March 17, 1966

Tyrolean Village sets theme for Wissahickon rink pageant

A “Tyrolean Village” came to life on the ice at the Wissahickon Skating Club during the club’s annual ice carnival, bringing Alpine charm to a popular winter tradition. The themed pageant featured costumed skaters performing among village scenery, with the production conceived by James Earle and members of the carnival committee. Club skaters appeared in group and solo performances, while visiting U.S. Junior champions added star power to the event. Sixteen-year-old champion Misha Petkevich dazzled the crowd with a pair of solos, gliding across the ice in a gold-sequined jacket. Canadian National Pair Champions Susan and Paul Huehnergard also thrilled the crowd with a series of acrobatic routines.

Busy mother of 5 finds time to work for Easter Seals Fund

Busy mother of five from nearby Chesney Downs took a major volunteer role in support of the Easter Seals campaign. Mrs. Harold S. Cross Jr., of Preston Road, accepted an assignment with the Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, serving as special gifts chairman for Montgomery County. The annual appeal, which began March 1 and continued through Easter Sunday, supported programs providing speech, occupational and physical therapy for people with disabilities. Cross balanced the volunteer efforts with raising five children, whose ages ranged from 18 months to 16 years. She said she was glad to contribute even a “small part” to the campaign’s work. Volunteers like Cross played a vital role in raising funds for treatment centers and programs serving families throughout the Philadelphia area.

March 18, 1976

Hotel to reopen

The Chestnut Hill Hotel prepared to reopen after a refurbishing that updated the building while preserving an early American decorative style. Owner John Drury announced the hotel would welcome guests again on April 1, with 10 renovated rooms featuring private baths along with a new two-room suite and second-floor lobby area. Community Association aesthetics chairman Mrs. Edwin S. “Dottie” Sheffield assisted with guidance on the interior design. All 10 rooms were expected to be available for guests when the hotel reopened. Residents were invited to preview the refreshed space at an open house on April 4, with tours of the rooms and a cheese-and-wine reception planned in the second-floor lobby. The reopening marked a new chapter for one of Chestnut Hill’s longtime landmarks.

March 20, 1986

Grammy musician Clarence Brown to perform at Commodore Barry

Blues fans were in for a treat when Grammy Award-winning musician Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown was scheduled to perform at the Commodore Barry Club. The show, set for March 22 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., was arranged after previously scheduled performers were unable to appear. Known for his energetic blend of blues, country and jazz influences, Brown brought a national reputation to the neighborhood venue. The performance was organized by the Philadelphia Blues Machine, which promoted blues concerts throughout the region. Admission was listed at $9 in advance and $10 at the door, with a discounted rate for members. The late-night show promised an evening of lively music for local audiences in the Mount Airy area.

March 21, 1996

How to make a big splash

Fashion advice for the coming season made headlines in the spring style section, offering readers tips on how to “make a big splash” with swimwear and warm-weather looks. The feature highlighted trends in fabrics and design, noting that modern materials were allowing for more comfortable and versatile clothing. Designers were experimenting with new cuts and styles that blended practicality with fashion. The issue also introduced readers to designer Orlando Caquias, who had recently arrived in the area and was building a reputation in the local fashion scene. With experience in fashion design and merchandising, Caquias discussed his background and plans for new work in the region. The profile reflected the continued growth of creative industries around Chestnut Hill and nearby communities.

March 16, 2006

Special Olympics athletes head to the nationals

Area athletes prepared for a national stage as members of the local Special Olympics basketball team earned spots at the organization’s first-ever National Games. The athletes trained weekly through programs connected with Martin Luther King High School and training sites, working toward the chance to compete for gold medals. During a visit to the Franklin Institute, the athletes also received encouragement and tips from Sterling “Smooth” Forbes, of the Harlem Globetrotters. Several local players, including Lavar Gladd, Rasheed Holmes, Garry Simmons and Everett Yancy, were among those selected for the national competition. The games were scheduled to bring together more than 3,500 athletes from across the country that summer in Ames, Iowa.

March 17, 2016

Chestnut Hill green space initiative expands

Community efforts to preserve and expand tree coverage in Chestnut Hill are gaining momentum as the Chestnut Hill Green Space Initiative moves into a new phase. Organized by residents, businesses and local groups, the program aims to protect neighborhood green spaces while encouraging the planting of native trees that thrive in the local environment. Supporters say tree-lined streets not only add beauty but also help reduce pollution, manage stormwater and support local wildlife. The initiative builds on earlier successes, including the re-treeing of Germantown Avenue, where more than 70 new trees have been planted with the help of community volunteers and donations. Plans now include expanding the effort to residential streets and offering free street trees to residents.