Name/Title
The WissahickonEntry/Object ID
2013.34.7.154-.155bDescription
The Edwin C. Jellett Series of Scrapbooks, Volume 7 -The Wissahickon
Jellett's notes begin on page 154 and continue onto page 155 (which contains his notes on both sides of the affixed page. The notes will not be transcribed verbatim, but will be summarized.
Jellett relates the contents of his discussion with Park Guard Fee regarding Reuben Sands. Fee relates that Sands first worked as a road inspector in Germantown. He then operated a hotel on Willow Grove Pike near the war hospital, but business disappeared when the hospital closed. He then drew up terms for a 25 year lease with Joseph Middleton for a location along the upper Wissahickon. When clearing the land, a Mr. McFadden informed Sands that he (McFadden) owned the land and not Middleton. After some discussion, McFadden extended the same terms to Sands and he accepted and opened the Indian Rock Hotel.
As long as Sands kept his health, he prospered. But he became paralyzed and his business suffered. His sons, without the same political connections as Sands himself, were unable to continue the business. After his death, his widow opened a new Indian Rock Hotel ion Monastery Avenue. She kept this hotel for several years but did not flourish and sold it to a William Lowa.
The sons of Sands did not treat him well when his health deteriorated and Fee was called on occasion to assist and protect him. Fee recalls one incident when Sands wife sough his assistance and he found one of the sons berating his father and demanding money. Sands was helped to his bed and the son was finally persuaded to leave. Fee relates that this was the family style of living.
Sands and his family opted out of his 25 year lease at the Indian Rock Hotel.
Sands was capable of becoming abusive himself. When Valley Green Hotel became popular and cut into business at the Indian Rock Hotel, Sands accused Fee (wrongly) of directing trade to Valley Green.
R. Martin related a story to Jellett regarding Sands time working as a road inspector in Germantown. He recruited Rube Martin to do road work, even though Martin admitted to no experience in this area. One day, Martin and Nathan Brignall were "loafing about" on the job when Sands approached. Brignall began to look busy, but Martin remained seated. Sands "suggested" to martin that it was better to keep busy and look busy so that taxpayers would not complain.
Wm. Amberg related to Jellett that Sands opened a small tavern at Willow Grove Avenue and Main Street in Chestnut Hill, after he left the Road Supervisor job. Amberg also related that near the close of the Indian Rock Hotel lease, Sands took to heavy drinking. One of Sands' sons (Milton?) followed in his father's footsteps, and losing his mind, was placed in the Norristown Asylum.Collection
GHS Scrapbook Collection