NewsLetters
What's Happening in the Society
Most recent at the top
Historical Society of Whitpain
Boxwood House
1098 Skippack Pike
at the intersection of
Cathcart Road, Blue Bell
OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, October 25, 7:30 PM at Boxwood House, Intersection of Cathcart Rd& Skippack Pike
PROGRAM: The History of the Zimmerman Farm (Silver Lake Farm) on Wentz Road.
SPEAKER: Mary Edna Zimmerman Ott
Topic: She will present the History of the Zimmerman Farm (Silver Lake Farm) on Wentz Road. Her family has owned this farm since 1776.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND!
Sad News
Dorothy Drozd a long-time and dedicated member passed away on Oct. 3. She, with her husband, Louis, were regular attendees at our meetings. She will be missed. Our condolences and prayers go out to her family.
The Franklinville School is getting a new exterior coat of paint. Rob Cordrey, the painter, is doing an excellent job. Other repairs to the schoolhouse, to make it more weather resistant are also planned and underway. We have no more Open Houses this year, but please try to come out next year to see our spruced up historical gem and see what your dues and donations are being used for. Which leads me into....
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS:
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so! Dues and private donations are our only regular source of income for our historic preservation, maintenance and programs. We are a small, self-supporting volunteer group with NO endowment, NO business sponsors or steady outside income! We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but please continue your support by paying your dues.
We count on each of you to help us continue our work. In 2012 we will have costly structural repair work to be done at the Schoolhouse. We currently are having the exterior painted and will finish tackling water damage and drainage problems there. Our old Maple tree in back of the Franklinville School had serious damage from the recent rains and will need to be taken down. At Boxwood we also need to make some repairs. We rent Boxwood from Whitpain Township, which also costs money. The Township does major repairs and maintenance, but we are responsible for other repairs.
All of this work costs money. Please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it. Get that out of your way thereby clearing your conscience and you’ll be able to sleep better tonight knowing that YOU have helped to preserve our past! You will also help the Society to save money on postage because all of you who have not paid your dues will get a special request in the mail.
Thanks to all of you who have paid your dues!
Click here to download and print
the membership form.
Note: those who paid their dues after August 1st are considered in good standing.
Events Of Historical Interest:
- Sunday, October 23: 1-4 PM, The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Springfield Mill. The WVWA and Morris Arboretum are partnering to showcase their 19th Century gristmills. For further info: www.wvwa.org OR
www.morrisarboretum.org
- November 5 and 6 Hope Lodge Encampment/Re-enactment. Hope Lodge will be the site of Whitemarsh Encampment Reenactment. This is their biggest special public event of the year and without state support, the organizing committee is looking for volunteers. Please consider volunteering for pre-event work or event duties.
Information: Diane Horan, 215-542-1275 or dkhoran 2002@aol.com.
- Wednesday, November 16: 7PM. Blue Bell branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library The Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln and Slavery presented by Fred Dugan, A local history teacher.
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, Newsletter Editor, 215-646-7315 e-mail hermoni@verizon.net
SEPTEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, September 27, 7:30 PM at Boxwood House, Intersection of Cathcart Rd & Skippack Pike
PROGRAM: Lee and Grant in the Civil War.
SPEAKER: Fred Dugan.
Fred taught history in the Norristown schools for over 30 years. This topic is timely since this year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND!
Last Open House at the 1858 Franklinville School for 2011 is scheduled for Sunday, October 16, from 1-4 PM. Located on Morris Road, 3/10 mile West of Rte 202. This is the only restored one-room school house in the area open to the public.
The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 Schoolhouse will also be open to the public from 1-4 PM on that day.
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS:
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so! Dues and private donations are our only regular source of income for our historic preservation, maintenance and programs. We are a small, self-supporting volunteer group with NO endowment, business sponsors or steady outside income! We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but please continue your support by paying your dues.
We count on each of you to help us continue our work. In 2012 we will have costly structural repair work to be done at the Schoolhouse. We also have to paint the exterior and finish tackling water damage and drainage problems there. Our old Maple tree in back of the Franklinville School had serious damage from the recent rains and probably will need to be taken down.
