of the all-volunteer effort to install individual gravestones involving the Sons of Union Veterans, CW re-enactors, Masons, SW Roundtable members, and others – and how you can be a part of this effort to preserve the history of Frankford and the nation.
I took a walk through today to get a first hand look.  I’ve never been in that part of Cedar Hill.  Looking down on Frankford, you can imagine what it was like back in the 19th century.  Here are some pictures that show the present state of the memorial.