PENNY LOTS January-June 2012 Newsletter of the Bucks County Historical Society Vol. 26 Number 1

What is the Fonthill’s 100th Anniversary: 1912 – 2012 here does the time go? Why it seems just like Meaning Wyesterday that it was 1912. Surely you of “Penny remember that year? It was the year the Titanic sank, New Mexico and Arizona became states, the Lots”? Girl Scouts of the USA are founded by Juliette In amassing his Gordon Low and Henry Chapman Mercer moved collection Henry Mer- into his new home, Fonthill. cer was known to Yes, it has been nearly 100 years since Henry scour the countryside Mercer wrote, “May 30, 1912 – Took my first meal in search of objects at Fonthill – Frank at lunch – Band playing in made obsolete by the cemetery – Decoration Day.” With Henry’s note in industrial era. In addi- tion to searching mind we will celebrate this anniversary throughout through barns and 2012. To celebrate the achievement, inspiration and garrets, he acquired imagination of Fonthill we will be holding special many artifacts sold programs and activities throughout the year. A as “penny lots” at special issue of Penny Lots will be devoted to local auctions. Our Fonthill’s 100th Anniversary. In addition keep newsletter’s name checking in with the BCHS website and Henry honors that tradition. Early view of Fonthill; note original spring house in Chapman Mercer Facebook page for updated foreground before Mercer transformed it. information and dates! The Aprons Are Coming – and Other Exhibits very full and diverse slate tecting treasure and the mod- coming! The exhibition, Aof exhibits is scheduled for ern treasure hunt. Through The Apron Chronicles: the Mercer Museum’s new video and hands-on compo- A Patchwork of Ameri- changing exhibition gallery dur- nents, visitors will experiment can Recollections ing 2012. Following Toytime will metal detectors, take part makes its northeastern (now on view), and Alert Today, in a treasure hunt game, learn U.S. debut at the Alive Tomorrow: Living with the how underwater remote oper- Mercer Museum on Atomic Bomb (see accompany- ated vehicles (ROVs) operate, October 12. This unique ing article), the Mercer will try their hands at safe-crack- show explores the present five other shows over ing, and hoist a pirate flag. The American experience as the course of the year, intended Hunt for Treasure opens June seen and read through for a range of audiences. 22 and will be on view through nearly 50 images, text On May 5, the Museum will September 21. An Educator’s in story form, and 155 open a show featuring 19th- Manual is also available. vintage aprons. Writer century Mennonite quilts from Beginning September 8, the and “apron curator” the collection of Paul Flack. The Mercer will present an exhibit EllynAnne Geisel and exhibit will run through the end tentatively titled, Stitches in award-winning photog- of July and will be accompanied Time, featuring needlework rapher Kristina Loggia by a number of quilt-related from the Museum’s collec- MISS ADA FLORENCE ASHFORD, one of the developed the exhibit, programs. tions. The show will include storytellers featured in the exhibit, The which is as much about Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American In June, the traveling ex- numerous 18th- and 19th- Recollections, coming to the Mercer Museum life as it is about fabric, hibit, The Hunt for Treasure, century samplers – many this fall. Image © 2005 Kristina Loggia. utilizing the apron as a will arrive at the Mercer. De- acquired over the past several symbol recognizable to veloped by NRG! Exhibits, years and never previously niture and other forms – will everyone. The apron storytellers this highly engaging and inter- exhibited. In addition, the be on view, bringing traditional featured in the show include a active family exhibit features complete Marie Davis Collec- forms of needlework into the 111-year-old mother and her four themed areas: sunken tion of visionary needlework – late 20th century. only child, a Holocaust treasure, buried treasure, de- eccentrically upholstered fur- And, yes, the aprons are …continued on page 2 APRONS EXHIBIT and the exhibit. media. Programming, including The Mercer will round out continued from page 1 The Apron Chronicles has re- an appearance by exhibit cura- the year with a reprise of the survivor, a biology professor ceived much national recogni- tor Geisel, is presently in seasonal exhibit, Under the from Mali, Africa, and a pre- tion, with the work of Geisel and development. The Museum Tree: A Century of Holiday teen and her grandmother. Loggia featured in Time maga- anticipates integrating some Toys. The 2012 version of this Their stories explore the zine, The New York Times, CBS materials from its own collec- show will feature toys and people behind the aprons and Sunday Morning, and NPR’s tions into this showing of The games from additional private give life to both the fabric Weekend Edition, among other Apron Chronicles as well. collections in the area. Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow! his year, 2012, marks the U.S., it was the T50th anniversary of the mission of the Cuban Missile Crisis – ar- Nike missile guably the closest we have ever batteries come to full-scale nuclear war. to shoot Over the summer of 1962, in them an attempt to strengthen its down. position in the Cold War, the Ringing nu- Soviet Union secretly estab- merous Ameri- lished nuclear missile installa- can cities and tions in Cuba. In October, the industrial centers, as existence of these missile bases well as key military bases was discovered, and revealed to and targets, the Nike a public already deeply anx- system was the world’s first ious about the dangers of the widely deployed, surface to air Atomic Era. After a tense missile system. However, as stand-off marked by threats, the strategic emphasis shifted difficult negotiations, and a from aircraft-delivered nuclear naval blockade of the island of weapons to intercontinental Cuba, war was averted and the ballistic missiles, the Nike bat- Soviets ultimately removed the teries became less important. missiles. The anniversary of By the early to mid-1960s, the Missile Crisis seems a per- ATOMIC CHIEF GAME AND ATOMIC ROCKET KITE. Two of the artifacts to be Nike sites began close, and in fect moment to recall and featured in the traveling exhibit, Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow: Living with 1974 with the signing of the the Atomic Bomb, 1945-1965, coming to the Mercer Museum in April. re-focus attention on the first SALT Treaty with the Soviet two decades of the Atomic atomic annihilation eventually War II victory dance, an Atomic Union all remaining batteries Age, from the dropping of the drifted to the background of film series, a “Ladies’ Night were decommissioned. bombs on Hiroshima and American consciousness in the Out” event featuring 1950s There were three Nike Nagasaki in 1945, through the late 1960s, the Atomic Age left chic, an origami program, and missile bases located in lower mid-1960s. a legacy of governmental re- musical performances. Bucks County – in Northamp- On April 6, the Mercer sponse and civic infrastructure Here in Bucks County, one ton, Bristol and Warrington Museum opens a traveling that remains relevant today. of the manifestations of the Townships. As was typical of exhibit exploring the ways in In addition to the artifacts Atomic Age was a group of Nike batteries, each of these which Americans experienced and stories accompanying the Nike missile bases that dotted bases consisted of two sites, the Atomic threat as part of traveling exhibit, the Mercer the landscape in the lower end Integrated Fire Control (IFC) their daily lives—at school, in Museum is also looking of the county – part of a ring of and Launcher areas. The IFC the home, and even at play. The for intersections between the defenses surrounding Philadel- site contained the radar and show, titled Alert Today, Alive exhibit’s content, its own phia. The Nike missile pro- computer guidance systems Tomorrow: Living with the collections and aspects of gram, named for the mythic necessary to detect an attack, Atomic Bomb, 1945-1965, regional history. The exhibit Greek goddess of victory, was coordinate a launch, and pro- features more than 75 original will be supplemented with a response to serious concerns vide missile guidance. The objects from the era, as well as items from Museum and in the early 1950s about the ex- launcher area featured an large-scale graphics, radio Library collections, as well as panding capabilities of Soviet underground bunker in which broadcasts, and film. Visitors with programs highlighting aircraft to reach the United the missiles were stored, an will experience how Ameri- both the deeply serious and States and drop nuclear elevator to bring them to the cans were flooded with mes- sometimes comical character payloads on American cities. surface, a rail system to move sages in images and media that of America in the Atomic Age. Should Soviet bombers man- them to the launchers, and the depicted the dangers of atomic Among the programs under age to get past American inter- launchers themselves. energy. Although the threat of development are a 1945 World ceptor aircraft and reach the …continued on page 3

