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Honoring the Legacy of Our Archives: A New Chapter Begins

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Tuesday, June 18, 2024
By Chrissy Clawson, Programs and Communications Manager

Liz Jarvis retired as the Conservancy’s Curator/Archivist on May 3 after 30 years of caring for and growing the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Archives. Her legacy lives on through the Archives, which will continue to serve as a vital resource for our community for generations. Following Liz’s retirement, Alex Bartlett has seamlessly transitioned into the position of Archives and Curator.

From a young age, Alex Bartlett was captivated by the allure of history. His journey from childhood curiosity to professional achievement is a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and expertise. 

This passion for archaeology and history stayed with Alex through his formative years. By the time he was a junior in high school, he knew he wanted to pursue archaeology as a career. He studied Anthropology and Archaeology at Temple University, where he immersed himself in these fields’ academic and practical aspects. After earning his degree, Alex spent around 15 years in archaeology. In 2007, he enrolled at the University of the Arts to pursue a Master’s degree in Museum Communications, which he describes as “essentially museum studies.” This program equipped him with the skills needed to manage museum collections, understand nonprofit management, and engage with the public in meaningful ways.

Conservancy Executive Director Lori Salganicoff remarked, “The greater Chestnut Hill community has been fortunate to have Alex Bartlett in our archives and on the Conservancy staff for 15 years. Alex’s expert knowledge and deep personal connection to this area – combined with his curiosity and generosity in assisting others with their research – have greatly enriched our understanding of this community.” She added, “Plus, he’s lots of fun to work with! I am excited to see how Alex’s leadership in the archives will help the entire Conservancy grow and evolve.”

Alex’s contributions have not only preserved our community’s rich history but have also made it accessible and engaging for all.

Tom Boyle, a supporter of the archives, describes Alex as a “font of so much local history it boggles the mind; a dedicated preservationist; knowledgeable archivist; willing historical collaborator; trusted teacher, friend, and mentor. These qualities briefly describe Alex Bartlett’s tenure with the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. It is difficult to imagine any history of Chestnut Hill, no matter how obscure, with which Alex is unfamiliar. He is a local treasure, formidable and enduring as the Wissahickon schist and the Old German Township. May we all continue to enjoy his talents for many more years to come.”

Alex Bartlett’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, patience, and perseverance. His contributions to the Conservancy have preserved the area’s rich history and made it accessible and engaging for future generations. As he continues in his role, the community can look forward to many more years of invaluable work and dedication.

Look out for a longer article coming soon that will highlight more about Alex and the future of the archives under his leadership as the curator!

Celebrating National Trails Day

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A scenic trail in Wissahickon Valley. The trails are stewarded by many, including Friends of the Wissahickon.

Friday, May 24, 2024
By Alex Bartlett, Chrissy Clawson, and Krista Gebbia of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy

As National Trails Day on June 1 approaches, it is fitting to reflect on the rich history of the Wissahickon Valley’s trails. Traversing the Wissahickon Valley, many of its trails echo a history dating back over 200 years. These paths served as vital arteries, providing access to the numerous mills that once lined the banks of the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries, connecting them with farms, businesses, and residences. The Lenni Lenape may have even established some of these paths. Today, these trails serve a different purpose—recreation and contemplation of the beauty of the Wissahickon.

The paths began transitioning to the trails we know today as efforts were made to safeguard the city’s water supply. Beginning in the 1870s, in response to urbanization pressures, the city of Philadelphia initiated a program to acquire and demolish mills. This initiative, coupled with subsequent donations of land from families like the Houstons and Woodwards beginning around the turn of the 20th century, led to the creation of Wissahickon Valley Park. 

As a result of these donations, the park’s boundaries expanded significantly. Farmers abandoned farms, and roads fell into disuse, eventually becoming overgrown and obsolete. As the 20th century progressed, many of these roads were repurposed into trails, integrating them into the park’s trail system, and now Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) maintains them. FOW also donated and continues to support the Wissahickon collection in the Chestnut Hill Conservancy archives. The collection includes historical information and photographs of the trails; use the link below to learn more.

One of those roads, later transformed into a trail, is Thomas Mill Road/Spruce Mill Road. It once linked Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill with Township Line Road (now Old Line Road) in Andorra. Originating before 1808, it persisted in use until the early 20th century. A segment of the road served as access to a farmhouse until around 1950 when developers cleared the area to build houses along Manatawna Avenue, Caledonia Street, and Clyde Lane. The FOW’s Yellow Trail now partially follows its path in Andorra, while the White Trail in Chestnut Hill runs along the right-of-way between Chestnut Hill Avenue and Forbidden Drive.

