To those of us who have been familiar with the weather-worn signboard that hung for many years outside the King of Prussia Inn, the picture below, showing the famous king brandishing a sword as he sits astride a spirited horse, is almost startling by way of contrast.

Elise Lathrop, in her comprehensive volume on “Early American Inns and Taverns,” published in 1926, describes the original signboard as “showing the King of Prussia, somewhat marred by wind and weather, astride a horse, decidedly wooden as to its legs.” The signboard was supposed to have been painted by Gilbert Stuart.

In the picture shown above, the fiery-eyed steed with flowing mane and tail, ridden by a dashing king in handsome uniform, more nearly fulfills the popular concept of the monarch. The lithograph from which this picture has been made, is in Mrs. L.W. Morrison’s antique shop across the road from the old inn. It was originally published in London by Thomas Kelly in July, 1815.

The inn itself is rather a dreary spectacle these days, standing closed up and entirely deserted on a traffic island between the north and south bound lanes of Route 202 and Route 23. It is just a year ago last month that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill permitting the sale of the structure. Unlike former proposed bills, this one did not stipulate that the building be moved from its present location within a stated length of time. This was important to would-be purchasers, anxious to preserve the historic old landmark on its original site, particularly in view of the fact that the old structure might disintegrate in the moving process.

The inn had previously become the property of the State when it was purchased from Anna P. Waters at the completion of plans for the Pennsylvania Turnpike route. Because the State did not deem this “island” location a safe one, the House State Government Committee had originally stipulated that any purchaser of the property must move the inn, within 18 months after purchase, to another location. Since that proviso was eliminated last summer it is now said that the sale of the property has been held up by certain claims to the ground on which it stands, made by the former owner.

Among those most disappointed by this latter development are members of the King of Prussia Historical Society, an organization which obtained its charter and incorporation papers a year ago from the Montgomery County Courts. Recent issues of this column have told of this Society’s plans for “the Preservation, restoration and maintenance of historical landmarks, materials and other objects pertaining to Montgomery County and to the history of Upper Merion Township.” Incorporators of this new Historical Society are Dr. Robert May, Mrs. Lucressa Morrison and John R. Arscott, all of King of Prussia; Mrs. Mary Townsend and Dr. Deane Webber, Wayne.

If arrangements can be made for the eventual acquisition of the King of Prussia Inn by this new society, there are many plans under consideration both for its restoration and for its use by various groups and organizations. Next week’s column will contain a resume of these contemplated plans.

(To be continued)

Last week’s “Your Town and My Town” told the story of what was one of the most interesting and best preserved of the old houses in the general Valley Forge neighborhood, prior to its razing to make room for a modern restaurant. This was the Alexandar H. Crockett homestead, located at the northeast corner of Gulph and Swedesford roads. An interior picture of a downstairs corner of the old Crockett house is shown with today’s column while an exterior view was printed in the column of June 29.

The Crockett house was destroyed despite the efforts of the King of Prussia Historical Society to maintain it as part the Society’s overall plan to restore and preserve landmarks in the historic Valley Forge section. The other picture shown in today’s column is one of an 18th century houses that may yet be preserved for posterity, if a purchaser can be found who would be interested in its restoration and maintenance. At present it is owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The King of Prussia Historical Society feels that the building is “quite restorable and would make an interesting addition to set the mood for visitors approaching Valley Forge Park.”

Situated on Route 23, across the road from the Valley Forge Golf course, this house has been known for many years as “the Pechin farmhouse.” It was formerly the property of a member of that large family, of which the late Nathan P. Pechin, well-known in Radnor Township, was a member.

The history of this house was filed in the records of the King of Prussia Historical Society by Miss Anna Pechin, a long-time resident of the Upper Merion area, now living in Jeffersonville, who is an active member of the Valley Forge Historical Society.

According to Miss Pechin, who owned this farmhouse at one time, its earliest record dates to a sale of the dwelling by Moses David to James Aiken on July 31, 1790. The date of construction probably antedates this by many years, since there is a Benjamin Davis listed in the census of 1734 as owning 100 acres in Upper Merion.

“The chimney, so conspicuous on the outside of the house, is of most peculiar shape, and has every mark of being very old,” Miss Pechin says. She continues: “an old English grate was built in the chimney on the second floor, but was torn out recently. Water for this house was furnished by a well, which is now in the basement within the present walls. The well first stood outside the building on the east end of the original dwelling, and the water was drawn by an old-fashioned wooden pump.”