2 Alive Tomorrow is curated by Michael Scheibach, an The Museum is very interested to learn of independent collector in Inde- pendence, MO, and Leslie any home or community fallout shelters from Przybylek, Curator of Human- the early nuclear era which may still survive. ities Exhibitions at Mid- America Arts Alliance. The ALERT TODAY, exhibition is toured by ALIVE TOMORROW role as Buck Barrow in anyone with direct information ExhibitsUSA, a national continued from page 2 Bonnie and Clyde. A U.S. on any surviving shelters is program of Mid-America Arts The Northampton site, government-sponsored instruc- invited to call Museum Vice- Alliance. The Mercer Museum located near Richboro, went tional movie, Community Shel- President for Collections and will be only the second venue into service in 1956 and was ter Planning features views of Interpretation Cory Amsler for the show and will mark its decommissioned in 1961. The the Bucks County Courthouse at 215-345-0210 ext. 127 east coast debut. The exhibit Bristol Township base, in the in Doylestown well stocked ([email protected]). will be on view from April 6 Newportville area, also began with Civil Defense supplies. The exhibit, Alert Today, through May 25, 2012. operation in 1956 and was The Mercer Museum is inves- deactivated in 1966. The tigating whether it may be able Warrington base remained in to obtain a copy of the film for The Plus Ultra Society ~ service the longest, installed showing in conjunction with in 1956 and finally shuttered in the exhibit. Philanthropy Through 1969. In the Mercer collection Inspired by the Shelter film, is a small piece of the Rich- and other Atomic Age connec- Planned Giving boro site – a fragment of the tions with this area, the enry Mercer’s accomplishments through his buildings and elevator cover. Museum is very interested to Hcollections are inspiration to us all. Through your bequest Yet another local connection learn of any home or commu- or other planned gift, you can ensure that the Mercer Museum with the early Atomic Age is nity fallout shelters from the and Library, and Fonthill Castle operated by BCHS will continue a film, Community Shelter early nuclear era which may to inspire visitors of all ages for generations to come. Planning, shot here in still survive. We have heard of The Plus Ultra Society was established in 1998 to acknowl- Bucks County in 1966. The home bomb shelters being edge the valuable contributions of those who include the Bucks film features a young Gene built in Levittown, and other County Historical Society in their estate plans. “Plus Ultra” is Hackman, a year before his shelters constructed at indus- Latin meaning “more beyond”, and it became Henry Mercer’s Academy Award-nominated trial sites in Lower Bucks, but own motto during his lifetime. By including the Bucks County Historical Society in your estate plans, you are ensuring that the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle will be able to build on the strength of its collections and educational programs. The Mercer Museum offers many planned giving opportuni- ties all of which can be tailored to meet your specific financial and estate-planning needs. Some examples are listed below.

