/ Trappe Chronicle I

A Publication of the Historical Society of Trappe and the Perkiomen Valley October 1994 Trappe, Pennsylvania Volume XXIII, No. 4

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Muhlenberg Award at Ursinus

Members of the Historical Society and the general public are invited to the Presentation Ceremony of the Muhlenberg Award at Ursinus College, Olin Hall Auditorium at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, November 3rd, when Dr. Richard P. Richter will receive the distinguished Leadership Award.

Master of Ceremonies will be John Stewart, Esquire, Award Committee Chairperson, and the welcome will be given by D r. Ivan W. Hess, President of the Historical Society. The invocation will be by the Society Chaplain, the Rev. Robert E. Horne. Gary Ezell, Chairperson of the Leadership Com· mittee, will present the nature and purpose of the Leadership Committee. Dr. John C. Shetler, Curator, will give the interpretation of the medal in rela­tion to the heritage of the Muhlenberg leadership at the founding of the nation. The investiture will be by Dr. Hess and Mr. Ezell. The blessing will be pronounced by the Rev. Herbert H. Michel, Pastor of Augustus Lutheran Church and member of the committee.

Dr. Richter will address the assembly on "Leadership and the Future." Presi­dent Richter began his service with Ursinus College in 1965 as Alumni Sec­retary and became instructor and assis­tant professor in the English Depart­ment. Later he became Vice President for Administrative Affairs and since 1976 has been President of the college. He has been active nationally in church and educational affairs as well as inter­nationally in the relationship with Tohoku Gakuin University, Sendai, Japan. (See the September Trappe Chronicle for a full biography.)

The award ceremony including the address by D r. Richter is free and open to the public at noon. Luncheon by reservation will follow in the Wismer Center when the table prayer will be offered by the Rev. Thomas Geiger Young of EvansburgMethodist Church.

The President's Message

The exterior restoration of the Muhlenberg House has been com­pleted. This was finished by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trust and money raised locally.

. �he Flea Market and Auction was a great success. We had many

VIS1tors and supporters. The Ways and Means Committee, Auction Committee, and everyone are commended for their excellent work. Our net revenue will be in excess of $6,000 to be used in further restoration.

The archeological team began work on October 4, 1994, investigating the perimeter of the Muhlenberg House. Volunteers interested in aiding this project should call Mrs. Erik Hundertmark (489-6541) .

The Annual Veterans Day Dinner will be held at 7 P.M. on November 1 1, 1 994, at Moorehead's Catering Service. Robert L.

Brant, Jr., Esquire, will discuss matters pertaining to the War Between the States.

We are working with several foundations seeking funds so we can proceed with the interior restoration of the Muhlenberg House. If anyone has an idea or direct connection with any foundation, please contact me and we will discuss it and pursue it.

We thank all our volunteers and supporters of our project and welcome your continued effort.

Ivan W. Hess, M.D. President

Archaeological Research Begins

On October 4th Kenneth Joire (pro­nounced Joray), Project Archaeologist for Kittatiny Archaeological Research, began the investigation of the site immediately around the Muhlenberg House.

The primary purpose is to research the area where the front stoop was, the outbuilding to the immediate rear, the smaller dwelling to the east side, and any other buildings or unusual factors that the site may reveal. This work will make it possible to complete the front entrance and the cellar entrance. The

other information will determine when and how grading can be done.

Mr. Joire is assisted by Elaine Smollier, Jeffrey Duncan, and Chris Swan, Field Technicians. As the work progresses, it will be possible for volunteers to assist in washing artifacts. Contact Archaeology Committee Chairperson Mary Hundertmark (489-6541). Walter Payne is volunteer consultant.

The project is made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission.

From The Journals of

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg

1 779 October 30, SaJurday. Beautiful weather. This week we had a man breaking t1ax. Today paid £3 15s. for seven and a half pounds of beef, for the household, at lili. per pound. Now another rod is coming, namely, death among the horses and cattle. Meditated for tomorrow.

