Name/Title
GovernanceEntry/Object ID
2017.21.35Scope and Content
Governance 1944-1958
Letter, April 5, 1944 from Herbert O. Frey, vice-president of The Pennsylvania Company for Insurances on Lives and Granting Annuities to Ralph B. Umsted, Esquire concerning sale of Upsala House, 6430 Germantown Avenue, to trustees.
Letter from President of Upsala Foundation to The Pennsylvania Company for Banking and Trusts , May 5, 1955.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 5, 1944.
A list of trustees of Upsala Foundation, Miss Frances A. Wister, chair, presides over first meeting of foundation, estimates to restore roof and chimney discussed, motion that work begin as soon as possible approved, request for Mr. Johnson to be asked to be architect, Miss Wister asked to be chairman and Mrs. Ritter to be recording secretary, unaminously approved, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Letter from Miss Wister to Mr. Edward Meadowcroft, Nastional Bank of Germantown, Philadelphia, April 14, 1944 concerning financial issues about Upsala House purchase by trustees.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 14, 1944.
Miss Wister presides, discussion of details of Upsala purchase with First Pennsylvania Co. given by Mr. Umsted, counsel, will be no personal obligation on trustees, voted to approve agreement, Mr. George Clarence Johnson agreed to be architect for restorations but would like to be reimbursed for expenses, Josephine Underwood Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 15, 1944. (handwritten)
Treasurer, Mr. Meadowcroft, gives report, Miss Wister had paid Penna. Co. and money can be used for lumber purchase to begin restoration, discussion on installing flue, issue of Victory Gardens taken up, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 6, 1944.
List of trustee officers and officers of Foundation given, concert given by Germantown Symphony raised $648 and net of about $850 from card party, will pay Penna. Co. at once, Mr. Breiner and his wife would like to become curators, restoration reports with estimates, curators may work to reduce their rents, Women's Committee authorized to spend up to $1500 on rehabilitation of rear of building, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, November 16, 1944.
Miss Wister presides, caretakers are unable to wait until rear of Upsala habitable so search for new group on, cellar window bars given estimate @ $1204, furnace will be installed, idea to give small mimeographed card to acknowledge any small contribution, Women's Committee planning lecture by Helen Van Pelt Wilson for winter, rent to caretakers of $15/month as long as they provide certain amount of work, discussion on whether there should be lease, Josephine Underwood Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 9, 1945.
Tresurer's report, final papers and title to Upsala has not been received even though final payments made, William Lockhardt had to leave for ill health so no security watchman, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes will return from Buffalo and begin as caretakers, continued cold and mill work focused on military contracts are hampering repair work, architect Mr. Middleton proposed having a show by Association of Antique Dealers at Upsala, Women's Committee had successful show with Helen Van Pelt Wilson who spoke on house plants and they plan a concert by Germantown Symphony Orchestra for April, house had been broken into again, may go without rent for caretakers if they agree to do interior painting, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 4, 1945.
Antique Dealers Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity met with Upsala and noted all proceeds from show be donated to Upsala if no other antique dealer organization be allowed to hold shows there, rent agreed upon as $15/month for caretakers, discussion on necessary repairs and costs, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
List of member dealers of The Antique Dealers Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 20, 1945.
Progress reported in that deed to Upsala and Water Rent, title policy all sent to Mr. Meadowcroft, property is tasx free, caretaker Mr. Hughes has painted interior, other discussion on repairs and estimates for tree removal on grounds, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 12, 1945.
Special meeting called, gentleman from California and his family had parked their trailer on Upsala grounds hoping to stay for winter, cannot because law does not allow squatters on untaxed land, Hinkels and McKoy gave estimate for clean up of grounds, cold weather finds bedroom very chilly, weather stripping to be installed, Katherind W. Elkinton, for the secretary.
Obituary, Evening Bulletin, December 10, 1945, "Dr. Holman White Dies; Educator". Dr. White had been past president of Germantown Historical Society and president of Upsala Foundation.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 15, 1946.