The conversion of these roads into trails mirrors the dynamic evolution of the Wissahickon landscape. From its agricultural origins to its current status as a recreational sanctuary, the Wissahickon continuously adapts to shifting societal needs and ecological considerations. As the seasons turn and usage patterns shift, the Wissahickon continues to be a hub for athletic pursuits, artistic inspiration, and moments of tranquility. Efforts to preserve this area for everyone must also address the evolving ecology.

Thomas Mill Road is shown running from upper left to lower right, as published in an 1885 atlas by G. M.Hopkins. Chestnut Hill Conservancy Archives.

In its centennial year, FOW remains dedicated to stewarding these trails. Reflecting on the trails’ transformation as National Trails Day approaches, it is essential to recognize that stewardship demands significant time, effort, and funding. FOW, the city of Philadelphia, Wissahickon Trails, and other organizations play a crucial role in preserving these trails. However, all users share the responsibility to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Wissahickon collection
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Conservancy Strikes Compromise on Historic Women’s Center

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Julia Hebard Marsden House has been altered and expanded over the years. It is now owned by Chestnut Hill Hospital. In 1977, it became the Chestnut Hill Health Care Women’s Center—Chestnut Hill Conservancy Archives. 

Monday, May 13, 2024
By Chrissy Clawson, Programs and Communications Manager

Amid the backdrop of Historic Preservation Month, Chestnut Hill celebrates a significant victory—an outcome of collaborative efforts between the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital. At its May 10 meeting, the Philadelphia Historical Commission unanimously voted to list the Chestnut Hill Hospital’s Women’s Center at 8835 Germantown Avenue in the Philadelphia Register. Formerly known as the Julia Hebard Marsden House, the Chestnut Hill Hospital Women’s Center is a testament to the community’s resilience, having been crafted through the adaption of a former historic home.

This victory marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey to preserve our community’s architectural and cultural legacy. Congratulations to both organizations and the Chestnut Hill community for this preservation win. The conservancy expresses deep gratitude to Councilperson Cindy Bass’s office and the Philadelphia Historical Commission for their ongoing involvement in the negotiations.

Designed in a Georgian-influenced Colonial Revival style by the accomplished and prolific architect Charles Barton Keen (1868-1931), the former Julia Hebard Marsden House is listed on the Chestnut Hill National Register Historic District as a significant architectural resource. Built in 1903 for Julia Hebard Marsden and her husband, Dr. Biddle Reeves Marsden, the house is a distinctive and characteristic example of the Colonial Revival style. Reusing the former home and doctor’s office into the Chestnut Hill Women’s Center is an excellent example of an institution evolving to benefit itself and the greater community’s needs. This transition from residential to institutional use is important for this building.

The Women’s Center, the last intact historic building on the hospital’s campus, enjoys a rich historical narrative. However, in 2021, discussions emerged about replacing this architectural landmark, prompting the conservancy to swiftly nominate it for preservation. A delicate negotiation ensued between hospital representatives and the conservancy, aiming to balance preservation concerns with the hospital’s operational needs.

Ultimately, a compromise emerged to protect the main building’s most visible parts while allowing for future growth by excluding the rear ell and carriage house from the designation.

Although the carriage house was excluded from the designation boundaries as part of the compromise, the commission encouraged collaboration between the conservancy and the hospital to document the Carriage House’s legacy for posterity.

The agreed-upon boundary, coinciding with the southern section of a larger parcel known as 8811 Germantown Avenue, encompassed the main block of the house along with its east and west wings. Notably, the rear wing lay outside the designated boundary, while the west wing, having undergone alterations, retained the potential for future modification or removal.

Future alterations or additions within the delineated boundary will undergo scrutiny by the Historical Commission, ensuring the property’s historical integrity for generations to come.

In navigating preservation challenges, the Chestnut Hill Hospital Women’s Center emerges as a success, where compromise facilitates the harmonious coexistence of heritage and progress. The compromise by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Temple Health ensures that the legacy of the Julia Hebard Marsden House endures as a testament to the community’s ability to grow and evolve and the preservation of its architectural heritage. 

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Liz Jarvis: History Turns a New Page

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Friday, May 17, 2024
By Chrissy Clawson, Programs and Communications Manager

Liz Jarvis retired on May 3 from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy after 30 years of caring for and growing the Conservancy’s Archives. The Archives will continue serving as a legacy and resource for our community for generations.

Early Career

Earning art history and fine arts degrees as an undergraduate and a Master’s Degree in art history and museum studies, Liz worked at the Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where she was an exhibition registrar. She arranged transportation for Picassos, checked the conditions of Renoirs, and couriered shipments of Ansel Adams photographs on a cargo flight. She once couriered a Matisse from MoMA in a taxi across Manhattan with the painting curator and conservator to take it to a framer!

