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St. Martin’s Church, part 2

/ Emma C. Patterson

In the spring of the year 1887 a separate parish was organized near Radnor station at what had, up to this time, been the Mission Chapel of the Church of the Good Shepherd, now for many years known as St. Martin’s Church, Radnor. Consent for the organization of this new parish was obtained from the rectors of the Church of the Good Shepherd, of St. David’s Church in Radnor and of Calvary Church in Conshohocken. These were the three parishes nearest to the former Mission Chapel.

The consent of the corporate authorities of the Church of the Good Shepherd was also necessary, as well as the promise of the conveyance of the lot of ground and of the chapel building to a new corporation to be formed, subject to certain conditions. These conditions were: “First, that the said corporation should conform to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Second, that all sittings in the church of said corporation should be always free and unappropriated, and third, that the property should revert to the grantor if the services in the church were not regularly maintained.”

Articles of association of St. Martin’s Church, Radnor, were then entered into and the first vestrymen chosen. This original vestry was composed of the following nine men, all of whom had been active in the building of the Mission Chapel and the organization of the new parish: W. W. Montgomery, Daniel S. Newhall, Theodore D. Rand, Joseph C. Egbert, William H. Badger, F. Linwood Garrison, Charles F. Hinkle, George W. Righter and George Stuckey.

Among others who came on to the vestry in the early days, when any of the original members left, were Charles F. Hatch, Robert H. W. Koons, Leonis W. Stroud, Moses B. Paxson, W. T. Robinson, P. Randolph Kirk, Charles Stilwell Eldredge and W. W. Montgomery, Jr. The latter served as Rector’s Warden from October, 1900 until his death in August, 1949.

A charter of incorporation was granted to the rector, church wardens and vestry of St. Martin’s Church by the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County on June 22, 1887. The deed of conveyance was then executed, subjected to the conditions provided in the gift. The parish was admitted into union with the Diocese during that same year.

The first services in the newly-organized St. Martin’s Church were held on May 1, 1887, when the Rev. A. B. Conger, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd, preached in the morning and celebrated the Holy Communion. In September of that year the Reverend Percival H. Hickman, formerly of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was elected the first rector of St. Martin’s Church. On October 5 the Church was consecrated by the Right Reverent O. W. Whitaker, Bishop of the Diocese.

Of this consecration the “Standard of the Cross”, in its issue of October 15 of that year, wrote as follows: “On Wednesday, October 5, the Rt. Rev. Bishop of the Diocese consecrated St. Martin’s Radnor, to the worship of Almighty God. This parish, formerly a mission of the church of the Good Shepherd, Radnor (Rosemont Station) was admitted into union with the convention in May last. During the summer a handsome tower was erected by an anonymous benefactor of the parish, while a carpet laid recently by the Ladies Guild, completed the internal arrangements of the building. This is entirely of stone, with a slate roof; the tower carrying a bell, the gift of members of the parish. A stone wall encloses the lot. The organization of the parish was completed by the acceptance of the rectorship by the Rev. Percival H. Hickman, lately of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, in time to sign the instrument of donation. This was presented to the Bishop by Mr. Daniel S. Newhall, rector’s warden, and the Sentence of Consecration was read by the Rev. George A. Kellar, rector of St. David’s, Radnor. The Biship preached from the text I Kings 8:27 and celebrated Holy Communion. Besides the clergy named, there were present, and participating in the service, the Rev. Arthur B. Conger, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Rev. Messrs. Byllesby, of Media; Haughton, Boyer, Moore, Bishop, Thomas and Ricksecker, with the Rector. The handsome decoration of the church by the ladies of the parish, the excellent music and the beauty of the autumn day conjoined to make a very enjoyable occasion. This was further promoted by an admirable collation spread in the Lindenwood house.

“The offering on this occasion was very appropriately set aside for the Rector Fund, and amounted to the handsome sum of $202.34.”

The Parish House was started in 1895 and finished soon thereafter. It is to the west of the church building on Glenmary road and contains the Sunday School rooms, the Library, offices, dining rooms and kitchen.

The present stone chapel on the South side of Conestoga road, Ithan, replaces a frame structure built in 1894 in Ithan. The new chapel was begun in 1918 and completed in 1920. It was the gift of the well-known Philadelphia architect, Theophilus Chandler, and was deemed to the Diocese of Pennsylvania and given to St. Martin’s Church to be its property as long as operating and repair expenses were met. Services have been held there continuously since its completion.

(To be continued)

St. Martin’s Church, part 1

/ Emma C. Patterson

The dull gray of the stone exterior of St. Martin’s Church seemed softer than usual in the mistlike rain of a morning last week as this writer walked along King of Prussia road from Radnor station. The brilliance of red roses growing in magnificent clumps at each of the two main entrances to the church was almost startling in contrast. These gorgeous splashes of color only served to bring out the quiet serenity of walls that have withstood the elements for more than 70 years now. Much of their surface is ivy colored, the deep green of the leaves blending with their gray. The church building stands close to the road on two sides, its boundary on both King of Prussia and Glenmary roads marked by a low gray stone wall, almost as old as the church building itself.

On February 15, 1877, the lot of ground on which St. Martin’s stands was conveyed by John Stacker and his wife, Mary, to the rector, church wardens and vestrymen of the church of the Good Shepherd in Radnor. The following month, according to the old Record Book of St. Martin’s, “a society was organized among persons who were in the habit of attending Sunday evening services held in the public school house by the rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd or his assistant, for the purpose of accumulating a fund for building on the lot above mentioned.” But it was two years later before the first excavations were started and still more than a year after that before the corner stone was laid. This was on October 4, 1880.