November 4, Thursday. Now the cold and raw weathe r sets in suddenly. About ten o'clock this morning a fire started in our washhouse, caused by the occupant of our adjoining cottage. He had been breaking flax in the wash­house and was drying the flax at the fire. He was not careful and the inflammable material burst into flames. Since the buildings are all connected, the whole would have been laid in ashes in a few hours, and three families reduced to utter d esolation and bitter poverty, had not the Lord God in unmerited goodness and mercy prevented. The immediate neighbors came at once to our assistance and put out the fire before it spread too far. We owe humble thanks to the almighty and infinitely good God ! A letter from Mrs. Kuntze, with some sugar and chocolate, dated November 1.

November 5, Friday. Today I noticed that my wife's mind was deranged because of the fright she suffered yesterday from the danger of fire. Sudden excitements aggravate her illness, confuse her mind, and darken her understanding. Mr. Fried[rich] Sauer brought two loads of firewood from a distance of almost four miles as a present. Mr. Valentin Scherer brought a bushel of turnips and a half­bushel of com as a present for having preached [LC: here] occasionally. These are gifts of importance in these times of scarcity. I, too, am still unwell in body and mind.

Dr. John C. Shetler, Editor

Myrna Knaide, Managing Editor M-K Computing Services

For Newsletter Correspondence Write to: P.O. Box 838, Collegeville, PA 19426

Next Chronicle Deadline: November 1st

Mail to Editor at: 300 W. 3rd Avenue, Trappe, PA 19426-2226

Roll of Life Members October 3, 1994

Gambone Brothers Development Co. Trappe Tavern T. & T. Development Company, Inc. Providence Corporate Center Robert A. Ayerle Frank Bartle, Esq. Ms. Suzanne M. Belville,

Gypsy Rose Hotel Mrs. Jeanne F. Berry Mrs. Huberta F. Bishop Robert L Brant, Jr., Esq.,

Keenan, Ciccitto, Brant & Hixson Richard King Brown Timothy Canfield,

Harleysville National Bank Robert H. Cawthorn,

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Clement Glebb A. Clemmer David A. Comish Jam es G. Crouse Mrs. Anna M. Custer Richard Czop,

Warwick Excavation, Inc. Walter E. Daller, Jr. Walter E. Daller, Jr., President,

Harleysville National Bank Daniel S. DiMucci, Vice President,

Pennoni Associates, Inc. Dr. U. Berkley Ellis Gary Ezell,

Professional Contract Services Mrs. Mabelle H. Fisher Clinton M. Frey Elmer R. Funk Mrs. Elizabeth J. Gable Mrs. Linda T. Giovinco Ms. Betsy Grater Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Z. Hartenbauer George Hartman Allan P. Henry Mrs. Mary Grimison Herrick Clay C. Hess H. Ober Hess, Esq. Dr. Ivan W. Hess H. Erich Hess Edward Hiergesell,

H-B Instrument Company Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes Joseph A. King Rev. Thomas T. Kochenderfer, Jr. Dr. Charles Koenig TI1e Revs. Howard and Martha Kriebel Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Krug Mrs. Mae M. Kuser Mrs. Elisabeth K. Levengood Mr. and Mrs. Drew Lewis

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Ludwig Gordon MacEJhenney George Meschter,

Meschter Insurance Group, Inc. John D. Milner,

John Milner Architects, Inc. Merrill S. Moyer, Chairn1an,

Univest Corporation Willoughby W. Moyer,

Skippack Historical Society John A. Muhlenberg John C. K. Muhlenberg Dr. J. Peter G. Muhlenberg Mr. Donald Muir,

Traffic Planning and Design J. Edmund Mullin, Esq. Donald J. Neilson James Nolen, III John E. Ohler Mrs. Phyllis V. Parsons Mr. and Mrs. George E. Poorman Mrs. Beverly A. Reichenbach Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Renninger Mr. and Mrs. Randolph H. Riegner Mr. Randolph H. Riegner,

