Hugh Hanson: Over Two Decades of Dedication to Historic RittenhouseTown (1984-2005)

Featured from The Papermaker, the Newsletter of Historic RittenhouseTown
Volume 19, Number 4

Hugh enjoyed telling the story of how he first encountered RittenhouseTown when his father Hugo Hanson would take the family out for the traditional Sunday drive past the site. It would always be mentioned that RittenhouseTown was where papermaking was born in America. When Hugh became a member of America's Paper Industry, following in his father's footsteps, he remembered this experience of his youth. Upon his retirement, he returned to the Philadelphia area and began a relationship of over two decades of working towards preserving, restoring and interpreting Historic RittenhouseTown. He performed every task at the site including Board President, Director Emeritus, Chairman of the Paper Industry Advisory Council, Member of the Nominating, History and Executive Committee, Historical Interpreter, Papermaker and the list could continue for the rest of the page. His dedication and loyalty to this National Historic Landmark District will not be forgotten and he will be greatly missed by all.

A beautiful memorial service was held on December 19 at the Gladwyne ( Pennsylvania) Presbyterian Church with over two hundred people in attendance. The service honored Hugh and his many accomplishments. At the request of the Hanson Family, donations in Hugh's memory may be made to Historic RittenhouseTown. To honor one of Hugh's wishes, these funds will be used specifically to preserve, restore and interpret the RittenhouseTown paper mill archaeological site. All donations can be sent to:

Hugh Hanson Memorial Fund
Historic RittenhouseTown
206 Lincoln Drive
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144-4903

Hugh Hanson Remembered:

I reflect upon the numerous opportunities I enjoyed while engaging in a dialog with Hugh centered around his vision for Historic RittenhouseTown. He was someone I admired and respected. His style and approach to a particular issue was always professional. However, it was his personal grace and strong commitment to realize the full interpretive and educational potential of Historic RittenhouseTown that was his strength. He was a true leader and his legacy will continue to guide Historic RittenhouseTown.

-- William E. Mifflin, Fairmount Park Commission Former Executive Director

When I first met him he quite simply swept me along under the force of his character into unchartered territory. Through him I have been privileged to see what it takes to accomplish BIG things as Hugh did for RittenhouseTown. He was passionate about Rittenhouse's mill, he was focused, patient, cheerful and inclusive. Is it any surprise he was still working to preserve the mill's history, still bringing new people in; still excited and optimistic as a boy? I know no one quite like the man.

-- Johanna Cairo, Former Fairmount Park Commission Staff Member

 Hugh was a fine gentleman and I was often inspired by his comments at the Historic Germantown Preserved meetings.

-- Beverly A. Morris, Volunteer Coordinator, Independence National Historical Park

Like John Rockefeller had for Colonial Williamsburg, Hugh Hanson had a vision for Historic RittenhouseTown and could convince others to join this organization's efforts through his charm and enthusiasm. For the next several months, it will be strange to hold a meeting or program here without seeing Hugh in attendance. Although many of our new members did not know him, I am sure they are all grateful for the important work and the strong foundations he laid at Historic RittenhouseTown.

-- Andrew A. Zellers-Frederick, Executive Director of Historic RittenhouseTown

Historic RittenhouseTown has lost its biggest fan with the death of Hugh Hanson. Hugh invented the organization...for more than 25 years he has kept us moving forward against all challenges. We have big shoes to fill, but the memory of Hugh's indomitable optimism will not let us fail.

-- Frederic W. Clark, President, Historic RittenhouseTown

It is hard to imagine Historic RittenhouseTown without Hugh Hanson. He was bigger than life . He rescued RittenhouseTown from oblivion and went on to become a tireless supporter. The causes that came to life with Hugh's quiet, but powerful leadership are too numerous to mention. I will especially miss his gentle, self-effacing humor which made him a special member of RittenhouseTown. He will be greatly missed.

-- Elizabeth T. Lukens, Former President & Current Treasurer of Historic RittenhouseTown

 Hugh's dedication to RittenhouseTown was so complete that he would do anything for the site from giving papermaking demonstrations to planning major projects. Even when he traveled, he would send notes with ideas, articles, or other inspirations related to the site. Hugh will be sorely missed, but his spirit, enthusiasm and optimism will inspire the site for years to come.

-- Catherine Browne, Historic RittenhouseTown Director of Education

Hugh Hanson left a long legacy at Historic RittenhouseTown as founder, planner, booster, visionary and friend. His charm and good will set the tone for planning. His many contacts around the city opened doors for our efforts. Hugh always kept his faith in the progress of Historic RittenhouseTown. We thank you Hugh, in memoriam, for all you did over 21 years, from the founding to your passing. You will be greatly missed.

-- Anna Coxe Toogood, Former President & Current Board Member of Historic RittenhouseTown

 I first met Hugh when I was president of the local historical society and he asked if he could say a few words to our group about a project he had in mind. I do not think that anyone in attendance really believed that his vision would ever come about. There is no way this site would be what it is today without his insistence on moving forward one step at a time. I am the first to say I was wrong, he did do it and I am glad he lived long enough to see it not only come about, but function in a manner that will guarantee his vision into the future. We all will miss his continued support, but are grateful that he has a vision.

-- James A. Poupard, PhD, Historic RittenhouseTown Charter Member and Former Corporate Secretary

The Papermaker is the quarterly newsletter of Historic RittenhouseTown and is sent to all members.