Tag: Men’s Club of Wayne

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)

Wayne’s Company B, part 1 – Phila. Military Training Corps., Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Men’s Club of Wayne

/ Emma C. Patterson

In these days of “wars and rumours of wars” it might be interesting to review the history of Wayne’ own “Company B”, organized early in the days of America’s participation in World War I, primarily for the purpose of home defense. Like its neighboring communities, Radnor Township at that time was disturbed by the fear of internal disturbance, since war propaganda in regard to German families was rampant everywhere. And so in June, 1917, only two months after President Wilson’s declaration of war on Germany, a number of residents of Wayne, St. Davids, and other parts of Radnor Township formed Company B, Wayne Infantry, Philadelphia Military training Corps.

Composed originally of those who were beyond the age for active service, the Company soon had among its members many who were later to enter the active service. During its existence of something over a year it had 152 names on its roster. Of these, 42 entered the service, two of whom made the supreme sacrifice, Wallace C. Dickson and Norman B. Hallman.

This Philadelphia Military Training Corps, of which Company B was a part, was originally incorporated in 1916 under the laws of Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Major Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, it had its headquarters on the old Biddle estate in Lansdowne. Upon the outbreak of the war in Europe, Major Biddle delegated Captain Edward W. Macey to organize the Main Line for military drill.

The first company in Wayne was known as “Company A”, and although composed for the most part of excellent material, it did not long survive. It was in 1917 that its successor, Company B, was organized at a meeting of the Men’s Club of Wayne, still under the leadership of Captain Macey. Although its primary purpose was to act as a secondary line of defense in the absence of the regular army and the State Militia, Company B was desirous of giving primary military training to those who should later be called into the service.

The Men’s Club of Wayne immediately voted the use of its clubhouse as headquarters for this new military organization. Captain Milton W. Orme, who had had a long and active career in the Pennsylvania National Guard was the first commanding officer. He remained in this position until he moved to New York City, when he was succeeded by Captain Winfield L. Margerum, another active National Guardsman, who had been first lieutenant under Captain Orme. The former had been captain of Company A, First Regiment Infantry, N.G.P. Norman J. Coudert was second lieutenant under Captain Orme. He had formerly been connected with the Twenty-second Regiment of Infantry of New York State. Later Norman Coudert became first lieutenant under Captain Margerum and Herbert Plimpton became second lieutenant.

Because of his former military experience, T. Griffiths Roberts was selected as first-sergeant, a position he retained by his own choice throughout the existence of the company. According to our historian, “It was a pleasure to see him form the company in front of the Men’s Club, preparatory to turning it over to the commissioned officer in charge.” The other non-commissioned officers appointed at the first roll call in May, 1917, were: Sergeants, Herbert Plimpton, Charles H. Scott, W. L. Fox, Albert A. Ware, Wallace C. Dickson, C. L. S. Tingley, F. P. Radcliffe, W. H. Shuster, Edgar L. Hunt and J. Arthur Standen. Corporals were M. C. Prew, A. N. Elliott, E. W. Maxwell, Richard S. McKinley, Walter Pierson, Jr., J. Donaldson Paxton, W. M. Holloway, George R. Park and Henry H. Ziesing, who later became a first lieutenant of engineers.

Frank T. Adams was appointed supply sergeant, and was succeeded by Lance E. Booth, who remained in that position until the company was mustered out.

At a meeting of the company held on September 28, 1917, a civic organization was effected and by-laws adopted. Officers elected were Captain Orme, president; C. H. Wilson, vice-president; Wallace C. Dickson, secretary-treasurer. F. T. Adams succeeded Mr. Dickson when the latter entered the service.

For those men who did not equip themselves, uniforms, with campaign hats and hat cords, leggings and cartridge belts were provided by public spirited citizens. Among those who were active in creating this fund raised by the Men’s Club were A. M. Ware, William H. McCutcheon and Charles S. Harvey. Among the many liberal donors to the fund were Charles C. Shoemaker, then president of the Men’s Club, H. P. Conner and Walter Pierson, Sr., with his three sons.

Transient as its membership was, the attendance at drills averaged six to eight squads. The company was also always well represented at the weekend reviews of the C.M.T.C. at Major Biddle’s Lansdowne estate. It had grown to the point where 103 rifles were constantly employed, these rifles being furnished by the Philadelphia Military Training Corps.

Although many of the members of Company B were well beyond the years of active campaigning, others joined for the knowledge of the drill and army usages which would help them so greatly after they joined the colors. In Lansdowne they frequently participated in weekend drills, parades and reviews, when they gained experience in regimental and battalion maneuvers.

Routine work was sometimes relieved by the unusual. On one such occasion in May, 1918, Company B participated in the outdoor fete held on the estate of Mrs. Charles A. Munn, at Radnor. This was for the benefit of the overseas hospitals, under the auspices of the Emergency Corps of the American Red Cross. As Company B staged a sham battle using blank cartridges. Red Cross field work was demonstrated. Litter bearers, ambulance dressing stations and hospitals of the Red Cross gave an exhibition of what the work would be under real war conditions. Certain Company members even served as casualties, among them “Private” A. M. Ware, who was placed on a stretcher and carried into a hospital tent after he was “wounded.” Further particulars of his recovery are lacking, however.

(To be continued)

(For all the well authenticated facts in regard to Company B the writer is indebted to one who is thoroughly conversant with them, Captain W. L. Margerum, who wrote a series of articles for The Suburban some years ago.)