March—April 2021 Vol. MMXXI No. 2

Welcome to Pennypacker Mills! To ensure the safety of visitors, staff and site, there are a few guidelines which need to be adhered to. On the grounds, masks should be worn and household contact groups should practice social distancing. The restroom building will be open.

For tours of the Pennypacker mansion, reservations are to be made in advance. Call 610-287-9349 or email Pennypacker- [email protected]. Scheduled tours must be confirmed by a staff member prior to the tour. Tours are limited to no more than 10 people per household contact group. Masks must be worn.

Take a picturesque tour of the Schwenksville area, including historic Pennypacker Mills!

Open through Sun., January 30, 2022

Above: Birdseye view of Schwenksville was drawn by T.M. Fowler in 1894. Happenings!

Fri., March 5th Greetings from Schwenksville is a death in 1916. That was the hey- New Exhibit: new exhibit which will feature im- day of the Perkiomen Railroad Greetings from Schwenksville ages from the collection of Penny- which at one time boasted four Included on all guided tours

packer Mills showing Schwenks- trips a day to bring both people Sat., March 6th ville and the surrounding area at and freight to the area. One of Springtime Workshop for Kids! the turn-of-the-twentieth century. the major attractions was the 1-3 pm Some of these images were fea- Perkiomen Creek. Fee tured on postcards, stereographs The Perkiomen Creek is a pictur- and even plates. Samuel W. Pen- esque stream that runs through a Sat., April 17th nypacker purchased the ancestral portion of the western part of Tree Explore for Kids! home at Pennypacker Mills in Montgomery County and drains 10-11 am & 1-2 pm 1900 and lived there until his Greetings from Schwenksville cont. Pg. 2 Fee

Letterhead: Escutcheon plate, featuring a bee hive, on second floor dresser at Pennypacker Mills

Friend Us on FACEBOOK https://www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills T: 610-287-9349 Page 2 Greetings from Schwenksville cont. from Pg. 1 into the Schuylkill River at the 1883, Spring Mountain House county’s southern border. The was built on the western slope. Perkiomen is a swift flowing This was rebuilt in 1919, and it creek which made it attractive to was the area’s largest that could a wide variety of water powered handle 150 guests, and used mills including gristmills, “the Beauty Spot” as a slogan. sawmills, fulling mills, powder mills, oil mills and tanneries. With For settlers, the Perkiomen the mills along the creek, farms Creek was a key for building Above: Postcard showing Schwenks- spread out along its hillsides. ville as seen from Pennypacker Mills, mills to support the surrounding Hendrick Pannebecker surveyed ca. 1905. farms, and the communities built the Skippack Pike in 1713 which around them. The turnpike later extended to the Perkiomen “Schwenk’s store” or opened things up in 1846 and the Creek and allowed Hans Hite to “Schwenksville.” The town had a coming of the railroad in 1869 erect a grist mill on its eastern grist mill at each end and a black- truly put Schwenksville on the side, ca. 1720. Hite sold the mill smith shop, so everything a map. With a large station, the in 1730 with 550 acres to Jan farmer needed. The post office natural beauty of the area with Pawling, whose son Henry sold it arrived in 1833, and in 1846, the Stone Hill, Spring Mountain and to Peter Penebecker Sumneytown and Perkiomen the Perkiomen Creek, Schwenks- (Pennypacker) in 1747. Peter Turnpike (Gravel Pike or Route ville became a summer retreat for added a saw mill and a fulling 29) ran along the Perkiomen people from Philadelphia. Virginia mill, for washing and dyeing wool Creek from Collegeville to E.B. Pennypacker wrote to her products. The area became Schwenksville, a town that was daughter Josephine on August known as “Pennypacker Mills,” just starting to take shape. In which was the name that ap- 1868, the Philadelphia and Read- peared on Nicholas Scull’s maps ing Railroad began building the of Pennsylvania. Though Peter Perkiomen Railroad to run along sold the mills in 1762, he retained the banks of its namesake from the house and most of the prop- Perkiomen Junction and in 1869, erty, so the name stayed on the the first locomotive appropriately map. With Peter’s death in 1770, named Perkiomen reached Schwenksville. In 1875, the line reached Emmaus. Above: Spring Mountain House was Schwenksville had the largest built on the western slope of Spring railroad depot on the line, meas- Mountain in 1883. In 1919, the new Spring Mountain House opened with uring 96 feet long by 24 feet wide room for 150 people and used the slo- containing a ticket office, tele- gan “The Beauty Spot.” It became the graph office, waiting rooms and largest of the area’s hotels for what the storage area for freight. The rail- Pennsylvania Dutch called die Sommer Frischlers, translated as those summer road was for both freight and people who come to refresh them- passengers and truly helped selves. Above: View of Pennypacker Mills shape the town and the area. from across the Perkiomen Creek, The creek and the beauty of 25, 1918, There doesn’t seem to showing the grist mill to the left with Spring Mountain attracted visi- be near so many summer board- the mansion and barn in the back- tors. Schwenksville was less than ers this year. At least we have ground, ca. 1905. 30 miles on the train from Phila- seen very few. They used to be delphia. as numerous as grasshoppers at his property was divided between this season of the year. I sup- his sons Samuel and William. A hotel was built in town in 1816 pose the war is keeping them Samuel received the house and and by 1900 it was known as the away and has taken many of the property on the eastern side of Farmer’s Hotel. The Perkiomen men. the creek and William received Hotel at the corner of the Gravel By 1900, Schwenksville was a the property on the western side Pike was the smallest. G.M. Carl happening town and the of the creek. Abraham Schwenk was the station master for the Perkiomen Railroad was at its purchased some of William’s depot at Schwenksville and built peak to 1920, as some weekends property in 1816, building an inn the Perkiomen Inn on the west- the train would have twelve and a store, known as ern slope of Spring Mountain. In coach cars loaded with visitors. Page 3 “Each summer marks an increase in the army of Philadelphians who come out for a respite from the heat, turmoil, smoke, dust and monotony of the city.” Louis A. Reed, 1907

