Rural Pennsylvania in the Vicinity of Philadelphia

Author: Samuel F. Hotchkin
Published by: G.W. Jacobs & Company, Philadelphia
Year: 1897
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Narberth

69 The Borough of Narberth lies on an elevation about 360 feet above tide level, giving every advantage of pure air and the best health conditions. The houses are picturesquely grouped on rolling ground, affording fine and varied landscape effects. Nineteen minutes (seven miles) from Broad Street Station, on the main line of Pennsylvania Railroad, it is more centrally located (for convenience of access) than many parts of the city itself. Pure spring water from deep artesian wells of the Spring Garden and Bryn Mawr Companies, absolutely assured from contamination, is furnished in abundance. Gas, electricity, well-lighted and macadamized avenues, and two systems of underground drainage give to the residents all the comforts of city life. The dwellings are of stone or brick, in tasteful architecture, arranged with a view to convenient and comfortable living, furnished with all modern improvements. Much attention is given to the lawns which surround each house, and landscape gardening is here a fine art. The business enterprise in the development of the town insures rapid growth.

Narberth is eminently a place of homes which shall be within the reach of average business men. The cost of living is not as great as at some suburban stations, yet the society is of a refined and congenial cast. Provision, trimming, and drug stores are centrally located. Competent physicians of both schools reside here.

The organization of a borough in 1895 at once placed Narberth in a position to make and sustain substantial improvements, and protect the interests of its citizens. A Board of Health looks after the sanitary conditions. The health of the community has become a subject of remark.

Narberth takes special pride in her educational facilities. Realizing that this is a matter of utmost importance to those wishing to find a home, special effort is made to have a school second to none. The fine stone school-house, elegantly appointed and furnished with every facility for good work, is surrounded by grounds picturesquely laid out with trees and shrubbery. The high grade of work done under the direction of the local School Board has already attracted wide attention.

Three active churches in different parts of the town offer abundant facilities for worship and religious activity.

The Baptist Church of the Evangel is located on the high ground just 70south of the railroad, at the corner of Narberth and Elmwood Avenues. It is a fine edifice of gray stone, well appointed for aggressive work. Services were begun in A. D. 1890, resulting in the organization of a mission in the following year. In November, 1893, it was recognized as an independent church. All branches of church activity and benevolence have been vigorously pushed forward. The Bible School is already pressing for larger accommodations. This church has formed a centre round which a congenial company of prominent Baptists have gathered, making no small inducement for those of this faith to make this their home.

The Presbyterian Church, corner of Windsor and Grayling Avenues, was destroyed by fire in January, 1896. Within a few days a temporary structure was provided which is now being replaced by a handsome stone building. The enterprise thus shown is indicative of the character of the church.

The erection of a Methodist Episcopal Church in Narberth was conceived in A. D. 1892, when a legacy was offered of $1,600 "for the purpose of purchasing ground for the erection of a church between Fifty-second Street and Ardmore." Ground was purchased at the corner of Essex and Price Avenues. The corner-stone was laid in November, 1892. When almost completed the church was burned to the ground. In spite of such discouragements the present building was completed and dedicated free of debt in October, 1895. It is an attractive building of stone, tastefully finished and furnished within, and stands on a commanding site.

The Narberth Field Club formerly had their club-house at the corner of Narberth and Haverford Avenues, but have since removed to their spacious quarters in their new home, at the southwest corner of Narberth and Windsor Avenues, their athletic field being at a short distance on the south side of the railroad.

The Fire Company is equipped with truck and engines, and give assurance of prompt aid in case of need.

Narberth is specially fortunate in her surroundings. Much of the finest scenery of Montgomery County lies within a short distance all about. The neighborhood abounds in Revolutionary and Colonial land-marks, fine macadam roads in all directions furnish unparalleled attractions for the wheel. Many business men ride to and from their city offices on their "bikes," gaining refreshment after the day's labors. In fine, the citizens of Narberth are well satisfied with their homes.

We add to this sketch, as far as the Baptist Church is concerned, that the beloved pastor of that church, Rev. Harold Kennedy, was born in Philadelphia, and was graduated at the University of Pennsylvania and Crozer 73 Theological Seminary. He has been very successful in his work at Narberth. At this writing he is absent for a short time on a journey to the Holy Land to see the places blessed by the presence of Christ.

We add a few items to the foregoing excellent description.

The Narberth public school-house is valued at $13,000.

There are about 150 fine houses in the borough, and a population of about 600.

Narberth was formerly called Elm, but in May, 1892, received the present name from a Welsh parish in Pembrokeshire. (See Glenn's Merion in the Welsh Tract, p. 390, for a reference to the Welsh parish.)

Narberth Park was the first change in name, but it was afterward restricted to Narberth.

On the brow of the hill due north of Narberth Station, facing the valley which extends far to the southwest, commanding a fine view of the same, is the home of Mr. Edward Forsythe, shown in a plate. Its southern exposure secures not only a delightful view but enjoys the winter sun, as well as the prevailing southwestern breezes of the summer. It is situated at the corner of Price and Narberth Avenues.