Ways You Can Help Through Planned Giving:

1). Bequest A gift of cash, securities, or real property made upon the donor’s death through provisions in a will or living trust. The amount of the gift is exempt from estate taxes. L-R: BCHS Board Chair, Brian McLeod, with Legacy winners, 2). Charitable Remainder Trust An irrevocable transfer of Stuart and Susan Abramson and John Thompson of Thompson BMW. assets to a trust naming BCHS as the ultimate beneficiary or one of several beneficiaries. The donor receives Imagine Winning annually a life income of a set amount or fixed percentage. The donor also receives immediate tax deduc- a New Car or $20,000! tion and may add to the trust in future years. If the donated Drawing: Sunday, June 24, 4–6 p.m., Mercer Museum assets consist of appreciated securities, capital gains taxes Enter the Mercer Legacy Sweepstakes and you could also may be avoided. Trusts can be funded with assets of win a brand new car or $20,000 cash! Sweepstakes tickets at least $25,000. are still only $100 and allow you and a guest to enjoy re- freshments and entertainment at the Legacy Drawing Party, 3). Charitable Lead Trust An income producing where the winner will be announced. With a maximum of asset placed in a trust, the income of which is contributed only 600 tickets sold, your odds are better than winning the to BCHS for a designated period, after which the asset is lottery! For details or to enter, call ext. 132. returned to the donor or beneficiary. …continued on page 4

3 THE PLUS ULTRA SOCIETY continued from page 3 5). Deferred Income Plans Designation of BCHS as the ben- 4). Gifts of Life Insurance Designation of BCHS eficiary of a donor’s qualified pension plan, IRA, Keogh, as owner and beneficiary. For a new policy, this allows or employee stock option plans. Allows the donor use of the donor to classify premium payments as charitable these assets during his or her lifetime, while providing the taxdeductible contributions. For existing policies, a donor donor with the opportunity to make a large future gift and can generally deduct the entire replacement value of the reducing his or her taxable estate. policy plus any subsequent premium payments. If the policy is not fully paid-up, its approximate cash value plus Please call our Development Office at 215-345-0210, ext. 129 future premium payments are usually fully deductible. with any questions.

Recent Acquisitions – The David Miller Collection and Others he chairperson of the Thomas Otter; a small fraktur TBucks County Historical baptismal certificate by artist Society’s Collection Commit- Friedrich Krebs for a child tee, J. David Miller, died tragi- born in Richland Twp., Bucks cally last year as a result of Co.; a 19th-century watercolor injuries suffered in a car acci- drawing of a home in Hul- dent. Prior to his passing, meville, Bucks County; and a David had the great pleasure of needlepoint stool, the seat witnessing the opening of the worked by Martha Mercer Mercer Museum’s new wing (Henry Mercer’s sister-in-law) and its changing exhibitions which was raffled in the early gallery. He was very much 20th-century to raise funds for looking forward to realizing the local Catholic Church. the potential of the new gallery The passing of David Miller in presenting significant shows also inspired the gift of a TRYING PLANE, Barnet Hillpot, Tinicum Township, Bucks County, Pa., 1787. and collections of American Museum purchase with funds provided by the estates of J. David Miller and Moravian Pottery and Tile folk art and of regional arts and George M. Hart. Works brocade tile panel from history – two of his greatest Stephen J. Dautcher. A long- passions. Further, David was in time friend of the Mercer the process of making arrange- Museum, Mr. Dautcher noted ments to see that the Mercer that he had often battled David Museum and Historical Soci- at local auctions for Moravian ety would ultimately be a ben- Pottery items, and thought it eficiary of his estate, intending fitting to make this gift in his to bequeath several important memory. The panel is part of artifacts and works of art in his the same set of brocade panels personal collection. that also include four tiles Unfortunately, David passed given to the Mercer Museum away before he could make the many years ago by Bob and arrangements he had intended Joyce Byers, and which are in- – for this institution and for stalled at the entry to the Cen- others in which he was inter- tral Court of the Museum. ested. As a result, all of his col- NEW BRITAIN MILL, Thomas Otter, Doylestown, Bucks County, Pa. c. 1880. These panels, once part of the Museum purchase with funds provided by the estates of J. David Miller and lections of Pennsylvania folk George M. Hart. façade of a high school in and decorative arts, Moravian Clayton, Missouri, each feature Tile, and other items were auc- Additional funds to support the signed by Johannes Moyer, a the image of an early craftsper- tioned on October 12 of last acquisition derived from the Bucks County schoolmaster son. The panel donated by Mr. year. Although the Mercer Mu- Estate of George M. Hart. and scrivener whom the Mer- Dautcher represents a black- seum was not able to benefit The objects acquired by the cer Museum first identified in smith at work. The sixth panel fully from David’s intended, Museum at the Miller Sale its 1997 Bucks County Fraktur in this set, “the chemist,” is in but unrealized, bequest, the included the following: a exhibit and publication project; the collections of the Moravian Museum was able to acquire a woodworking plane made and a needlework family record for Pottery and Tile Works. number of important items at used by Barnet Hillpot of the Uhler Family of Durham In addition to the above, we the sale of his estate, due in Tinicum Township, Bucks Twp., Bucks County, finished also wish to acknowledge sev- part to funds bequeathed to the County, dated 1787; a 1785 in 1832; a landscape painting eral other important gifts and Historical Society in his will. fraktur birth and baptismal cer- of a mill along Neshaminy donors to the collections in the For this we are very grateful. tificate drawn, decorated and Creek, c. 1880, by artist …continued on page 5 4 RECENT ACQUISITIONS and folk artist Edward Hicks. Easton Road near Paul Valley, Other gifts of note include a continued from page 4 Mr. Willett’s gifts to the Histor- Bucks County. In addition, Mr. “Lenape Racer” bicycle, man- second half of 2011. Christo- ical Society include an early Willett has also begun to make ufactured in Doylestown, c. pher Willett, a well-known artist school desk that was once part significant periodic donations 1900, one of many artifacts whose family history is deeply of the furnishings of Bucking- of 18th- and 19th-century man- given by David B. Long; an intertwined with Bucks ham Friends School and Meet- uscript materials and ephemera 1830s sampler worked by County’s past, has made several inghouse, a spinning wheel and which have been preserved in Maria Hockman of Bedmin- gifts to the Mercer Museum and rocking chair that descended in his family, many related to ster, Bucks County, plus other Library. Among his ancestors is the family of Elizabeth Hicks Bucks County Quaker history. items of needlework, given by Augustine Willett, a Revolu- Willett (1751- 1833), and a Among these, for example, is Mary Jane Clemens; and a cer- tionary War and militia officer schepel or “skipple,” a form of an account book kept by the emonial cape worn by a Ku whose regimental coat is in the dry measure employed by Newtown cabinetmaker Smith Klux Klan member in Hor- Museum’s collections, and the Dutch settlers and their descen- Trego, brother of artist Jonathan sham, Montgomery County, Quaker preacher, sign painter dants, from a farm along the K. Trego. given by the Schuck Family.

