President's Message 2007
The Historical Society had a very successful turnout for its exhibit at the Porch Club on Saturday, December 8, 2007 during the Riverton Library’s Candlelight House Tour.
For the first time, the general public viewed the 1868 wedding gown donated to the Society by descendents of Hannah McIlvain Biddle (see Gaslight News, November 2007 as well as the Burlington County Times, December 6, 2007). The gown was beautifully displayed on the Porch Club stage. Considering the gown’s age of 140 years, and the fact that nine Biddle women have worn it for their weddings through the generations, it has weathered the times well. Those of us involved in handling the dress had the lucky, close-up view. We marveled at the fine silk ribbon (original to the dress) that laces the bodice from the back and, oh, the tiniest of buttonholes to pass the ribbon through! The lace collar framing the neckline is a gorgeous floral pattern with two-three layers of raised, lacy flower petals.
To help “unveil” the dress, several members of the Biddle family were present, including Hannah’s great-granddaughter, Laura Biddle Rendall. Another highlight of our display, on loan and courtesy of C. Miller Biddle of Moorestown, were Hannah and Charles Biddle’s Quaker wedding certificate and a photo of the couple in the solarium of their home on Bank Avenue. The Historical Society again extends its appreciation and sincerest thanks to the Biddle family for allowing Hannah’s dress to come home to Riverton. It is a remarkable addition to the Society’s archives.
Please join us for our January program on Monday, the 28th at Riverton School. Board member John McCormick is presenting his very popular slide show of old Riverton views. Please bring your Riverton pictures, memories, and questions. We will scan items during the program to add to our archives.
Mark your calendars now, and get your green wardrobe ready -- the Irish will be out in Riverton full force on Monday, March 17! Back by popular demand, the Irish folk band McDermott’s Handy will entertain during the HSR program - to be held at the Porch Club. Dancing is highly recommended. Tickets for the event will go on sale in mid-February at the New Leaf.
From all of us on the Board of the Historical Society, I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and historical New Year!
Priscilla Taylor
President
Historical Society of Riverton
President's Message 2009
The Historical Society of Riverton held its annual re-organization meeting in June 2009 and elected new officers and one member to the governing board. We are pleased to welcome Paul Schopp to the HSR board. The Society also expresses its deep appreciation to members rotating off the board Priscilla Taylor and Pat Brunker. Priscilla and Pat served the Society for many years as a member, board member and officer as well as leading our efforts to expand the achives and make the historical items accessible to the public through exhibitions.
Officers elected at the Society re-organization meeting for the
2009-10 program year included:
Gerald Weaber, President; Phyllis Rodgers, Vice President;
Paul Daly, Treasurer; and Charlotte Lippincott, Secretary.
Members are encouraged to join us at HSR board meetings to learn more about the activities of the Society.
September Board Meeting
Member Meet & Greet
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:30pm
at the New Leaf Tea Room & Gift Shop
R.S.V.P. 856-786-6961
Agenda:
Halloween Ghost Trolley Tour Update
Proposed Membership Dues Increase
Parry Sister Photograph Album 1912-13
Meet New Riverton homeowners and learn
about their home restoration efforts
