Hopewell Furnace to Celebrate 80th Birthday Aug. 4

The "cast house" at Hopewell furnace National Historic Site.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

Hopewell Furnace NHS will celebrate Establishment Day on Saturday, Aug. 4. This free celebration is special this year for we celebrate the 80th birthday as a unit of the National Park Service.

Hopewell Furnace became a unit of the National Park Service on Aug.3, 1938 and was originally known as Hopewell Village National Historic Site. In 1985, Congress changed the park’s name to Hopewell Furnace. 

Eighty years after its founding, Hopewell Furnace remains one of a small number of National Park units devoted to our nation’s industrial history.

Activities will begin at 10 a.m. and continue to 4 p.m. throughout the historic site. 

Programs and demonstrations will be staged throughout Hopewell Furnace. They include moulding and casting demonstrations in the cast house, weaving and spinning, cast iron cooking and more. 

There will be a special program at 1 p.m. highlighting Hopewell Furnace’s history, featuring a prominent regional historian and author, Dan Graham. The subject of Mr. Graham’s talk will be the 18th Century Ironmaster Samuel Nutt. 

Following the end of the presentation there will be birthday cake. Mr. Graham will also be available to sign copies of his new book Samuel Nutt and the French Creek Iron Works.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves and interprets an early American industrial landscape and community. Showcasing an iron making community and its surrounding countryside, 

Hopewell Furnace was active from 1771 to 1883. The park’s facilities are currently open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

Hopewell Furnace is located five miles south of Birdsboro, off of Route 345. Admission to the park is free. For more information, stop by the park's visitor center, call 610-582-8773, or visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/hofu.

New 'Go Schuylkill Greenways' Web site Launched

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Schuylkill River Greenways NHA. 

People looking for something fun to do outdoors with friends and family don’t have to search very far with the new Go Schuylkill Greenways website.

The next adventure is just a click away. Whether it’s borrowing a bike for an enjoyable ride on the Schuylkill River Trail, renting a kayak for a paddle on the Schuylkill River or finding time for a do-it-yourself excursion; Go Schuylkill Greenways is the place to visit to learn about all these opportunities.

“The Greater Philadelphia Region is rediscovering how beautiful and clean the Schuylkill River has become. There are so many ways for just about anyone to enjoy this incredible natural resource and the trail that runs alongside it,” said Schuylkill River Greenways NHA Executive Director Elaine Paul Schaefer. “This new website will help residents and visitors to the area navigate how to get on the river or trail and take full advantage of both!”

Those that visit GoSchuylkillGreenways.com are first asked to choose their activity. For example, clicking on the “bicycling” icon or text will bring you to a full list of programming available for cyclists. Visitors will learn about the bike rentals available in the area, guided tours and even shuttle options available to transport bikes. There’s also information about paddling on the river and special pedal and paddle events.

Some people may want to experience the Schuylkill River Trail but don’t know exactly where to start. The website features #DIY bike excursions. The do-it-yourself explorations are complete with directions on how to get on the trail, parking details and suggested refreshment and attraction stops.

Site visitors can click the events page for a list of upcoming outdoor recreational activities. Two very exciting events are happening this week on July 26. A group of about 15 people will participate in a Pedal and Paddle from 4 to 8 p.m. at the historic Lock 60 in Mont Clare. The event includes a bike ride and kayaking trip. Then from 8 to 10:30 p.m., there will be a free Movie Night by the River at Fitzwater Station in Phoenixville. The featured film is “Wonder Woman.”

The mission of Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area is to connect people and communities to the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail whether it though biking, kayaking, hiking or other forms of recreation. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area encompasses five counties: Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. The trail and river naturally connect these communities.

Schuylkill River Greenways has partnered with local outfitters Take It Outdoors Adventures based in the Pottstown area and Riverbend Cycles based in Whitemarsh Township to create Go Schuylkill Greenways. Take It Outdoors Adventures organizes group kayaking trips and more. Riverbend Cycles is a full-service bike shop and offers weekly community rides. Go Schuylkill Greenways features programming information from these two outfitters as well as recreational activities offered through Schuylkill River Greenways. The vision is that eventually there will be a system of hubs along the entire Schuylkill River where people can easily rent a bike or kayak, stop at a local eatery for a meal, and explore attractions in nearby towns.

The Schuylkill River Greenways NHA, managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association, uses conservation, education, recreation, cultural and historic preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. www.schuylkillriver.org

Pottsgrove Manor Hosting Living History Sundays

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor

Discover a different history trade or skill every Sunday in August at Pottsgrove Manor. 

Pottsgrove Manor's staff and historic interpreters invite visitors of all ages to join in the hands-on learning and find out how history is still alive today. 

See if you can stand the heat of the kitchen to help the cook prepare dishes over the hearth. Tour the kitchen garden to realize how the plants can be used for food, flavor, and medicine. Touch and feel the different kind of textiles people made and used in the 18th century and try your hand at making a few. Ask the gunsmith or the hornsmith about their period trades. Spinning, tape weaving, sewing, and more promise to get the whole family involved. 