According to a brief history of St. Martin’s Church, written by the late W. W. Montgomery, it was intimately connected in its early days with the Church of the Good Shepherd. The latter was established in July, 1889, after which the congregation worshiped for some months in the old Wayne Hall on Lancaster Turnpike in Wayne. Later on these services were transferred to a room in the old Morgan’s Corner Hotel, a few hundred yards from where St. Martin’s Church is now built.

Even after the first church building of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont was completed, these services in the old Hotel were not abandoned. Though held irregularly for a few years, they were continued “for the benefit of such persons living near Wayne and Radnor stations as desired to attend the services of the church, but found it impracticable or inconvenient to get to the Church of the Good Shepherd.” These services were usually held but once a week, and then on Sunday evenings. From 1871 until the summer of 1881, the use of the neighboring public school building was given to the congregation of the Radnor Mission. After that time its use was withdrawn.

The first plans for establishing a building fund for the Church that was to be later called St. Martin’s, were made at the March 1877 meeting in the school house. At that time “a small society was organized for the purpose of accumulating a fund by monthly contributions of the members, and other gifts for the purpose of erecting a chapel building.” These first payments, “one dollar and fifty cents in the aggregate”, were received on March 13, 1877, by the Rev. B. R. Phelps, the first treasurer, who was the assistant to the rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd and in special charge of the mission.

Original plans for the building, which were eventually followed throughout, were the gift of a prominent Philadelphia architect. During the spring of 1879 part of the excavation for the foundations and basement were made by voluntary labor. For want of further funds, nothing more was done until the end of September of that year, when additional gifts had brought the fund up to almost $1,000. With part of this the facing stone was bought. By the early part of 1880, the work of building was actively under way. And it was on October 4 of that year that the corner stone was laid.

Early plans called for only the erection of the walls and the roof of the building at first. But once actual work was begun, contributions began to increase, thus making it possible to do the plastering and the glazing of windows very soon after this building was under roof. even before this, however, the first service in the chapel was held. This was on Sunday evening, August 14, 1881, the day after the use of the school house was withdrawn. To quote once more from Mr. Montgomery’s history: “The walls had not been plastered, nor the windows or seats of furniture of any kind put in, but some chairs and lamps were borrowed in the neighborhood for the occasion. A slight thundergust coming up, the wind blowing between the boards on the window spaces, put out some of the lamps, which had been set on the window sills for want of any other places to rest them.

Before the end of the year 1881, some of the pews were put in place, as were the chandeliers for lighting the church. For two years a large stove was the only means of heating the building. Then in December 1885 furnaces were installed for more adequate warmth. in 1884 the organ screen, robing room and chancel wall were built. In 1885 the basement room for Sunday School and for library finished. The following year six carriage sheds were erected and the grading of the property was completed. Work on this by voluntary labor had been going on for some time.

In 1887 the outside woodwork of the church and the carriage sheds were painted and the inside walls of the church tinted. Important additions were those of the tower, the bell and the porch hood. The stone wall was built, the japonica hedge was put in and other planting done. These things came chiefly as gifts from friends and members of the congregation. Thus had the building of the church and the beautification of the grounds gone on slowly and steadily over a period of almost nine years, “according as the Building Committee had the means to do it.” Only once during this time was any debt incurred, and then but for a small amount and for a few months.

(To be Continued)

The 1912 Harvest Home Fete, part 4- Charles E. Walton; Bailey, Banks & Biddle; Neighborhood League; Campfire Girls

/ Emma C. Patterson

One feature of the entertainment at the Harvest Home Fete, held on the Charles E. Walton estate in mid-October, 1915, that was not hampered by the downpour of rain on two successive afternoons, was the dancing on the porch of the big mansion house. There were two sessions, one from 4 o’clock until 6 in the afternoon, and the other from 7:30 until 10:30 in the evening. Mrs. Thomas Theodore Watson, assisted by more than 40 aides, was in charge of the dancing which featured “Lucky Numbers” and “skill” contests. Music was by the well-known Herzberg orchestra. “Lucky number” prizes were awarded to Miss Edith Watt, of Wayne; Miss Sarah Barringer, of Haverford, and William K. Holman, of St. Davids. The ladies’ prizes were orders for ten dollar pumps, presented by Stelgerwalt’s, while the man’s prize was a ten dollar order on the Edward C. Tryon Company. Two consolation prizes were presented to Mrs. George Boles and Miss Eleanor Verner.

In the competition dances, the first prize, a silver cup from Bailey, Banks and Biddle, was won by John Watson, of Wayne, and Miss Sarah Meyers, of St. Davids. Second prizes consisting of ribbon rosettes from Dreka’s, went to Miss Martha Walton and William Wiedersheim. Still another prize, this time for “the most attractive young lady among the dancers” was presented to Miss Gladys Jameson, of St. Davids. This was a ten dollar order on Bailey, Banks and Biddle, given by Frank H. Bachman. Judges for these contests were Miss Skethy, and Miss Gibbs, of Philadelphia.

A “clearing up Sale” seemed to be the answer for what merchandise was still left after two rainstorms. And so on October 23 all unsold articles were displayed once more, this time at the Saturday Club. There were great bargains to be had that day!

With centrally located quarters in the Jones Building, the Neighborhood League was now increasing the scope of its original activities. Experience having proved that “neither long walks, the use of a horse and carriage, nor generous volunteer help with private automobiles” were practicable in meeting the growing demands of a large field, an automobile was purchased with money raised by special contributions. Activities were varied. During the year just past 137 families had been assisted by the League.

One of the innovations was school attendance work for Radnor School District. School gardens and playgrounds were also under the supervision of the League. There was the Savings Club, with both adults and children as members. Problems of housing and sanitation were taken up. Friendly Aid Conferences were held, sewing clubs were organized as were a group of Camp Fire Girls.

