Name/Title
The WissahickonEntry/Object ID
2013.34.5.87Description
The Edwin C. Jellett Series of Scrapbooks, Volume 5 -The Wissahickon
Page 87 contains Jellett's notes, transcribed as follows:
Gorgas Lane Hipple's Lane
The first mill up the lane belongs to Gorgas who gave the Park to Roxborough. The mill is now abandoned - as well as the dwelling houses which stand beside it. Immediately above, where the stream crosses the road, and where a bridge is now being built, stood Haley's mill. It also is in ruins. (E.C.J. May 21, 1905)
W. Amberg told me he knwe "Mattie" Gorgas and for a time worked for him in his mill. "Mattie", he said, worked just the same as the mill hands and did the dirtiest work. He often worked under a picker and, covered with grease and dirt. He wore rough shoes and no stockings and dressed no better than the workmen. His mill was burned down so often that he could not get insurance and, although he had a fire about once a year, he was always able to rebuild at once. He loved to hold up visitors who frequently came to him and asked for Mr. Gorgas. "Mr. Gorgas - what do you want with Mr. Gorgas?" If the reply was satisfactory he would say, "Well I guess I am the Mr. Gorgas you want."
During the panic of 1857, when there was nothing to do in the mills, Mr. Gorgas kept all his hands employed by planting a hill to the west of the mill with grape vines - and in cultivating them.
Mathias Gorgas lived with his maiden sister in a fine house on Ridge Road near Gorgas Lane. When he died, a box containing $25,000.00 was found in the house. He did not care greatly for money but, from his simple habits, could not help accumulating. He never had more than two meals a day, saying more was not good for the system. (Wm. Amberg to E.C.J. May 28, 1905)
Gorgas Lane some years ago was known as Hipple's Lane. (Amberg to E.C.J. June 4, 1905)
Joe - - -, the park guard, lived on Allen Lane. He so far forgot himself as to leave his wife and run away with another woman. He once arrested Amberg for hauling lime to Gorgas' mill. He first warned him it was against the Park rules and if he came again he would be arrested. Following his employer's orders, he was the next day taken. He was also arrested for hauling coal (the rules not allowing over 1000 lbs. weight and 6 " tire face). After this, Amberg continued to haul the usual weight of coal but carried a false weight slip and, in this way, passed muster. (Amberg to E.C.J. June 4, 1905)Collection
GHS Scrapbook Collection