The ground, comprising three acres, was purchased of the Price estate, this estate having acquired title direct from William Penn. The house was built by the present owner in 1890, the first story being constructed of gray stone quarried in the neighborhood; the second story is of frame. The architect who planned the same was Mr. Charles W. Bolton, of Philadelphia.

Mr. Forsythe was born in Chester County, Pa., and was educated at Haverford College, Pa., and afterward carried his scientific studies further at Harvard University and other institutions, and for three years afterward was himself connected with educational work, being for a time associated with the well-known writer, Hamlin Garland. Mr. Forsythe's occupation has been, however, for a dozen years or more, that of handling investment securities, he being especially interested in the subject of irrigation in the Central Western States.

The Forsythes are of the Scotch-Irish race, and we have recently seen genealogical records tracing the family back to a very early period. Mrs. Forsythe's maiden name was Miss Yerkes, daughter of Jones Yerkes, Moorestown, N. J.

The Forsythes are a Gascon family, named from a French town on the Dordogne River, now Fronsac, according to Froissart's Chronicles. They are traced by tradition to the princely family of Navarre. Robert de Forsythe served in war under Bruce and is the ancestor of the Forsythes 74 in Great Britain, Ireland, and America.—Burke's Peerage. Some were warriors abroad or in this land. Bishop Stevens's History of Georgia notes Robert Forsythe, of Virginia, as a Revolutionary officer. The genealogy, which has been drawn out in detail, names many remarkable men.

The Methodist parish of Beth-Raffen had a church building located in the country north of Narberth, and was moved four or five years ago to the borough. Rev. C. H. Basford was in charge at the removal, and the construction of the new building of stone, which was burned in 1893: and the second one was built shortly after, and dedicated free of debt in October, A. D. 1895. D. Judge Denean, of Ardmore, was the architect of both buildings. Rev. T. H. Evans succeeded Mr. Basford, and was pastor at the dedication of the second church. These clergymen lived at Gladwynne, and served the parish there in connection with that at Narberth; but Narberth is now to have its clergyman for itself. Charles E. Kreamer is President and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, and George Super is Secretary. The Trustees are: Charles E. Kreamer, F. H. Prescott, Jacob Super, S. R. Marriner, George Super, F. Bicking, Jr, T. L. J. Russell, and K. Montgomery.

The Presbyterian Church

This church also was burned, and an appeal after the burning states that union services were at first held in Narberth by Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians, and when Presbyterians stood alone there was a struggle for life and development. We quote from the appeal: "The purchase of a lot and building and furnishing of a suitable chapel was a heavy strain upon the energy as well as the purses of the little band, but the work progressed satisfactorily, and in December of the same year (1891), the unpretending but neat frame chapel was duly dedicated.

"During many months the pulpit was occupied by young men from Princeton College, the greater part of the time by Rev. S. K. McClements (then not yet ordained), but now Pastor of a church at Pittston, Pa.; but in October. 1893, the congregation called Rev. Wm. Y. Brown. D. D., who has been the faithful and much-beloved Pastor ever since.

"While the fire was still smoldering, kind letters of regret and sympathy were received from officials of the Methodist and Baptist Churches, offering to do anything in their power to aid us, the former tendering us the exclusive use of their new Church every Sunday evening; but in the afternoon of the same day the President of our Board of Trustees called together the Pastor, officers, and a few friends, and, after a serious and thoughtful conference, it was determined that it would be wiser to maintain our organization on our own ground, and keep our children and the 77 young people from getting scattered; and a contract was then and there entered into with a member of our Church to erect a temporary building as quickly as possible—the task of erecting the building and procuring the necessary furniture, stove, books, papers, etc., for Church and Sunday-school work was completed in five days—thus enabling us to resume all the regular services on Sunday morning, January 19th, for which we are intensely thankful to our Heavenly Father."

The appeal was signed by Sylvester J. Baker, President; Freeman S. Belcher, Secretary and Treasurer, Board of Trustees. I add the present Elders and Trustees: Ruling Elders.—Freeman S. Belcher, Sylvester J. Baker, Samuel O. Walker. Board of Trustees.—Sylvester J. Baker, President; Freeman S. Belcher, Secretary and Treasurer; J. W. Caldwell, J. George Bucher, John K. Ketcham.

We quote further from the Narberth Citizen:

"The new church will occupy the same site as the building which was burned, and is in the centre of the town, only a short distance from the station, and when completed it will be a handsome addition to the architecture of Narberth. The general style of the building will be Italian Gothic, and Avondale granite will be used in the construction. The Sabbath-school department will adjoin the main auditorium, with the classrooms so arranged that they can all be thrown open and made a part of the church proper. Under the class-rooms there will be fitted out a kitchen and dining-room. The building as a whole will be complete and up-to-date, costing in the neighborhood of $15,000.

"It is a very artistic and well proportioned building, and will add greatly to our many new and attractive homes and buildings. This structure is a combination of Romanesque and Queen Anne style, with a dash of Italian Gothic here and there, to carry out the general effectiveness. The exterior main portion will be of home stone laid in broken range, rock-faced work, and with deep joints. Above and working in with the stone is the cedar shingle work, with its sweeps, curves, and swells, something entirely new in this part of the country.