At Boxwood we also need to make some repairs. We rent Boxwood from the Township, which does major repairs and maintenance, but we are responsible for other repairs. All of this work costs money. Please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it. Get that out of your way and you’ll be able to sleep better tonight knowing that YOU have helped to preserve our past!
Thanks.
To get the Dues Renewal form click HERE
so you can print out and mail it whichever one you wish.
Note: those who paid their dues after August 1st are considered in good standing.
Events Of Historical Interest:
- Saturday and Sunday Sept. 24 & 25, 2011, starting at 10 am.
WWII encampment & reenactment. Join the Friends of Graeme Park & the Horsham Preservation & Historical Association to see a weekend encampment, mock World War II battle & demonstrations on the grounds of Graeme Park & the Penrose-Strawbridge park. Saturday's activities will be capped off with a concert by the West Chester Swing Kings, a Big Band playing songs from the 1940’s through today. The encampment takes place Saturday, the 24th, beginning at 10 AM and ends with the concert. Sunday’s encampment & demos are from 10-3. The German vs Allies mock battle takes place at 2 PM only on Saturday and will include soldiers, heavy equipment and possibly a tank. When the troops aren't engaging you may tour camps, see period tanks and trucks, tour the historic Keith House, browse the quartermaster’s booths and buy some C-rations (lunch). Cost is $10 on Saturday, including the concert, and $6 on Sunday. The concert will be Saturday, at 5 pm. Admission to the concert only is $5. World War II veterans will have free admission. For more info call: 215-343-0659 or e-mail horshamhistory.org
- October 3. The University of Pennsylvania Museum is sponsoring a series of lectures focusing on
Great Riddles in Archaeology - starting with King Arthur, Camelot, and the Quest for the Holy Grail. Check their web-site www.penn.museum for details.
- October 9, 2011 at 2PM, The Historical Society of Montgomery County will present: A View of Philadelphia,
Historical Blue Staffordshire China at the Historical Society’s Headquarters 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA. Blue Staffordshire China, exclusively made by English potters for the American market, was highly prized and sought after by the citizens of the New Republic. Its depiction of city scenes and historical events reinforced the fervor of nationalism in the early development of our Nation. Margaret Johnson Sutor, antiques collector and historian, will take us on an inter-active tour of Philadelphia, circa 1820, through Staffordshire transfer ware depicting city scenes and important historical events. Free to the public.
- October 15 Market Day Wissahickon Valley Historical Society at the 1895 Schoolhouse - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items are currently begin collected, sorted, and priced at the 1895 Schoolhouse.
- Sunday, October 23, 1-4 PM, The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Springfield
Mill. The WVWA and Morris Arboretum are partnering to showcase their
19th Century gristmills. For further info: www.wvwa.org OR
www.morrisarboretum.org
- November 5 and 6 Hope Lodge Encampment/Re-enactment. Hope Lodge will be the site of Whitemarsh Encampment Reenactment. This is their biggest special public event of the year and without state support, the organizing committee is looking for volunteers. Please consider volunteering for pre-event work or event duties. Information: Diane Horan, 215-542-1275 or dkhoran 2002@aol.com.
Herman Ehret, Newsletter Editor, 215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, August 30, 7:15PM
NOTE: Starting time is 7:15 PM!!!
LOCATION: Wissahickon Valley/Blue Bell Library, 650 Skippack Pike
PROGRAM: Preparing for War: Doylestown’s Pre-WWII Mobilization
Between Germany’s invasion of Poland and the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. engaged in what was called “Protective Mobilization.” During this period, the nation’s armed forces were significantly increased. Much that occurred after the U.S. entry into WWII was influenced by the planning and work done in the previous 27 months. This presentation will focus upon “Protective Mobilization” as it effected Doylestown and Bucks County as well as the nation.
PRESENTER: John D. Shepherd, Lt. Col. Army (ret.)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND!