In the cellar there is still the large room which was originally used for cooking purposes. A center stairway goes from the basement to the attic. There are two rooms on the first floor and two on the second. The attic seems to have been used for storage space only, as there is but one small window in it. Of this stairway, the only original part still remaining seems to be that between the second floor and the attic. The first and second floor mantles and woodwork have been completely stripped by vandals.

Interesting enough, the original woodwork of the window frames is still in place, although concealed beneath the present woodwork, which was to build up the windows and doors after the last coat of stucco made this necessary.

The plaster is original and the lathes are of the old time handsplit variety nailed to thick upright boards. A representative sample of the original paint used in the kitchen is on file with the Valley Forge Historical Society.

The exterior of the house is of stone. The massive chimney on the west end, shown in the picture is not enclosed in the present walls. However the chimney on the east end, which was removed when the house was extended, appears to have been enclosed.

Surely this house presents a challenge to someone with the initiative and the time, as well as the financial means, to restore a home dating back to the early 1700’s. Its proximity to Valley Forge, and the fact that it probably was already standing when Washington and his men camped at Valley Forge in 1776, only enhances its interest to any future owner.

(To be continued)

Last week’s column told of recently formed plans of the King of Prussia Historical Society to preserve landmarks, including old houses and other buildings in the general area of Valley Forge. This includes the King of Prussia settlement, long famous because of the old Inn of that name.

In spite of the changes recently made in this section by the building of the Pennsylvania turnpike and the Schuylkill expressway the old Inn is still standing, its future as yet undetermined. But as further told in last week’s column, the old Alexander H. Crockett homestead did not fare so well. Despite the earnest efforts of Mr. Jack Crockett and of the King of Prussia Historical Society to preserve it, this old home has been torn down to make room for a Howard Johnson restaurant.

The Historical Society’s general plan is to make complete surveys of old buildings that seem doomed to destruction, despite the Society’s efforts to preserve them.

The group which has made a survey of the Crockett place, as well as of several others, consisted of a “draftsman, a photographer and a stenographer, working under the direction of an architect who is familiar with details of pre-revolutionary and revolutionary dwellings”, and of an historian who is familiar with the sources of information of the buildings in the area.”

However, this type of professional work pre-supposes that some preliminary investigation has already been done by local historical societies in anticipation of the professional work. The survey of the Crockett place is of especial interest to readers of this column, since the family has been well known locally for many years.

Like many another home in the Great Chester Valley section, the Crockett place had an interesting history. Situated on the northeast corner of the intersection of Gulph and Swedesford roads, the building had originally consisted of two dwellings which had been joined together in recent years by moving the west wing back against the east wing. The small stone farmhouse was jacked-up and moved without “a single crack appearing in the plaster.” This moving was done by the late A.R. Crockett and his son, Jack.

The exact date of the east dwelling is not known, though the date shown on the west building reads 1757. In Mr. Crockett’s possession is a deed bearing the date 1792. This deed traces the land back to Rees and Griffith Rees, both of whom are listed as landowners in Upper Merion township in the census of 1734. Of this land, Griffith Rees owned 50 acres and Thomas Rees, 100 acres. From an historical point of view this information is particularly interesting, in that the deed receipt traces the land to Rees Thomas, who was the brother-in-law of Letitia Penn Aubrey, by virtue of his marriage to her husband’s sister. He acted as her attorney in collaborating with James Logan, when Letitia Penn Aubrey decided to dispose of her manor of “Mount Joy.” This land transaction dates back to November 16, 1714. However, there is some question as to which home is designated by this deed. According to the King of Prussia Historical Society authorities, there have been so many alterations to the old building that it is impossible to [have] concluded that this represented the original plan of the house, however. The main room of the east wing contained a large cooking fireplace with excellent, typical colonial, beaded paneling extending from the fireplace mantle to enclose the stairwell. This woodwork was original and in excellent condition, and has been preserved to remain in the township as representative of this building. There was a Swedish-type curved stairway going down to the basement, up to the second floor and into the attic which was situated to the left of the fireplace. This arrangement of curved stairs ascending and descending, tucked into the corner or the room adjacent to the fireplace, is thought to be characteristic of Swedish construction in this area.

