Call Number:

01

Repository:

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society

Extent:

14.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

circa 1850-2011

Creator:

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society.

Abstract:

The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society local history collection, circa 1850-2011, is comprised of original ephemera, photographs, receipts, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings. The materials pertain to businesses, schools, churches, and events in and around the Wissahickon School District in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, encompassing Whitpain, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd and other nearby areas.

The Wissahickon Valley is named for the creek that runs through central Montgomery County and into the City of Philadelphia, where it empties into the Schuylkill River. The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society documents the history of that portion of the valley that encompasses the Borough of Ambler and Townships of Whitpain and Lower Gwynedd. The Borough of Ambler was originally known as the Village of Wissahickon. From 1881 and for nearly a century, the borough's most prominent business was the Keasbey and Mattison Company, asbestos manufacturers. The palatial estate of company founder Dr. Richard V. Mattison, "Lindenwold," has been occupied by St. Mary's Villa for Children since 1936. Ambler was also the home of the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, one of the first schools in the nation to educate women for careers in horticulture and agriculture. The nearby townships of Whitpain and Lower Gwynedd are among the oldest in Montgomery County. Both settled by Quakers in the 17th century, Whitpain Township was established in 1701 and Lower Gwynedd Township in 1891 when it broke off from Upper Gwynedd.

This collection includes information on local businesses, schools, events, and churches. The records cover townships and boroughs in the Wissahickon Valley area, including Ambler, Whitpain, Blue Bell, Lower Gwynedd, and Philadelphia. The collection is comprised of original ephemera, photographs, receipts, pamphlets, and newspaper clippings. There are also secondary materials and histories compiled by the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society and its members.

Topics of special interest may include the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, Reading Railroad, the Keasbey and Mattison company, and Lindenwold Castle/St. Mary's Villa.