Delaware County Historical Society

Ice skating on Ridley Park Lake, 1914. Inspired by the first flurries of winter yesterday! #ridleycreekstatepark #ridleyparklake

Conventional histories of Pennsylvania declare that all but a few elderly Lenape people left the state by the opening of the 19th century. However, this narrative is false and many Lenape people remained here in secret. Children of the little known Lenape-European marriages stayed on the Lenape homelands (NJ, PA and DE) and continued to practice their traditions. The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is a non-profit community of more than 300 people of Lenape descent. Unlike othe...r Lenape groups, they do not possess a reservation. Lenape Nation of Pa. Cultural Center and Trading Post is located in the Bachmann Publick House in Easton, PA is dedicated to increasing awareness of Lenape history and culture. Like nearly half of all Native American groups in the United States, the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is not recognized by the federal or state authorities. In 2008, the Lenape Nation of PA partnered with UPenn on a collaborative exhibition at Penn Museum "Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape in PA" which tells the long-hidden story of survival of the Lenape in their homelands. To view the exhibit page, visit https://www.penn.museum/sites/fap/index.shtml. "The Prophecy" video created by UPenn recounts the Prophecy of the Fourth Crow, which is understood to parallel the history of Pennsylvanias hidden Lenape people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkfpy7Jd4Ao&feature=emb_logo PHOTO CRED: Penn Museum and Lenape Nation of PA Lenape Nation of Pa. Cultural Center #lenapenationofpa #pennmuseum

This 19th century wooden ballot box was a common voting tool used by social and fraternal clubs, and organizations in which one or two objections was sufficient to defeat a proposition. White and black clay balls were provided to voters. The white ball being a yes vote and the black ball being a no vote. Using a cover or cloth, each person would secretly select and audibly cast a single ball into the ballot box. After everyone had voted, the box cover would be pulled back di...splaying the results to all present. This is where we get the phrase "blackballing" from! No one knows who dropped in the black ball, thus you got blackballed. GO VOTE TOMORROW IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!!!!

The Lenni-Lenape or "Original People" (also referred to as Delaware Indians) thrived in this region for over 10,000 years when William Penn first landed in Upland (Chester) on October 28, 1682 and stepped onto the soil of Pennsylvania, which he called "the holy experiment" - where his ideal government founded on equality, virtue and freedom would be established. Penn infamously formed peaceable relations with the Lenape people and referring to one another as brothers - he eve...n believed them to be of the lost tribes of Israel. The Lenape trusted Penn despite years of being taken advantage of by other white settlers before him. In 1683, Penn presented is own accounts on the Lenape through writings, with excerpts below: "And I must say, that I know not a language spoke in Europe, that hath words of more sweetness or greatness, in Accent or Emphasis, that theirs;" "They care for little, because they want but little: In this they are sufficiently revenged on us; if they are ignorant of our Pleasures, they are also free from our Pains. They are not disquieted with Bills of Lading and exchange, nor perplexed with Chancery-Suits and Exchequer-Reckonings. We sweat and toil to live; their pleasure feeds them..." "If one ask them for anything they have not, they will answer, matta ne hatta, which to translate is, not I have, instead of I have not." "they never have much, nor want much: Weath circulateth like the Blood, all parts partake." However, even Penn's son soon diverted away from the seeds of virtue he had planted. Over the century to follow, many Lenape were driven westward creating communities in Oklahoma, Kansas, other states, and Canada. Yet, today there remain Lenape communities living off their homeland and continuing the traditions of their ancestors: the Lenape Nation of PA, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in South Jersey and the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware. Spotlight on these to follow... #lennilenapeland #biggsmuseumofamericanart

Let's not forget the pets and loved animals of history! A curious terrier mans a ship yard in Chester, c. 1920, follwed by a proud owner of a speckled horse (Chester, undated), Fanny the dog owned by Louis Deshong Woodbridge or a family member (Chester, glass slides, 1895), riding horses before a journey, and a Chester family posing with their cherished furry friends. In times like these, our animal companions, whether pets or seen in the wild, are quite essential.and keep our spirits light. While I haven't come across any cats yet... when I do I'll be sure to post for all the cat lovers! #petlove #pethistory #mansbestfriend #animalsofinstagram

Donations to DCHS are what keep our collections rich, diverse and unique! This 1894 Cyclopedia of Delaware County was dropped off today by a generous donor! Another donation example follows of a photograph gifted to us in 1997 from the daughter of Haverford High School graduate. The photo shows members of the 1927-1930 Haverford Field Hockey Champions, with player names identified on the back. The Cyclopedia was like a who's who of Delco containing 400 biographical sketches ...on men and families of the county. If you're interested in making a donation to DCHS, please contact us at [email protected] or call us 610-359-0832!