Next Open House at the 1858 Franklinville School is scheduled for Sunday, September
18, from 1-4 PM. Located on Morris Road, 3/10 mile West of Rte 202. This is the only restored one-room school house in the area open to the public.
The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 Schoolhouse will also be open to the public on that day.
President's Message
Our society thanks Whitpain Township's Manager, Roman Pronczak and Director of Public Works Department, Ron Cione, Jeff Riley and his workers for the recent renovations at the Boxwood House. To date, the gardens have been weeded and the ivy removed from the house. The first floor windows and shutters have been sanded and painted. The project is ongoing. As one of the historic homes on Skippack Pike, the Boxwood House (c.1730) is a valuable asset to our community.
Marie Goldkamp
Other Local Historical Society Events:
- Beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7PM- 8:30 PM and continuing for 4 consecutive Tuesdays:
“Uncover Your Past; Introduction To Geneology” at the Historical Society of Montgomery County. For Information call: 610-272-0297.
Herman Ehret, Newsletter Editor
215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
JULY 2011 NEWSLETTER
NOTE: There will be NO July Meeting!!!
JOIN US for our August 30th program at the air-conditioned Blue Bell Library!!
Look for details in our August 2011 Newsletter.
OPEN HOUSES at the 1858 one room Franklinville School located in Blue Bell, on Morris Road, approximately 1/3 mile West of DeKalb Pike (Rte 202) will be held Sundays, from 1-4 PM on the following dates: AUGUST 21, SEPTEMBER 18, and OCTOBER 16. These will be the last three Open Houses in 2011.
Pick a date and join us for some fun, and bring the family.
The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 School will also be open to the public on Sundays, from 1-4 PM August 21 and September 18.
Our last Open House was a great success and we were really happy to have so many new visitors. Special thanks to Carolyne Wurzer and Ethel Hutchinson for their help. We had 8 people from the
Warrington Historical Society who are embarking on the renovation and preservation of a one-room schoolhouse, also built in 1858 and was until now a private home. We wish them success in this new venture.
We need a few volunteers to help greet visitors, socialize with our other members, serve light refreshments and meet our Franklinville School mascot,
Betsy!
WELCOME to our new members: Martin and Judy Stogniew of Blue Bell.
With Sadness Alberta Gladeck, a long-time member, recently passed away.
NOTE: We welcome your submission of any events of historical interest for our Newsletter.
Thanks, and stay cool
Herman Ehret, Newsletter Editor
215-646-7315 (e-mail hermoni@verizon.net)
June 2011 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 7:30PM at
at the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike in Blue Bell
Program: “Shaker Gardens, Shaker Herbs”
Presented by: Peggy Rastiello, Master Gardner
Learn how the Shakers changed the world of gardening! We shall explore the connection between how we garden today and the gardening practices of the Shakers. We’ll cover the history of how they developed the business of selling seeds and herbal remedies. Mark your
calendars and join us for an interesting evening!
Our Next Open Houses at the Franklinville School are Sunday, July 18, August 15, September 19 and October 17, 1-4 PM. The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 Schoolhouse will also be open to the public on that day, 1-4 PM. These Open Houses are free of charge but donations are welcomed.
We shall need volunteers to help us at our future open houses. The job is easy, just come out and greet our visitors and socialize with your fellow members.
Welcome to our New Members: Steven and Mary Bailey of Blue Bell
We would like to thank the Women’s Club of Whitpain for their donation of $50 which we shall use for the restoration and preservation of the Franklinville School.
President's Message:
As your new president, I thank the previous officers who have served on the Executive Committee for the past few years.
These officers include: Herman Ehret as president, Dottie MacDermott as recording secretary, Monica Ehret as corresponding secretary, and Frieda Vandegaer as treasurer. I also thank our members for their financial support and the help you have given us for our events.
Marie Goldkamp
Gardening Volunteers needed: We need a few good souls willing to do some gardening at Boxwood house and a Chairperson for a Gardening Committee. Among other things, the thistle plants are running rampant & we need to attack them. If you are interested in helping give me a call.