(To be continued)

At a recent meeting of the Board of the Radnor Historical Society, your columnist listened to plans made by a neighboring historical society for the presevation of landmarks in its area. This area is one so close to that of our own community that it would seem to be almost as much our concern. With the thought of aiding the splendid work now being undertaken by the King of Prussia Historical Society, of which Dr. Robert D. May is president, the writer is devoting several issues of this column to the story of what this group is undertaking in Valley Forge Park area. The material prepared by the society is all the more interesting, in that it includes pictures of several old houses well known to many readers of this column.

In presenting its tentative plans to the Radnor Historical Society and similar groups in this general locality, the King of Prussia Historical Society states in the introduction of its comprehensive brochure:

“Surrounding Valley Forge Park is an area rich in early American history. Many of the original buildings that quartered American and British troops are still standing. Because of the rapid growth of the communities in this area, many are slated for early destruction to make way for factories and sub-divisions. Some have been abandoned because of the proximity of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Schuylkill Expressway link through this historic area.

“While the history of all of these buildings is not known at the present moment, some have yielded a rich return in information as to their ancient uses. One, indeed, was used as the Paymaster General’s headquarters for the troops stationed at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Some were headquarters for Washington’s officers during the war, while others served as quarters for various American and British forces during the winter at Valley Forge. Fortunately some of these buildings are in locations suitable to serve as residences for private citizens and are therefore well protected at the moment. Some are not so fortunate and are in danger of being sacrificed in the name of progress.”

Since the King of Prussia Historical Society, new as it is on the roster of nearby local organizations of its kind, believes that “we can all learn for the future by a study of our past heritage,” they are carrying out definite plans for that future. These include a survey of buildings in the general area of Valley Forge, the photographing of these buildings and the making of architectural measurements and drawings. This is being done by a survey crew working in the evenings and on weekends. And since rapid expansion in the Upper Merion area “threatens everything old,” plans are also being made to catalogue and evaluate buildings in respect to their historic importance. This will help the order in which efforts for future preservation of such buildings should be made.

(To be continued)

Since the story of libraries in Radnor township was started in this column several weeks ago, pictures have been shown of four of the buildings, which have housed them in the past. In choosing today’s picture, the one shown below has been selected for several reasons.

The picture incorporates portions of both the old George W. Childs library building and of the present new building. The immediate foreground is the remodelled left wing of the old building, which has been extended to the south to form the main corridor of the new structure. In the center of the right wall is the focal point of the whole library, the Memorial Plaque, on which have been inscribed the names of the 68 men and women of Radnor township who gave their lives in World War ll. The inscription in the center of the plaque reads:

“IN MEMORY of the men and women of Radnor Township who died in their country’s service that Freedom and Justice might live. To them this Library is dedicated in the hope that those who follow may find here wisdom and courage to strive for a better world.”

The main entrance to the library shows on the left as opening, at the top of a short flight of steps leading from the ground floor door, into this main corridor. Directly opposite the entrance is the librarian’s desk where incoming books and phonograph records are received and others given out. Beyond can be seen the many-windowed section of the library used as a reading room for its younger members.

Another well-lighted room in the basement floor is known as the Veterans’ Room. Although dedicated to the use of the veteran organizations, it is also used from time to time for meetings of other community groups.

The story of the erection of this beautiful permanent home for the library is such a recent one that it need not be retold in detail at this time. In 1946, the feeling of the community, that there should be a lasting memorial materialized in plans for a much needed addition to the small building on West Lancaster avenue. This idea, first sponsored by the Wayne Business Association, was adopted with whole-hearted enthusiasm by those interested in a permanent memorial.

More than $40,000 of the $50,000 goal was reached, with the result that, in 1949, the building program was completed, and the former George W. Childs Library was renamed the Memorial Library of Radnor
Township at this time.

A well organized campaign is now under way to pay off the $7,000 mortgage on which interest has been paid since 1949. In view of the phenomenal growth in the use of the facilities of the new library since its completion seven years ago, the success of the campaign is almost assured.

According to figures recently compiled, the library registration increased from 1,797 in 1948, the last year of the George W. Childs Library, to 5,918 in 1955. Book withdrawals in that same period had increased from 24,804 to 104,332. This represents a 400 per cent increase in utilization.

Surely Radnor township chose wisely when it selected the building of its Memorial Library as its living tribute to its dead of World War II.