Our Creative A Source of Inspiration s we prepare for the 100th Anniversary of Fonthill, it is a and Imaginative Visitors Agood time to take a look at some of the sources of inspiration n the Mercer Museum’s initial exhibit in its new chang- for Henry Mercer’s design of the castle. It is well known that Iing gallery, A World of Things: The Mercer Museum A-Z, one of the sources the letter “W” stood for “Whatsit.” In this segment, visitors was prints. Shapes, had the opportunity to weigh in on a mystery object in the spaces, and architec- collections – an arti- tural features are fact that even mysti- some of the inspira- fied Henry Mercer. tions that were pulled After viewing the arti- from examples of fact, visitors were in- this artistic medium. vited to offer their In at least one case, thoughts on the item’s Henry Mercer pulled identity and purpose. a more subtle idea While there were from a print; how the many practical sugges- WHEEL WITH CUTTING BLADES, gift of night lighting of a tions – a cigar cutter, a Henry C. Mercer, 1908 room would look. ribbon cutter, a wick Around 1867, trimmer, a fabric cutter, a quill pen cutter, a model of a Henry’s Uncle wood chopper – many of the answers we received are clear Lawrence gave him evidence of the fertile imaginations and creative interpre- a copy of A Stable of tations of the museum-going public! Nightmares, a book The object in question took the form of a rotating wheel of ghost stories. In with two angled blades, all set into a wooden framework. this book was a While it is possible the artifact was a model for a larger woodcut illustrating tool, this is by no means certain. Take a look at the photo of a story called the object, then review a few of our visitors’ suggestions as “Haunted.” In Mer- Woodcut print from A Stable of Nightmares. to the artifact’s identity. Do you see what they saw – or cer’s essay, “The something entirely different? Building of Fonthill at Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 1908, • “A machine used by mice to trim whiskers” 1909 and 1910” he states, “This picture gave me the night light- • “Used for cutting arrow heads” ing of the Morning Room.” On the page in the book with the • “An early pencil sharpener” print, Mercer also wrote, “This picture suggested to me the • “A finger torture device” Morning Room & its fireplace at Fonthill H.C.M. 1922.” • “A toenail clipper” Light and shadow were important parts of the appearance of • “A nose grinder” Fonthill. As you look at this print imagine the large fireplace in • “An object that rolls butter into butter-balls, called the Morning Room with a blazing fire. Perhaps Henry is work- [ta-da!] a butter baller” ing with his charcoals at the desk late at night, shadows flutter- • “Used by a speedy mohel” (an expert in the Jewish ing around him. Perhaps he is thumbing through A Stable of circumcision ritual – oh my!) Nightmares, and recalling the giver of the gift and comparing his • “This device, the “Fudderator,” was used by the Fudd tile and concrete translation of the woodcut to the image on the family to mince carrots, in order to create a trail to lure page. If you join us for the Tower Tours for Families on the first bunny rabbits to their impending doom.” Saturday of the month, you too can compare the two versions!

5 Mercer Fall Theatrical Be a Judge for Performances a Success National History Day!

Cast and Crew of the Mercer Theater Production, ‘Entitled to his Liberty:’ The Peculiar Case of Basil Dorsey, presented last fall at the Mercer Museum. hanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Tthe Mercer Museum was able to present three original the- atrical productions this past fall. The first two performances were based on episodes of Underground Railroad history that occurred in Bucks County in the 1830s-1840s. These included the case of Basil Dorsey, a fugitive slave aided by renowned anti-slavery and civil rights advocate Robert Purvis, and that of Benjamin Jones, an escaped slave of immense stature who engaged in a legendary struggle with slave catchers in an effort to preserve his freedom. The third production was inspired by letters in the Historical So- Regional History Day 2nd Place winners, Ayanna Barton, Brandy Boyce of ciety’s collection written by Bucks County soldiers during the Holicong Middle School for their Junior Group Exhibit, The Great Depres- Civil War. Each performance also included a follow-up discus- sion: The Debate Over Cyclical or Catastrophic Events. sion, and question & answer period which helped to engage au- t is that time of year, National History Day is here! This year’s diences further in the history underpinning the stories. Iregional competition of National History Day for Bucks and More than 250 people attended the various performances Montgomery County students will take place on March 31, 2012 which were intended as “pilots,” testing the scripts and visual el- at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. Students, in grades 6 ements to see if the productions might be repeated for other au- through 12, will conduct extensive primary and secondary diences and venues. Museum staff members were gratified with research on subjects directly related to the designated theme. They the positive response and interest shown in the productions, and analyze and interpret this material and then draw conclusions the desire on the part of many audience members to see the pro- about their topics’ significance in history through the creation ductions staged at local schools, churches, community theaters and presentation of exhibits, performances, documentaries, web- and other locales. It is hoped that additional funding can be se- sites, and historical papers. The theme for this year is Revolution, cured in order to realize these ambitions, and take the content be- Reaction, Reform in History. More than 450 students participated yond the walls of the Museum. in this event last year. We are seeking people to serve as judges. The Mercer Museum is grateful to the team of performers, Any expertise in history is NOT required. All we need are script writers, directors, set fabricators, and scholars who partici- volunteers who enjoy working with young people. If you are pated in the project. The entire project was supported in part by the interested in being a History Day judge, please contact Melissa Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment Jay at 215-345- 0210, ext. 125 or at [email protected]. for the Humanities We the People initiative on American history; Please visit our website’s Education pages for more History Day and by the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society. information and judge registration forms. Museum Collections on the Road! he Mercer Museum’s loan program continues to be strong and a great National Building Museum, Washington DC Tsource of pride, traveling to prestigious institutions and educating au- “House and Home,” April 2012, exploring homes through the ages diences young and old. Visit our artifacts at the following institutions: and the people who lived in them. Mercer Museum’s artifacts in- Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, PA cluding a Fruit Drier and Corn Husk Broom. “In Stitches: Unraveling Their Stories,” a needlework exhibit open- Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, PA ing December 2011. Westtown School Mourning Sampler made by “Intelligent Design,” January 2012 classmates of Ann Carlile, who died of Scarlett fever in 1802. Henry Mercer’s mosaic, “Summer.”