The visiting nurse was continuously busy, as shown by her report that in a four month period she had made 521 “walking visits” befor the League’s automobile was purchased.

Cooperating physicians sought the help of the League for their patients. Red Cross affiliation had just been secured in the field. One of the League’s growing problems was that of finding quarters for transients, who might be stranded in Wayne overnight.

In all these branches of its growing work the League needed much financial assistance. The gift made by the Harvest Home Fete was put to immediate good use by a Board headed by Dr. G. L. S. Jameson, of St. Davids, as president. Other officers included Miss Mary L. Walsh, of Wayne, E. Lewis Burnham, of Berwyn and C. W. Wayar, of Paoli, as vice-presidents; Charles S. Walton, of St. Davids, treasurer, and Dr. Marianne Taylor, of St. Davids, secretary.

In closing this series on the Harvest Home Fete, your columnist wishes to acknowledge the loan of the complete records kept by Miss Grace Roberts, general chairman. To her, more than to any other person, was due the thanks of the community and of the Neighborhood League.

The 1912 Harvest Home Fete, part 3 – “Walmarthon”, The Log Cabin, Tuskegee Institute singers, Men’s Club of Wayne

/ Emma C. Patterson

As a community project the magnitude of the Harvest Home Fete held on the Walton estate in October 1915 is difficult to envision after the years have passed. The enthusiasm which went into the planning of the great event is the only thing that made it possible. That so many people and so many groups shared this enthusiasm is almost incredible. Probably no organization except the newly-founded Neighborhood League could even have inspired it. In the writing of it afterward “The Suburban” said: “Perhaps no other event ever brought the people of the neighborhood into such pleasant and harmonious relations as this Harvest Home Fete . . . good feeling prevailed everywhere, as shown, for example, by the closing of many of the stores to allow employes to take part in the holiday, and by the suspension of the regular schedule at the Wayne and St. Luke’s Schools, in order to give all the boys and girls an opportunity to flock to ‘Walmarthon’.”

With the beautiful grounds in readiness, with all decorations in place, with all booths and other attractions prepared, all that was needed was a fine warm day, bright with sunshine. And during the first hour or two just such weather conditions prevailed. Early comers saw a picturesque and fascinating scene as they wandered from the real gypsy fortune tellers, in their tents near the entrance, on to the many other attractions scattered throughout the vast grounds. For the moment everything gave promise that the Fete would be one of the most memorable and successful affairs in all the history of the Main Line. And so it was, in spite of almost overwhelming odds.

For the Fete had not been in progress long when the clouds gathered and the rains came. Tremendous damage was done almost at once to the gay booths, which could not be protected in time. But, of course, there were the other attractions. Dancing went on merrily on the porches of the Walton mansion, while supper was served to hundreds of people at the log cabin. Throughout the evening the brilliantly lighted grounds were thronged, although there were few chances to make purchases at any of the booths.

Plans were made to reopen the following day, and when two o’clock came the scene was again a gay one, with a promise of a large attendance. In addition to the booths, there were many other attractions, such as the “Plantation House” at the little log cabin on the grounds. Here Mrs. Walton herself had provided for singing by students from Tuskegee Institute, whose concerts were proving of such popular appeal throughout the country. The furnishings of the log cabin itself were such as to suggest plantation life. And then there was the “lemonade well”, which was built in one of the pergolas near the porch of the Walton house. Representing the Bryn Mawr Hospital Social Service, Mrs. William R. Philler was in charge of the “well.”

Punch and Judy shows were run during most of the afternoon and evening in the Thomas E. Walton garage, under the direction of John Diver. The Live Stock Exhibition and Sale, under the chairmanship of Miss Lena Newton, featured ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, and kittens. Even a donkey was on sale! The Dog Show had 133 entries, including those for pomeranians, pointers, chows, fox terriers, pekinese and airedales. There was even a prize for “the fattest child showing the fattest puppy!” This was won by Miss Eleanor Croasdale and her bull puppy, Midland II. Judges for the show were Alfred Delmont and Dr. Charles W. Reed, Jr.

Moving pictures were provided by the Men’s Club of Wayne. The Mandolin Club of Central Baptist Church played in the patio under the direction of John T. Whitaker. Among well-known musicians of the group were Gordon Mackey, Francis Adelberger, James Kromer, R. W. Houck, James W. Price, Orville Dunn, Harold Lawrence, John Newton and Archie Morrison. There was music also by the Band of Gulph Mills Boy Scout Troop 1. The Home and School League, with Louis Jaquette Palmer as chairman, sold balloons to small fry. The W.C.T.U. sold waffles and sausages.

Had the rain not interfered, supper would have been served not only in the log cabin, but on the tennis courts as well. Mrs. Charles G. Tatnall was in charge of this feature of the fete, which was well patronized in spite of the inclement weather. She was assisted by Mrs. S. S. Thornton, Mrs. Marshal Smith, Mrs. C. R. Kennedy and Mrs. Henry Roever. No less than 70 young women aides were also on hand for serving the many delicacies provided for the occasion.

For those who wanted only light refreshments, afternoon tea was to be served from 3 o’clock until 5:30 at the foot of the terraces near the upper lake. In charge of this was Mrs. J. W. England, assisted by the Misses Helen and Marion Tull, Mrs. George Boles and the Miss Marie Jefferts, Nancy Aman, Margaret England, Helen Boles, Katherine Verner and Martha Walton. A far cry from dainty sandwiches and tea was the Clam Bake run by Mrs. Leonard W. Coleman, aided by Mrs. J. Arthur Standen, Miss Bessie Bailey, Earl Knowlton and various Boy Scouts. This was to be one of the special features of the Harvest Home Fete, as indicated by the advertisement run in “The Suburban” which stated that the price would be 25 cents! Waffles and sausages were sold for the same amount while an entree supper was to be had for what would seem the trifling sum of 75 cents! And tickets of admission to the Fete, which were collected at the gate by members of the Radnor Fire Company, were only 10 cents!