Women's Committee will have card party end of May, suggested that Mr. Donald Beard be asked to succeed Dr. White as president and that vice-president carry on until annual meeting, Foundation should meet twice a year, Mr. Riebe presents Henkels and McCoy plan and estimate for work on trees, Josephine Ritter, secretary. Two obituary articles: "Dr. Holman White Dies in Hospital After Brief Illness", Germantown Courier, Decembe 12, 1945 and "Holman White, Educator, Dies", Philadelphia Record, December 10, 1945.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 20, 1946.
Financial Report, back bathroom locked up and lawn mowed, report from Women's Committee on card party as success, several repairs that will be needed to make apartment more livable for caretakers in winter, main purpose of meeting to elect new president, Mr. Beard approved but must wait until annual meeting for final ok, continued discussion on various repairs and tree work needed, Katherine W. Elkinton, secretary pro-tem.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, March 18, 1947.
Miss Wister presides, noted death of treasurer Mr. Meadowcroft, tree removals reported, Mr. Henry F. Walton, Jr., assistant treasurer of Germantown Trust Company, consented to be new treasurer, Mr. Donald Beard, new president states plan for Upsala and Germantown Historical Society to merge, question of Victory Gardens discussed and said grounds could be used and should be in charge of one of better gardeners, discussion but no decision on whether to join Germantown Community Council, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 22, 1947.
Treasurer's report, Miss Wister chairs and reports on work being done for restoration, more discussion on various repair issues, obtaining more funds discussed and solicitation lists to be used in October which includes 1500-2000 names, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Photos from Germantown Courier, June 26, 1947 of "Tea Time at Grumblethorpe" include Mary Leigh Hale, Miss Frances A. Wister, Mrs. William L. Barclay, Mrs. Nathaniel C. Hale, and a photo of Germantown High School's A Cappella Choir at the dinner.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 30, 1947.
Miss Wister chairs and gives report of work of Women's Committee and especially success of tea given September 27, power lawn mower purchased by Mr. John R. Henderson and Women's Committee, discussion on shuttters and dormer windows which must be repaired, Mr. Beard thinks a large sum of money can be raised, perhaps $10,000 from the membership, Katherine Elkinton, secretary pro-tem.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 29, 1948.
Treasurer's report, reports on repairs, Mr. Johnson says rood, dormer windows and cornice and conductor heads should be first installed, trustees will tell Mr. Beard that they would like $15,000 raised in 1948, the 150th anniversary of Upsala, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Courier staff photo, June 14, (?) "At Grumplethorpe", Victor E. Moore, councilman-at-large and Miss Frances Wister, descendant of John Wister who built house in 1744 at dinner.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 17, 1948.
Treasurer's report, discussion on repairs and items recently purchased at Carlton for Upsala, painting that needs to be done, word on Foundation Executive Committee that has not been functioning and how improve matters in this regard, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 18, 1948.
Miss Wister chairs, treasurer's report read, repairs to rear roof and exterior painting to proceed, purpose of the meeting was to see if could raffle off automobile for benefit, Mr. Elliot will talk to Kohle-Greenwood about Ford for this purpose, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 28, 1948.
Mr. Elliot spoke of promoter that would raffle car, Mr. Beard reports on fund drive to try and raise $10,500, each member will receive phone call before letter done by Mrs. Starbuck who will be paid for this work, decided that Ludovici Tile should be used for shingles, Women's Committee birthday tea a success, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Article from Germantown Courier, June 1949, "U.S. May Get Washington's Germantown Residence", on how Morris house, used by Washington in 1793-1794 during yellow fever epidemic may go to federal government.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 8, 1949.
