T he C hro n i c l e

T he
C hro n i c l e
A Publication of The Historical Society
March 2002 A.D.
of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen Valley, Inc.
Crosses from Around the World
O n Sunday, April 7th, at the
Dewees Museum, you wil l have
an unusual opportunity to see a
portion of an extraordinary ex­
hibit of crosses from England,
Gennany, Italy, and the Holy Land.
The crosses are from the private collection of
the Rev. Dr. Herbert H . M ichel who has
brought them back from his many trips to
various parts of the world . Dr. Michel will
personally speak to the visitors about some of
the unique crosses and tell of their meaning and
use in the areas in which they were obtained.
These 1 00 crosses out of his collection of 700
wil l include various styles such as Celtic ,
budded, and Maltese crosses. Roman Catholic
crucifixes and Greek and Russian Orthodox
crosses and their traditions will be included.
The traditions of our two museums go back to
the 1 8th Century with the four ordained
Muhlenberg Pastors who counted Henry
Muhlenberg House as home. What is known as
Dewees House was first known as the Andrew
Miller House. Pastor Muhlenberg spoke of
Andrew Mil ler as "My nearest neighbor." Mr.
Miller was a member of Augustus Lutheran
Church and his wife, Anna Marie Ewald, was a
member ofthe Refonned Church at Providence,
which at that time stood in the cemetery that
adjoins the museum. Thus, the culture and the
faith ofthat period in Trappe were related to and
exemplified by that faith expressed in the
penitence of Lent and the j oyous gift of eternal
life revealed in the Easter Resurrection.
The exhibit will be open the first three Sunday
afternoons in April-the 7th, 1 4th, and 2 1 st­
from 1 :30 to 4 :00pm. Dewees Museum i s
located at 3 0 1 W . Main Street i n Trappe. Dr.
Michel will speak at 2:00pm on each of the
Sundays. The exhibit is open to the public
without charge, but contributions wil l be ap­
preciated to help maintain the museum for
future generations. Some parking is also avail­
able at Muhlenberg House, which does not
•!•
happen to be open that day.
•
Volume XXXI No. 1
The President's Message
Dear Friends:
As we begin the New Year 2002, we can reflect on the past. The
horrific images ofSeptember 1 Ith and all that has happened since
makes us ever mindful of the danger around us and in our country.
In spite ofall the negative events, our Society prospered in the
year 2001. We made great strides on various projects such as the
five-plate stove. We lookforward to its dedication in the Spring or
Summer of this year. Various improvements were made to the
building behind Muhlenberg House. Our programs for the past
year were outstanding and very well attended We had two very
successful dinners and speakers in the Spring and Fall.
A special opening will take place after Easter highlighting a
cross collection of over JOO examples ofstyles, shapes, and
materials from all over the world
One major project that we will undertake this year is to build a
handicap accessible ramp at Dewees Museum 's rear entrance. We
will need the support of members and the community to complete
this very important project. You will hear more about this in
upcoming editions of " The Chronicle. "
Come and visit us, write us, and support us this year. The
Historical Society is one of the greatest assets of our community.
Yours Faithfully,
��
Dr. Herbert H Michel, ' 'President
A Century of Easter Customs
Many of the young people of the present generation have not seen the
customs that were a part of ethnic Easter observances of the 20th century.
The nest that the Easter Rabbit made during the night to be found the next
morning by the children will be seen in the Dewees Museum exhibit on the
three Sundays after Easter on April 7th, 1 4th, and 2 1 st. There are beautiful
church school lesson pictures from the 1 920s. Picture postcards of Easter
wil l also be a part ofthe exhibit, along with a chicken sitting on
a nest of twigs. Do you know how to make Pennsylvania
Gennan onionskin eggs? Do you want to see some 75-yearold rabbits?
We invite you to keep alive a heritage that can help to strengthen family
•!•
life-bring your children and grandchildren.
�
Our Largest A rtifacts
From The Journals of
Henry Melchior M uhlenberg
1 782
March 3 1 , Easter Sunday.
Weather very cold
md dry. I went to Aug(ustus] Church, found a
fairly l arge congregation, preached on the chief
fruit of the resurrection of the crucified Saviour
::if the world, namely, peace with God.
( I ) How
richly it is o ffered to men. (2) How meagerly it
is accepted by men.
Announced that service
would be held here a week from today and went
home. In the afternoon, about two o' clock, an
�Ider, Joh. Georg Schweinhard, came with a
horse to take me to New Hannover.