Events of Historical Interest:
Sunday, June 26, 2011 2:00 p.m. The Historical Society of Montgomery County presents BENCH & BAR, A Legal Tour at the Historic Montgomery Cemetery, One Hartranft Avenue at Jackson Street, Norristown, PA. Join the historians of the Historical Society as they visit the resting place of some of Montgomery County’s finest legal minds of past generations. The tour will highlight the lives and court cases of these renowned early jurists who set legal precedence that remain part of our legal traditions in Pennsylvania. Program is free to the
public. The Historical Society of Montgomery County is located at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401. For more information, please call 610-272-0297 or e-mail at: contact_us@hsmcpa.org .
July 11 through July 15, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Camp Hancock: An Adventure in History.
This camp is offered to children who have completed 5th and 6th grades and have an interest in local history as it relates to national historic events. For more information please contact the Historical Society of Montgomery County at 610-272-0297 or e-mail them at: contact_us@hsmcpa.org. There is a limited number of campers. It will be held at the Historic Montgomery Cemetery, One Hartranft Avenue, Norristown, PA.
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, 215-646-7315 (hermoni@verizon.net)
MAY 2011 NEWSLETTER
EVENING MEETING: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 7:30PM at Boxwood House, intersection of Cathcart Rd. and Skippack Pike
NOTE: This is a joint meeting with the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society.
Program: “September 11, 1777 - Washington's Defeat at Brandywine”
The Battle of Brandywine was one of the largest land battles of the war and
the only head to head encounter between General George Washington (11,000 troops) and Sir William Howe (18,000 troops).
Presented by: Author and Journalist Bruce E. Mowday Mr. Mowday has published 8 books - one of which carries the title of his program.
Our May Attic Sale was very successful and well attended. Special Thanks to Ben and Dana Oller and Beth Smith for their very generous donation of items to be sold for the benefit of the Society and the restoration of the Franklinville School! Many thanks to Ann Tyburn who contributed her time as a volunteer.
Open House at the Franklinville School is scheduled for Sun, May 15, 1-4 PM. The Evans-Mumbower Mill and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s 1895 Schoolhouse will also be open to the public on that day, 1-4 PM. These Open Houses are free of charge but donations are welcomed.
The Evans-Mumbower Mill will feature a special presentation. After more than a century, ten original ledger books are being returned to the Evans-Mumbower Mill. The books have been in safekeeping with the Fort Washington Historical Society (FWHS) at their Clifton House. These books will be presented at 2 PM.
Election of Officers
A new slate of officers will be elected at our May 24th meeting. The Offices and candidates are as follows:
President: Marie Goldkamp
Vice President: Joyce Keller
Treasurer: Herman Ehret
Corresponding Secretary: Judy Hahn
Recording Secretary: Dottie MacDermott
Thanks to Aaron Quinn for weeding and mulching the circle at Boxwood.
Events of Historical interest
Wednesday May 18 @ 7 PM, Civil War Generals Lee vs. Grant Their military career and tactics. Presented by Fred Dugan. Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell.
Fred Dugan has taught history locally and specializes in the Civil War. He has analyzed the generals of the Civil War. He exposes the lives and tactics of two giants in the field, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. Hear their backgrounds, military training and tactics during the war. Also discover the “lost cause” and how it affected the war. The program is free, For more info see ‘www.wvpl.org’ or call 215-643-1320.
Saturday, May 28, 2011, 11:00 am, Historic Montgomery Cemetery, One Hartranft Avenue, Norristown, PA. Join the Historical Society of Montgomery County as they commemorate the historic veterans buried at Montgomery Cemetery. Wreath laying, speeches, military reenactors & more will be part of this day of remembrance. Over 400 veterans are buried here, including five Civil War generals. Visitors should meet at the gatehouse at 11:00 am. Activities are held outdoors. FREE TO THE PUBLIC. An exhibit in the Gatehouse will feature artifacts from Civil War veteran Theodore W. Bean. For more information, please call 610-272-0297
Welcome to our New Members: David and Ann Emory, Blue Bell
Thank you all! I shall no longer be President effective June 1. Our by-laws limit me to 2 two-year terms. I shall continue to be an active member of the Society and will serve as Treasurer, Membership Committee Chair and Editor of the Newsletter.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the support which you have given me during my tenure as President. It is only by your support, financially and physically, that we are able to do what we do. I ask you to please continue to support our new President, Marie Goldkamp and the Society with your generous contributions of time and money so to help us carry out our mission of historical preservation. I particularly wish to thank my wife, Monica, for her support.