The exhibit features photographs, in the army of Philadelphians postcards and other images of who come out for a respite from the area at the turn of the 20th the heat, turmoil, smoke, dust century. The exhibit is located in and monotony of the city. These the two second floor galleries and summer visitors find accommo- is included on all tours. For dations in a number of modern those unable to make it to the hotels and boarding houses, the site or those who are interested surroundings of which afford eve- in knowing more, our website ry facility for enjoying the purest contains an exhibit page which air that Nature supplies, amid has a slide show component. scenery which Nature has been lavish in providing. Fishing, bath- Above: Glimpses of the Perkiomen Picturesque Perkiomen Valley ing and boating are among the Creek from Picturesque Perkiomen Val- In 1907, Louis A. Reed of Norris- pastimes that contribute to the ley published by Louis A. Reed in 1907. town, PA published a booklet Pic- making of life in the Perkiomen turesque Perkiomen Valley. Valley a joy in the glorious sum- resorts, consisting of the Reed wrote, No section of East- mer. Almost from its source to its Perkiomen Inn, Spring Mount ern Pennsylvania appeals more confluence with the Schuylkill, House, the Weldon, the Cedars, strongly to the admirer of the Pic- the Perkiomen creek winds its the Farmer’s Hotel, as well as turesque of Nature than does the way between rugged, wooded many private houses, accommo- Valley of the Perkiomen. And it hills, which are dotted with hous- date thousands of people from is no exaggeration to say that in es of a thrifty and contented peo- Philadelphia, New York and other no section of the Eastern end of ple. These hills offer an unusual places during the summer sea- the Keystone State is there any opportunity to the investor and son, who spend their time on the section susceptible of more prof- seeker aft a summer paradise. Perkiomen Creek, fishing, boat- itable development. Thrifty villag- ing and bathing, or wandering on ers and farmers have already Notwithstanding the prosperity the mountains to see the natural contributed largely to the pros- and grandeur of the Perkiomen beauties, such as Ringing Rocks, perity of this beautiful Valley, and Valley, there is still much to de- Kettle Rock, Indian Cave, Indian the transportation accommoda- veloping its full resources. Bed, etc. Atlantic City and other tions afforded by a single steam people are building fine mansions railroad are soon to be augment- Reed described Schwenksville as on nearby Spring Mountain. The ed by the construction of electric one of the most beautiful villages town is known in history as hav- railways from Collegeville in the State. It is located on the ing been the headquarters for through a chain of towns and vil- Perkiomen Railroad, and the Washington’s Army during the lages to the upper regions of the Perkiomen Creek skirts its bor- Revolution, before and after the Valley. ders. The town is composed of a battle of Germantown and before The Perkiomen Creek, long number of beautiful mansions he went to Valley Forge. Ex- known as a prolific fishing and substantial and comfortable Governor Pennypacker now oc- ground, attracts hordes of an- homes, lined along pretty streets cupies the old headquarters as glers, whose number increases with cement sidewalks. It has a his permanent home, and a gran- with each recurring bass season. modern public school house, ite monument stands in front of Each summer marks an increase pretty Lutheran, Reformed and the old Pennypacker Mills, from Mennonite Churches, two public which Washington addressed his halls, a Grand Army Post, a Cir- orders. cle of Brotherhood of America and a Camp of the P.O.S.A. The exhibit is located in the two second floor galleries and is in- It has two mills, carriage works, cluded on all tours. For those three stores, two hotels, shoe unable to make it to the site or stores, drug store, cigar factory, those who are interested in printing and newspaper office, knowing more, our website con- jewelry store, National Bank, tains an exhibit page which has marble cutter shop, tinsmith, a slide show component. Above: Cover to Picturesque Perkiomen Valley published by Louis creamery, coal and lumber yard, A. Reed in 1907. bakery, clothing factory, harness shop, and soforth. The summer Page 4

