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Views of Narberth Past

Civil War commemoration 1938

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Image source: Collection of the Lower Merion Historical Society

Addresses in view: 212 Sabine Ave., 216 Sabine Ave.

modern view of the historical image seen from the same viewpoint
24 Dec 2017

On May 20, 1938, Narberth Public School presented "A Nation Rises, An Historical Pageant in Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Constitution" with scenes with Indians and early settlers through World War I. For the episode "Preserving a Nation", depicting the Battle of Gettysburg, boys dress up in Union and Confederate uniforms. The 75th Anniversary of the battle that summer was the last to host veterans of the Civil War.

Within a few years, many of these 12 and 13-year-olds would be serving in World War II and appear in the Narberth Roll of Honor.

From the pageant program (in the collection of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania):

The location of the photo is the Narberth School playground, in 2024 divided between a parking lot and Sabine Park.

Updated January 14, 2024.