Today we recognize the truths behind a day of giving thanks and pay homage to our indigenous communities, and in Delco, the original people of our land, the Lenni Lenape. Thanksgiving is commonly regarded as a holiday in which Americans congregate to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us - and, in school books, the story of a harmonious union and harvest feast between the Natives and white European colonists, whose survival in this country was depende...nt on the generosity and kindness of the native tribes. As with many holidays, the commodification and Americanized narrative is wrought with false history and a fixation on consumption. As we take our seats at the table today and beyond, whether alone or with family, let us recognize all that has been sacrificed to bring us to this day - the fruits of this land that nourish and ensure our survival - the food and water that Creator has given us. In this time of sickness and turmoil, we find solace in reconnecting with the essential elements of life and all that intertwines our people together in survival on this land we call home. Let us be grateful and kind to the earth and one another. Let's recognize the core virtues of the original caretakers of this land so that we may heal and rebuild a more harmonious relationships with the land and people in order to pave way for a sustainable future for the children of tomorrow. As we embark on a new day post-pandemic and seek to combat climate change, let us use this time as an opportunity to disband the hazardous and corrupt systems that hinder our future survival and rebuild a society in harmony with nature and all peoples. Instead of taking and laying to waste, we must give thanks, give back and seek to heal this land. More posts to follow as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and the contributions of a people who gave back and continue to survive despite centuries of oppression that continues to this today. "We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

A selection from the Louise Deshong Woodbridge (1848-1925) photograph collection at DCHS. The collection consists of many glass slides of her work between 1884-1905, and were donated after her death. Photo captions: 1. George Leiper Group, Nether Providence, about 1902. 2. Grazing Cows on Chester Creek, early 1900s.... 3. Log Cabin, Warm Springs, 1894. 4 &5. Ox and Cart, location unknown, 1901. 2nd shot of photo is close up of The Great Rosita's camp, a Spanish speaking fortune teller and palmist along an unidentified road. 6. Painting by LDW Born in Chester, the collection reveals a detailed picture of LDW's life as a wealthy, well-educated woman with artistic talent and a passion for intellectual affairs. She was also an early feminist. Travel the world through the lens of LDW on her trips to Egypt, Europe and across the United States. She was wife of Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge and sister of Alfred Odenheimer Deshong, the successful businessman with the extensive art collection he gifted to the City of Chester, which built the Deshong Museum after his death. Devoted to intellectual pursuits through the University Extension Movement, she conducted "The Afternoons with Science" lecture series to talk on various popular scientific subjects which she carried on for over 24 years. She also founded the New Century Club of Chester and member of the Botanical Society, Philadelphia Art Alliance, the Delaware County Historical Society and other institutions.

A glimpse of firefighting history... featured in the selected photos is the original Darby Ram, the first water pump used by the Darby Fire Company #1, which organized in 1775 and is the oldest volunteer fire company in Delco, 2nd oldest in PA and 5th oldest in the Country. The water pump was build in England in 1749 and made its way to the States where it was purchased by the fire co. As of the 1980s, it was still functional! Following, is the Hanley Hose Co.'s "Steamer" see...n on 4th Street in Chester and rounding the corner in old Market Square heading to a fire (c.1901). The Steamer was a horse-drawn steam fire engine or pumper and was invented in 1829 by John Braithwaite in London. The vertical water tube boiler provided steam for a pumping engine that forced water through the hoses onto a fire. The machinery was mounted on a horse-drawn, spring carriage with four, steel-tyred wooden wheels. Lastly, is a humorous example of the more modern version of firefighting equipment here seen putting out a large fire that devastated the Village Mall in Morton during December 1978 as mannequin carolers await rescue. #darbyfireco #fireram #firefightinghistory #delcohistory

Delco Historical Society is hosting its 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting on Zoom this Thursday Oct. 1 at 6pm. Info listed on website. Please join us to learn more about updates at DCHS, our collections and programs! This year marks our 125th anniversary as we celebrate in our beloved home at the historic DCNB bank building, which dates back to the 1880s. Here's a selection of close up shots from our new themed cases on display at DCHS and featured on our NEW VIRTUAL GALLERY!! Link in bio.