"We must congratulate Mr. J. Gather Newsom, the well-known Philadelphia architect, on the originality of this design. The main roof and tower roof will have metallic shingles, with galvanized iron ridges and finish. The tower will be ninety feet in height, and is well proportioned. There will be three entrances, two in tower, and a combined entrance for both Sunday-school and auditorium.

"The open truss work, and with chestnut wood finish between the 78 trusses, together with the richly designed art glass windows, will present a very fine effect. There is room for future gallery." Rev. R. Graham, son of a Presbyterian clergyman in Philadelphia, is the present pastor.

The Borough of Narberth was incorporated the 21st day of January, A. D. 1895. A. H. Mueller was elected the first Burgess in February, 1895. The boundary lines are Montgomery Avenue on the north, Haverford Avenue on the east, Rockland Avenue on the south, and Wynnewood Avenue on the west.

Eight years ago what is now the borough was farm and pasture land, comprising the lands of Mrs. M. Fury, E. R. Price, Wm. Thomas. J. Aubrey Jones, Sarah Hagy, and S. C. Wood. The borough is divided by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The first Council was composed of R. H. Wallace, President; J. C. Simpson, A. A. Lowry, J. M. March, F. M. Justice, W. J. Jones, F. H. Harjes, W. H. Townsend, C. A. McClellan, and J. K. Ketcham.

Charles E. Kreamer's house faces on Forest Avenue, at the corner of Windsor Avenue. Mr. Kreamer is one of the first residents of Narberth.

The very pretty residence of bluestone and ornamental wood and partly rough-cast wall and shingle work, with tasteful designs, is encircled with a cozy piazza, and stone foundations are constructed to uphold its pillars with pleasing effect. A low osage orange hedge surrounds the grounds, and the light-colored stone gate-posts and corner boundary posts contrast well with the very verdant hedge. The lawn is adorned with flowers, and three large trees have kept their place amid modern change.

Many beautiful dwellings are around this place, and others are rising in this attractive suburb.

Mr. Kreamer's house was built in 1889, and purchased by him the same year.

Florencia

The place of Sylvester J. Baker, bearing the above name, at the corner of Iona and Haverford Avenues, is one of the most pleasing objects that meets the view in beautiful Narberth. The house was built A. D. 1891, Oscar Frotcher being the architect, and Joseph Dyson builder. It stands on an elevated terrace, and is constructed of bluestone from Rock Hill quarries. The architecture is pleasing in its variety of outline. The double bay-windows give cheerful light to two stories, and the tiled roofs of house and piazza and porte-cochère, and the balcony above one bay-window, and the hooded window above another, and the two dormer-windows that hug the chimney are striking features. The two sides of the house are varied in plan. The roof is broken into picturesque angles, while win81dows peep out at the beholder from every quarter. One bay-window juts out in the form of an oriole tower, with shingle work underneath it. This makes a pretty observatory from which to view the blooming flowers below. The rooms within are pleasant and comfortable, and modern improvements serve this modern dwelling. A honeysuckle vine brightens the iron fence which surrounds the grounds. Mr. Baker has resided here during all the year since 1891.

A. H. Mueller's pretty residence of stone and shingle on the corner of Forest and Windsor Avenues, with its picturesque dormer-windows and gables and piazza, is surrounded by a green hedge. Bethel, Davis & Bethel built the dwelling, and Mr. Mueller purchased it in A. D. 1891. He has been the Chief Burgess of Narberth. He is a native of Philadelphia, and was educated in its public schools, and is a lithographer and publisher in that city. He has always shown a deep interest in the development of Narberth.

T. Broom Belfield bought six acres of land for his beautiful countryseat from Edward Price in 1884, which had been in his family from the time of Wm. Penn, from whom the title was made.

Mr. Price died about six years ago, aged seventy-two. He was born and died on the farm. The old Columbia Railroad passed through the farm, and crossed one corner of the property, the original granite blocks upon which the rails were laid being in the ground, and of which Mr. Belfield built four gate-posts, which he calls four monuments of the first railroad to the West in this State. The roadway had been abandoned over thirty years before he bought his lot. The architect of the house, which is of wood and stone, with modern improvements, was Mr. James H. Windrim. Mr. Ensinger (now deceased) was the builder. The dwelling is on a high elevation. There is an artesian well and a rain-water cistern, and gas and electricity light the mansion. There is a stone and frame stable. There are two acres in lawn, enclosed by an iron fence. Mr. Belfield was born in Philadelphia in A. D. 1838, and educated in the public schools. He entered into the foundry and manufacturing business when of age at 435 North Broad Street, which business was established in 1847. He still continues at the same address, his father having died in 1890.

97

The following extract is from the Philadelphia Public Ledger, January 15th, 1897:

"Had Sheltered Washington's Horses.—A fire at Narberth last evening destroyed a stone barn on Montgomery Avenue, opposite the General Wayne Hotel, which has been a landmark here for more than a century and in which General Washington's troops were quartered on one occasion. The barn was the property of Miss Minnick, and was destroyed."