Nether Providence History

Pieces Of The Past Forming a Tribute

October 4, 2011 by admin

Wallingford Real Estate - Arch From Nether Providence High School

Nether Providence HIgh School Archway

Key remnants of the former Nether Providence High School, which was demolished in 2010 as part of the $54 million dollar Middle School renovation, are forming the centerpiece of a tribute garden to former school.

The large front archway, several sandstone medallions, and education themed gargoyles make up the memorial which stands just to the left of the entrance to the Strath Haven Middle School Wallingford Real Estate - Nether Providence High School Date Stone , close to the spot they once occupied.

The design, cost, and location of the memorial has been a topic of much school board debate. The tribute was initially planning to incorporate the key pieces into a memorial wall, but the structural requirements of that proposal exceeded the budget for the project.

Several important features of the former school were salvaged, and stored while plans for the tribute were debated. The Nether Providence High School closed in 1984 when the Nether Providence and Swarthmore school districts merged forming Wallingford Swarthmore School District. The former high school then became Strath Haven Middle School.

On October 21, 2011, at 1:45 PM a public dedication ceremony at the Strath Haven Middle School on Providence Road is planned for the tribute garden.

Leiper House Summer Open House Friday June 17 From 7 To 9

June 12, 2011 by admin

The Friends of the Thomas Leiper House will hold a Summer Open House on Friday, June 17th from 7 until 9 pm. Come visit Leiper’s home, built in 1785 and named “Avondale”, and stroll around the house and grounds. See the fabulous 8-holer outhouse lit from underneath. Enjoy refreshments of lemonade and craft beer on the big side porch. There will be a special exhibit in the dining room of posters created by three Strath Haven High School seniors of excerpts from letters written by Leiper’s grandchildren as they fought in and observed the Civil War. There is no charge, but donations for upkeep are always appreciated.

Wallingford History – A Tale Of Two Brothers

March 8, 2011 by admin

The Vernon family of Nether Providence were prominent during the Revolution. Nathaniel Vernon had two sons, Nathaniel Jr. and Frederick, and resided at a home located at the end of present day Hickory Lane. At the outbreak of the war he was sheriff of Chester County and was an outspoken advocate of the cause of the crown, and subsequently became so offensive to the colonial authorities that he was declared a traitor, as was his son, Nathaniel Jr. The father fled to the protection of the British army, while Nathaniel, joined the Brithsh army serving with the Tory Light Horse. Frederick, sided with the Continentals, joined the army, and rose to the rank of Major.

During the British occupation of Philadelphia, Frederick obtained permission to visit his wife and family at his home in Nether Providence located at 204 West Brookhaven Road. His brother, Nathaniel learned of his visit and, and marched a platoon of Tory Light Horse from Philadelphia to Nether Providence, intent on capturing Major Vernon. The troops surrounded the house. Nathaniel entered the home and was about to climb the stairs, when Frederick, who was aroused by the noise, halted him from the head of the stairs, where he stood armed with a pistol. Nathaniel made it known that he had come to take him prisoner and that he must surrender, since troops were surrounding the house. Nathaniel tried to convince his brother of the inevitable British victory, and offered him a commission in the British army. He had come for his welfare he assured his brother. Frederick replied that he would never surrender, that the British could not take him, and that if his brother or any other person attempted to ascend the stairs he would shoot; only as a dead man could they capture him. Nathaniel finding his brother so determined, withdrew his troops, and Frederick remained true to the Patriot cause. At the conclusion of the war he was one of the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati, and died in Nether Providence at an advanced age. The fate of his loyalist brother Nathinel is unknown.

Contributor: Merv Harris

Chairman – Nether Providence Historical Society

History Spotlight – Wallingford Aviation

December 22, 2010 by admin

Do you know there was once a aviation field on the 50 acres of land bounded by Beatty and Turner Road and Baltimore Pike and Plush Mill Road. It was known as the Media Flying Field opening in 1922, and was the site of one of nation’s earliest air shows as well as the location of Delaware County’s first airmail flight.

From The Journal – Nether Providence High School – June 1, 1938

The week, May 15 to 21, was National Air Mail Week, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the carrying of mail by planes. Nether Provdience [sic] students left school at one o’clock Thursday, May 19, so that they could witness the only air mail pick-up in the history of Wallingford. An autogiro landed at the flying field to pick up all local mail. Air mail stamps and envelopes were available at both Media and Wallingford post offices, and many school pupils took advantage of this opportunity to send a letter in the first air mail plane flying from Wallingford to Philadelphia.

Thirty letters were autographed by the post masters and pilot. Matthew C. Fox Jr., postmaster of Media, and Stafford Parker, postmaster of Wallingford, were on the welcoming committee.

On 19 May 1938, with much fanfare, mail was delivered for the first and only time from Wallingford. At 2:00 pm, an autogyro landed on Media Aviation Field, located south of Baltimore Pike and west of Turner Road. The welcoming committee consisted of Media Burgess – Crosby L. Smith, Media Postmaster – Matthew C. Fox Jr., Wallingford Postmaster -Stafford Parker.

Twelve parcels of mail were loaded into an Autogiro (a forerunner of the modern helicopter) and flown to it’s destination at the 30th Street Post Office in Philadelphia.

Music at the flying field was furnished by the Media and Nether Providence High School Bands. After the autogyro took off, four Navy pursuit planes encircled the field twice and then returned to Philadelphia.

Unfortunately the trip was less than an unqualified success, since the Autogyro was unable to land on the Post Office roof.

Cancelled Envelope From May 19, 1938 Air Mail Flight

The tract of land that once was Nether Providence’s foray into early aviation was developed into what is today known as the neighborhood of Wallingford Summit in 1953.

Photos courtesy of the Nether Providence Historical Society.

Wallingford PA Real Estate – Wallingford, PA

Holiday Open House At Leiper House

December 8, 2010 by admin

: Leiper House

The Annual Holiday Open House at the Thomas Leiper House will take place 1-6 p.m. on Sunday Dec.12. The house has been beautifully decorated for the holiday season by six area garden clubs, each taking a different room.

Refreshments will be served, including birthday cake honoring Leiper’s Dec. 15, 1745 birthday.

This event is free, although donations for continuing upkeep of this National Register of Historic Places’ house are always welcome.

The house will also be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 11, and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19 during regular weekend hours of 1-4 p.m.

The Leiper House is at located 521 Avondale Rd., Wallingford.

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S. Clark Kendus