by Lori Salganicoff This week, we are diving into the Conservancy’s Archives to bring you some of the proud history of the nation’s oldest country club. Chestnut Hill first became a destination for leisure activities because of its elevation, cool breezes, countryside, and the natural beauty of the Wissahickon gorge. English hosiery weavers living in […]
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by Alex Bartlett In 2007, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy (then the Chestnut Hill Historical Society) received an invaluable donation by the Chestnut Hill Local of a collection of thousands of photographs taken by Local staff members for publication in the community newspaper. Since then, volunteers and staff of the conservancy have been cataloging the collection, […]
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by Peter Saylor, FAIA Recognized as a National Historic District, Chestnut Hill has been described by David Contosta and Carol Franklin in their book, “Metropolitan Paradise,” as an assemblage of “delectable details” formed by a sympathetic bond responding to original land forms, connecting fabric of forest vegetation, natural materials, and an astonishing variety of housing […]
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by Alex Bartlett, Archivist, Chestnut Hill Conservancy As the month of June draws to a close, it is signal for many that summer has arrived. Many will travel “down the Shore” to enjoy the waves of the ocean and a cool breeze. Some will turn their attention to other summer activities, including making their way […]
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by Kevin Hughes Chestnut Hill is one of the region’s most beautiful and architecturally distinguished communities. Flanked by the spectacular Wissahickon Gorge and Cresheim Valley, it began as a rural farming and milling community in the early 1700s and became the site of one of the first planned suburban communities in the 19th century. With […]
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by Shirley Hanson, Chestnut Hill Conservancy A few weeks ago, a three-bedroom stone house on Navajo Street sold for “close to the highest dollar per square foot in Chestnut Hill.” There was demand: Nearly 20 showings over the course of four days resulted in six families placing offers. I talked with Troy Brady, who, with […]
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by Alex Bartlett, Archivist, Chestnut Hill Conservancy The construction of the Chestnut Hill East and West railroads in Chestnut Hill caused significant and permanent changes to the landscapes adjacent to the two lines. Most of the rights of way along both lines, however, were quite rural at the time of their construction, and, therefore, the […]
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by Patricia Cove Brad Bank has found his calling. Following stints as a lawyer, real estate agent and antique automobile restorer, he has combined his talents, and love of the “old,” into a fulfilling career in discovering and restoring historically significant buildings. Bank makes it clear, that he is not into “flipping.” He and his […]
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by Shirley Hanson, Chestnut Hill Conservancy This is the fifth year for the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Preservation Recognition Awards. One award praised Ann and Jack Kelly’s cornice restoration. The Kellys were unable to be present at the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 6. There to receive the award was the Meyer Restoration Team of […]
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by Lou Richman, Chestnut Hill Conservancy Anyone who spends even a short time in Chestnut Hill knows how crucially the community depends on reliable public train service to connect it to Center City and beyond. But no less important than utilitarian transportation to Chestnut Hill’s vitality and identity are the handsome train stations that grace […]
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