Name/Title
The WissahickonEntry/Object ID
2013.34.1.98a-bDescription
The Edwin C. Jellett Series of Scrapbooks, Volume 1- The Wissahickon
Page 98 contains two newspaper clippings: (a) dated [Nov]ember 26, 1915 and (b) dated July 28, 1903. This clipping (b) continues for two additional columns on scrapbook page 99 (see 2013.34.1.99a).
(a) This newspaper clipping is entitled: "Appeal To Save Scenic Glories". The sub-heading is entitled: "Public Urged to Protest Against Opening the Wissahickon Drive to Automobiles". Neither the author nor the newspaper are identified. The article begins with a replica of a poster advertising a threat to the Wissahickon by an "invasion" of automotive traffic and enjoining citizens to write the Park Commission protesting this effort. The article identifies Herbert Welsh and Anne Strawbridge as leaders in the effort to prevent the widening of Wissahickon Drivbe and the introduction of vehicular traffic. Mr. Welsh and Ms. Strawbridge arefurther identified as working with the Germantown and Chestnut Hill Improvement Association. It is noted that engineers are surveying the Drive to determine the cost of the proposed project which is estimated to cost over $500,000. A statement from the Improvement Association is included in the article that states the Association oppostion to the propsed project on the basis of safety, the preservation of the scenic beauty of the Wissahickon and the fear of physical degedration to the landscape if the Drive is widened.
(b) is a newspaper column entitled; "Men and Things" and the author is identified as PENN. The author reflects that initially sentiment was against efforts to purchase land in the Wissahickon Valley to expand Fairmount Park because the cost would be excessive; it would function as a "rich man's park" and that few citizens would utilize it. The author now contends the opposite to be true - that too many citizens utilize the Park along the Wissahickon, disturbing the tranquility and necessitating the improvements that have sacrificed nature to utility. The author then offers thoughts on a tour through the Wissahickon and the beauty of the scennery and the uniqueness of the area as a sanctuary within the City itself. He cites old history and individuals in the area to explain the value/importance of the Wissahickon.Collection
GHS Scrapbook Collection
