Camp William Penn Reenactors

Saturday, September 21, 2013 was an incredibly beautiful day.  It was also the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Camp William Penn, the former training site for coloresoldiers which was open from 1883 to 1885.  The celebration took place in what is now known as La Mott, PA.  La Mott was named after Lucretia Mott, an abolitionist.

The events, of that day, included a parade, "casualities" at the barn, the opening of a museum, speakers, historians, and activities for children.

The reenactors were in several places during the day and towards the end of the festivities, they stood together in preparation for Taps. Here they are dressed in the uniform that the actual soldiers would have worn in the 1860's.

I was looking at a September 11, 1958 issue of  the Daily Defender while doing some local history research and came upon this listing of television programs. I wonder if my parents' generation which I consider the World War II generation, might have watched any of these shows.  I image that several programs were quite popular in some households whether in La Mott or in Chicago, where some family relocated.

"Ding Dong School" was billed as "the nursery school of the air" and was hosted by Miss Frances. "Romper Room," a similar program, was hosted in Philly by Miss Claire.  "Teen Club" was a teen-oriented music-variety program which I guess was a precursor to "Band Stand."  At one point the singer Leslie Uggams was a winner on this show.  Finally, "The Ford Show" aired and starred singer Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Of course there are several other shows which aired at the time.  These a just a few.

Ellwood Ivins Steel Tube Works, Inc.

In the 1920 U.S. Census, I noted that several people in La Mott worked at a place called the "Tube Works." A couple of years before his death, I spoke to my neighbor Mr. Noah Fields hoping for some insight as to where and what this place was. Mr. Fields recalled how the company was near what we know as Melrose Park Station. After doing a bit of research at places like the Old York Road Historical Society, I found some interesting information.

The Ellwood Ivins Tube Works was built in 1893 and first put into operation in 1894 (Directory of Iron Steel Works of the United States, 1939). The Ivins company was located a stone's throw from the Oak Lane Station (now Melrose Park Station) just inside the Philadelphia/Cheltenham Township border in Montgomery County.

The company made all sorts of steel tubes that were components of other manufactured items. The factory is in the 1897 and 1909 atlases published by A. H. Mueller and Company for the Reading Railroad. While I don't know when the factory folded, I do know that in 1952 they advertised in an anniversary publication for Cheltenham Township.

As I research my families' histories and the history of La Mott, I am amazed and surprised at what I am continually learning. I am thrilled at the fact that so many bread-winners were able to work so close to home (Ivins Tube Works was within walking distance of La Mott) which meant more time with their families.

Chelten Hills to Cheltenham

Chelten Hills Document

So much of what I've learned through the years is by word of mouth.  I knew at some point that Cheltenham Township was once "Chelten Hills' but I'm not sure when the name changed. 

I found this document with so many others of the late 1800's and photographed it.  Not much else that I want to say about it other than, this is pretty cool.

A Lawn Party

There are times when I wonder what La Mott was really like during various decades.  Look at the photo of this image!  It was one of several that I took while visiting a neighbor's collection. 

This ticket to a lawn party (which perhaps meant big floppy hats?) lists the names of Mrs. V. Burley and Mr. James A Burley.  James Burley was my mother's great uncle and one of the founders of Fairview Cemetary in Upper Dublin, PA.  How many people can claim that on their resume?

Anyhoo, I find the concept of a lawn party really neat.  I imagine that everyone was really well dressed back then. I imagine that people sipped lemonade from fancy glasses and chatted amongst themselves. Maybe there was a game of croquet going on. I wonder what a lawn party would be like today.  Would people wear casual clothing like shorts and sundresses or capris. Would they play a game of  baseball, toss the football or play volleyball?  What do you think? 

Reading About Your Neighborhood

In my effort to learn more about La Mott, and my family of origin, I am led to various resources such as the newspaper "The Philadelphia Tribune," established in 1884. To view the previous issues of the newspaper online meant that I could read about garden parties where women wore large hats, La Mott Hall where dances were held, baby showers, wedding anniversaries and various other social events. By looking under the heading "La Mott Events"  I saw that there was quite a bit going on.

An "Apron and Necktie" dinner was hosted on Graham Lane in March 1942. (I have no idea what kind of event this is.)

In May 1943, The newspaper reported that the Moore-Triplett Post, No 451 of the American Legion Board of Commissioners wanted to honor the Colored Soldiers at Camp William Penn and on the corner of Willow and Sycamore Avenues you will see a monument placed to honor those soldiers.

A La Mott Center Open Membership Drive was held, according to the March 16, 1957 issue of the "Tribune."  The Board wanted to expand the Center's community activities and fellowship organizations.  Mr. Aaron Bass served as president of the Center and Mrs. Helen Olvis served as one of the Campaign assistants. 

The  La Mott Community Center hosted a Baby Clinic in March 1959 which was a health forum for local mothers.

These are just a few of the events that were held during a time when the residents worked together for the common good of the neighborhood. 

1897 Map of La Mott

Through the years various organizations have created maps. A.H. Mueller & Company's publish an Altas of Cheltenham, Abington and Springfield Townships, Montgomery County, Penna. I focused on the La Mott area naturally.

One of the reasons this atlas is so interesting is because of Walker Jones. He lived on Willow Avenue intersected by Cedar Lane. He had a plot of land that he divided so that two brick homes could be built and lived in by his two sons Alphonso and Leon. His daughter lived with him and his other two sons also lived on Willow Avenue on either side of School Lane.

I was wondering if there was a map showing the property before Walker Jones divided it and indeed there is. This 1897 atlas shows his property. One other thing that interested me is when he moved from Upper Dublin where he appeared with his family on the 1880 U.S. Census. The 1890 U.S. Census burned barely leaving any census information. So, when did he move. Best I can figure out at this time, he purchased his property on Willow Avenue sometime before this publication was completed. Another note to mention is the the atlas lists the owners of property all throughout La Mott, Cheltenham Township and so on.

The atlas can be found at the Old York Road Historical Society located in the Jenkintown Library on Old York Road.