 

After a year at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Liz gained more experience as the Museum Curator for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for nine years. There, she organized and cataloged a large collection of artifacts and paintings, culminating in a long-term exhibition about Philadelphia’s history. These artifacts and paintings are now part of the Drexel University collection.

Early Years at the Chestnut Hill Historical Society

Having left the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Liz was a freelance curator for many institutions, including the Union League, Awbury Arboretum, Christ Church, and Hawk Mountain. In 1994, she joined the Chestnut Hill Historical Society (now the Chestnut Hill Conservancy) for a six-month freelance position funded by an anonymous donor. “After six months, no one asked me to leave,” says Liz, “so I kept working two days a week for the next 30 years.”

In her first year, Liz introduced public open hours, developed a collections policy, implemented a nationally standardized collection numbering system, and collected donor records to record important provenance information. Liz implemented the digitization of the collection early in her tenure when many institutions were struggling with how to do it. Much of this was achieved through the good work of over 85 volunteers and student interns whom Liz trained during her time there.

Accomplishments and Community Engagement

Liz and her husband Andrew restored their 1854 Italianate house in Chestnut Hill, which they bought in 1993. In 2000, they placed façade and open space easements on the property to protect this landmark for the future.

In 1997, Liz secured funding from the William Penn Foundation to hire an Assistant Archivist, allowing for Saturday open hours. She also worked to strengthen relations between the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, the Germantown Historical Society, and the Springfield Township Historical Society, serving on the boards of the latter two for over a decade.

Her most visible accomplishments are her three photographic history books: Chestnut Hill (with co-author Thomas Keels), Chestnut Hill Revisited, and Mount Airy. She gathered material from repositories all over Philadelphia. She solicited photographs and stories from area residents, uncovering previously undocumented information, broadening the understanding of our community’s social history, and extending the Conservancy’s reach to a new group of people. These books have preserved valuable historical photographs and narratives that might otherwise have been lost.

Liz led the award-winning restoration of the historic Yeakel Cemetery after planning a public program about 18th-century Chestnut Hill. “I learned of the hidden Yeakel Cemetery in Wyndmoor and, by coincidence, met Jack Yeakel there, a ninth-generation descendant,” she recalls. This led to the creation of the Yeakel Cemetery Preservation Committee and a decade-long effort to save the cemetery from deterioration, raising over $80,000 to catalog, repair, and conserve gravestones, remove problem trees, re-grade the site, rebuild the wall, and erect a historic marker.

Alex Bartlett, who has succeeded Liz as the Conservancy’s Curator and Archivist, highlights Liz’s push for technological advancements: “Migrating our data into PastPerfect [software] 24 years ago was critical. It allowed us to create a searchable database and helped establish a long-term exhibit, Discovering Chestnut Hill: Rural Village to Philadelphia Neighborhood.”

Mentorship and Legacy

Over the years, Liz mentored more than 85 volunteers and student interns who processed an ever-expanding collection of photographs, maps, drawings, letters, records, and other community documents. Liz emphasizes the importance of forging relationships in her work: “It is important to respond to donors and researchers promptly as we are a community service organization.”

Alex Bartlett first met Liz in 2009 when he responded to an article she wrote about seeking volunteers. “Liz has many attributes that contributed to her success here at the Conservancy and the success of our Archives, including her focus on accuracy and her love of the history of our area,” Alex says. “She totally ‘gets’ Chestnut Hill!”

“When I came to the Conservancy, I found a remarkable organization that integrated preservation, conservation, and archival collections,” said Lori Salganicoff, Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. “The Archives, developed under Liz’s professionalism and guidance, set us apart from similar organizations, strengthening advocacy efforts and enabling programs like Night of Lights. Liz’s work has created a lasting legacy that continues to grow, helping the Conservancy and the community better appreciate and protect our treasures. I’m excited to see where it goes from here.”

Looking Ahead

In retirement, Liz looks forward to spending more time painting, creating ceramics, gardening, and working on other projects. She also expresses confidence in the future of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy Archives under Alex’s leadership. “The Conservancy is fortunate to have Alex leading the Archives. He has deep roots in the community and has been here for 15 years,” she says. Liz feels a deep responsibility to the many who entrusted the Conservancy with their precious photographs, records, and other items. Liz plans to stay connected through volunteering on various projects.

Final Reflections

Liz appreciates the many board members and volunteers who saved old photos, documents, blueprints, etc., from Chestnut Hill’s past. She is grateful for the support and thanks from so many people who share her appreciation for what makes Chestnut Hill special. Liz’s legacy includes not only the Archives she helped to build and preserve but also the people she mentored and inspired.

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