Plus, colonial toys and games, which run each week, complete the 18th century fun. The Living History activities will vary week by week, so be sure to check the website (www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor) or call Pottsgrove Manor (610-326-4014) to discover what will be happening on the Sundays you would like to visit.

Colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will also be open for tours during the day. 

The current exhibit, Good Night at the Manor, uncovers the nighttime routines of both the Potts family and their household staff. Visitors will also be able to shop at the manor’s museum store for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.

These programs welcomes all ages; suggested donation $2 per person. The programs will be held rain or shine.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottsgrove and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course, in Pottstown. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.

For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Hopewell to Host Author of Ironmaster Biography

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Friends of Hopewell Furnace

In celebration of Hopewell Furnace’s 80th birthday, the leading expert on colonial iron making Daniel A. Graham will present an overview of the iron making that fueled the American Revolution and discuss his new book Samuel Nutt and the French Creek Iron-Works, which has just been released by the Friends of Hopewell Furnace. 

 The free program on Saturday, Aug. 4 will begin at 1 p.m. in the Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center.

Following the program Mr. Graham will be available to sign copies of his works. 

Samuel Nutt and the French Creek Iron-Works along with Mark Bird, Ironmaster and Patriot (published by The Friends in 2016) are available for sale at Hopewell’s book store. 

They are also on sale at Masthof Press Bookstore in Morgantown, the Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville and on line at www.friendsofhopewellfurn.org.

The new 124-page book with color illustrations tells the history of Samuel Nutt, the first iron master in Chester County and the second in Pennsylvania who immigrated in 1714 and by 1720 was producing iron. 

He married Anna Savage Nutt who upon Samuel’s death became the first female industrialist in the American Colonies. Their story includes George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln’s ancestor Mordecai Lincoln.

Daniel A. Graham resides in Montrose, PA. He has published more than 50 works on the following subjects: Mark Bird (the founder of Hopewell Furnace), the Potts and Rutter families, forges and furnaces, Valley Forge, the American Revolutionary War, Valley Forge, Pottstown and Montgomery County.

Established in 1994, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is the official non-profit fundraising arm of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. A 501(c)3 citizen organization, its mission is to support the preservation, maintenance and programs of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Donations to the Friends may be tax deductible according to the rules set by the Internal Revenue Service.

While at the park, visitors are encouraged to explore the landscape, go into the village, tour the buildings, and learn about iron making and why Hopewell Furnace is important to our nation’s history. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the park is located five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off Route 345. For more information visit www.friendsofhopewellfurn.org.

Fun With Photos of Franklin Field Day in Pottstown

Awesome Photos by Emily Overdorf

Liam Diaz Daliz and Ame're Maxwell, up front, revel in the raindrops during Franklin Elementary School's Field Day while Kristen Granese and Makayla Isaac look to be opting out.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District

It's a slow time of year, news wise.

Lot's of people are on vacation (including me, technically).

And during the summer slow-down, I usually go back and look through my old emails to see what I might have missed during the hustle and bustle of the school year.

Derwin Perez and Dorian Phillips in the three-legged race.

And what I found Saturday was  hidden treasure.

It was a simple event, Field Day at Pottstown's Franklin Elementary School.

Normally, I would consider this to be too old for a post..

After all, John Armato sent theses pics to me on June 7, and as we all know, the most important part of "News" is NEW.

But when I opened the email Saturday evening and took a look at the pictures, I knew I had to publish them.

Taken by Media Specialist Emily Overdorf, they really capture the joy of childhood in the simplest way, and are worth sharing if for no other reason than to put the smile on your face that it put on mine.

As with most field Days, this one included "wacky water games," a sack race, ring toss and basketball throw among many others.

But what the photos show it also included is something that happens every day in every Pottstown school building, inclusion and diversity.

Maxwell Daily and Cullen Waite look like they
could be twins.

Despite what some would have you believe, the world is not a place populated just by folks that look like you or me.

One of the wonders of this world is its infinite variety. We are a species of all colors and character, all cultures and cuisines.

What a wonder then that here in a five-square-mile school district, we get to see, experience and learn from so many of them.

And now it is even being reflected in our business district.

At 107 High St., you can try Caribbean fare at The Avenue.

At 232 King St., enjoy your favorite curry or tandoori special at Cuisine India.

Down the road a block at 130 King St., you can try Syrian and other Middle Eastern specials and an all-vegetarian menu at the iCreate Cafe.

If Mexican food is your preference, Pottstown has three restuarants for you: Juan Carlos, at 235 E. High St.; Los Aztecas at 223 Shoemaker Road; or the newest addition, Three Brothers Grill at 1432 E. High St.

And if Asian food is your cup of tea, there are two that stand out in my mind, Sakura, at 204 Shoemaker Road, which has both Japanese and Chinese specialties and Fujiyama in Upper Pottsgrove at the old Halfway House, 1495 Farmington Ave.