(To be concluded)

The 1912 Harvest Home Fete, part 2 – A.B. Frost, Neighborhood League

/ Emma C. Patterson

The poster drawing which was used in various ways in connection with the printing for the Harvest Home Fete, held on the Charles S. Walton estate in 1915, was the joint work of a world-famous artist, A. B. Frost, and his son, John Frost. It was their contribution to the gala affair which made more than $3,500 for the Neighborhood League, which had then been established only three years. Mr. Frost and his family had become residents of Wayne in 1914, the year before the Fete was given. Posters for the affair, which had a wide distribution along the entire Main Line, were the generous contribution of a Wayne resident, Benjamin F. James, 3d, president of the Franklin Printing Company, of Philadelphia.

The drawing made by the Frosts represented a farmer silhouetted against the setting sun, a sheaf of grain under his arm, a sickle in his hand. This drawing decorated the cover of the attractive little booklet used as an invitation to the fete, as well as the tags given each person upon payment of an admission fee. It was also used on the outside cover of the elaborate programs printed for this occasion. Beautiful pictures of the Walton estate were scattered throughout this booklet, all used through the courtesy of the architect, D. Knickerbocker Boyd, or the landscape architects, Sears and Wendell. Among the former is a picture reproduced in the May 4 issue of “The Suburban” in connection with the sale of “Walmarthon.”

That such an elaborate program paid for itself is witnessed by page after page of advertising inserted by both local and city firms. Many of the former are still in business some 36 years later. Among those that are only memories are T. T. Worall & Sons, grocers; C. W. Lynam, carpenter and builder; Edgar Jones, meats; George Fox, Jr., plumbing and ventilating; Henry B. Walton, caterer and confectioner, of Bryn Mawr; Harry L. LaDow, apothecary; John Harazim, watchmaker and jeweler; Wendell and Treat, real estate; Welsh and Park, Hardware; I. V. Hale, meats and groceries and David H. Henderson, sea food. The present Philadelphia Electric Company was then known as the Counties Gas and Electric Company.

Those responsible for the general decorating scheme for all the booths at the Fete were Mrs. Louis Jacquette Palmer, Mrs. William H. Stone, Mrs. W. H. Robers, Jr., Mrs. Clarence K. Underhill, Mrs. C. W. Lincoln and Miss Margaret Hardesty.

In addition to the booths described in last week’s column there were many others. The Berwyn booth, under the direction of Mrs. William Paul Morris, assisted by an able committee, had “New England Dainties” as its specialty. These included fishballs, doughnuts, pots of Boston baked beans with loaves of brown bread, mince and pumpkin pies and tumblers of crabapple jelly. The Strafford booth, under the chairmanship of Mrs. A. Von Bernuth, assisted by Mrs. Robert S. Brodhead and Mrs. Frederick Jiggens, specialized in canned fruit and jellies, all of the home-made variety. Women from the Central Baptist Church of Wayne, working under Mrs. Thomas E. Walton, had charge of the Infants Booth. Donations for this came in “from Maine to California,” among them “a rare piece of Canton in the form of a Chinese baby’s bath tub, a beautiful antique.” The committee from the Wayne Presbyterian Church was in charge of the candy booth, all of the products of which were of the home-made variety. Mrs. Alvin P. McCarter, assisted by a very large committee, was responsible for this booth.

In those days there were two Presbyterian churches in Wayne, the more recently founded one being the Radnor Presbyterian Church, with its small edifice on the northwest corner of Windermere and Louella avenues, on the site now occupied by the Wayne Grammar school. This church took an active part in the Fete, establishing not only the household booth, but also presenting an “Autumn Leaves Party” by its Primary Class. This was directed by Mrs. W. Austin Obdyke, assisted by Mrs. Harold Freeman, Miss Lyons and Miss Josephine Scott. A list of “smy fry” who participated in this party makes interesting reading at this date! Among them were John Howson, Mary Douglas Lyons, Bun Peterson, Richard Keator, Thomas Willey, Charles Scherr, Ivan Dufur, Marion Schofield, Evelyn and Dorothea Waples, Erica Stahlknecht and Elizabeth Howson.

Dolls and toys were features at the Saturday Club booth with Mrs. A. R. Elliot as its chairman. Among those serving on her large committee were Mrs. Henry Roever, Mrs. William B. Riley, Mrs. W. Allen Barr and Mrs. P. S. Conrad. St. Katarine’s Church chose a “General Attraction Table” with Mrs. Clarence Tolan as the chair-man. The Wayne Methodist Church served ice cream and cake on the lawn near the Log Cabin with Mrs. Charles B. Stilwell in charge. The First Baptist Church had the cake table, under the leadership of Mrs. A. W. Childs and her large committee. The Garden Club of Wayne had a “Gypsy Camp”, where fortune telling was the order of the day. Arrangements for this were mad by Mrs. Charles Quimby and a number of other garden lovers.

“Country Produce” was sold at the booth manned by a group of Friends, among them Miss Sara Thomas, Mrs. J. S. C. Harvey, Miss Mary Hibbard, Mrs. Edwin Thomas and Mrs. Charles Edgarton. Radnor residents operating under Mrs. Isaac Clothier, Jr., Mrs. John Kent Kane and Mrs. George E. Starr, wold flowers at their booth. The W. C. T. U. specialized in waffles and sausages.