Without her I could not have done it. I wish Marie and all the new officers the best of luck and success. Again, THANK YOU ALL.
Herman Ehret, President
215-646-7315
hermoni@verizon.net
APRIL 2011 NEWSLETTER
AFTERNOON MEETING: Tuesday, April 26th at 1:30PM
Program: Tour of the Jenkins Homestead & Historical Research Center, Lansdale
Presenter: Dick Shearer, President of the Lansdale Historical Society
Join us for a private tour of the Jenkins Homestead & Historical Research Center in Lansdale. The Federalist style house is the oldest structure within the original boundaries of Lansdale and was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1977. The Lansdale Historical Research Center, located adjacent to the homestead, houses countless photographs, maps, newspapers and artifacts related to the North Penn region. This tour will offer a fascinating glimpse of a local historical gem!
Directions: Take Morris Road West to Broad St and take a right onto Broad St.
Continue on Broad St & take the first right immediately after the RR tracks (Jenkins Ave)
Continue on Jenkins Ave to the Entrance sign on the left.
ANNUAL PLANT & ATTIC SALE!! SATURDAY, MAY 7, 9 - 3, at Boxwood House
Beautiful hanging baskets, herbs, potted plants. Antiques, furniture, fine collectibles, gifts, books, attic treasures, refreshments and more.... You may want to check out the website of the Lakeside School greenhouse from where we get our plants for the sale: www.Lakesidegreenhouse.com.
Vendors and volunteers welcome! Please contact me.
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, MAY 15th,1-4, at the 1858 FRANKLINVILLE SCHOOL!
Located on Morris Road, 1/3 mile West of Route 202. Come and see our ongoing restoration of the last one-room schoolhouse open to the public in Whitpain. Bring your children and neighbors to experience early American education as practiced in our local area!
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, MAY 15TH, 1-4, at the EVANS-MUMBOWER MILL. The Mill is now operational grinding corn. It is located on Swedesford Rd. just off Township Line Rd., Blue Bell.
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, MAY 15th, 1:30-4, at the 1895 SCHOOLHOUSE. Skippack Pike at School Rd.
BI-ANNUAL ELECTIONS: Every two years we have an election for new officers. The election will take place at our May 24 meeting. However, before that we need to find people interested in serving in these positions and nominate them. The time and effort needed to serve is minimal and there is no campaigning, monetary cost or kissing of babies required! The term of office is two years. If you are interested in running for the following offices contact me by May 9th.
President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary
COMMITTEES: We desperately need volunteers to help on the following committees!!
If you are willing to volunteer just a little time to help maintain and improve the Society, you should be able to find something to interest you in the following!
Housekeeping: Help with minor repairs and maintenance of Boxwood & Franklinville Schoolhouse. If you are handy with tools and would like to help keep our old buildings in shape this is for you.
Membership/Outreach: Help reach out to individuals and various groups in the community such as children’s groups, residential communities, fraternal/philanthropic organizations and the like.
Open Houses: Help participate at one or more of our Franklinville School Open-Houses.
Publicity: Advise/assist with any of these: print media, fliers, posters, signs,internet, etc.
Events/Fund-Raising: Advise/assist with Attic Sales and new fund-raising events.
Archives: Assist with organizing & cataloging the Society’s extensive archives & artifacts.
Education: Advise/assist in planning educational programs for local children’s groups.
Volunteers-at-large: Willing to help as needed with any of the above.