Many of the iconic businesses we corporation was dissolved and How an Accidental Invention know of today began in the late was renamed Willoughby and Changed What Americans Eat 19th into the early 20th centuries. Roberdeau. In 1896 the company for Breakfast How did they begin? Read on for acquired Philadelphia-based F.G. At the start of the 20th century, a fascinating look at how these Emmett Spice Company and was Americans realized a new kind of businesses began with an idea firmly committed to the spice in- breakfast that was poured from a and morphed into multi-national dustry. box into a bowl with milk added corporations. was lighter and easier to digest At the turn of the century the than heavier staples like steak McCormick & Company: company opened an export office Spices and a Bit of Everything in New York City and began ship- In 1889, Willoughby M. McCor- ping its products to and from the mick founded McCormick & Com- East and West Indies, South Afri- pany when he began making fruit ca, Europe, and Central and syrups, juic- South America. In 1902, the com- es, flavoring pany acquired a four-story plant extracts, and and unveiled the Banquet Brand root beer in for its line of spices and mus- his home. tards. With such slogans as McCormick "McCormick Means Merit" and hired three the title of "Manufacturing Chem- assistants to ists, Drug & Spice Millers, Import- help with ers and Exporters," McCormick production and with door-to-door was fast becoming the East sales. An early marketing motto Coast leader in several fields. was: "Make the Best--Someone Although in 1904 a great fire in Will Buy It." The company earned Baltimore destroyed the majority a reputation not only for its condi- of the company's assets and rec- ments and other products but al- ords, temporary quarters were so for such household and me- quickly established, and the com- and eggs, hash, sausage, bacon dicinal products as Iron Glue pany eventually regained its foot- and flapjacks. This new cereal ("Sticks Everything but the Buy- hold through new product intro- offered a previously unimagina- er") and Uncle Sam's Nerve and ductions. The company gained ble level of convenience to fami- Bone Liniment ("For Man or welcome publicity in 1907 at the lies whose schedules were be- Beast"). Virginia Exposition, when it re- coming a quicker pace due to the ceived gold medals for a number Industrial Revolution. Heavy Within a year, the company was of its branded products. In 1910, morning meals weren’t consid- profitable enough and added a the company was among the first ered ideal for health reasons. number of new products, includ- in the country to introduce gauze- ing food colorings, cream of tar- pouch tea bags. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, one of tar, liver pills, castor oil, talcum America’s first wellness gurus, powder, witch hazel, blood purifi- Willoughby died on November 4, helped lead the movement to- er, cold cream, bay rum, tooth 1932. The big "Mc" became a ward healthier living. In 1876, he powder, and toilet water. Soon trademark for nearly all U.S. founded the world-famous health McCormick's brother, Roberdeau products in 1941. Throughout the institute called the Battle Creek A. McCormick joined the busi- coming years the company has Sanitarium, in Battle Creek, Mich- ness and more products includ- acquired numerous companies igan. In 1877, Kellogg concocted ing bluing compound, ammonia, and to this day remains a leader a twice-baked mixture of flour, roach traps, flypaper, and bird in the food and spice industry, oats and cornmeal. He believed seed were added. By 1894, the despite a takeover bid, which that by baking the whole grains at company had begun to export was not successful. high temperatures, a process he overseas. The following year the called “dextrinization,” they be- Page 5