Stayed
overnight with Mr. Eigner. Gave the children 3 s .
2d. Conversed with Mons. Cashow.
April 1 , Easter Monday.
Cold, raw wind. I
went to the church, found a large congregation.
Among the hearers was the volunteer preacher,
Michael
Schmidt,
who
has
hitherto
been
preaching in the Oly Mountains and has now
accepted a call to Culpepper in Virginia. After
the service he came to me and asked whether I
had anything against this. The answer was No.
After the sermon I announced that I would again
hold service on S unday two weeks, hence, God
willing, install the two new deacons of the
congregation e l ected in March 1 1 , and on the
Monday following begin instruction ofthe young
people, for which the parents and relatives were
to register them.
1 784
April 1 1 , Easter Sunday.
floor are carefully finished with a decorative ....•••••••••••••
groove cut along the lower part of each side. We have many of the original floor
boards sti ll in place. The east part of the building was built circa 1 740, the m iddle
part 1 800, and the west part circa 1 830.
With these choice historic buildings, this means that every bit of repair work that
is done should be considered restoration with materials of the period in which it was
built. This will mean that people will drive miles to see and study the buildings
•!•
themselves, not only the artifacts, books, and documents they contain.
Dewees Improvements and Repairs
Stormy, windy
weather. It was reported that a large congrega­
tion of hearers assembled at the Reformed
church and the newly arrived m inister preached
a fine half-hour sermon on Romans 4 : 2 3 - 2 5 .
W e had fa m i l y worship. I n t h e evening I wrote
a
Artifacts, books, and documents are the principal parts of a museum. What are the
largest artifacts for which we must care? Our largest artifacts are our buildings-the
Dewees House and the Henry Melchior M uhlenberg House. Both are treasured 1 8th
century masterpieces. People come as much to see and understand the buildings as
they do the artifacts, books, and documents they house.
During the restoration of the Henry M uhlenberg House, great care and expense
were involved to have every part of it done in the original design with authentic
materials down to the nai ls, paint colors, .------.
and window glass. The 1 8th century trim
Group Tours . . . for Henry
work discovered under the 1 9th century
Muhlenberg House and Dewees
modernization were faithfully reproduced
Museum must be scheduled in
so that Pastor Muhlenberg on returning to
advance. A suggested contribution
visit would say, "It is wonderful ! It is the of $2. 00 per person per museum is
same as when I l ived here ! "
encouraged to help with museum
The so-called Dewees House, which
maintenance costs-larger con­
could be called the Andrew M i ller House, is
tributions are welcomed Gifts go
directly to the work of the
extraordinary because so much of the
museums. For reservations, call
interior ofthe eastern part ofthe building is
Dr. John Shetler, Museum Director
still in its original 1 8th century condition.
I
Historian (61 0-489-2624).
The cei ling beams and j oists on the second
few lines to my daughter, M rs. Kuntze,
acknowledging the letters received yesterday and
stating that I must return to her the letter to
Mons Stroth, along with the envelope, because
he was probably in Philadelphia. The postage
must be paid by him to whom the letter
belonged.
The Board of Directors has approved the beginning of planning and determining of
cost to make the Dewees Museum handicap accessible. At present, there is one
doorway on the west end that has only one step. This is being examined as a possible
low-cost method for this improvement.
The back stone steps and stone patio area also need repainting to provide for safe
walking.
It is important to remember during the ten-year restoration of Henry Muhlenberg
House, it was not possible to continue the restoration maintenance for the Dewees
House. It will take us some time to catch up in this work. Also, please remember the
Society does not begin work unti 1 the money is in the treasury. We make every dollar
count and save money by not having to pay interest. Please clip and mail the gift
•!•
certificate below.
,- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---.,
C E RT I FI CATE
· he Historical Society of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen
/al le} . Inc , 1s a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, a SOl (c)(3).
xempt organization under the U.S Internal Revenue Code, and
; registered \\ 1th the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau
1f Charitable Organizations
"he official registration and financial information of The
i1stoncal Society of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen Valle) ,
nc., may be obtained from the Penns) lvania Department of State
1y calling toll-free, within Pennsy lvania, 1 -800-732-0999.
tegistratlon does not imply endorsement
�ontnbutlons to The Historical Society ofTrappe, Collegeville,
'erkiomen Valle) , Inc. are tax deductible to the extent allO\\ed
•Y law
0
F
G I
F T for DEW EES HANDICAP RA
MP
I Enclosed is a check made payable to The Historical Society.