(To be continued)

The 1912 Harvest Home Fete, part 1 – “Walmarthon”, Charles S. Walton, the Neighborhood League

/ Emma C. Patterson

The sale of “Walmarthon”, the beautiful 41-acre estate of the late Charles S. Walton, to the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as announced in “The Suburban” of April 27, stirs many memories among those who have lived in this vicinity since before 1913, the year that the 40-room house was built by one of Radnor township’s most prominent families. Perhaps the most vivid of these to the general public is that of the Harvest Home Fete given on the grounds of the Walton estate on October 14 and 15, 1915, two years after the completion of one of “the lordly castles of the Main Line.” It was the largest affair of the kind that had been given in the vicinity up to that time. And in the memory of this columnist there has never been one since to equal it.

Founded in 1912 by a group of public-spirited citizens with the purpose of improving the health and living conditions i this community, the Neighborhood League was an organization that needed both funds and the support of the community to carry on its fast-expanding program of activities that reached from Radnor to Paoli, out of a meeting in May, 1912. At the home on St. Davids road, formerly occupied by the Charles Waltons, had come the organization of the Neighborhood League. The family always lent its active support. When plans were made for a large money-making affair for the benefit of the League, it was the Waltons who offered the grounds of their beautiful new estate for that purpose. The object of the Harvest Home Fete, as stated in its extensive publicity, was “to aid the Neighborhood League, which is constantly lending a helping hand to the sick and needy from Radnor to Paoli.”

And in spite of inclement weather the Harvest Home Fete turned well over $3500 into the treasury of the league at the end of two days at the walton estate and a third day at the Saturday Club. Never have so many organizations cooperated on one local affair, never have so many individuals worked so faithfully and so long on any one project.

Heading the organization of the entire affair was Miss Grace Roberts, whose executive ability showed itself in her management of so many groups of people. There were all the churches of Wayne, the Nursing Committee of the Neighborhood League, the Bryn Mawr Social Service, the Garden Club, Saturday Club, the George W. Childs Library, Primary Class, Radnor Presbyterian Church, Friends Meeting, Men’s Club of Wayne, W. C. T. U., North Wayne Protective Association, Wayne Public Safety Association, Radnor Fire Company, Radnor Township Commissioners, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls. Even some 36 years afterwards almost all of these organizations are in existence in Wayne. Two, however, are reminiscent of a time that is past, the Suffrage group and the Anti-Suffrage group! Both did their share at the fete. The Suffrage Party, headed by Miss Anna Atkinson, had charge of the “Baby Rest Tent” while the Anti-Suffrage Party, headed by Mrs. J. Gardner Cassatt, had the “Practical Booth”.

Assisting Miss Roberts on her executive committee were Mrs. Charles S. Walton, vice-chairman; Mrs. N. T. Brent, secretary; Miss Bertha G. Ball, assistant secretary and Dr. A. H. O’Neal as treasurer. Mrs. Louis J. Palmer, chairman of decorations; R. C. Ware, printing; A. M. Ehart, publicity; Mrs. W. H. Roberts, Jr., tickets; Mrs. Charles G. Tatnall, supper, and Mrs. Walter S. Yeatts, program. The long lists given in full in the program booklet of the Harvest Home Fete present a fascinating roster of names to anyone familiar with Wayne of the past and the present.

Advance publicity in the affair as given in “The Suburban”, as well as in the various Philadelphia newspapers of that era tell of many well-laid plans for the success of the big day. A Red Cross tent which had been obtained for the occasion by General T. E. Wiedersheim was to take care of any and all emergencies. Under the chairmanship of Mrs. Robert G. Wilson this would be “a retreat for anybody needing first aid.” Besides Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. John Moyer, Mrs. R. C. Hughes and Miss Lorean Fuller would be in attendance, all wearing the uniform of the different hospitals in which they received their training. Also connected with the Red Cross tent was a soda fountain, where Miss Dorothy Badger, assisted by Miss Dorothy Wolfe and Miss Toland would “dispense cooling drinks for the thirsty.”

“Ye Book Shop” was the name of the table sponsored by the Board of Managers of the George W. Childs Memorial Library, with Mrs. William V. Alexander as chairman, assisted by Mrs. W. W. Hearne, Mrs. David T. Dickson, Mrs. George H. Wilson, Mrs. George A. Shoemaker, Mrs. W. H. Sayen, Mrs. Sheldon Catlin, Mrs. J. Dutton Steele, Mrs. Theodore E. Wiedersheim and Mrs. Louis D. Erben. Here all manner of donated books were on sale.

The Parcel-post booth was in charge of St. Mary’s Church, with Mrs. Matthew Randall as chairman, assisted by Miss Fanny Wood, Miss Nancy Hallowell and Miss Florence Fulweller. “In appearance”, the parcel post station will be a brick building and distinguished from the others on that account” according to some of the advance publicity.

Indeed, so many and so varied were the attractions that an information bureau was set up near the main entrance of Walmarthon to direct visitors to the various booths. Here, too, was a large plan of the grounds, duplicated in smaller space on the back of the attractive programs printed for the occasion. A band of Camp Fire Girls, working under the direction of a committee headed by Miss Agnes Nichols, were to act as guides.

For these many attractions and others that will be described in this column such a large attendance was anticipated that “five large barges” were to be kept in service steadily between the St. Davids station and Walmarthon. Those were the days when both horse-drawn vehicles and automobiles were on the road. Colonel William H. Sayen, the president of the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners, promised “ample police aid–especially in the matter of supervising the parking of automobiles,” which would be accommodated in a field close by.

(To be continued)

The Wayne Art Center, part 6

/ Emma C. Patterson

Over the entire 20 years of the Wayne Art Center’s existence, its sponsors have maintained a continuous bond of interest between the public and the active members through lectures of such general interest that they have brought to the Art Center many who would otherwise know little of the organization and its work.