Since this series on the history of the Memorial Library of Radnor Township was started several weeks ago, the woodcut shown above of the place in which the library was founded, in 1809, has been lent to this writer. It pictures the old Radnor Friends’ Meeting and school house, as it looked when it was built in 1719.

According to the wording of old records, as brought to light by Mrs. Marie Good Hunt, librarian of the present library, “On the 21 day of the 1st month, 1809, a meeting of the subscribers and others friendly to the establishment of a library in the township of Radnor convened agreeably to public notice at Radnor School House.” Mrs. Hunt’s summary of these old records continues, “The first meeting of the now-organized Radnor Library Company was held February 2, 1809, at the Radnor School House. The building was situated on the grounds with the Meeting House, on Conestoga road at Ithan.”

A present day member of Radnor Meeting tells us that this “school house “ is the portion of the building to the right, with the small wooden door leading into it.

The second picture shown with today’s column is that of the Wayne library, built on West Lancaster avenue in 1893, on ground donated by George W. Childs, of Philadelphia. Mr. Childs had many real estate interests in the newly-developing community of Wayne in the closing years of the 19th century.

Mrs. Hunt’s records tell the amusing story of how the library books were moved – by wheelbarrow – from their former second floor quarters at 105 North Wayne avenue to their new home on West Lancaster avenue. Miss Nathalie de Canizares, then assistant librarian, helped by Edward Kirk of West Chester, who offered his services in the good cause, transported all the books in this manner, which must indeed have been a tedious one, even in the days when Lancaster pike traffic was entirely horsedrawn.

The actual moving of the books once accomplished, the matter of their arrangement was next in order. In previous locations of the library this had been done alphabetically on the shelves, according to the name of the authors. Now books were catalogued according to the Dewey-decimal system, and arranged in proper categories, such as fiction, poetry, reference, etc., under the direction of Miss Isabella Lord and a Miss Hopkins of Bryn Mawr College, whose services had been obtained for this purpose.

The library continued to function under this set-up, until the number of its books outgrew its stock space. In 1928, a donation of $3,000, given to the library by Miss Anna Markley, made possible an addition to the building in the form of a new room, which was set aside for the use of children. Mrs. Margaret Wendell Hess, with her gift for interesting young people in reading, was for some years in charge of this room. Her ”story hour” for children is still held in fond remembrance by many adult members of this community.

It was through Mrs. Hess that the late Frederick F. Hallowell established the Nancy Hallowell Memorial Fund, following the death of his daughter. Since that time, the interest from the bonds which formed the donation has been used for the purchase of children’s books. With so much emphasis now placed on the juvenile section of the library, the service to children and young people has been increasing steadily ever since.

(To be Concluded)

According to the history of the present Memorial Library of Radnor Township, as compiled after much careful research by its present librarian, Mrs. Marie Good Hunt, the small reading room and lending library established in Wayne Hall on East Lancaster and Pembroke avenues served its purpose from 1882 to 1889. During this time Miss Anne S. Matlack and Miss Anna G. Markley gave their services as librarians.

In 1889 new library quarters were established in a second floor room at what was then 105 North Wayne avenue. This was over the “Wayne Estate” offices of the A.J. Drexel Company of Philadelphia, a name still familiar in the annals of Wayne as promoters and builders or the “Wayne Estate Houses” scattered throughout Wayne and St. Davids.

In recounting this move, Mrs. Hunt states that “at the time of acquiring the new quarters, a charter was formed, thereby setting up the library under by-laws, the name being the Radnor Library Association. The Board of Directors completely governed the running of the library – the assistant librarian only distributed books. Occasionally she exercised the privilege of extending the use of the library to some deserving person in place of a member who did not take advantage of his membership. The support of the library continued to be by subscription, supplemented by donations and charges for entertainments given by members. The use of the library increased to such proportions that the services of a paid assistant became necessary.

With the influx of newcomers to Wayne in the 1880’s and 1890’s demands on the Radnor Library Association outgrew its facilities. It was then that Mrs. William Henry Sayen instigated the movement that was to result in the library’s first real home of its own. Mrs. Sayen was one of the farsighted women of her time whose interest in her community had already manifested itself in the founding of the Saturday Club in 1886. Her name, like those of Miss Markley and Miss Matlack, appears on the oldest records or that 70-year-old institution.

