Those with canoes and rowboats once frequented the Wissahickon Valley Park, as in this pic from 1905. The scene is the Wissahickon Creek below the Hermit Lane Bridge, visible in the middle distance, with present-day Lincoln Drive visible at right. This view would be permanently changed around 25 years later, when the Henry Avenue Bridge opened, the site of which is located in the rear of the photo.
For fifty years, Mount Airy Day has served as an unofficial start to summer. Apparently, at least part of the 1983 celebration of the community was held on East Mount Airy Avenue, where this photograph was taken of riders of the “Tempest” enjoying themselves. Amusement rides, face painting, vendors, and games were available at the event. (Courtesy: Germantown Historical Society/ Historic Germantown)
Cloverly Park (Wissahickon Avenue at School House Lane) has been a great place to play and relax for generations of local children. Shown are children in a pet contest (summer 1969). Do you recognize any of these kids? If so, please let us know! (editor@revivelocalpaper.com) (Courtesy: Germantown Historical Society/ Historic Germantown)
The Germantown Boys Club, founded as the Philadelphia Boys’ Parlors Association in 1887, has provided activities and support for many of our area’s children over the last 135 years. This included going on vacations during summer, including those “down the shore” at Ocean City, New Jersey. Shown are children sitting on the dock of the GBC’s beach house around 1930. (Courtesy: Germantown Historical Society/ Historic Germantown)
Another venue of the GBC was located in the Poconos. Shown in this circa 1910 photograph is a campsite, which appears to have been located at an unknown location, on the Delaware River. (Courtesy: Germantown Historical Society/ Historic Germantown)
These photographs of summertime fun were chosen by Alex Bartlett, Librarian and Archivist of the Germantown Historical Society/ Historic Germantown (GHS/HG). Did you know that thousands of old photographs are available on the website of the Germantown Historical Society? They can be viewed here: germantownhistory.catalogaccess.com/home. For additional information or to learn more about the history of our area, please contact him at (215)844-1683, or at library@germantownhistory.org.
Librarian and archivist Alex Bartlett combines his hobbies with his career. Working for the Germantown historical society, Bartlett manages the libraries’ collection and archives, while also helping to provide visitors with requested research documents. Alex is a self-described “history nerd,” with interests in archeology and old bottles and glassware. He said that growing up in Germantown is what initially stimulated his enthusiasm toward historical documents and objects, and his job manages to integrate all of his interests into one field.
Finally! Highly-anticipated improvements to Lincoln Drive set to begin April 30th. UPDATE 4/27/18: The Streets Department announces roadway improvements slated for Lincoln Drive between Wayne and Ridge Avenues to begin on/after April 30th. This phase [more…]
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