Jordan Diehl and Nayeli Martinez-Penate do not seem to mind
how wet they are getting at Franklin Field Day.

Pottstown has a Latin Festival in the fall at Riverfront Park, just recently hosted an event for all peoples and cultures sponsored by its very own Human Relations Commission and just concluded its second revitalized GoFourth celebration in Memorial Park which featured music with every thing from the American pop of Modern Luxe, to  the salsa sounds of Hector Rosado and Orchestra Hache.

And at the studios of ArtFusion 19464 on Beech Street, or the gallery at Montgomery County Community College's West Campus, you will at various times of the year, find various forms of art from more cultures than I can name.

Other than this post being a commercial for how awesome and multi-cultural Pottstown is (and it was), it also is to point out that this diversity is driven by and reflected in Pottstown schools.

But don't take my word for it. You can see it in the faces of the children.

Pottstown Students Getting Summer Slappy Happy

Pottstown students hanging out with Slappy the Mascot.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

A summer cook-out in the shade.

Students in the Pottstown School District's ISucceed Summer Learning program at Barth Elementary know that summertime is learning time.

Recently they celebrated National Summer Learning Day with a special visit from the Reading Royals mascot, Slappy, and a cookout for middle school students.

Special thanks to Slappy for visiting our Elementary students and to Redner's Market's, Clover Farms Dairy and Unique Pretzels for donating delicious food for the cookout.

When everyone works together for student achievement,we have reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown.

Habitat Homeowner Making a Difference on Walnut

Tamara Charles and her family, son Khalid Hardimon and her daughters Keira, 7 and Keirsten, 6, will get the keys to 439 Walnut St. tomorrow. She is already making a difference in her neighborhood by heading up an anti-littering campaign.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery/Delaware Counties.

When Tamara Charles purchases her Habitat home and receives the keys tomorrow, there will be something noticeable in the window of 439 Walnut St., something that makes her especially gratified.

It’s a sign that reads “Proud Pottstown Neighbor – Don’t Litter;” a sign that symbolizes her hard work as a community volunteer, and the comeback of pride in her hometown.

Tamara is one of the founding members of Pottstown Community Action (PCA), a group initiated two years ago by Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization effort. After working quietly on a mission and logo, meeting with the Mayor and borough council, and connecting with other community leaders, PCA is ready for visibility, and more action. 

Tamara Charles and her daughters clean up their neighborhood.

Its first line of attack: litter. Among its ammunition: newly printed window decals and lawn signs for the neighborhood.

“We chose an anti-litter campaign because it’s a way to see immediate improvement in the neighborhood,” explains Tamara. “For our first block cleanup, we removed about 40 bulk trash items. We have a standing offer to residents: get a few neighbors out and we’ll bring the coffee and donuts, supplies and volunteers, and we’ll make sure the trash bags are removed.

“Kids have been helping and we hope to add individuals who need to fulfill community service hours, as well as youth from the school district.”

PCA is also working on building leaders in Pottstown. On July 21st, PCA, in collaboration with Habitat MontDelco is hosting an all-day workshop called “Actively Leading Pottstown Towards Prosperity.” To register go to https://habitatpca.wufoo.com/forms/pottstown-leadership-workshop.

A Spirit of Cooperation

“Since launching a Neighborhood Revitalization zone in 2016, we have remained committed to engaging, empowering, and educating local residents coming alongside them so that they can improve the quality of life within their own neighborhood,” says Marianne Lynch, CEO of Habitat MontDelco. “There’s a lot of momentum now from PCA, local non-profits, businesses, and the Borough.”

“This town has an incredible stock of historic homes and families who have been here for decades. Many residents have a clear vision of what Pottstown can be again and they are sharing that vision with others. I thanks to people like Tamara who are deeply passionate about this place. It’s also due to a wonderful attitude of cooperation that’s prevalent across the community.”

Instrumental in creating collaborations, Habitat MontDelco became a member of Pottstown CARES in 2018, and is working with other nonprofits such as Genesis Housing Corporation, and Mosaic Community Land Trust.

417 Chestnut Street

For its next project, Habitat is collaborating with Genesis Housing and Mosaic Community Land Trust on 417 Chestnut Street, right next to one of the Mosaic Community Gardens in Pottstown. Genesis is providing technical assistance, Mosaic will work with Habitat to provide a homeownership through the community land trust model, and Habitat will complete the full rehabilitation of the home.

“It’s a natural partnership because we have the same goals—to get people into a home, grow their wealth, put down roots and improve their community at the same time,” said Tracy Purdy, President of Mosaic. “From a resource perspective it makes perfect sense; it’s three times the expertise using one-third of the funding.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties

The mission of Habitat MontDelco is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat constructs homes for affordable home ownership, preserves aging housing stock by completing critical home repairs, provides financial literacy and life skills classes, and revitalizes neighborhoods.

For more information, call 610-278-7710, email ehefner@habitatmontdelco.org, or visit www.habitatmontdelco.org