Did you know the rooster mascot on Kellogg’s cereal boxes is used because Will Kellogg liked that the Welsh word for “rooster” (ceiliog), sounded like his last name?

came more easily digestible, and been in existence since 1898, first companies to develop a therefore healthier. when it was founded by William commercially viable method for Entenmann as a standalone bak- condensing soup, which led His wife, Ella, and his brother, ery in New York. Initially, the bak- them to huge profits. In fact, Will worked alongside him in the ery offered only home-delivery, Campbell's was so successful its kitchen. According to company however, it soon started supply- products eventually included history, it was one night in 1898 ing grocery stores. This switch in Pepperidge Farm's breads, cook- when a batch of wheat-based strategy allowed it to expand and ies, and crackers, Franco- cereal dough was accidentally open new bakeries and factories American's gravies and pastas, left out for an extended period of along the east coast. National V8 vegetable juices, Swanson time, causing it to ferment. When expansion soon followed, and in broths, and Godiva's chocolates. rolled out into thin sheets, the 1972 Entenmann's started to slightly moldy dough produced market the chocolate chip cook- Cadbury & Valentine’s Day perfect large, thin flakes that be- ies it still sells today. To date, the Today, Cadbury is the second- came crispy and tasty in the ov- company has sold more than 620 largest confectionery brand in the en. Over the next several years, million cookies. In the past few world, but when it was founded in Will Kellogg kept experimenting decades, Entenmann's has Birmingham, England in 1824 by with the recipe, and figured out changed hands several times John Cadbury, the brand consist- that corn, rather than wheat, pro- and in ed of just a few products: tea, duced even crunchier, crispier 2008, it coffee, and drinking chocolate. flakes. was ac- After some difficult early years, quired by the company changed its focus to Will bought the rights to the flake Mexican chocolate in 1861 with Fancy cereal recipe from his brother conglomer- Boxes—a decorated box of choc- and struck out on his own, found- ate Grupo olates. Seven years later the box- ing the Battle Creek Toasted Bimbo. es were sold in the shape of a Corn Flake Company in 1906. heart for Valentine's Day, which Will began manufacturing Kel- The Campbell Soup Company: is how chocolate eventually be- logg’s Corn Flakes in mass quan- "mmm mmm good!" came associated with the holi- tities, and pouring much of the day. In 1923, Cadbury first re- profits into advertising. Despite leased the competition from other compa- creme egg, nies such as C.W. Post and oth- which is still ers, the combination of health one of its most and convenience created a huge popular and opportunity to revolutionize the beloved prod- American breakfast. ucts. After a series of mer- FYI: Did you know the rooster gers and acqui- mascot on Kellogg’s cereal boxes sitions, Cad- is used because Will liked that Campbell's was started in 1869 bury was pur- the Welsh word for by Joseph A. Campbell, a fruit chased by Kraft Foods in 2010 “rooster” (ceiliog), sounded like merchant from Bridgeton, New and soon became a subsidiary of his last name. Jersey, and Abraham Anderson, Mondelēz International. an icebox manufacturer from Entenmann's: South Jersey. The two business- Kraft: The Developer of A Hometown Bakery men got their start by producing Processed Cheese While shopping in any grocery canned tomatoes, vegetables, Today, Kraft has become a multi- store today you can’t miss the big jellies, soups, condiments, and facetted corporation with such displays of blue and white boxes minced meats. When they hired diverse products as Jell-O, Cool that are filled with Entenmann's an MIT chemist named John Dor- Whip, Lunchables, Planters, and cookies, cakes, donuts, or other rance, Campbell's was one of the many others. However, the com- pastries. Yum! The company has Companies of the Early 2oth Century Cont. Pg .6 Page 6 Companies of the Early 2oth Century Cont. from Pg.5 pany was originally founded in uct, so he In 1894, the company introduced Chicago in the early 1900s as sold the Hershey’s cocoa—the very first J.L. Kraft and Bros. Company, rights to Hershey’s product available to where they sold only cheese. Frank Wood- the public. And that’s when the Kraft was successful because in ward in 1899 Hershey brand was born. In 1915 the company invented pas- for just $450. 1900, Her- teurized processed cheese that By 1906, shey sold didn't need refrigeration, thus giv- Woodward was making $1 million Lancaster ing it a longer shelf life than con- in sales with this product. In addi- Caramel for ventional cheese. After a series tion to being a tasty dessert, $1 million to of acquisitions Kraft was able to many old time doctors recom- further his expand its offerings and sell addi- mended Jell-O for children with efforts at tional items such as salad dress- diarrhea who needed nutritious cracking the ings, mayonnaise, and cream food. Jell-O went on to become a closely- cheese. mainstay on many American ta- guarded Several bles to this day. Swiss secrets more of making perfect milk chocolate. mergers Hershey Caramels? In 1907, Hershey Kisses were and ac- Before Milton Hershey developed first sold. They were individually quisitions the chocolate bar we all know, he hand wrapped in foil. followed was struggling to be successful in The first recipe for s’mores ap- and in the candy business. In 1886, on peared in the Girl Scout hand- 2015 his third try at a confectionary book in 1927. It is said that the Kraft company, he founded the Lan- name came from so many people Foods caster Caramel Company of Phil- asking for some more! Group adelphia. These caramels were merged especially delicious because they with condiment producer Heinz— were made from fresh milk and itself a company that dates back store managers couldn’t keep to 1869—to form Kraft Heinz. them on their shelves.