I Designated for:
-------­
! In the Name o� --------�! In Memory o� -�-------�I
1
Street
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L
D $25
City
0 $50
State
D $ 1 00
D $500
Zip
D $1,000
Tel.
D Other
_:_1i� � Mail� : Th e Historic�Society �-�Box 267� Collegevil � PA _!?426-070�
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·- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
,
Become a Volunteer!
Your membership fonn/dues payment will be grate­
fully received at Dewees Museum on April 7th.
1 4th, or 2 1 st ( I :30 to 4:00pm). or it may be mailed.
Life Members may wish to use the Certificate of
G ift (page 2) for a contribution and designate the
purpose of their gift.
I am interested in discussing the following:
D Museum Committee Membership
D Becoming a Museum Docent
D I have the following Craft Experience:
D Learning a Craft
I
Tel. No.
Name
I
I
Address
l\lail to:
Volunteer
- The Historical Society
P.O. Box
26708
Renew Your Membership for 2002
INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP: 2002
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College\·ille
PA
�o Pi:BOns
19-'26-0708 I1
· - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Regular
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rhe original plates for the second five-plate stove are now at the
-I. D. Pattern Company on 4th Avenue in Trappe. In several weeks,
hey will be taken to the Unicast Foundry in Boyertown.
It is expected that the dedication at Henry Muhl enberg House
Nill take place late Spring or early Summer. The two stoves are of
iifferent sizes and designs. The larger stove will be in the
;outhwest comer room, the Stubbe, and fits i nto the back of the fi replace in the
dtchen. The small stove will be in the northeast back comer room, the Kammer, and
•:•
.vi i i fit into the end of the fireplace i n the southeast comer front room.
Route 113 Heritage Corridor
Schrack
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E,
$ 1 5.00
E,
Life
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Tel No.
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1
$ 1 0.00
E,
Student
Second Five-Plate Stove in Process
E,
$ 2 . 00
$ 1 00.00
------
Checks Payable to. The Historical Society
On Saturday , January 1 9th, Society President Michel, Robert
Mail to : Richard Holcombe
Meschke, and John Shetler attended what was titled
P.O. Box 26806
"Historical Societies Summ it" at Mennonite Conference
Collegeville, PA 1 9426-0806
Center in Souderton.
I
Those attending represented h istorical societies located L
along the Route 1 1 3 corridor, from Route 6 1 1 in Bucks
County to the Chester County l ine. Each Society was given an
C A L E N D A R 2 0 0 2 A.D.
opportunity to share a few m inutes of its story.
There will be Route I 1 3 Heritage Corridor signs available
o mark the society bui ldings and other historic sites such as Old Augustus C hurch.
rhere will be other meetings in the future and maps available for the corridor. •:•
April 7
Crosses from Around the World
_ _ ____________
·
·
·
·
·
I :30 - 4 . 00pm
2 : 00pm
THESEARE TO CERTIFY WHOJffT,'vl4 YCOSCERS. THA TBYA UTHORITYOFA UCESCE
DA TED PHILADELPHIA, THE nVENn FOURTH DA y OF FEBRUARY 1 -s-1 .\IR. JESSE
BEA1\" AND MISS HANNAH LA NE. Sl1\"GLE PERSOS. WERE LA WFULL Y JOISTED
TOGETHER IN HOL Y MA TRIMONY O.\' THE nVESTY Sl,\TH DA y OF FEBRUAR r AS.\"O
DOMINI01\'E THOUSAND SEJ'ENHUNDREDA.\"D EJGHTYFOUR B Y.\IE. AS WITSESS.\tr
HA ND
HEi\"R Y MUHLESBERG SESR
PROTESTA XT .\11.\'JSTER
An original signed marriage record was recently p urchased. It will be conserved in the near
future. It is interesting to note that this marriage is recorded in The Journals of Henry
1\Ielchior Muhlenberg:
April 1 4
De\\ees Museum
Re\ . Dr. Herbert M. �lichel Speaks
Crosses from Around the World
I :30
· 4:00pm
2 : 00pm
June 2 ·
August 3 1
De\\ees Museum
Re' . Dr. Herbert M . Michel Speaks
I :30 - 4:00pm
April 22 June I
·
Crosses from Around the World
2 : 00pm
April 2 1
·
De\\ ees Museum
Re\ . Dr. Herbert M . Michel Speaks
Both Museums Open b) Appointment
{Sunda) S)
M useum s Open
1 : 30 - 4 :00pm
Both
February 25, 1 784, Wednesday. Jesse Bean of Worcester Township Philadelphia
County desired to be married tomorrow. God willing. to our neighbor Edward
Lane's daughter Hannah Lane and showed me a licence of His Honor James Ewing
Vice President, etc., dated Phyla, February 24th, 1 784.