EVENTS OF HISTORIC INTEREST:
The Historical Society of Montgomery County, Norristown PA. Introduction to Geneology: Uncovering Your Past beginning Tuesday May 17 2011 7:00 PM. Rose Brown, genealogist, will present a four week genealogy workshop including basic research tips for finding family. The workshop will begin May 17, 2011, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, and continue every Tuesday through June 7th There is a non-refundable materials fee ($7.50 for members,
$10 for non-members). Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited. For more information, please call 610-272-0297
Skippack Historical Society, Thursday, April 28, 7:30pm – 9:30pm at the Skippack Township Building Lee Hallman will give a presentation with artifacts on local Native American tribes.
Thursday, May 26th at 7:30 at the Skippack Township building on Heckler Road, Gamal Amer will give a presentation on Redware Pottery.
WELCOME to our newest member: Jean Young of North Wales
Thanks,
Herman Ehret, President
for further information: Call 215-646-7315 or email at hermoni@verizon.net
MARCH 2011 NEWSLETTER
SPECIAL EVENT! EVENING MEETING: Monday, March 14, 7:30 PM at the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike in Blue Bell
Program: "History of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library and Its’ Future Plans"
NOTE: Please note the date, time and location change from our regular monthly meeting! This will be a joint meeting with our friends at the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society and will be the only meeting for the Historical Society of Whitpain for the month of March 2011!
I hope that all of you successfully survived this long and icy winter and will come out and join us at some of our events in the coming year. I look forward to seeing you all sometime or other in the near future.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
- Barbara Frankl for providing us with wonderful music at our Holiday Celebration Meeting in December. Those who attended said that it was a lovely evening. Also thanks to all who brought such wonderful goodies to eat and drink.
- All our members who have paid their membership dues and to those who generously gave an extra donation for our ongoing work at the Franklinville School.
Open Houses for 2011 at the Franklinville School will be held the third Sunday of the following months:
May14, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18 and October 16 from 1 to 3 PM. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Welcome to Our New Members: Edgar and Anne Gibby of Ambler
Upcoming Event of Historical Interest:
Tuesday, March 29 @ 1 Pm. Col. Ed Scholl, USAR, will talk about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He is the author of Lewis and Clark in the Twenty First Century which recounts his own journey following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.
MEMBERSHIP DUES & DONATIONS:
PLEASE RENEW NOW if you have not already done so. We welcome you all to come to our meetings and participate in our events. However, if you cannot, if you are busy and have no time, we understand, but please continue your support by paying your dues ($15 Individual / $25 Supporting). This year, 2011, we will have costly structural repair work to be done at both the Franklinville School and Boxwood. Please take a few minutes to write that check and mail it (P.O. Box 311, Blue Bell, PA 19422). Thanks.
Note: those who paid their dues after August 1, 2010 are considered in good standing.
Brief Report on Proposed Second Alarmers Building next to Boxwood House.
Met with Roman Pronczak, Township Manager & David Carmada, Fire Marshall. Location of new Second Alarmers opposite Boxwood House at the intersection of Cathcart and Skippack is pretty much a done deal. Exact location and actual footprint of building has not yet been determined. The earliest onset of building would be 12-18 months depending upon funding (require 50% of total cost needed to begin).
Site will have space for 4 employee cars; 2-3 emergency vehicles will be garaged inside. Currently Second Alarmers are housed in a trailer at the Township Building site. Access to new quarters will be via Cathcart Road. Boxwood driveway will need to be reconfigured and hopefully adequate parking will be available for Historical Society events.
The township will keep HSW informed and listen to our input as building plans are formulated. Shall try to keep you up to date as we learn what is happening. The Whitpain Resident Organization (WRO) is also actively monitoring this development with us. The WRO is a non profit organization which is free to join. Check out their website at www.WhitpainResidents.org for further information.
For those of you who cannot attend our meetings because of transportation problems, please let me know, and I shall try to arrange transportation.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for speakers or any topics for future programs. All feedback is welcome.
Thanks,
Herman