TR Insurance Group, Inc. Wayne Rosen Richard J. Ross Ms. Michelle Sabre,

Sabre's Fine Jewelry Lawrence Sager, Esq. David J. Sautter Pierre H. Schimek,

Pierre's Continental Catering Dr. and Mrs. John C. Shetler Mrs. Dorothy A. (Cressman) Showers Mrs. Catherine Muhlenberg Smith Mrs. Louise M. Smith Mrs. Lucinda W. Smith J. Linford Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Spaid Michael M. Stadulis,

Realen Homes Management Corp. Dr. and Mrs. Roger P. Staiger John Stewart, Esq.,

The Independent Dr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Tait Ms. Elizabeth A. Vorrnschlag James F. Whitton, Manager

Meridian Bank Mrs. Dorothy R. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Wismer. Jr. Mrs. Alice Freddie Workman Ralph R. Yocum, Jr.,

Yocum Glass Company Ms. Bernice J. Zilinski

To our Contributors . . . all the tasks outside contract work is done by vol­unteers. When meals and meetings take place simultaneously, the cost is paid privately and not out of the treasury. Every cent you contribute goes to the work of the Historical Society and the care or restoration of the buildings. If you would like to volunteer, call the president or any officer or committee chairperson.

Genealogist Appointed President Ivan W. Hess has an­

nounced the appointment of Mrs. Joyce Haas as Genealogist for the Historical Society. Mrs. Haas has experience that includes a trip to the Mormon Genea­logical Center in Utah as well as local archives.

If you wish to discuss research of your family tree, please call her at 489-3957.

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Coming Exhibits 1995 An exhibit for children will be featured

next year. It will include hands-on items such as a school desk, a slate, stereop­tician and cards, a blackboard, and other items you may want to lend or give.

We invite you to lend for protected display in our glass cases (or to give outright) antique toys, dolls, children's books, elementary school books, Sunday School lesson pictures, and antique clothing.

Indian artifacts will be featured by Walter Payne of Rahns with many fine examples from his extensive collection. Indians of the Perkiomen Valley will be highlighted.

We invite you to share items for the museum exhibits. Please call the Curator, Dr. John C. Shetler (489-2624).

Pilgrimage to Muhlenberg's H01ne

A pilgrimage to the home of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg in Einbeck and other religious sites in Germany is scheduled for June 16, 1995.

The group will spend Sunday with the congregation in which Muhlenberg was baptized. Three days and nights will be spent in Berlin and the former East Germany including Leipzig where Bach was organist, Dresden, Witten­berg, Wartberg, Eisleben (birthplace of Luther), and Eisenach.

A total of 15 days includes Bavaria, the Rhineland, Westphalia, and Cologne. The pilgrimage will be led by Pastor Herbert H. Michel ( 489-2686). Pastor Thomas Kockenderf er ( 489-7923) and Pastor John Shetler (489-2624) are clerical associates.

C A L E N D A R + 1 9 9 4

November 3rd Muhlenberg Award, Olin Hall, 12 Noon

November 1 1th 7:00 P.M. Annual Dinner Meeting, Moorehead's, 1st Ave nue, Trappe

December 4th. 1:30-4:00 P.M. Open House at Dewees Tavern, Exhibition of Medinger Pottery from the Collection of Dr. Ivan W. Hess, Refreshments

December 1 1th & 18th 1:30-4:00 P.M. Museum Open - Medinger Pottery Exhibit

Report on Auction and Flea Market

With this year's Auction and Flea Market behind us, the Fundraising Committee deserves a much earned rest, but there really is no rest for the weary, as they say. Plans have already been started to begin working on next year's event.

This year's successful event was no small undertaking. We made well over $6,000 and took in more than $1,200 over last year's figures. As always, it was the volunteers who enabled us to accomplish and surpass our goals. Thanks so much to all.