Illustrative of what the Art Center has endeavored to do are a few names chosen at random from the long list that stretches through the years. Some have already been mentioned. Among those who have not, are Stanley Muschamp, well-known voice teacher who gave a recital of his own songs; Edward Muschamp, author of “Audacious Audubon”; Henry Worlman, Boy Scout leader and sponsor of the famous Horse Shoe Trails; Eric Knight, distinguished autor and commentator; Sasha Siemel, big game hunter; Hester Cunningham, textile design and paints; Peter Nolan, soldier and authority on Kipling; Don Rose, columnist of the “Evening Bulletin”; Giuseppe Donato and Aurello Renzetti, sculptors; Dmitri White, sailor, soldier and author of “Survival”; Ida Pruitt, author of books on China, and translator of the works of Chinese authors; Thornton Oakley, illustrator and designer; Richard T. Dooner, photographer and Virginia Armitage McCall, artist and winner of the 1946 Gimbel Award, who is well-known for her work with plastic surgeons at Valley Forge General Hospital.

These men and women are top flight specialists in their various fields. And there have been so many others, equally well known. Some lectures represent the type of service to the community that the Art Center considers an essential part of their yearly program, and one that they aspire to incorporate in all plans for future activities.

As we close this series of articles on the Art Center it is interesting to note what some of its board members consider the outstanding contributions that their organization is making to the members of its many classes and to the community. In defining the Art Center, its president, Arthur Edrop, says:

“It is a non-profit organization, its only purpose to serve the community. It is maintained by its membership dues, its tuition fees and some donations from public-spirited citizens. It has carried on its work in the face of mounting costs and exceptionally heavy expenses. Its members and its Board of Directors do not ‘sit deedless’, but do everything possible to develop and stimulate interest in the arts and in the well-being of their fellows. Many of the members take advantage of the classes and of the fine corps of instructors to use their free time creatively. Others find pleasure and instruction in the lectures and exhibitions. Many young people are joining, and they are putting their life into an organization that is soon now to come of age. Although there are many professionals among its members, there are other people who have never drawn or painted before.”

Mr. Edrop is a charter member, as is Mrs. W. N. Stilwell, one of the four vice-presidents. The latter, in commenting on the Art Center’s place in the community, calls attention to the fact that during the war, the organization carried on its activities in spite of many difficulties, among them gas shortage. What it had to offer then was perhaps more important than at any other time since those days of the depression, when it was founded. During the war it offered a refuge to many who needed the relaxation that only creative work can give. To the weary and the heavy-hearted it was often a haven where the things that troubled them might be put aside for a few brief hours.

Further enlarging on this thought as it applies to the Art Center, not only during the war, but for all the time of its existence, including the present, Mrs. John Berg believes that it is an organization that “brings out the best in people.” Those who are blessed with much of the world’s goods and those who are blessed with little are “all levelled by the common denominator of seeking to develop the talent they share in common.” And “that”, adds Mrs. Berg, “is democracy, isn’t it?” Mrs. Berg, one of the younger group whom Mr. Edrop describes as “putting new life into the organization”, describes herself as “a complete outsider drawn to the group because of my love of the community.” The Art Center she thinks of as a place where “people put aside, when they enter, what is important to them in a material way, and go out full of the zest of accomplishing the things that are so close to their hearts.”

Miss Bernadine Tolan, a vice-president who has been interested in the Art Center since its earliest days, speaks with enthusiasm of the wide variety of its classes and of the excellence of its teaching staff. Particularly she would call attention to the children’s class held for many years on Saturday mornings, when there is always an overflow of enthusiastic attendance. This class is taught by Elizabeth R. Hoffman, assisted by Mrs. Russell Moore.

All who work now with the Art Center would pay tribute to those, who by their labors in the past, have made the present organization possible, particularly to those who are no longer with them save in the spirit. Miss Mary L. Walsh was a leader in the days of its organization, and its first president. Oswald Chew was another early president who contributed much time and interest. Henrietta McClure, herself a professional artist of note, taught many classes throughout the years until her recent death. Louise Tolan, who has been called “the life of the whole Art Center” by those who knew of her untiring efforts on its behalf, particularly in the management of the June Fetes, will always be remembered.

As this series closes, your columnist realizes that much that should have been said has of necessity been omitted, particularly concerning the interesting group of professional teachers who are at the Art Center this season. However, this omission may easily be remedied by direct contact with the Art Center on the part of those who are interested in its work.

A wealth of records has been placed at your columnist’s disposal. And for these and for many personal contacts she is indebted to the members of the Board of the Art Center.

(Conclusion)

The Wayne Art Center, part 5

/ Emma C. Patterson

That first garden party of the Wayne Art Center, which was held in June, 1933 in the third summer of that organization’s existence, thereafter became an annual affair. And it was but a summer of two years ago that for various reasons it was discontinued. The 1933 party was held in the lovely gardens of Dr. and Mrs. Henry G. Fischer, on Bloomingdale avenue, with Mrs. W. N. Stillwell as general chairman. For several years the H. B. Powell place on Windermere avenue formed the background for these garden parties.

Then one summer Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Tolan and Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Conner, who lived in adjoining houses on Upland way, were joint hosts at the Art Center party. In the summer of 1938 the garden party was held for the first time in its own “front yard”, the spacious grounds of Mrs. Craig Atmore’s home on Louella avenue, with the garage studio forming the picturesque background for the party. As the years went by, this became its permanent location, sometimes supplemented by the adjoining lawn of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. P. Fronefield.

