History

Hey Radnor! How About A PA Historical Marker For Wayne Natatorium?

carla — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:07:33 +0000

I think it is really terrific that Radnor Township has agreed to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Ceasar Waters and their part in the history of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, founded by Richard Allen. However, that is not the only important part of Radnor Township history that has gone too long without recognition.

It's President-Elect Obama, and Teflon Jim Gerlach...

carla — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:45:45 +0000

History was made. Barack Obama has been elected to be the 44th President of the United States and the first African American President. This is my favorite headline: New York Times: Obama Elected President as Racial Barrier Falls

It's 8 pm and The Polls are Closing....

carla — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:22:31 +0000

Today I saw a huge billboard on wheels and wondered if it was a green truck driving it around? Then I saw it pull into the Exxon to increase their profits even more... The polls are closing....it's over, and one way or the other history will be made. When I went to vote, I was in and out in a few minutes. I saw people bringing their children with them to vote as a family. I thought that was pretty cool, and I have fuzzy memories of my parents doing the same with me when I was a small child.

Maybe Phillies Fans Can Save Where Ashburn is Buried?

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:04:46 +0000

Can Phillies fans save where Whitey rests in Gladwyne? What am I talking about?

236 North Aberdeen - Check It Out and Save Lengel's House and a Neighborhood!

MainLineThoughts — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:22:01 +0000

[color=red]UPDATE[/color]- The agneda for Radnor's Board of Commissioners was finally posted late afternoon on Friday October 24th, 2008. 236 North Aberdeen is NOT on the agenda, so who knows what that means and if you do know, please post a response. However, it would not hurt if you are concerned about this application to take the time and go speak at public participation. Government doesn't read minds and if you want the 1st ward commish to pay closer attention to his ward, please respectfully go and remind him. (It is absolutely probelmatic that Radnor Township staff can't get these agendas posted in a more timely fashion) So, I hear through the grapevine that Radnor Board of Commissioners might hear that wannabe developing duo (who are in reality Prudential Residential Realtors who live at a fancy schmancy address in St. Davids)one last time on the issue of 236 North Aberdeen Ave in Little Chicago, a/k/a North Wayne? if it occurs, the last monthly RT BOC meeting will be on Monday October 27th, 2008 at 7:00 PM until end, but of course, Radnor Township Staff isn't rushing to post their agendas in a timely manner per usual, right?. All they have is this. A note. No agenda. But if yu live in Radnor, you are used to that, right? Descendents of Jonathan Lengel from waynepa.com So, will Hank Manhoney, Ward 1 Commissioner stick up for his constituents? Or will Hank play possum? You can ask him if you contact him at hgmahoney@dmvlawfirm.com or call 215-587-9400. (Ironically judging from the newspaper article that will be posted at the end of this, the VP of the Board was far more vocal in advocating for the small neighborhood, which is to be blunt, excellent on her part. So kudos to Ms. P for that. She did the right thing.)

Phabulous Phightin' Phils! Go Phillies!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:06:21 +0000

Wooooo Hoooo! Yippppppeeeee! They DID IT! [size=20]The [color=red]Phillies[/color] are going to the World Freakin' Series![/size] [size=24]YIPPEE!!!!![/size]. It's no joke of course that Ardmore loves their Phillies ( and the Phatastic Phanatic who came to visit recently!) So if you can't get tickets to watch the game live, make Ardmore your destination to watch the World Series! J.R. Monaghans and the VFW make GREAT places to watch the game if you are of legal age to be in a bar - and of course to watch in the VFW you need to be a member - but hey, go join! It's a bargain and you are doing a good thing by keeping your Ardmore dollars local! (You know what we say - Be Vocal/Shop Local: Discover More in ArdMORE!)

Autocar Reunion: How VERY Cool

carla — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:21:11 +0000

Autocar was in Ardmore...until it burnt down. This is a really cool piece of our history. Please read this article, and you know what I wish? That we have an Autocar reunion in Ardmore some day! Posted on Thu, Oct 9, 2008 Reunion brings 'Friends of Autocar' By Cheryl Allison

Wading Through The All-American Hype in Search of Truth

carla — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:21:39 +0000

9/29/08 UPDATE: CNN:Bailout plan rejected House leaders scramble for support for controversial Wall Street plan. NY Times: House Rejects Bailout Package, 228-205; Stocks Plunge By CARL HULSE and DAVID M. HERSZENHORN Published: September 29, 2008

It Always Comes Back To Ardmore....