Through the efforts of Mrs. Sayen, support for the library project in Wayne came from George W. Childs, one of Philadelphia’s foremost philanthropists of his time. His affiliations with Wayne were close, through his financial interest in the Wayne Estate building operation. His was the gift to the Library Association of ground described on an old deed as being “on the south side of Lancaster avenue and about 230 feet west of Wayne avenue in the town of Wayne, County of Delaware and State of Pennsylvania.” It was on this ground that the Radnor Library Association built its own first home. The library’s name was changed at that time to the “George W. Childs Memorial. Library.” This building, situated just to the west of the Central Baptist Church, forms the nucleus of the present large and attractive Memorial Library.

The “Uniform Contract” for the building, a document preserved in the records of the library, shows that the building cost $2,900, which seems an unbelievably small sum 60 years later. Dall and Peterson of Philadelphia were the architects, while John D. Lengel of Wayne was the contractor. Another name still as familiar in Wayne as that of the contractor is that of R.H. Johnson Co., one of the subcontractors. The contract was signed for the library by Kate L. Sayen.

The cost of the building was met in part by subscription from various interested donors, with a mortgage placed on the remaining balance. The final payment on this mortgage was made by William Henry Sayen in memory of his wife, Katharine Longstreth Sayen who died in 1903, since it was her interest that had made this first library building in Radnor township possible.

(To be continued)

Last week’s brief resume, in this column, of the founding of the Memorial Library of Radnor Township, took the story back to 1882. In that year two enterprising women, Miss Anna Markley and Miss Anna Matlack, started a small, free, lending library in the quaint old building on East Lancaster avenue, then known as Wayne Hall.

More than ten years previously a group called the Wayne Library and Literary Association had held meetings in the Lyceum building, in quarters especially provided for it, when that building was erected in 1870-71. Considerable research on the part of this columnist in the past leads her to the conclusion that its work was part of the general Lyceum program rather than that of a public library offering such facilities.

However, an extensive study of old records of Radnor township, recently made by Mrs. Marie Good Hunt, present librarian of the Memorial Library, shows that “the Township of Radnor, Delaware County, has had a library almost continuously since 1809.” This interesting statement is based on Mrs. Hunt’s study of the minutes of the Radnor Library Company. The quaint wording of records, now almost 150 years old, state that “on the 21st day of the 1st month, 1809, a meeting of the subscribers and others friendly to the establishment of a library in the township of Radnor convened agreeably to public notice at Radnor School House.”

The minutes then continue, “we whose names are hereunto annexed, being desirous of promoting the dissemination of useful knowledge amongst the inhabitants of Radnor and part adjacent; and, considering the establishment of public libraries as a cheap and efficacious means of spreading useful information, have associated for the purpose of establishing a library in the vicinity of Radnor Meeting House.” (Note: This is the present meeting house, erection of which was begun in 1717 and completed about 1722.)

Officers of the association, elected at the meeting, were Joseph Hoskins, president; Mordecai Morgan, secretary: John Randolph, treasurer; John Siter, librarian and Charles Jones, Samuel Morgan and David Davis, directors. These names are interesting as the names themselves are the rules that these men formulated for the library which they were establishing. Mrs. Hunt found that “fines were to be paid before any other books were allowed to circulate,” and “damaged books were to be paid for and no books were to be put aside for the favored few.”

Her summary of those old records continues, “the first meeting of the now organized Radnor Library Company was held February 2, 1809, at the Radnor School House. The building was situated on the grounds, with the Meeting House, on Conestoga road at Ithan. The list ot 17 selected books to be purchased show that the organization comprised a group of serious readers, as the material was either of biographical or of historical interest. The meetings continued to be held at the Radnor School House from 1809 to 1857, with the exception of 1811-1813, when Widow Elliott’s Tavern was used, and again in 1855-56 when the organization met at the houses of John Evans and John Mather.” Mrs. Hunt’s interesting record continues: “It is noted that the librarian, although elected to his office, was merely the caretaker of the 500 books which constituted the library.

However, in 1814, a motion was carried to give him the privilege of reading the books for taking care of the library. The purchasing of all material was done by two appointed directors. During these years of the library’s existence Davis Brooke, Samuel Brooke, John Staker, Mifflin Moore, Ethan Wilson and John Mather served as librarian.”

Mrs. Hunt’s research shows that there are now no records of a library between 1858 and and 1870. Later records do tell, however, of “an association called the Wayne Library and Literary Association which met every Tuesday at 7:30 o’clock at the Wayne Lyceum Hall,” references to which have previously been made in this column.