Quinby's Grocery Store at corner of Front and Jackson streets in Media "Everybody's Hometown", circa 1902. Some history on Media and its slogan... the downtown and main street developed after the Courthouse was erected in 1889, following the county seat relocation from Chester to Media in 1850. In the first part of 20th century, Media had many grocery stores, shoe stores, auto dealerships, bakeries, department stores and more. During the 60s and 70s, the town began a decline... after the Rt-1 bypass opened diverting traffic away and two shopping malls opened on either side of the town, Granite Run Mall (RIP) and Springfield Mall. Eventually stores begin to close and crime upticked. Beginning of the 1980s, the people of Media came together to save the town and Media was designated a Main Street USA community, receiving support from the National Endowment for the Preservation of Main Street. The Media Business Authority was developed and formed the funding to market and promote Media to attract businesses and events, adopting "Media, Everybody's Hometown" as the town's slogan, which continues today. #mediapa #everybodyshometown #grocerystore #mainstreetusa #quinbys

Plank House, also known as Blackbeard's Mistress' House is the oldest building in Marcus Hook and among the oldest in PA, and is located on Market Street near the Delaware River. Constructed in the early 1700's from materials harvested from a ship, the story goes that the house was owned by a Swedish woman named "Margaret" and was a favorite stopping place for pirates moving along the coast - one of those pirates being the infamous Edward Teach aka "Blackbeard", nicknamed for... his long skinny beard he would tie over his shoulders. He was reported to have used lit fuses, slow matches, under his hat to frighten his enemies. The pirates would dock "Queen Anne's Revenge" on the shores of Marcus Hook and come ashore for drink and fun and is said to have had mad revels at the house and gave rise to the original street name, Discord Lane. The Marcus Hook Preservation Society owns the Plank House and have been working to restore the building to open to the public for several years now... a team of archeologists performed a dig at the site in early 2000's and uncovered 30,000 artifacts. In 1989, a whimsical writer wrote an account dated Aug. 11, 1718 about what could have been printed then in honor of the countys bicentennial. Marcus Hook hosts its annual Pirate Festival this Saturday, September 19th. #piratelore #piratehistory #marcushookhistory #plankhouse #piratesfestival #marcushook #blackbeard

This Veterans Day, we look back in history to recognize and thank those who have served and performed for this country and who are now long gone. Photos captions 1. From the Civil War, the PA Third Regiment N.G.P. military band, Chester, c. 1860... 2. "C" National Guard of PA and guests, taken at the Washington House (which stood directly across from our building) on 7 Oct. 1913 3. WWI Naval servicemen, Chester 4. Veterans Monument at Crozer Park erected 1936, photo taken 1954. 5. Citizens Military Band c. 1914. Taken in front of Old YMCA Building at 5th and Edgmont, Chester. 6. Misc. Scrapbook page. #veteransday #delcohistory #civilwar #militarybands

Ahoy! Here are different views of Marcus Hook's historic coastline and wharfs. The first 3 images of the lower government wharf were taken in October 1930 and submitted as part of an indenture under which the piers were originally leased to the Borough of Marcus Hook. The last photo was taken about 1905, is a view of Yacht Garden from middle wharf. The yacht was owned by Mr. Ruder of Philadelphia and was last of the yachts to use the Marcus Hook anchorage. During colonial tim...es Marcus Hook served as the first port of call for Philadelphia and rivaled Chester in size. It briefly became a notorious haven for pirates in the early 18th century, the most famous cutthroat being Edward Teach, Blackbeard. The waterfront remained an infamous neighborhood as a result of the many taverns along Market St and Discord Lane (now 2nd St). The ship-building industry was started before 1750, and was well known for coastal traders and herring sloops. This Saturday Sept. 19th, Marcus Hook Preservation Society is hosting their 12th Annual Pirates Festival complete with encampments, period tents, demonstrations and more! All funds raised go towards the ongoing restoration of the historic Plank House, on Market St, aka Blackbeard's Mistress' House. #marcushook #marcushookhistory #plankhouse #piratehistory #blackbeard #marcushookpreservationsociety #delcohistory #seamenslife #delawareriver