carla — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:58:59 +0000

It always comes full circle to Ardmore, and development worries have landed Ardmore and Cricket Avenue on the Lower Merion Conservancy's 10 Ten Most Endangered List.....again. Wow. It must be some kind of record if you go through Mike Weilbacher's lists over the years to see how many things Ardmore have landed on the list, and how many things Ardmore have then been lost because by gosh, by golly, every square inch of Ardmore is a development opportunity, isn't it? Oh yes, the nasty by product of a well intentioned redevelopment plan: all the others who want to ride on the coattails. And yes there is such a thing as the "The Coattail Effect", although it is generally applied to politics, I believe it applicable here as well. Do we need all this development? In a word "no". Do we need a Master Plan for Ardmore? In a word "yes". Does anyone really listen to what anyone concerned about Ardmore has to say? Hard to say, actually. Depends on who you talk to, and when it comes to dealing with government, listening and hearing and acting are all dependent upon who you are talking to because the problem with Ardmore is the problem with dealing with local government: too many visions and not enough common sense at times, right? Ardmore's largest problem has been competing visions combined with simply not hearing what the residents ask for. And you have to consider that different residents have different wants, needs, and desires.

Lenfest Threatens Valley Forge? Is this "His" Way or the Highway?

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:03:07 +0000

Gerry Lenfest, known for philanthropy HIS way is in the news again...Now, Mr. Lenfest is familiar to those fighting to keep the Barnes in Merion where it belongs because he is one of the big fat checkbooks who is behind the relocation to Philthadelphia. Well, here's some interesting news about that DollyWood-esque thing he wants at Valley Forge: Posted on Tue, Aug. 5, 2008 Revolution Center weighing the costs of battle Stand at Valley Forge? Retreat? By Jeff Gammage Inquirer Staff Writer

If you can't imagine the American Revolution museum and conference center being built on private land inside Valley Forge Park, try picturing it 200 miles away. In, say, Yorktown.

Lower Merion A Preserve America Community.

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:34:58 +0000

Ahhh the irony....all that ever happens it seems is residents have to fight to keep historic structures. It's funny that the township that almost eradicated a historic business district a couple years ago when eminent domain was being tossed about is now a Preserve America Community, huh? Well, it's a lot to live up to and sarcastic comments aside, something to be VERY proud of. Still, doesn't "Preserve America" ring to mind images of small town splendor? So why are we supersizing our communities again? Preserving Lower Merion's past

Lower Merion received the Preserve America award from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Tuesday. The ceremony was held at Pencoyd Iron Works Building which was nearly destroyed in a fire in 1996.

Disappointing Barnes Update

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:52:47 +0000

Saw this over at Writemarsh:

"...it was just a matter of when....How can they fight so hard to keep it and then just "roll over"?"

So yes, The Barnes Friends are abandoning their fight in the court system, which is their right of course, as the legal fees must have been high....How will this impact the Attorney General issue? Ahh well, cheer up, now that Lower Merion will cease to be known for a world famous art collection, it still has the fallback position of being the township of poor development decisions..... A suggestion for the Barnes friends if they are giving up an appeal, but not the fight? An old fashioned protest. Get your marching sneakers on and don't worry about being so polite. Make some noise...try Philly City Hall to start.... Posted on Wed, Jun 18, 2008 ‘Friends’ will not appeal ruling By MARGARET GIBBONS , Times Herald Staff

The Shame of Montgomery County: Matthews/Hoeffel and The Barnes.

carla — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:30:28 +0000

Rolling in His Grave: Albert C. Barnes

Politics and The Barnes....

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:40:31 +0000

The hot,hot,hot political scene in Montgomery County seems to be fueled by the ongoing saga of the Barnes Museum?

More Troops Arrive to Help Commissioner Gordon and Barnes Friends: Commissioner Rogers Takes Montco's Castor on Barnes Tour

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:09:49 +0000

Apparently, Bruce Castor took a tour of the Barnes on Sunday and has this to report courtesy of Writemarsh blog: Monday, June 9, 2008 CASTOR TOURS BARNES FOUNDATION COLLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR MEETING WITH FRIENDS OF BARNES

The Montgomery County Commissioner is “overwhelmed” by the collection. Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. accepted an invitation extended by Lower Merion Commissioner Lance Rogers to tour the Barnes Foundation collection on Sunday, June 8th.