6 Recollections of Tennent School By Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer, Doylestown, PA (Neshaminy Presbyterian Church Meeting, June 7, 1924) n a lawn grown up with maple and from the high hill, which still keeps off ONorway Spruce trees the main build- the north wind, this charming little valley, ing of Tennent School, built in 1850, by has yet the peaceful look of those days. Reverend Mahlon Long and his brother, You feel it until you go down among the Charles Long, and named by them after bungalows, and see the placards and red the celebrated Presbyterian Divine paint in Hartsville, and smell the gaso- William Tennent, still stands a few yards line on the new road. from the bank of the little Neshaminy The hill topped with its high sky- creek in Bucks County, about a mile north rimmed table and, an out of the way re- of Hartsville. gion, crossed by roads that no one The School—In 1865-9 when, I, as a lit- traveled, then shut off home and tle boy, about ten to fourteen years old, Doylestown, more completely than the At- was a scholar there, the large plastered lantic ocean ever did since, and when my house, very white and clean inside and father first drove me to school over it, with out, with the dining room, parlor and dor- my little trunk, in a covered market wagon, mitory and Mr. Long’s study in the main with a horse named Larry, a never-to-be- structure, had as now, a north gable for forgotten homesickness, amounting almost the kitchen and washhouse, and an east to despair, distorted my point of view, and gable for the school room. darkened my youthful days, until at last, The boys thought nothing of Henry Chapman Mercer as a boy. when more than one session had come Hartsville, a mile away with its sluggish and gone, Tennent school conquered me. inhabitants. The school lawn did for baseball. Bounds did not It did so, to this day, I have only admiration for it and its Mas- exist. Then the Neshaminy with its noisy mill-dam down below, ters—no grievances….. Bucks County Historical Society Pa- swimming holes, fishing pools, skating runs, shellbark wind- pers, Vol. 5, Recollections of Tennent School, Dr. Henry falls, and reaches of upstream woodland, was everything. Seen Chapman Mercer, 1924 A New Chapter for William Dolls’ Day Out Returns to Tennent High School March Date William Tennent High What Do You Really Know Due to construction School in Warminster held the about William Tennent? It in- over the past two years, grand opening ceremony for cluded the history of Reverend the Museum’s very pop- their new high school on Sep- William Tennent and his Log ular “Dolls’ Day Out” tember 18, 2011. The older College, photographs and event was moved tem- building will be gradually torn memorabilia, and more. The porarily to early May. down with the hopes that the exhibit was visited by many of We are pleased to an- demolition process will be the current students, alumni, nounce, however, that completed by March 2012. The teachers, and administrative the 2012 edition of the new building has large staff. Congressman Mike Fitz- program – the 17th an- windows to let in plenty of patrick attended the ceremony nual Dolls’ Day Out – is sunshine (unlike the old and spoke at the opening dedi- returning to its original school), updated technology, cation. Chick Donnelly, former early March time frame. communal study and activity social studies teacher and Ten- This year’s program areas, a new library and state nent alumni, class of 1965, has will take place on Sat- of the art temperature control. been working with the mu- urday, March 10, and Melissa Jay, Coordinator of seum and Centennial School will take advantage of Education and graduate of District to allow the BCHS to our enlarged facilities, William Tennent High School attain objects from the old with more space for in 1988, attended the grand school which will be donated vendors, shopping for A happy participant in last year’s Mercer Museum Dolls’ Day Out. opening to represent the Bucks to our collection. This will doll accessories, and for County Historical Society. The include lockers, interior signs, craft activities and storytelling. An added bonus is the traveling BCHS displayed an exhibit, and more. exhibit, ToyTime, on view in our gallery. Tickets are now on sale for the event. Call 215-345-0210 ext. Sign up for our e-mail list and receive monthly updates on happenings at the Castles; visit www.mercermuseum.org. 123 to get yours now!