Jell-O: Originally Created by a It took until 1893 for Hershey to Cough Syrup Manufacturer? begin manufacturing chocolate. In 1897, Pearle Wait, a cough Hershey got his first taste of syrup maker developed a fruit- chocolate at the World’s Fair in flavored dessert using a new Chicago. He began coating his method to make instant gelatin. caramels in chocolate and estab- His wife, May David Wait, named lished a new business… this new food Jell-O. Wait wasn't Hershey’s Chocolate Company. great at marketing his new prod-

To pre-register for your guided tour of Pennypacker Mills, Call 610-287-9349 or email Pennypacker- [email protected]. Tours include two floors of the mansion, the new exhibit, Greetings from Schwenksville, and a stop at the Museum Shop for vintage inspired books, toys, décor and more! Suggested donation $2/ person. Maximum group size 10 people, please wear a mask, & social distance. Page 7

Please contact the site either by phone or email to pre-register for these programs. Group size will be limited to ensure social distancing, so call early! All participants must wear a mask & social distance.

Call 610-287-9349 or email: [email protected]

Springtime Workshop for Kids Saturday, March 6th 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Join us in the Classroom Building as we create unique springtime crafts that reflect Easter and the coming warmer weather. There will be a card, two hanging crafts & a wonderful Easter banner to stretch across a window or fireplace!

For ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult. Limit 1-2 children & 1 adult; 5 families per session. Fee: $5 per child

Tree Explore for Kids! Saturday, April 17th 10:00 to 11:00 am & 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Join us as we outsides to explore the trees at the Mills. We’ll discuss the parts of the tree, how it grows, identi- fy each one, and make a tree rubbing to take home! Dress for the weather and wear a mask.

For ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult. Limit 1-2 children & 1 adult; 5 families per session. Fee: $5 per child

Montgomery Board of Commissioners Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. Vice Chair Joseph C. Gale, Commissioner Pennypacker Mills 5 Haldeman Road Schwenksville, PA 19473

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Bring a chair or blanket to sit on the lawn for these fascinating performances. Wear a mask & social distance as our performers are on the mansion porch. Sponsored by The Friends of Pennypacker Mills. All Free

Saturday, May 22nd 4:00 pm Saturday, July 17th 7:00 pm Americana Music John Wanamaker, Merchant Performed by Tom Jolin Portrayed by Bob Gleason Tom plays traditional American music, mixing Civic-minded and charitable, Wanamaker fostered a vocals with the hammer dulcimer, banjo, button progressive relationship with his employees. He made accordion, Harmonica and more. it possible for them to go to school and built a vacation amusement place for employees to use on the Saturday, June 26th 7:00 pm weekends. Alice Paul, Suffragette Portrayed by Alisa Dupuy Saturday, August 14th 4:00 pm Meet Alice Paul, the author of the equal rights amend- Songs & Singing Games for ment and the driving force behind women’s obtaining the right to vote in 1920. Ms. Paul will the Whole Family describe her experiences as a suffragette and bring Performed by Stacy Roth & Bob Dupre home the importance of the cause that Enjoy rhymes, riddles, & rounds with songs guided her whole life. accompanied with guitar, fife, penny whistle, & drum. Kids can invent rhymes & riddles, sing, clap and jiggle.