Features
This photo, taken about 1870, shows the original owners of the Jacob Ruth Funeral Home. From left, back row, William Fisher, his son Jacob H. Fisher and James Gold, who worked for Jacob Fisher for 50-60 years. William Fisher died in 1873. The girl with the cat (front row, middle) may be Jacob Fisher’s daughter Sara Fisher, who married James D.M. Ruth. The two older women are unknown.
It has often been said that the two things no one can avoid are death and taxes, which might explain why the Jacob Ruth Funeral Home has been a Chestnut Hill institution for almost 175 years.
Read more.
A vintage view

When I met the woman who'll stand at Paine Plaza

You may have read recently that the city of Philadelphia is seeking artists to create a statue to honor the late civil rights lawyer and economist Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander.

The first big snow

Monday’s storm brought 1.8 inches of snow to the Philadelphia region, closing schools and blanketing the Northwest, including the Christ Ascension Lutheran Church on Germantown Avenue.
2024 headlines that hit home

Lives we lost: Remembering those who left a lasting legacy

Northwest Philadelphia lost some remarkable individuals in 2024, each leaving behind legacies that helped shape the region's landscape.

CH Friends Meeting finds spiritual fulfillment in going green

Meeting members have embraced environmental action as both a practical necessity and a spiritual calling.

Christmas carolers keep 71-year Hill tradition alive

After decades, some traditions become ingrained in the culture of a neighborhood. Caroling at the Crèche is one such event.
Local Calendar
Community Feature

Chestnut Hill’s newest restaurant will be a hybrid concept combining a bakery-cafe, diner and neighborhood pub.

Obituaries
Media scholar and military leader Howard Myrick dies
Howard A. Myrick, 90, was a longtime resident of West Mt. Airy and a professor emeritus in communications and media.
Longtime Woodmere museum personality dies at 74
Stephen Kerzner, the longtime director of the store at Woodmere, died of stroke complications.
Local mother of four was known for her kindness
Philomena Rush, 90, a beloved Wyndmoor resident for 56 years who was born in Northern Ireland as one of 13 siblings, died Nov. 6.
Acclaimed dance pioneer Judith Jamison dies at 81
Judith Jamison, a groundbreaking performer who grew up in Germantown and later became director of the landmark Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, died Nov. 9.
From pushcart to justice: ‘People’s lawyer’ Jerome Balka dies
Jerome (Jerry) Balka was a lawyer and community activist who championed Philadelphia street vendors and social justice causes.
Business
A successful shop announcing its closure usually signals trouble. But for Zsa's Ice Cream, the decision to close at the end of 2025 comes at the height of success.
Holly Colino found her calling through tears and heartbreak when a quiet voice whispered: "Move With Love."
Read this week's E-edition
Crime

Crime Report

The following is for crimes reported for the period from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5.

Crime report

The following is for crimes reported for the period from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15.

Homes and Gardens

Likes and pins are nailing us into a coffin of the banal

At their inception, online platforms showcasing images of aspiring homes were evocative and inspiring. No more.
Design Matters

Hotels: A great summer ‘getaway’

Have you ever considered a summer respite at two fabulous boutique city hotels?
Design Matters

Hidden gems for home decor at a new local ReStore

I used to drive all the way to Maple Shade to browse the treasures that can be found at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. But now I don't have to.

When renovating, windows and doors need special care

When preserving historic architecture, which brings so many benefits to a community, including sustainability, windows and doors carry particular importance.

New Habitat for Humanity ReStore in the Neighborhood

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia recently opened the doors to its second ReStore, following the popular example of its South Philadelphia counterpart. The new store and donation center, located at …

Sports

GA wrestlers triumph at SCH

Less than 45 minutes after last Friday's wrestling meet at SCH got underway, the host Blue Devils were rolling up the mats.

Mount, SCH, and Penn Charter all went into holiday break with wins

On consecutive days, three girls' basketball teams from the area won their final games before the holiday hiatus.

CHC women head into break with big West Chester win

The women of Chestnut Hill College closed out the pre-Christmas portion of their basketball season with a convincing victory.

In the first two basketball games they played last week, the girls of Germantown Academy defeated a top team.

From professional squash to youth baseball, Northwest Philadelphia's athletes and teams dominated their respective sports in 2024.
The girls of Germantown Academy defeated one of the top teams in the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies, and a former league member.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's young ice hockey team opened its season last Tuesday on its home rink.
The girls of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy secured their first victory, defeating Lawrenceville School.
Schools

Montgomery County Community College celebrated the graduation of 28 nursing students.

A new year brings new reasons for celebration at Chestnut Hill College, with the continuation of its 100th anniversary and new programs.

Chestnut Hill College announced it will add women's flag football and women's golf to its athletic program.

Opinion & letters
Editorials
Not that we want to brag – well OK, we do – but 2024 was the second year in a row that the Chestnut Hill Local was a statewide award winner.
Letters to the editor
About Chestnut Hill
CHCA Agenda
All meetings are open to the public. To register for any of the Zoom meetings go to: https://www.chestnuthill.org/meetings.php.
Crosswalk danger draws city response
After a close call when a speeding car nearly struck a mother and child, Chestnut Hill residents will meet with city and state officials next week.
Pollinators and new research coming to Morris Arboretum
Institutions like the Morris are de facto arbiters of important public conversations about climate change and biodiversity.
CHBD: Expect more growth for small biz
We approach the new year with momentum and optimism built upon three previous years of growth and success in our business district.  
A big year of preservation wins for CH Conservancy
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy reflects on preservation victories, impactful programs and vital community support.
X