7 Summer Internship Program FROM BACK PAGE he Mercer Museum continues to collaborate with area colleges Tand universities providing students with an educational and That’s What the Heck it is! enjoyable volunteer internship experience. This past summer the No great mystery- it’s a chisel! museum had over 10 college students engaged in all departments, This chisel was dropped and forgotten by one of gaining firsthand experience in curatorial and archival management, Henry Mercer’s workers during the Mercer Museum’s public programming and marketing, and general museum practices. original construction and consequently covered-up by Intern projects included inventorying and re-housing 90+ years of dirt and debris! It was recently unearthed thousands of 19th-20th century newspapers; conducting primary research in preparation for the Civil War sesquicentennial by a construction worker during the museum’s expan- exhibit; processing 25 manuscript collections; scanning over sion project. For more information about this object, 1,000 postcards; and, cataloging newly acquired artifacts. visit our online catalog RolloPAC and keyword search The museum is currently accepting resumes for the summer “chisel” or by accession number MM2010.10.001. 2012 program. Requirements include: currently enrolled in college program, provide two professional/academic references, and have a love of history! For more information on the “The Army at Home” – museum’s competitive internship program, please contact Sara Good at [email protected] or 215-345-0210 ext 119. Women and the Civil War at Friends of BCHS meeting The Mercer Apprentice r. Judith Giesberg, Associ- Civil War Sisterhood: The Date Professor of History at United States Sanitary Com- Program Villanova University, provides mission and Women's Politics in he Mercer Apprentice Pro- new insights into women on the Transition (2000) and “Army at Tgram (MAP) program at homefront in the Civil War Home:” Women and the Civil the Mercer Museum and North on Monday, March 19, at War on the Northern Home Fonthill Castle provides an en- the Friends of BCHS meeting. Front (2009). Dessert will be vironment for high school stu- Dr. Giesberg teaches the U.S. served at 12:30 p.m., followed dents to exercise and develop Civil War and Reconstruction, by a short business meeting and various life skills and interests Women’s History, and the His- the featured program. Program in a unique museum environ- tory of Childhood and is Asso- is free to the public, but dona- ment. MAP members not only ciate Editor for Book Reviews tions received will be used to cultivate knowledge of the mu- of the Journal of the Civil War support future programs and seum field, history, art, and Era. Dr. Giesberg is the author speakers. For information call youth education but they also of two books on the Civil War, ext. 132. gain experience in effective communication, professional etiquette, and leadership devel- Alexa Angotti, CB East HS, and Kieren Connor, CB West HS, lead- opment. At this time we have ing a program for our Summer The Friends of BCHS’ MAP students from several Camp Welcome Day in July 2011. local high schools including Annual Card Party … More Central Bucks High School Mile allows the Education and Fun & Games Than Ever! West and East, Tohickon Mid- Curatorial Departments to con- dle School, and Council Rock tinue to provide engaging, edi- oin the Friends of BCHS on toys. Light lunch will be served North High School. Their vol- fying, and, of course, fun JWednesday, March 21, for at noon in the Mercer Mu- unteer help across the Mercer programming. an afternoon of fun and games. seum’s Elkins Gallery, followed In the past, attendees brought by your game of choice, raffles, their own foursome and played and door prizes. Tickets are still Mennonite Quilts at Friends a traditional game of cards. only $7 per person. This event This year, in addition to our de- is a fundraiser for the Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting voted card players, we are en- of BCHS in its efforts to sup- Join the Friends on Monday, May 21, for noted collector couraging those who don’t play port the education programs at Paul Flack’s presentation on his collection of Mennonite cards to join us, on their own, Mercer Museum and Fonthill in pairs, or trios to spend time Castle. Space is limited. Games Quilts. Dessert will be served at 12:30 p.m., followed by a in a round of dominoes, Trivial will be provided or you are in- short business meeting and the featured presentation. Pursuit, and other friendly vited to bring your own. Tick- Program is free to the public, but donations received will be competitions. In keeping with ets are available at the Mercer used to support future programs and speakers. For informa- the theme of the museum’s Toy- Museum reception desk. For tion call ext. 132. Time exhibit, you can also try information call 215-345-0210 your hand at traditional folk ext. 132. 8 D-Day Invasion: Research & Remembrance he Friends of BCHS will host a very special tive learning. Together the pair studied to prepare for Tpresentation on Monday, April 16, from 7-9 pm, the trip and conducted extensive research on the life at the Mercer Museum. The program will examine and death of Willard U. Begel, a service member the story of the D-Day invasion through the eyes of from our area. an ordinary Pennsylvania soldier. Ms. O’Hara and Miss Rolleri will discuss their Lynne O’Hara is a Central Bucks High School trip, their research and the development of the tale of West teacher and James Madison Fellow. In spring a fallen Pennsylvania soldier buried at Normandy, 2011, Ms. O’Hara applied to be a member of the first as well as the ongoing Central Bucks Veterans Proj- class of Normandy Teacher Scholars to attend the Al- ect, which trains students as oral historians and helps bert H. Small Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom In- them to preserve the memories of local veterans in stitute. Miss Carson Rolleri, CB West class of 2012, cooperation with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 175. was chosen to accompany her as a member of the Tickets for the program are $15/person first class of Normandy Student Scholars. The sem- Lynne O’Hara, teacher, ($12/members of the Friends of BCHS). All pro- and Carson Rolleri, student, inar, run through the National History Day program, collaborate on D- Day ceeds raised will support future programs sponsored was a national model of teacher-student collabora- invasion research. by the Friends of BCHS.