Hey Radnor! Don't Water Down The Issue of Development at 236 N. Aberdeen in North Wayne

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:00:32 +0000

Undoubtedly there are some in Radnor who wish that the topic of 236 N. Aberdeen would just disappear....but it won't. IF 236 North Aberdeen is developed, it could negatively impact not only the immediate vicinity of North Aberdeen Avenue, but one cannot discount the potential impact on Willow Avenue across the creek, right? Willow Ave is the low side of the creek, right? Of course, will the homes most directly across the property boundaries/lines of 236 N. Aberdeen have the potential for most direct impact? Maybe someone should ask Radnor Township and FEMA? *Oh* If you have an interest in this site not getting supersized, here is the information for contacting the commissioner over there:*

Harry G. Mahoney, Esq. hgmahoney@dmvlawfirm.com 215-587-9400 President, Ward 1

(If you write the commissioner, you might want to let that reporter over at the Suburban who is covering this issue know your thoughts: sstrike@waynesuburban.com ) So...back to the regularly scheduled program in progress: This property was passed along like a loser prom date with a super wimpy rating by the Radnor Township Planning Department on May 5th, 2008. It was discussed in caucus by the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners at the May 12th meeting.

Montco Politics as Usual With Added Barnes Intrigue

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:16:33 +0000

Many snaps to Writemarsh for this heads up (even if it seems maybe the SAC blog's front page post might have raised awareness as well, perhaps?): Inside Today's Bulletin Castor: I Was Not Consulted About The Barnes Case By: Jeff Cobb, For The Bulletin 06/03/2008

Kelo Update: Never Forget New London

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:22:12 +0000

We received word via Mary Cortes of Camden and www.stopEDA.org today about Susette Kelo. We feel compelled to share it with you. Also note that the developers who have destroyed Susette's former neighborhood and caused all that grief seem to have NOT built anything yet and how is that possible? They drag this woman through hell and back, they win in the U.S. Supreme Court and do nothing? So in the end, what will this be? Just another Detroit? Just another Poletown? That's a heck of an Aesop's fable if so, eh? The tale of the developer who pushed, shoved, won, yet did not build?

I reached out to Susette Kelo the other day because I wanted to be able to give the current status to the class yesterday. I had remembered she sent me a copy of a card she sent to the people that were taking her home and that she was not content as she was portrayed with her home being moved. I received the contents of the card today and her status. I thought I would share this with you as the Kelo decision anniversary is approaching:

Captain Matthews of The Montco Ship of Fools Sets Sail Without Barnes?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:56:11 +0000

So about now we're asking ourselves if the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners (Matthews, Hoeffel, and Castor) are spending so much time bickering amongst themselves that they just did something not just a little bit wrong but a LOT wrong? As per Jeff Cobb at The Bulletin, Jim Matthews has basically welched on his promise to fight to save the Barnes? So is this a case of "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Do No Job"? So why are these three at the helm of Montgomery County? To shove through continuous river trails through Gladwyne, Lower Merion, and Montgomery County? Are they here to ensure certain Lower Merion figures can warm their fannies in Montgomery County Committee Chairs? Bicker amongst themselves? Show up at political functions? Kiss babies? What? So WRITEMARSH, and Tony Phyrillas? We get it why you always have so much to say about them, okay? Because they just stabbed Lower Merion in the back on the Barnes, didn't they? They went back on their promise to keep the Barnes in Merion, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County didn't they? It's up to the Attorney General now, eh? Rendell, Ott, Pew Trusts, Annenberg Foundation, Lenfest? They don't care about the art or about Lower Merion - they are all building a legacy to themselves, aren't they? They will go down in history as the people who stole the Barnes Collection, right? Unless of course the Attorney General steps up, right? Actually Nutter should say something. Where is Nutter on this? After all.... a LOT of Lower Merionites helped him get where he is, and a lot of those people want the Barnes to stay in Merion. We gave Nutter Manko, isn't that enough? Inside Today's Bulletin Montco To Drop Barnes Fight By: Jeff Cobb, For The Bulletin 05/29/2008

The Montgomery County Commissioners have decided to let the Barnes Foundation go. The decision not to appeal a May 15 court decision was revealed yesterday afternoon by County Solicitor Carolyn T. Carluccio, who said she was informed by County Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews.

Worth mentioning from Round Radnor re: Willows

MainLineThoughts — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:56:04 +0000

Check out this blog post on Round Radnor regarding the cottage at the Willows: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Save the Willows Cottage

Many of you have seen the Willows Cottage at the entrance to Willows Park. Several months ago there was an item on the BOC agenda concerning approval of demolition of the cottage. Fortunately several folks raised an objection and the Commissioners tabled the action, minutes of the meeting contain this:

Barnes State of Mind .....