Treasurer's report, fund drive has raised $2,400, permanent and dormer windows should be installed soon, Upper Germantown Business Men's Association requested that Upsala be used for their permanent meeting place, no decision made, Josephine Ritter, secretary, Two articles: Germantown Courier, June 16, 1949 "Wisters Deed Property At Belfield Av. and Wister St. for Memorial Arboretum" and Evening Bulletin, June 9, 1949, "City Receives Deed to Wister Land".
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, August 16, 1949. (handwritten)
Treasurer's report, wall repair work done byJames Martin, mailing list to be made more efficient, annual business meeting with opening of Morris House program, dormer windows installation detailed, main roof work to be done once tiles purchased, noted possibility of fence to protect property from being thorough fare, KW Elkinton secretary pro-tem.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 16, 1950.
Treasurer's report, Mr. Johnson thanked for seeing completion of new roof by contractor Mr. Lodge, discussion on getting funds for heat to be installed and make Upsala habitable, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 5, 1951.
Water bill noted to be very large so suggestion for meter, Women's Sommittee annual card party for May, possibility of merger with Germantown Historical Society discussed, because of high coal prices will ask caretakers to pay on heat and raise rent to $50/ month, cleaning of grounds discussed especially tree removal, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 31, 1951.
Women's card party successful, also tour by Germantown school children, the caretakers, Hughes, agreed to new rent and coal payment, discussion on having council of twelve Germantown historic houses to act as clearing house for ideas, dates, entertainments, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, November 19, 1951.
Caretakers, Hughes, request that they will move in thirty days so new group needs to be found, 18 people have expressed interest, south side of house must be repaired as it takes water, heat efficiency discussed, committee set up to interview caretaker couple possibilities, Miss Wister did have meeting with the twelve Germantown historic houses, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, November 28, 1951.
Miss Wister reported on prospective caretakers, the Craigs agreed to terms and seem most likely candidates, the Women's Committee agreed to purchase antique wooden sink from Hughes, estimates received and work on south wall of No- man's- land to be done, Mr. Johnson thinks heating issues can be resolved with fan, airduct and thermostat, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, November 18, 1952.
Miss Wister will prepare resolution on death of Mr. J. Mitchell Elliot, the Craig caretakers will be leaving because of "plague of rats" , Mr. and Mrs. George Brunner will take their place, will merge executive committee with trustees, the sign needs repainting, exterior painting needs to be done to preserve woodwork, a number of gifts received from Mr. Elliot in his will and a room in Upsala will be named after him, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
"The Upsala Foundation, J. Mitchell Elliot, October 20th, 1866-October 9th, 1952": A resolution/obituary statement commending Mr. Elliot for his perservance in saving Upsala from wreckers in 1943.
"Elliot Objects of Art Bequeathed to Museums", Philadelphia Inquirer, October 23, 1952., "Donald Beard", president of Upsala Foundation announces plea for contributions for restoration, Philadelphia Inquirer, October, 1951., "Move Launched to Install Heater in Gtn. Mansion", Philadelphia Inquirer, October 1951.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 5, 1953.
Discussion on which room to designate Elliot Room, survey by American Philosophical Society on Germantown to be published, paint of exterior again raised, small sign will be designed to replace old one, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Letter (handwritten) to Miss Wister, March 31, 1945 from Ruth Dauterich requesting interview to become caretaker of Upsala.
Letter to Miss Frances Wister, April 24, 1945 from H. Bentley Middleton of The Middletons, Antiques offering a list of dealers of the Antique Dealers Association.
Newspaper photo of Duval's, 5533 Germantown Avenue showing historical window dressing which won them first place in contest. (1949), "Nelly Victor Wins Second Place", 5441 Germantown Avenue. photo.
"Germantown Week Celebration to Open Sunday; Gala Program of Events Planned" (May 1950), newspaper article. "Public to Visit Historic Houses", newspaper article.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 2, 1953. (Held at Germantown Historical Society).
Women's Committee card party set, exterior painting to be completed, fence postponed because of financial status, proper shingles for roof getting estimate, to get estimates on oil heater, some discussion on joinging Germantown Community Council, Henry Walton, secretary pro-tem.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 3, 1953.
