Sept. 29, 1966

‘Dulce et decorum est’ at the Orange Ell

The Orange Ell, Chestnut Hill’s teenage center, is tightening up on its rules. William T. Longstreth, president of the junior board, announced Monday that henceforth, no one will be admitted unless he or she is dressed in proper attire, i.e., ties and jackets for boys and skirts for girls. Also, no one under 16 will be admitted, and visitors must be ready to prove they are of age if challenged. Previously, 15-year-olds were allowed. Finally, a cost boost has been levied. A six-month membership fee has been raised from $3 to $5, and admission for non-members at the door has been raised from 50 cents to 75 cents (well, kids, that’s inflation for you). Also, a policy change on entertainment was approved. Only one dance per month will be held, at which time a rock and roll dance band or combo will be hired. Other evenings will be devoted to a variety of pursuits including discussions, seminars, films, discotheques, even poetry readings. Other evenings will be reserved for “unstructured” entertainment with conversation, cards, music and such.

Sept. 30, 1976

A walk in the Wissahickon

Just across from Devil’s Pool, beside the roof shelter, can be seen Shakespeare Rock, with its carved quotation from the play, “The Two Gentlemen from Verona,” describing the course of a similar stream from source to ocean. Beyond, the trail crosses open ledges high above the dammed stretch where still water sometimes freezes for skating. Valley Green Inn can be seen across the stream through open glades. The path comes to the bridge, and the walk is over. The inn is ready with hospitable (but not alcoholic) refreshments of all kinds.

Oct. 2, 1986

Ambulance seeks volunteers

Wanted: Ambulance volunteers. No pay. Flexible hours. No experience necessary. We will train. Must be 18 or over and have a valid driver’s license. As want ads go, this one isn’t likely to draw the attention of MBA grads. But the Springfield Ambulance Association is hoping it will pique the interest of local college students and residents who spend at least part of every day in Springfield Township. Volunteer drivers and attendants are urgently needed. Up until recently, the ambulance had little difficulty answering calls for help during the day, thanks to a corps of dedicated volunteers. But this enviable record of service to the township is in danger of being broken. The need for volunteers has never been more acutely felt. During the most recent fiscal year, the ambulance answered a record 704 calls compared to 659 the previous year.

Oct. 3, 1996

Battle of Germantown in 15th year

With five cannon and more than 500 soldiers, musicians, ministers, peddlers, camp followers and costumed colonials signed up to take part, the 1996 Battle of Germantown reenactment at Cliveden is guaranteed to be the biggest, brightest and loudest living-history event around. The 15th annual reenactment will take place on Oct. 5 while simultaneously, the country fair on the grounds of neighboring Upsala will offer crafts, children’s entertainment and food. In between reenactments, visitors are invited to participate in a dedication ceremony for a state historical marker commemorating the Battle of Germantown. At the conclusion, the British 43rd Regiment of Foot, one of the nation’s oldest living-history organizations, will retire colors that they have carried since the Bicentennial.

Oct. 6, 2006

Last of rare bookshops closes its doors

The smell of old books, their pages yellowed with age and covers cracked from the hands of many readers, greets the visitor who enters Gilmore’s Book Shop — or at least what was Gilmore’s Book Shop. This unique, old-fashioned, rare and used-book store on Chestnut Hill Avenue, just off Bethlehem Pike, closed its doors officially on Saturday, two weeks after owner Hugh Gilmore was informed that the adjacent business, which leased him the space, was going to use it for an expansion. “This was the last of the old-time, weird and curious bookshops,” Gilmore said. Weird and old-time it was, too. The walls were filled with all kinds of printed matter: risque French novels, comic books, a Sears catalog from 1947, old Valentine cards, children’s books, a geology textbook from 1848 and a 1940 Germantown Friends School yearbook.

Sept. 29, 2016

Nominations sought for architectural hall of fame

In recognition of the extraordinary architectural legacy of Chestnut Hill, the Chestnut Hill Historical Society has created the “Architectural Hall of Fame” to honor the community’s most treasured spaces. There are 10 nominees, including several nominated by the public, including buildings, structures and landscapes that are groundbreaking and/or significant because of their design, craftsmanship or of historical significance because of an association with an event, person or because of its age. The nominees are Ferndale, at 100 Summit St.; Edgecumbe, 8860 Norwood Ave.; Anglecot, 401-409 E. Evergreen Ave.; Morris Arboretum, at Meadowbrook and Hillcrest avenues; Chestnut Hill Fire Station, 101 W. Highland Ave.; Church of St. Martin-in-the Fields, 8000 St. Martin’s Lane; Krisheim, 7638 McCallum St.; High Hollow, 101 W. Hampton Road; Efnemheim, 416 W. Moreland Ave.; and 614 St. Andrews Road.