In 1871, the year in which the Lyceum was dedicated, officers of the association were Charles A. Dillon, M.W. Rossiter, George W. Murray, William Siter and L.T. Brooke. Acting as librarian were Nettie M. Marsh and Seba Bittle. But since an entirely different group of names appeared in the records of 1872, Mrs. Hunt concludes that office was held for only one year. At that time R.H. McCormick, Dr. G.P. Sargant, William Lawrence and Emma Childs were elected to the Board of Managers and James Lynch was librarian.

For the years between 1872 and 1882, Mrs. Hunt has found no records to date. As already noted it was in this latter year that Miss Matlack and Miss Markley started the small lending library in old Wayne Hall, which expanded year by year without interruption, and finally became the Memorial Library of Radnor Township we know today, with its 6,000 members and a book circulation of over 100,000 for the year past.

(to be continued)

The beautiful and spacious building which houses the Memorial Library of Radnor Township today is a far cry indeed from Wayne Hall, the small, quaint building pictured at right, yet it was in this building, then located on the northeast corner of Lancaster pike and Pembroke avenue, that the library was founded in Wayne, in 1882. As early as 1871, a group called the Wayne Library and Literary Association met in Wayne Lyceum Hall. The latter building was erected in 1870-71, on ground donated by J. Henry Askin, sometimes called “the founder of Wayne,” which forms the nucleus of the present Colonial Building.

The Wayne library, which used Wayne Hall, was provided by two farsighted women of the era of the early 80’s, Miss Anna Markley and Miss Anna Matlack. According to tradition, this library, sometimes called “the community’s pioneer enterprise,” started with two books, the Bible and a volume of Shakespeare!

Only a few years later, in March, 1886, Miss Matlack and Miss Markley were to be instrumental in starting still another “pioneer enterprise” in Wayne, the Saturday Club, second oldest woman’s departmental club in the state of Pennsylvania.

There is little on record concerning the work of this pioneer library. According to an official history of Radnor township libraries, compiled by Mrs. Marie Good Hunt, the present librarian: “The members of this group paid a subscription and from the funds books were purchased. These public-minded women donated their time and energy to the organization for many years.” However, there is more on record concerning Wayne Hall itself, which was one of the town’s early landmarks. Rumor has it that it was orginially one of the Centennial buildings, moved out from Philadelphia after the World’s Fair of 1776 was over. Other sources state that it was built by J. Henry Askin, of Louella Mansion fame. An early album of photographs from which the picture at the head of the column was taken, explains that it was “erected for public uses; for a Library Company; for lectures and other secular purposes, and for worship on Sunday.” At any rate, the old building was also the first meeting place of the Wayne Building & Loan Association and the Merryvale Athletic Association; afterwards the Radnor Cricket Club, and, in addition to all this, the old “Wayne Times” was at one time printed there. It was indeed a busy place in which to
start a small lending library as “one of Wayne’s pioneer enterprises.”

The nucleus of the present building was a small library on West Lancaster avenue, built in 1892-93 on ground given for that purpose by George W. Childs, well known philanthropist of his day, for whom the Library was for a time named. Money for this first building itself was raised mostly by popular subscription, although a mortgage was also necessary. The final payment on this mortgage was
made by Mr. William Henry Sayen in memory of his wife, who died in 1903. One of the pioneers in library work in the community, Mrs. Sayen was also one of the early presidents of the Board of Directors.

(to be continued)

As part of the general background of the story of Wayne as it was 20 years ago, started in last week’s column, it is interesting to know what pictures the patrons of the Anthony Wayne Theatre were seeing early in the year 1936. The late Harry M. Fried was the owner and manager of the theater.

Among these old time favorites were “Mutiny on the Bounty,” featuring Clark Gable, Franchot Tone and Charles Laughton, in “the greatest epic of the sea ever staged.” Others included “Peter Ibbettson” with Gary Cooper and Ann Harding “making their first appearance as a romantic team;” “A Night at the Opera,” with the three Marx brothers, “madder and funnier than ever;” “The Littlest Rebel” starring Shirley Temple, and “Annie Oakley,” with Barbara Stanwyck in the lead.