Still have too high water bills and meter not installed, estimates for tree removal and crown molding and an oil burner presented, painting exterior done with one coat, all bills have just about exhausted treasury so fund raising drive discussed, Josephine Ritter, secretary. attached is "Colonial Homes Preserved", September 15, 1953, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, October 1, 1953.
Delco oil burner had been installed, water meter inquiries made, restoration issues discussed, heating engineer will make plan for system, grounds need work, Ladies Home Journal want to take pictures of Upsala for piece on old houses, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 4, 1954.
Treasurer's report, fund letter to those who did not respond to previous appeal, heating system next priority discussed, deciding whether to go with steam or hot water, front cellar needs work, water meter installed, anchor fence in place, Josephine Ritter,secretary.
Letter from George Clarence Johnson, architect, to Miss Frances A. Wister about heating main portion of Upsala, March 31, 1954.
Upsala Foundation Meeting Minutes, April 1, 1954.
Treasurer's report, old Johnson house model arrived at Upsala, Women's Committee card party plans underway, heating plans now complete, Mr. Woodroffe of Grounds Committee reported that fallen tree on south side must be removed and discussion on need for new mower, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Follow up letter from George Clarence Johnson, architect to Miss Frances A. Wister on heating question with estimates from contractors, May 19, 1954.
June 1, 1954 Treasurer's report,( handwritten.)
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 3, 1954. (handwritten).
Treasurer's report, annual meeting of foundation to be held on October 5, seems difficult to raise funds at this time, card party a success and 430 visitors came to May 16 tour, cellar cleaned up and new lawn mower improvement, survey of old Germantown being done by American Philosophical Society, estimates discussed for heating system, Mr. Beard calls for emergency meeting to discuss fund-raising, Mr. Robert Stuart, Mr. Frank S. Stone, Mrs. Randalll Chase and Mr. Charles Woodward will be invited to become trustees, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Special Meeting of Upsala Trustees and Women's Committee Minutes, June 10, 1954. (handwritten).
Discussion on boiler purchased from Carlton, best heating system investigated, need for a loan from Penn Co. @ 4.5% interest seen as best way to accomodate costs, committee appointed to pick best terms for the loan, Katherine W. Elkinton, clerk.
Follow up Meeting of Upsala Trustees and Women's Committee Minutes, June 17, 1954. (handwritten)
Committee reported that better to not exceed $3000 loan, discussion still on whether steam or hot water system best, other pressing needs such as rest rooms, and insulation mentioned also, corporate and other larger bodies thought to perhaps be willing to make some financial contributions, Katherine W. Elkinton, clerk.
Upsala Foundation Trustees and Women's Committee Meesting Minutes, June 24, 1954.
Engineers feel that hot air best system for Upsala although still discussion on it, contractors will expect to be paid monthly so money must be on hand, possiblity of getting mortgage discussed, regular list of donors usually gives about $300, fund letter to go out soon, group still thinks steam is probably best for Upsala, Katherine W. Elkinton, clerk.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 23, 1954.
Treasurer's report, Women's Committee card party a success and a tea forthcoming, bids for heating system discussed, group thinks steam heat way to go but Mr. Johnson still thinks hot water better, amount and terms of loan to be left to three person committee, will receive three estimates on heating and lowest will be accepted, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Special Meeting of Upsala Foundation Trustees Minutes, November 4, 1954.
Mr. Johnson gives overview of all discussion on heating system, group will go with steam because cheaper and easier to operate, plans must go to engineers who only drew up ones for hot-water, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 6, 1955.
Treasurer's report, $1092.50 received from contributors for heating, significant roof damage from Hurricane Hazel, Mr. Ledwith selected as contractor to do heating system, tool closet to be purchased, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, March 3, 1955.
Treasurer's report, Mr. Johnson has bill of $3000 from Mr. Ledwith, pipe has been installed in walls, need weather stripping and storm stash, question of whether enough insurance on building, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, May 5, 1955.