These affairs came to be big summer events for children as well as adults. Held always on a Saturday afternoon in June, sunny skies were eagerly anticipated by hundreds of people who were interested in the various kinds of entertainment that were offered. Usually there was a buffet supper served on the lawn as the twilight shadows fell. And always there were games and booths at which various articles were sold. Usually there were pony rides, a fish pond, a fortune teller, a “Flea Market,” an auction and a small animal zoo. Some years there were plays in which children were the actors, “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, given in June, 1941, being a typical one.

Nostalgic memories of these picturesque affairs, as seen through the eyes of a yearly visitor, are stirred in your columnist’s mind as she looks through the Art Center’s old scrap books with their various newspaper clippings and their kodak pictures. Many of the same names appear on the roster from year to year. They are the names of women who worked long and hard that the Art Center treasury should be enriched each summer in order that the winter classes might be continued. Although it is impossible to list these names, since there are so many of them, it is but fitting to give recognition to the late Mrs. Clarence Tolan, since no one among the Art Center members worked more faithfully from year to year than she did. Mrs. Tolan, who was one of the charter members of the organization, was one of its early treasurers and later its president.

Another part of the Art Center’s yearly program has been its consistent featuring of the work of its students, through many exhibitions. The very first one was held in September, 1931, following the summer when 119 children and 17 adults were enrolled in its classes in the garage of the Powell place. It was called “Wayne’s first exhibition of Art” and the public was reminded that “it is the children who are leading us.” Intended principally for the parents of these children, it drew large crowds of visitors, many of them of professional standing. It was tribute indeed to those who had pioneered in this enterprise, among them the late Mrs. Charles A. McClure, of Wayne, a well-known artist who was an untiring teacher at the Art Center for many years.

The first exhibition was but the forerunner of the many that were to follow in the 20 years since the Art Center was founded. Later exhibitions featured much more of the work of adults than did that first one. Media included oils, water colors, pastel, charcoal and pen and ink. Sculpture exhibits also proved interesting as did those featuring ceramics.

At present there are two regularly scheduled exhibitions each year, one in May and the other in November. The former is held at the Studio, when the work of the exhibitors is subject to the approval of a jury of outsiders. The later is held on Election Day and is sponsored by the Saturday Club., in whose Club House the paintings and other works of art are put on exhibition. This is quite a party day for both organizations, when tea is served throughout the afternoon for all comers, among them many men, home because of the Election Day holiday.
A special children’s exhibition is staged each year at the Studio. The work of these young artists is also shown from time to time at the Radnor Township Memorial Library, and sometimes even finds its way to exhibitions held in Philadelphia. The Art Center is regularly represented at the regional shows of the Woodmere Galleries by invitation of that organization.

No other local organization has brought to Wayne speakers on such diversified subjects as has the Art Center. Their lectures, always open to the public, have included those of men and women distinguished along many lines.

Among the countless projects of Wayne’s own art organization that may have been forgotten by some is the class in woodworking and carpentry that met in the 1935-36 season in the carpentry shop at Radnor High School. Any one “with a hankering for self-expression in wood” was eligible to join for a very moderate fee. James B. Ives was chairman of this interesting project which provided much diversion for spare time and produced some worthwhile pieces of furniture.

Miss Mary L. Walsh was The Art Center’s first president, serving in that capacity until December, 1935, when she was succeeded by Charles A. McClure. Other presidents have included Frederick Richardson, Oswald Chew, Mrs. Clarence Tolan, Paul Davis, Mrs. Frank W. Conner and the present incumbent, Arthur Edrop.

(To be concluded)

The Wayne Art Center, part 4

/ Emma C. Patterson

The second summer of the Wayne Art Center, that of 1932, proved as successful as that of 1931, when 136 children and adults were enrolled. In all there were five classes, including one for younger children, taught by Lawrence Taylor, another for older children, with William H. Lister as instructor and still another for women and older children, taught by Mrs. Charles A. McClure. These were all morning classes. In addition, Mr. lister taught drawing, painting and pastel one evening a week, while George Borst instructed a class in modeling and sculpture on still another evening.

This summer session was the last in these picturesque quarters, however. By fall, the officers and directors of the Art Center knew that their budget would not permit a monthly rental, no matter how small. Application was made to the Carnegie Corporation for possible financial help. Their reply noted regret, but stated that the year was one “when a great many requests were being made, and the appropriations in the field of the arts are necessarily being curtailed.” In October the Radnor Township School Board granted permission for the use of one of the rooms in the wayne School building for the sessions of the Art Center. Within a few weeks’ time, classes were under way in the Art Room of the High School. And until Mrs. Craig Atmore made her garage on her Louella avenue property available to the Art Center, the school continued to be its headquarters.

Activities of the organization were not confined to its classes, however. By the spring of 1932, the first of its long series of educational talks was scheduled, while June, 1933, saw the first of the many delightful garden parties that the forthcoming summer were to produce.

In August the Rev. Henry Mitchell gave a reading of “Enoch Arden”, under the auspices of the Art Center. This was presented with a musical accompaniment by Richard Strauss and was played by Miss Katharine Sixt. The reading was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Waples, who then lived at 214 Windermere avenue.

A lecture on “Prints”, given in September, was scheduled for the High School auditorium. This lecture had been written by William M. Lorus Jr., curator of Prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and was supplemented by a number of lantern slides explaining what really constitutes merit in a print. In addition there were four reels of moving pictures from the University Film Foundation illustrating the technique of etching, beginning with the pencil sketch and continuing through the various phases to the “pulling of the proof.”