An interesting find from our photo archives... Haas Eating Saloon in 1882 and a different view in 1886. The Saloon was located in Chester at 127 W. 3rd Street. Featured in 1st photo from left to right is Harry Mason, Horace Stringfellow, Emil Haas, George Smith and Harry Haas. The saloon was owned by Sebastian Haas, seen in 2nd photo, 2nd figure from left. He also owned a furniture store on Market St. Note: gentlemen proudly posing with beers in 2nd photo.... #delcohistory #earlyphotography #saloonhistory #haasfamily

In continuation of Labor Day, featured here is the Carpenters' Union in Chester, dated about 1888, getting ready for their fair. The view is looking S.E. from the corner of Edmont Ave and 7th St. A building was later constructed on the site, seen on postcard. On the left is Welsh St. which was then called Love Lane. First Phillip's Grocery Store, it then became Lee's Store, and finally Speare Bros. Department Store which closed around 1974. The building was razed in 1984 due to structural damage. The site is now a community park, seen today, quite literally. #chesterpa #chesterhistory #laborunions #delcohistory #thenandnow

Providence Road at the Wallingford station overpass circa 1875, and view today. The building on the left, built around 1855, served as a market for many years and is still standing today! #thenandnow #wallingfordhistory #wallingfordpa #helenkatefurnessfreelibrary #delcohistory

Ah, seafood and summer. Back in the day, oyster joints were popular around Delaware River waterfront and nearby Delco towns. First pictured is Kelley's Oyster Shop located in Lenni, PA in Aston Township, taken in 1904. The other oyster restaurants that follow are both from Chester, taken in the 1920-30s before the demolition of the old downtown waterfront east of Rt. 291, which is now industrial space. #oysters #oystershop #culinaryhistory #lennipa #aston #astonhistory #chesterhistory

Another #thenandnow from DCHS archives... view of Baltimore Pike looking east from Plush Mill Hill towards bridge over Crum Creek, taken on 11/3/1921 by A.V. Knott a commercial photographer from Chester. A similar view from that Hill today follows. Baltimore Pike/Route 1 was originally a route used by the indigenous Lenni-Lenape tribe. Later called Ye Great Road by early colonists, it was one of the five main routes of east-west travel from Philadelphia in the early 18th ce...ntury, and was laid out from Baltimore to Chester in 1707. In 1893 a Street Railway Company was granted permission to lay tracks and run cars on Baltimore Avenue (the name of which had been changed from Baltimore Turnpike to Baltimore Avenue in the Borough by Council in 1888.) Trolley service began in 1894 with the Dinky or Toonerville Trolley as it was called, which ran from the city line to Media, a single track with periodic widened places where cars could pass. Tracks were removed in 1930 and replaced with a bus service. My how our landscape has transformed in a little less than 100 years. Development and transportation infrastructure is inevitable, but let's make a pact to clean up and protect the natural and historic Delco lands that remain! #blueroute #netherprovidence #wallingford #roaddevelopment #delcohistory #savemarplegreenspace #naturallands #delcoenvironmentaljustice #landconservation #delcooutdoors #historiclands #lennilenapeland #nativeroutes @ Nether Providence Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania

The Research Library at DCHS is now open for research appointments! Visit our website to request your appointment or call us today 610-359-0832. We are following strict CDC guidelines and will gather resources based on your inquiry and provide you with a designated desk in our study area. Explore our resources on genealogy, local history, microfilm, maps, photographs, and more! Special thanks to all our generous donors who support our mission in protecting and sharing local ...history. #geneology #exploreancestry #delcohistory #localhistory #maps #microfilm @ Delaware County Historical Society