Treasurer's report, Mr. Beard moves that account be moved from Girard Trust Corn Exchange Bank to Penna. Co. and get loan for $2000, approved, the caretakers, Bruners, will leave soon so new must be selected, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mauger being interviewed with two other possiblities waiting, need wiring done and brick pointing and calking of windows, will place weather stripping and install storm windows on first and second floors, contract with True Oil Co. to service and furnish oil for new burner, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 30, 1955.
Treasurer's report, Mr. and Mrs. Mauger installed as new caretakers, with proceeds from card party Women's Committee will pay to wire first and second floor and install powder room, weeds need be cleared away, estimate given on weather stripping, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, November 3, 1955.
Treasurer's report, a report on trouble with having oil in tank of furnace, first annual meeting of Upsala to be held in house was sucess with 40 people attending, Germantown group of Women's University Club wants to hold meetings in Upsala, electric radiator bought for kitchen because too cold, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 5, 1956.
Treasurer's report, Trail Club planning mid-winter visit to Upsala, powder room and electricity instaslled, fuel oil tank replaced and repairs to kitchen floor, burner complete, plans for a party to be held at Upsala in spring for fund-raising, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 2, 1956.
Treasurer's report, a committee for entertainment appointed by Miss Wister, work on planning an evening at Upsala, Miss Wister spoke to Women's University Club on the "Great Road" and Upsala, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, March 1, 1956.
Ways to raise money top priority, each trustee asked to get ten new names, Trail Club visited in February, things for Grounds Committee in good shape, garden plots will be made, possible supper party in June, Josephine Ritter, secretary. ( Philadelphia Inquirer article, March 19, 1956, "Miss Wister Dies, Civic Leader, 81.)
Special Meeting Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, April 5, 1956.
Mr. Mauger will purchase roto-tiller to plow rough spots for garden, note the passing of chairman Miss Wister, representatives from UN will visit Upsala in April, fitting to have a Frances A. Wister room at Upsala, Josephine Ritter,secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 7, 1956.
Women's Committee hopes to use money from card party to refinish another room to be Frances A. Wister room, Upsala foundation to receive $5000 from Wister estate, thoughts that D.A. R. and possibly Sons of the American Revolution would use house, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, December 4, 1956.
Suggested that heat not be on during winter and focus be on using money to reduce note with Penna. Co., water system will be drained, oil tank to be filled now, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes , February 14, 1957.
President Beard chaired, treasurer's report, discussion was on ways to raise funds, next letter should discuss costs in restoring each room in hopes of getting folks to finance particular rooms, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 20, 1957.
Treasurer's report, question of filling in the War Garden area discussed, neighbors on right of property question right to use driveway through their property, Mrs. Roland Foulke offers pieces of Connelly bedroom furniture, Jack Gilbert interested in purchasing dark brown Victorian lamps from Upsala, estimates for outside painting in fall, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, September 19, 1957.
Mr. Johnson states that rear of building and all window sills need painting, estimates to be obtained, Mr. Beard appoints Mrs. Elkinton and Mrs. Ritter as nominating committee for annual election of officers, gift of lazy susan and small chess table from Mrs. Arthur Poole, Women's Committee may restore North-East room on second floor,debt to Penna. Co. almost paid, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, February 8, 1958.
Mr. Beard presides, treasurer's report, leaves in gutter and outside of main house needs painting, Women's Committee has started on restoration of north-east room on second floor, no quorum so no action taken, Josephine Ritter, secretary.
Upsala Foundation Trustees Meeting Minutes, June 26, 1958.
Treasurer's report, trees damaged by storm removed, Women's Committee had successful card party, Mr. Masenhelder offers to be trustee if vacancy occurs, Josephine Ritter, secretary.Collection
UpsalaArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1944 - 1958Archive Items Details
Date(s) of Creation
1944 - 1958