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Night of Lights – Soft Opening 2024

Night of Lights
Thursday, October 3, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Night of Lights draws thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free, innovative public streetscape exhibition. This beloved community tradition illuminates Chestnut Hill’s business corridor and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.

New this year, join us for a soft opening night on Thursday, October 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM to preview the excitement ahead. The evening will feature theatrically illuminated architecture and seven captivating slideshows projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue.

“Awbury Arboretum – The Historic Landscape” walking tour with George McNeely

Date: Saturday, September 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19138

Experience the beauty of Awbury Arboretum firsthand with a guided walking tour led by George McNeely, a local architectural historian, lecturer, and writer of the “Our Town” column in The Chestnut Hill Local.

Awbury Arboretum is both on the National Register of Historic Place and a Philadelphia Historic District, and includes 55 acres of public land and 25 historically significant buildings, mostly single-family houses. The district is approximately half a mile northeast of busy Germantown Avenue, which has since the 17th Century been the central commercial spine of what is now Northwest Philadelphia.

Into the 19th Century, the area was farmland with copses of woods and scattered modest farmhouses.  Starting just before 1850, members of the extended Cope family began buying land and building what were originally summer houses, along with the necessary support structures. Those houses were designed by a number of important local architects, including Thomas Ustick Walter, Addison Hutton, Cope & Stewardson, and Duhring Okie & Ziegler.

Such country estates typically included a “home farm” that produced the family’s vegetables, fruit, and meats.  The home farm at Awbury was gradually removed as the farm fields were transformed into a Picturesque English-style landscape by several noted local landscape architects, including Thomas Saunders, Arthur Cowell, and Harrison Mertz & Emlen.  More recently, the Arboretum has recreated the traditional “home farm” with an active community hub for non-profits that focus on urban agriculture, including the Philly Goat Project, the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild, and Food Moxie.

The lecture, led by George McNeely, a local architectural historian, lecturer, and writer of the “Our Town” column in The Chestnut Hill Local, will provide a deep dive into the arboretum’s historical context, touching on key moments and figures that contributed to its development.

This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to connect with the history, architecture, and natural beauty of Awbury Arboretum. The exact meeting location for the tour will be emailed to registrants. Remember to plan your visit to Awbury with public transportation!

Space is limited; sign up today!

Disclaimer: Please wear waterproof shoes with no open toes and consider wearing pants, as the terrain is uneven, and there is a chance of encountering poison ivy. The tour will proceed rain or shine.

In addition to our generous sponsors and supportive businesses and members, the Discovering Chestnut Hill tour and lecture series is sponsored by event sponsor John B. Ward & Co. Arborists and supporting sponsor Cawley Masonry.

“Awbury Arboretum – The Historic Landscape” lecture with George McNeely

Date: Wednesday, September 11, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Delve into the fascinating history of Awbury Arboretum, which is both on the National Register of Historic Place and a Philadelphia Historic District, and includes 55 acres of public land and 25 historically significant buildings, mostly single-family houses. The district is approximately half a mile northeast of busy Germantown Avenue, which has since the 17th Century been the central commercial spine of what is now Northwest Philadelphia.

Into the 19th Century, the area was farmland with copses of woods and scattered modest farmhouses.  Starting just before 1850, members of the extended Cope family began buying land and building what were originally summer houses, along with the necessary support structures.  Those houses were designed by a number of important local architects, including Thomas Ustick Walter, Addison Hutton, Cope & Stewardson, and Duhring Okie & Ziegler.

Such country estates typically included a “home farm” that produced the family’s vegetables, fruit, and meats.  The home farm at Awbury was gradually removed as the farm fields were transformed into a Picturesque English-style landscape by several noted local landscape architects, including Thomas Saunders, Arthur Cowell, and Harrison Mertz & Emlen.  More recently, the Arboretum has recreated the traditional “home farm” with an active community hub for non-profits that focus on urban agriculture, including the Philly Goat Project, the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild, and Food Moxie.

The lecture, led by George McNeely, a local architectural historian, lecturer, and writer of the “Our Town” column in The Chestnut Hill Local, will provide a deep dive into the arboretum’s historical context, touching on key moments and figures that contributed to its development.

Following the lecture will be a Q&A. If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please email Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants approximately one day in advance of the program.

In addition to our generous sponsors and supportive businesses and members, the Discovering Chestnut Hill tour and lecture series is sponsored by event sponsor John B. Ward & Co. Arborists and supporting sponsor Cawley Masonry.

Honoring the Legacy of Our Archives: A New Chapter Begins

Blog

 

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
Read in the Chestnut Hill Local