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A Walking Tour of The Oak Road and Vicinity

On April 20, 2024, Steve Peitzman and Nancy Pontone led a tour of The Oak Road. Click here to see the tour description. Here are a few of the historic sites that we saw:
Alden Park; Steel’s Stone Stable; Henry W. Brown residence (Timmons House); Ivy Cottage; Memorial Church of the Good Shepherd 

Click here to see photos from the tour.

ANOTHER SIDE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR: OCCUPIED EAST FALLS

Remember the Hessians? They are the German mercenaries who were routed by Washington’s troops in Trenton after the famous “Washington’s Crossing” on Christmas night, 1776.

Just nine months after their rout in Trenton, they were part of the British force that captured the city of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777. Most of the Hessians moved on to Falls of Schuylkill. The January column in East Falls NOW tells of their unwelcome encampment.

From psychiatric research hospital to modernist living: The Tower at Henry

Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (EPPI) opened in 1956 as a research and training hospital designed to foster advances in understanding and treatment of the mentally ill. After it stood empty for many years, the site has been redeveloped by New Cortland, a senior services provider. The November column in East Falls NOW tells the history of EPPI and the conversion of the International-Style building into apartments.

East Falls Historical Society has recorded more than 60 oral histories! Here are the latest:

Head of School at Penn Charter from 1976 – 2007, Dr. Earl Ball discusses his challenges, achievements, and memories of his years there.

Marie Boyle, a lifetime Fallser, grew up on Bowman Street; later, she and her husband George bought the house next door to her parents where they raised six children. Marie shares memories of her life in “The Falls, focusing on St. Bridget School and Church, and working at MCP.

Sister Dorothy, a lifelong Fallser and St. Bridget parishioner, describes her journey becoming a nun and a teacher at St. Bridget School.  A natural storyteller, she relates memories of old East Falls – Gustine Lake, Alden Theater, Hohenadel Brewery, the Kellys, and local stores.