I’m writing in response to your recent article (April 16, 2026) about the Chestnut Hill Community Centre building and want to share why it was called the Redheffer House for over 100 years, until Gertrude Woodward bought it in 1918.

In 1812, Charles Redheffer claimed to have discovered the secret of perpetual motion — an idea that fascinated inventors and skeptics alike for centuries.

Redheffer set up his machine in his home at 8419 Germantown Ave., where the Community Centre building stands today. The device was reportedly about eight by eight feet, and quickly became a popular attraction.

Redheffer capitalized on public curiosity by charging admission: five dollars for men while women were admitted free of charge. This venture proved very profitable, drawing crowds eager to witness what was purported to be a groundbreaking scientific achievement.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Within less than a year the machine was exposed as a hoax. By the time this became widely known, Redheffer had already left Chestnut Hill, continuing his caper in New York, Boston and Baltimore, where he reportedly found further, if temporary, success with his scheme.

Today, this curious episode in local history is not entirely forgotten. A miniature replica of Redheffer’s machine is housed at the Franklin Institute.

There was also a wonderful article in the Chestnut Hill Local about this building, written in September 1981 by Jeffrey Moak.

Susie ONeil

Wyndmoor