For those who sought their relaxation at home, there were books from the lending shelves of the Wayne library. Among new fiction listed in the early part of 1936 were “Silas Crockett,” by Mary Ellen Chase; “Tarzan and the Leopard Men,” Edgar Rice Burroughs, and “Mary Poppins Comes Back,” P.L. Travers. Contract bridge was still enough of a new game to warrant a listing of instruction classes each week in the columns of “The Suburban.” In addition to those at St. Davids Golf Club and at Tredyffrin Country Club there were private classes at the homes of Mrs. Walter Le Sueur and Mrs. Edith Wood Atkinson, both well-known bridge teachers.

In the following paragraphs, newcomers who want to know what Wayne was like 20 years ago will find that so many of today’s organizations were already in operation at that time. Although the community has grown tremendously, it has always been an active one.

For those who were interested in amateur theatricals the Wayne Footlighters, with Mrs. Y.P. Dawkins as president, were in the middle of a busy season when, in January, 1936, they gave “Ada Beats the Drum,” under the direction of Margaret Genay. For others whose talents lay along the line of handicrafts, woodworking classes at the Wayne Art Center started in February, 1936. Charles A. McClure was the president of that organization.

The Wayne Musical Coterie, with Mrs. Thomas Blackadder as president, was having its usual monthly meeting at the homes of its various members. Mrs. Eugene Newbold was head of the Wayne branch of the Needlework Guild while Mrs. John M Meigs, 3d, served in the same capacity for the Ithan branch.

With Mrs. Harry M. Crider as president of the Wayne Branch of the WCTU, just as she is now 20 years later, the January meeting of that organization featured the beginning of a study of the U.S. Constitution, under the leadership of Mrs. R.I. Heim. The Wayne Branch of the American Red Cross, with its headquarters in the Neighborhood League House, was carrying on a joint nursing service with that organization, with all of its surgical dressings being made in Red Cross classes held in the Wayne Presbyterian Church. Mrs. C.H. Howson was chairman of the branch at that time.

In March, 1936, during the presidency of Mrs. W.W. Crawford, the Wayne Saturday Club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding. Assisted by Mrs. Dawkins, Mrs. T. Magill Patterson staged a pageant of tableaux and narrative of the 50 years of Saturday Club history. All participants in the pageant were dressed in authentic gowns of the five decades then just passed. In May of 1936, Mrs. Patterson succeeded Mrs. Crawford as president. Miss Evelyn Dotterer was the president of the Junior Saturday Club.

Among the heads of other Wayne Civic and social organizations in 1936 were Daniel M. Sheaffer, for St. Davids Golf Club; Oliver H. Jackson, Wayne Lions Club; Rocco A. Odorisio, Anthony Wayne Legion Post and Mrs. H. Harrison Smith, the auxiliary unit; Edward B. Maguire, Bateman-Gallagher Post and Mrs. Frederick Lengel, auxiliary unit; Welles M. Post, North Wayne Protective Association; William P. Cochran, Wayne Public Safety Association; David H. Henderson, Radnor Fire Company; S.V. Rowland, Neighborhood League; Howard S. Detwiler, Worshipful Master, Wayne Masonic Lodge; Walter H’ White, Wayne Chamber of Commerce; William H. Crawford, Wayne Building and Loan Association; John M. Gallagher, Radnor Building and Loan, and Henry C. Hadley, St. Davids Building and Loan.

Joseph M. Fronefield, 3d, Board of Township Commissioners; William Plummer, Jr., School Board; Dr. Seneca Egbert, Board of Health; Charles A. McClure, Radnor Township Board of Adjustment; S.V. Rowland, superintendent of schools, and T. Bayard Beatty, principal of the high school. In January, 1936, Lt. Wilmer N. Clemence was named acting captain of police, an appointment ratified a short time later.

Twenty years ago the largest local financial institution, the Wayne Title and Trust Company, was headed by Louis H. Watt, president with J. Harold Hallman as vice-president and secretary. John H.W. McQuiston was another vice-president, as well as Title and Trust officer, while Jason L. Fenimore was treasurer and assistant secretary.

If, in the limited space of last week’s and this week’s columns, any institutions which should have been included have inadvertently been omitted, your columnist offers her apologies.

Despite the many news items in “the Suburban,” there is something missing that was prominent in the Wayne weekly of 20 years ago – for then there were four comic strips each week, “Baron Munchausen,” “Kitty Kelly,” “Rumpers” and “Bozo and the Bacon.”