A man locally famous for the windows in the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge and the Nevil Memorial Church of St. George, in Ardmore, was chosen for the next lecture which was not given until January, 1933. He was the well-known Nicole d’Ascenzo, of Philadelphia, who had accepted the invitation to speak before a Wayne Art Center audience because of his “realization that communities such as this Wayne of ours are encouraging . . . an awakening appreciation of the beautiful in the minds of men.” A capacity audience in the Radnor High School library greeted this well-known creator of the window “Revolution” in Washington Memorial Chapel, as he traced the development of the art industry in England and on the Continent. Slides of his own masterpieces and samples of glass were used by way of illustration.

The next speaker was one of even closer local interest, when in March Oscar Doyle Johnson, of St. Davids, spoke on the “Aesthetic Value of Italian Primitives.” Mr. Johnson, a writer of versatility, then lived with his parents, whose collection of paintings in their St. Davids home was always so generously shared with any in the community who were interested in seeing them. Mr. Johnson’s opening lecture period was so interesting that plans were immediately made for a weekly series of informal talks and discussions on Italian painting to be led by him. These were held in the library of the High School during the spring of 1933.

And then in June came the first garden party of the many that were to be sponsored by the Art Center. Held in the garden of the home of Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Fischer on Bloomingdale avenue, the party featured an outdoor exhibition of the work of the students in addition to its many novel features of entertainment.

(To be continued)

The Wayne Art Center, part 3

/ Emma C. Patterson

The Charter for the Wayne Art Center when granted on January 29, 1932, in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, stated the purpose for which the corporation was formed to be as follows:

“To induce the use of free time creatively in the community and to promote the art of self-expression and appreciation of beauty by studying, teaching and disseminating knowledge of painting, drawing, sculpture, music, drama and handcrafts.”

The Art Center’s means of maintenance was to be “by tuition fees received for instruction, by dues or fees for members and by voluntary contribution.” That its founders were ambitious in their ideas on future finances is witnessed by Article 9 of the Charter, which states that “The annual income of the corporation, other than that derived from real estate, shall not exceed the sum of $20,000.”

The first meeting of the incorporators of the Art Center was immediately followed by the first meeting of the newly elected directors. Miss Mary L. Walsh was chosen president, with Henry R. Harris and E. deF. Curtis to serve as vice-presidents. Mrs. Clarence Tolan, Jr., was elected treasurer and C. A. McClure, secretary. William H. Lister was made chairman of the activities committee; Mrs. Addison S. Buck of the House Committee; Arthur N. Edrop of the Publicity Committee and Richard Howson of the Finance Committee.

Directors for the first term of office included: George H. Borst, Dr. A. S. Buck, C. P. Cox, E. deF. Curtis, A. H. Edrop, Mrs. John W. Frazier, H. R. Harris, Miss Dora W. Howson, William H. Lister, Mrs. C. A. McClure, S. V. Rowland, Mrs. W. N. Stilwell, Miss H. Velma Turner, Miss M. L. Walsh, Miss Lillian A. Wlater, Mrs. Rufus Waples and P. G. Watmough.

In commenting on the newly incorporated Art Center “The Suburban”, in its issue of March 4, stated that “the problem in the Charter is something to which sociologists and economists the world over are giving consideration. It is a question which must be solved, not only in this community, but in all communities. Wayne should be congratulated on having arrived at at least one solution of the problem in the development of an art center. The idea, born but a few short months ago, struggling successfully towards its ultimate goal in spite of many difficulties, has already made itself an important factor in the life of the town.”

The phenomenal success of the work carried on during that first summer of 1931 warranted very definite plans for diversified classes for the fall term and again for the spring term of 1932. Preserved in the first scrap book of newspaper clippings of the Art Center is a charming picture accompanying a special feature article appearing in the “Evening Ledger” of June 30, 1931. It shows a group of four Wayne youngsters as they sat under the trees working with paints or clay, under the supervision of Miss Elizabeth Gookin. They are Jack and Bill Simons and Laura and Mary Carpenter, all of whom have since moved from Wayne. These four were a fration of those who enrolled as soon as the opportunity presented itself. In the end there were some 136 students, 119 of whom were youngsters. Mrs. McClure, who was a well-known painter and illustrator, was in charge of the work at the studio in the garage on the H. B. Powell place on Midland avenue. Miss Gookin, likewise a painter, who was also particularly interested in pottery, assisted Mrs. McClure. Others who taught the children’s classes were Miss Jean Frazier, Mrs. William Beatty, and Miss Edith Lengert. The adult class, meeting on Friday nights, had P. G. Watmough, of Devon, as its instructor. Later on George H. Borst, well-known local sculptor, was added to the list of instructors.

September saw the first exhibition of the work of the new Art Center, an exhibition which drew goodly crowds for a week’s time. Among the visitors of note were William Tefft Schwartz, painter of murals; Hy Gage, famous cartoonist; W. H. Lister, illustrator of many books and of numerous advertising campaigns and S. V. Rowland, superintendent of schools.

In addition to classes a series of educational talks on subjects related to arts and crafts was planned for the spring term of 1932, the first being one on ceramic art by E. deF. Curtis, on of the founders of the Art Center and a man well-known for the beauty of his pottery, which he designed and made in Strafford. In addition to his own work Mr. curtis was a teacher of pottery at the Pennsylvania Museum Schools of Industrial Art in Philadelphia.

But for all of its activity the Wayne Art Center’s finances were at a low ebb at this time. The report of the finance committee at an April meeting was largely confined to a “discussion of the present emergency as regards operating funds.” Since the response to recent circular letters had been disappointing, it was imperative to raise money to tide the organization over until fall. May proposals were made, including that of an auction sale of the work of active members of the Art Center, to follow the exhibition planned for May. It was also deemed necessary that donations be solicited from parents of children enrolling in the summer classes, although tuition would continue to be free to those who could not afford a contribution. But in spite of misgivings the summer session of 1932 was a full one, as will be described in next week’s column.