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:56:47 +0000

What can be done about the Barnes Debacle? Maybe the Barnes Friends should take their show on the road and picket Philadelphia City Hall? And Tom Murray? That's a mighty fine editorial you're sporting this week.... Posted on Tue, May 20, 2008 Judge in Barnes case: See no evil, hear no evil By Robert Zaller

From the Barnes Friends on The Recent Bad News

MainLineThoughts — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:49:44 +0000

After Judge Ott's decision, the Barnes Friends issued this to their supporters:

Dear Friends, On Thursday, May 15th, Judge Ott issued his decision on the matter of the Petitions filed to reopen the hearings: he ruled that neither of the Petitioners, Montgomery County or the Friends of the Barnes Foundation, had the standing to intervene in the Barnes matter.

Big Barnes Bummer

MainLineThoughts — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:24:52 +0000

There simply are no words left at present....an art collection designed and implemented to be in a specific community, Lower Merion, is being stolen from Lower Merion. Judge Ott either doesn't get it, or chooses not to. It's interesting the way Ott operates, isn't it? He's a real operator isn't he, denying standing? Just curious, but who exactly does have standing?

The Saga of Little Chicago Continues

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:43:43 +0000

Well, here it is, another fine article from Sam Strike at the Suburban. Sam gets small neighborhood....and another person who "gets it"? Daylin Leach. Ironically, the Suburban this week also features an editorial by him regarding PA HB 904. Hopefully the developers for 236 N. Aberdeen Ave will just abandon this senseless plan. If they do not, can we predict that the sleeping giant that is this small neighborhood is fully awake? These folks seem to wish to preserve their 'hood and good for them! Posted on Thu, May 15, 2008 Development comes to ‘Little Chicago,’ where change is seldom The recalculation of floodplain lines key to subdivision By Sam Strike

On paper, stormwater is all about calculations. But in real life, it’s a subject of inch-high anecdotes and soggy stories of the worst kind of neighborly offense: problems that flow from multiple sources.

Congratulations Pennywise Thrift Shop on HARB Award!

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:50:57 +0000

Well, lookee here! The Pennywise Thrift Shop won a HARB award! How about that? Wonder what those sweet people who wanted eminent domain and to knock down the beloved Pennywise think now? Congratulations Audrey, Bobbi and all the fine folks at the Pennywise! A special note of thanks goes to Ken Haskin of KGH and Associates who devoted endless hours to see that Pennywise got a historically accurate face lift. His plans made this renovation a success. Way to go Ken! Also, Audrey has volunteered for the Pennywise for like 40 some odd years. She deserves a LOT of praise as well. That sweet lady gets the true meaning and spirit of volunteerism!

North Wayne: A Plea For Responsible and Sensitive Development

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:13:17 +0000

Not to beat a dead horse, but we may..... on Monday May 12 at 7 p.m., the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners will discuss and do who knows what else with regard to the issue of 236 N. Aberdeen Ave in North Wayne. Here is another shot of the street and of current cramped parking conditions:

Lower Merion Conservancy/Rolling Hill Park: A Little Slice of Heaven

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:21:07 +0000

Sigh....enjoy....

Lilacs and Development Don't Smell So Sweet Together

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:47:36 +0000

Well, well, well. Many thanks to Main Line Life for bringing us this editorial by one of our Vice Presidents: MAIN LINE LIFE: May 8, 2008 Time for sweet scent of lilacs and new development plans By Carla J. Zambelli

Ahhh Spring! The landscape is lush with greenness and the air heavy with the scents of lilac and old fashioned viburnum. But what else does spring bring us as citizens up and down the Main Line? A full course of new and disturbing smaller development plans to peruse.

What's Up With The Crabapple and The Appleford Estate ?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:09:26 +0000

Appleford Estate in Villanova is one of our township's beautiful historic resources. From the gracious home to the utterly fabulous gardens, it's a real gem. Except not according to some crabapple who lives next door. Except does he really live next door or is he just another developer/real estate speculator who happens to own a property next door who is suing Appleford and/or the township? And what gives with this gent? It's not like Appleford appeared overnight. He purchased the property knowing that this property was next door, and purchased this property knowing there were weddings there.

Who Does Local Government Work For? Whose Private Property Rights Are Valued More?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:54:02 +0000

([color=orange]steep slopes in flood plain conservation district?[/color]) We have asked this tiresome to government question before: [color=red]Who does government work for? [/color] (And the First Amendment allows these questions and thoughts, correct?)