Also thanks to the many people who contributed items and gift certificates for the auction. And, of course, there could not have been any success with­out the many people who came to buy the good things offered. To you all we express appreciation.

In addition, there were several volunteers who went well beyond the call of duty and need to be recognized for really being the backbone of our Fall Fundraiser. Many thanks to the Quilters for their generosity in donating that gorgeous quilt; to Erich and Ivan Hess who are always there working no

matter what; to Andy Barbin who did an outstanding job of soliciting goods, and to Clay Hess and his people for a really super job of auctioneering.

As for the 1995 Auction and Flea Market, we have already begun gathering items. We hope by starting immediately to minimize last minute additions to the auction and make it easier on our volunteers. Also, by starting now we can gather a larger quantity and fine quality of items, hopefully surpassing this year's outstanding figures.

Please call Dr. Gail Snyder (679-2047) or Ivan Hess (489-7622) if you have any items to donate for next Fall's event. We are looking for jewelry, prints, paintings, furniture, linens, antiques, glassware, china, collectibles, crafts, antique toys and dolls, vacation weekends, etc.

Dr. Gail Snyder, Way and Means Chairperson

Contributions Appreciated

If you wish a special appointment for

the library, genealogical work, or the

museum, a contribution for the work of

the particular department will be

appreciated.

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C E R T I F I C A T E 0 F G I F T To help restore the Muhlenberg House, I/we enclose a check made payable to the HISTORICAL SOCIE1Y OF TRAPPE, in the name of

Sir.el Town Stale/Zip

_$25 _$50 _$100 _$500 _$1,000

Clip and mail to: Historical Society of Trappe P.O. Box 828 Collegeville, PA 19426

Tel.

_Other

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Recent Gifts to the Museum

An iron cooking kettle 17-3/4" in diameter by 9-1/2" tall standing on its legs and 6-1/3" deep for fireplace use was contributed by the Rev. Thomas Kochenderfer, Pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Audubon. The kettle is an authentic Pennsylvania German antique p iece from the Perkiomen region and will be used in the Muhlen­berg House. If anyone else was plan­ning to give a kettle we shall be glad to receive it as we have a total of 7 fire­places in our two buildings. We can use a butchering kettle to make soup for outdoor activities.

A tin candle lantern, a Bible of Mrs. Thomas who lived in Dewees house (more about that in the next issue), and a group of old books (including chil­dren's books) for use in future museum exhibits were given by Mr. and Mrs. John T. Keyser.

A collection of account books of the former Gristock lumber, coal, and feed business was given by Mr. and Mrs. John Iacovetti.

To offer a gift, please call Dr. John C. Shetler, Curator (489-2624).

r------------------------------------r----------------------- ------------ , I I ! VETERANS' DAY D IN N E R T O PAY YOUR DUES EARLY

i R e s e r v a t i o n Bring to the dinner or mail to: I I

Clip and Mail to: Norman D. Holcombe

21 Main Street Trappe, PA 19426

Please reserve places for me at $15.00 each for November 1 1th.

Total Enclosed $ ___ _

No. Persons

Richard Holcombe 21 Main Street

Trappe, PA 19426

Regular @ $6.00 = ---

Student @ $2.00 = ---

Schrack @ $12.00 = ---

Life @ $100.00 = --

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Telephone: -------- Telephone: -------- ! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -� ------- -------- -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - --

I

VE T E RA N S ' D AY D I N N E R M E E T I N G November 1 1, 1 994 7:00 P.M.

Moorehead's + First Avenue + Trappe (l1u11 opposite Trappe Slwppi11g Ce1Uer)

Program: Robert L. Brant, Jr., Esquire 11Personalities in the War Between the States11

Learn of restoration progress and concerns regarding Dewees building

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF TRAPPE P. 0. BOX 828 NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

COLLEGEVILLE, PA

PERMIT NO. 9

COLLEGEVILLE, PA 19426

Address C01rection Requested

OCTOBER 1994 NEWSLETTER

PLEASE, DO NOT DELAY!