Letters from the Civil War he following letter was have retained his original Crost over the mounton and we seen, then i don’t know much Twritten by George W. spelling and syntax, with hold up at the neat little village about Bilding. Well i will give Flack, who served with Com- words inserted where neces- of frunt roial [Front Royal] you a description of it: it is 10 pany M, 8th Pennsylvania Cav- sary for clarification. This about sunset. Our advance had feet long, 7 wide, and 4 feet to alry during the Civil War. A makes for a more colorful a right smart little skirmish the square and we hav a fire resident of Doylestown, Flack “read,” and provides added in- with the garillias [guerillas] on plase in it ware we can dow our sight into Flack’s character. was learning the carpentry the mounton and thay drove cooking up in fine stile and i trade in Lumberville when he them thru frunt roial. We had think that it is about as com- enlisted in the fall of 1861. His Camp of 8th Pa. Cav’ly Near one or t[w]o wounded on the fortable as any house you ever letter, one of many written Warrington, Virginia January 3rd day. We left frunt roial was in. I just reseved a letter home to his sister, Mary Jane 10th 1864 about ___ P.M.and started back from Bill this evening dated (or Ginny) is part of our con- by the way of Barnetsville and December 30th. He reports tinuing series of featuring cor- Dear Sister, manasses gap and put up fore himself pretty well and a git- respondence from the I now take this opertunity of the night at flat run church. The ting along fine. Historical Society’s collections ancering your letter of wich I next morning we started on Kate tells me in har last letter during the Civil War 150 an- reseved som time ago, wich i again at sunrise, passing that she shold [showed] the last niversary period. would of don long before this through Sailom [Salem] and letter to Nat that i wrote to you In the letter Flack describes if i would of had time, but you we got back to Warington and he didn’t think much of it, an 1864 cavalry raid in Vir- see we hav Bin traveling about 2 o’clock in the after- she sase. I would like to no wat ginia, expresses pride in the around a good bit this winter. I noon and stoped thare till the was in it that he didn’t like. If he construction of his winter supose that you hav hard next day. From thare we moved don’t like the way that i right to quarters, and shares his opin- [heard] all about the great raid down hear in the woods about you, you had better not let him ions on everything from the that we made just before one mile from the town. The see them. Perhaps he thinks that military draft and the guberna- Christmas up to Luray valley. weather was afel [awful] cold i ought to speek a little more in torial election in Pennsylvania Well, we have maid another the whole time we were out on favor of the Wooly heds or niger to the behavior of friends and raid sence, wich we call raid the raid, and the day we worshippers, but that I can relatives. He also suggests, No. 2 on new years morning. marched from Sailam to War- never dow, as long as my name while using the “N” word, that We were cold [called] to arms ington it snowed all day and is George, no sir, old gunbote, his reasons for joining the about 3 PM and at daylight we the snow is about tow [two] not i. And she also sase that Union Army had little to do left camp and the Bregaid inches deep yet we took some James Hagens was down just with any interest in ending marched out to Warington and fifteen or 20 prisoners and a after the election of Curtin and slavery or aiding blacks. halted thare till the first Bre- fue horses, i tell you we have he said that i had rote him a let- The transcription was made gaid got reddy. Then the hole Bin pretty Bisey since we have ter and requested him to cast his by BCHS volunteer Heather Divishen marched on to a little been here a putting up winter vote fore Andrew G Curtin, and McBryar in 2011 with assis- village called orleans and thare quarters. I just got my house he said that i told him if i was tance from Vice President for we camped fore the night. The finished up this afternoon and aloud to vote, i would vote fore Collections and Interpretation washed my shirt in the bargin. him and soon. Now i will just Cory Amsler. While the letter next morning as soon as it was can be difficult to decipher due lite enough to disern objects, I just tell you Gin, if Harry and tell you I think gimey [Jimmy] to Flack’s poor grammar, capi- we moved on passing thru I ain’t got up just one of the is as windy as the devel [devil]. talization and punctuation, we Chester gap and flatrock and gayest little castles you ever …continued on page 10 9 LETTERS continued from page 9 gimlets, apparently Flack’s He must have been eating beens euphemism for courting] with Adopt-a-Civil-War-Artifact and homeney [beans and Miss Salley Luis. Buley for Ike. Program – Update hominy] or something else for I Well i hope that they will pros- haven’t wrote but one letter to per well anyhow. him since last spring and I am Well I reckon that som of perfectly well satisfied that I the young laddy Bucks around never said a word to him about your neighborhood is Begining it, but I received a letter from to trimble in their shoes a little James about the latter part of now as old mister draft is Com- August and he wanted to no wat ing around pretty close. I sup- the general opinion was among pose that some of them thinks the soldiers about Curtin being it is hell and all to com out hear PRESENTATION SWORD OF COL. ROBERT BODINE, 26TH PENNSYLVANIA elected fore our next govner and be shot at, but it is nothing INFANTRY, 1864. This sword and scabbard are among dozens of Civil [governor] and what I thought after they get used to it. Tow War-related artifacts and artworks in the Historical Society’s collection about it, and I told him that I tell the trooth about it, the in need of conservation and “up for adoption.” thought that he would be re- harder the Battle is the les fear ince early last year, the Historical Society has been engaged elected, but as fore the opinion a man has and when we git at it Sin a campaign to raise funds for the much-needed conser- of the soldiers, i didn’t no any- right fair once, we don’t think vation treatment of eighty or more Civil War artifacts and art- thing about them and that was- of gitting hurt at all. Well, i be- works in the collections. These materials will be incorporated n’t all. I didn’t care now if lieve that i would rather fight into a 2013 exhibit focused on the Civil War as experienced gimey has been blowing around all day now than to shov the in Bucks County and the Delaware Valley. We are very pleased in the stile that i hav hard of him Jack plain [jack plane, a car- to report that thus far the campaign has raised $4,750 in con- a dowing, i think but little of it pentry tool] like i hav don. tributions and pledges, conservation has been completed on six and still less of him that talks Well I gess that I will stop writ- objects, and ten more artifacts are currently at the conserva- that way, i just tell you Gin, I ing now, or els mabe you will tor’s, undergoing treatment. would just like to be up there to begin to think that i am gitting We are grateful to the following donors for their contributions: talk to some of them. Hellish- kind of windy, to[o]. Well, Gin, Henry Konat, the Ciufo Family, Mary Jane Clemens, Henry and ness, i think that I could talk to don’t shoe this letter to any Jacqueline Conroy, Florence Wharton, Daniel Archambault, them like a duch [Dutch] uncle. Boddy unless it is Kate. I want Charles Dunleavy, Marge and Gene Hamilton, John W. Lear, the Well Gin, i heard that you and you to burn it as soon as you McClellan Rangers Re-enactment Association, Michael Moss, Mary Gile and Uncle George hav done reading it. So now I the Questers of Fonthill, and Barb and Joe Salvadore in Memory whent to Philadelphia to see the Close By hoping to hear from of Robert Hevner. town and b[u]y the Citty. I hope you soon again. More support for this program is needed, however. A gift that you left one or two of the So good By, yours entitles the donor to a “certificate of adoption,” plus recognition houses thare yet, for thare is one respectably, in museum catalog records and in label copy for our planned or two that i would like to go see Mary J. Flack Civil War exhibition in 2013. Gifts can be made in the name of myself yet if ever i have the luck From your efectnait the donor, on the part of a group or organization, or in memory to get that far north again. And [affectionate] brother, of a loved one – or even a Civil War ancestor. Can you help? i also heard that Isack Hall has George W. Flack A current list of artifacts still in need of “adoption” may be Bin splising gimblets [splicing P.S. giv my best respects to all found on the museums website at www.mercermuseum.org/ Home [whom] who may see fit donate.htm. There you will also find instructions for making a to inquire of me. gift and a clippable coupon to include with your donation.