February 26, 1 784, Thursday. Today 1 married Jesse Bean and Hannah Lane in the
presence of witnesses.
I
_J
Henry Muhlenberg House
De" ecs Museum
The Chronicle
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
a publication of
U . S . POSTAGE PAID
The Historical Society
COLLEGEVILLE
1 9426
of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen VaOey, Inc.
P. O. Box 26708
Collegeville PA
Tel:
19426-0708
PA
PERMIT NO. 9
6 1 0-489- 7560
Board ofDirectors
Dr. Herbert H. Michel, President
Maureen R. Ruggiero, /st Vice President
Phyllis V. Parsons, Treasurer
Dr. Charlotte
M.
Witmer, Secretary
Anna F. Schrack, Corresponding Secretary
Dr. John C. Shetler, Museum Director/Historian
The Rev. William Fluck, Chaplain
Ivan W . Hess, M.D., Past President
The Rev. Robert E. Home, Chaplain Emeritus
Lawrence G. DiPiano
Richard A. Holcombe
Myma Knaide
Raymond Spaid
C.
Dr. John
Shetler, Ed itor
Myrna Knaide, Managing E d i tor
M-K
Computi n g Serv i ces
Printed by Pro Copy
APRIL 2002 NEWSLETTER
Write to the Editor at:
300 W . 3 rd Avenue
Trappe, PA 1 942 6-2226
6 1 0-489-2624
Please, Do Not Delay!
G i ft s a n d R e m e m b r a n e e s
Prints o(Dewees Tavern (rom a Watercolor by Eugene Bechtel
Notebook o(a Colonial Clergyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10. 00
(These are limited edition prints. Only 250 were made. When the supply
Er:cerptsfrom Muhlenberg 's Journals
is exha11sted, there will not be another printing.)
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$40. 00
Matted Signed Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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$55. 00
Signed Print
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$65.00
Matted Artist 's Proof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map, ltinerarv ofWashington 's Army in Montgomerv Countv . . . . $3.00
Army Crosses Schuylkill at Parkerford and Some Units Camp in Trappe
T-Shirts:
Some T-shirts are available.
Three different logos: Old Style
Framed Signed Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1 25.00
M11hlenberg House, New Style Muhlenberg Ho11se, and Emblem of
Framed Artist 's Proof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1 35.00
Trappe . Large, Medium. , Small, and Children 's sizes.
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Tiles with Trappe Emblem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prints o(M11hlenberg House Watercolor by Eugene Bechtel
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$50.00
Signed Artist 's Proof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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$ 75. 00
The Restoration o(The Muhlenberg Ho11se . . . . . . .
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Signed Print .
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by Dr. John C. Shetler, 32-page p11blication with color photos
Er:cerpts on Collegeville and Trappe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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$3.00
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$ 7. 00
By Dr. William T. Parsons
$ / 0. 00
VCR. Dewees Tavern and M11hlenberg Ho11se, 1st Series
VCR. Restoration o(Muhlenberg Ho11se . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$6.00 and $8.00
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Bill o(Rights (Facsimile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1 0. 00
$ 1 . 00
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$ 1 . 00
Perkiomen Bridge A-lugs (1799- 1 999) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00
Models by Marbie Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 each
Dewees Tavern, Muhlenberg House, A11g11stus Lutheran Church
M11hlenberg Plate, by Lester Breininger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1 00.00
Call Dr. Ivan Hess (610) 489- 7622
Notecards by J11lie Longacre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4. 50
Dewees Tavern, Muhlenberg House
Sketched Map, 1 9th Centu1" Main Street, Collegeville and Trappe
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print: $ 15. 00
Framed: $ 1 00.00
Contains the Signat11re of Frederick M11/ilenberg
Items may be obtained at the Dewees Museum on the last Tuesday of each
Anniversa1" Book o(Trappe
2 75th - Pictures, Historical Sketches, B11sinesses
$2.00
month (except December).
7:30 to 8:30pm, and scheduled Sunday
openings-or leave a recorded message at 61 0-489- 7560.
Tllouglttful, Meaningful Gifts/or Family and Friends . . . Decorative, Educatio11al Mementos/or Your Home
. . . from The Historical Society of Trappe, Collegeville, Perkiomen Valley