From the collection of the Mercer Museum Library

10 2012 Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle Partial Calendar Visit our website at: www.mercermuseum.org for complete program information. Programs at Family Retro Game Night Programs at Central Bucks East High Mercer Museum Friday, March 2 Fonthill Castle School Tile Exhibit 6:30-9 pm, Mercer Museum Saturday, February 11 – School’s Out Boredom Tower Tours for Families Entire family will enjoy clas- Sunday, March 18 Buster: Toys & Games First Saturday of the sic board games and learn Fonthill Castle Tuesday, January 24 month: January 7, traditional American games; Morning: 9-11 a.m. February 4, March 3 Animals in the Castle Youth refreshments and more. Afternoon: 1-3 p.m. Program David Ohlerking Painting Exploring Early Lighting Saturday, February 11 Black Soldiers in Blue Exhibit Devices: A Learning to Look 10:30 a.m., Fonthill Castle Civil War documentary film Saturday, January 7 – Seminar with collector Sunday, January 29 Sunday, February 5 Write like a Babylonian! Daniel Sohn 2:30 pm, Mercer Museum See local artist’s interpretation Youth Program Saturday, March 3 of Mercer’s castle-home Monday, February 20; Sex and the City: 10-12:30 p.m., Mercer Fonthill. Presidents’ Day Historic Tales of Scandal Museum Collections Storage 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1-2 p.m., Thursday, February 9 and Study Center Build a Chinese Ship Youth Fonthill Castle 7-9 p.m., Mercer Museum Program; Martin Luther 17th Annual Doll’s Day Out King Day A Fonthill Tile Tour with Kids’ Night Out Saturday, March 10 Monday, January 16 Vance Koehler, curator of Friday, February 17 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. 2-4 p.m., Fonthill Castle the Moravian Pottery and 6-10 pm, Mercer Museum Registration required Tile Works Ages 6-10 visit ToyTime, and for tea and fashion shows; Sandcastles at the Concrete Saturday, March 10 enjoy games, crafts, movies four tea seatings. Castle 2 p.m., Fonthill Castle and pizza. Discount for Mercer Museum Saturday, January 21 additional siblings. 1-4 p.m., Fonthill Castle Hark! It’s Heraldry Youth Women & the Civil War Program Foodways of Lecture Intimate Henry Tour Saturday, March 24 Washington’s Time Monday, March 19 February 4 – May 27 2-4 p.m., Fonthill Castle Monday, February 20 12:30 p.m., Mercer Museum, Explore the private-side of Noon – 4 pm, Mercer Free Henry Mercer’s life and see Behind the Scenes Tours Museum log house Included Fonthill as it was used as a Saturday, March 31 This is the Dulcimer! with museum admission. home. 6:30-9 p.m., Fonthill Castle Explore the instrument with Every Monday – Friday at 1 This is the Autoharp! Marti Rogers Special Youth Program p.m., Saturday and Sunday at Explore the instrument with Sunday, March 25 Offer: Sign your child up for 1:30 p.m., Fonthill Castle Marti Rogers 2 – 3:30 pm, Mercer Museum Build A Chinese Ship, Write Sunday, February 26 Like A Babylonian and Hark! 2 – 3:30 pm, Mercer Museum It’s Heraldry and receive a Discount if combined with discount on the program fees. “Dulcimer” on March 25.

General Information www.mercermuseum.org

Mercer Museum & Museum Shop Members receive unlimited free admission to Mercer Museum 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930 and Library & Fonthill Castle. PHONE: 215-345-0210 FAX: 215-230-0823 Penny Lots HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Gayle Shupack, Editor Also at the Mercer Museum: Research Library Molly Lowell, Associate Editor HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday, 1–5 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fonthill Castle Penny Lots is a benefit of membership. East Court Street & Route 313, Doylestown, PA 18901-4930 Permission must be obtained to reprint any material. PHONE: 215-348-9461 FAX: 215-348-9462 The Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle are HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday, noon–5 p.m. administered by the Bucks County Historical Society. (Guided tours only; reservations suggested)

11 Accredited by the NON-PROFIT American Association of Museums U.S. POSTAGE PAID DOYLESTOWN, PA 84 S. Pine Street PERMIT NO. 274 Doylestown, PA 18901

New Mercer Exhibits What the Heck Is It? This one is easy to identify. However, Exhibit the challenge and mystery of this object is where and how it was used. Here’s a continues hint…it was used by a construction worker through during the years 1913-1916 to help con- April 1, struct a now National Historic Landmark, 2012 one that is still admired to this day and visited by people from around the world! ANSWER ON PAGE 8 Exhibition sponsored by: Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau Bud & Judy Newman Bucks County Foundation

Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow: Living with the Atomic Bomb Exhibit opens April 8, 2012

Members visit Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle Totaro Jeffrey by Photo for FREE all year long! The New Mercer Museum