209 Lincoln Drive

The Historic Structure Report on the house at 209 Lincoln Drive is nearing completion. This will be the fourth structure on the site of Historic RittenhouseTown to have undergone rigorous historic study. With funding from the Castle Rock Foundation, J. A. Milner Associates is conducting a thorough investigation of the house to determine its "history": when it was built and by whom, what changes were made in it over time, who lived in it, how it was used. To find answers to these questions, architectural historians are studying not only the building itself, but any historical records that might provide information about it and its history. Thus the investigators are looking carefully at the design of the house, considering features it might have in common with others houses built in the area about the same time, by people with the same cultural background. They look at nails, lathe, other materials used in the construction, and even layers of paint that might help date it. They may remove plaster or look behind walls and ceilings to determine if the house as it stands was all constructed at the same time and if there are any unusual or unexpected features. They are also looking at many different kinds of documents. Tax records provide information not only about how many people lived in the house at various times, but whether they were adults or children, family members or servants or apprentices. Wills, maps, photographs and drawings, even memoirs and newspaper articles are turning up helpful information. With the information that the HSR provides and the recommendations it includes, it will be possible to proceed with conservation and restoration that is consistent with and does not bring any harm to this important historical structure.

Rittenhouse Homestead

The Rittenhouse Homestead recently underwent major restoration, and stabilization work, and more is planned for the coming year. The Homestead was built in 1707 by Nicholas Rittenhouse, son of the first papermaker William Rittenhouse, with an addition added in the early eighteenth century. It is one of the oldest homes in Philadelphia and was the birthplace of David Rittenhouse, who was a clockmaker, astronomer and patriot. The building's exterior had major exterior restoration completed in 2003. This included a new cedar roof, as well as repairs to much of the masonry and woodwork. This work restored the building to its eighteenth century appearance.

During the summer and fall of 2004, two major storms hit the Wissahickon Valley of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. For over seventy years, the flood walls that were constructed by the Works Progress Administration were able to contain the Monoshone Creek. However, twice in 2004, the Monoshone poured over its bank and caused damage throughout this National Historic Landmark District. The Homestead received the biggest hit. On both occasions, the ground floor of the building filled with over one foot of water. Fortunately, there were no objects with historic value in the building at the time; however, damage was done to building itself. The Homestead required a professional flood recovery service. Heavy-duty fans and dehumidifies were on the ground floor for several months. The wood floor had to be replaced and the walls had to be repainted. These repairs were funded by the Chubb Insurance Company and many generous donations received from Historic RittenhouseTown's annual appeal.

Historic RittenhouseTown has another project planned to prepare the Nicholas Rittenhouse Homestead for an exhibit on the life and achievements of David Rittenhouse, who was born in the building in 1732. David Rittenhouse was an illustrious astronomer, clockmaker, and patriot. The restoration and preservation project will prepare the building for the installation of this exhibit. This includes replacement of the climate control system, modernization of the electric and plumbing system, expansion of the security system, painting and plastering throughout the buildings and the installation of a public handicap accessible bathroom. The project has been partially funded by a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Historic Preservation Grant. This prestigious grant requires matching funds, which Historic RittenhouseTown is currently seeking.

National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Grant

On October 4, 1777, the scenic Wissahickon Valley surrounding the papermaking community now known as RittenhouseTown, echoed with cannon fire, muskets shots, and all of the other violent sounds associated with war. An often forgotten fact about Historic RittenhouseTown is that it was a site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown, during the American Revolutionary War. However, the main portion of this battle took place in the heart of Germantown in and around the Chew Mansion, also known as Cliveden of the National Trust. General Washington lead the troops near Cliveden, but this was only a part of a four prong attack on the British. In the area of the Wissahickon, Pennsylvania State Brigadier General John Armstrong, commanded the American right flank, against Hessian mercenaries fighting against the British in this region. Although, General Washington was ultimately defeated, this battle helped demonstrate the determination of the American troops in this War for Independence.

To mark this engagement, a special historical interpretive wayside marker, will be placed in Historic RittenhouseTown. Partial funding of this project was awarded by the National Park Service as part of their 21 American Battlefield Protection grants for 2003. This grant is keeping with the program's national mandate to assist in the preserving of significant battle sites from all military actions fought on this country's soil. This program's goal is to safeguard and preserve significant American battlefield lands for present and future generations. Matching funds for this project have been received from the Lee E. and Phoebe A. Driscoll Family Foundation, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and local chapters of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The firm of Cloud Gehshan Associates has started work on the marker, which should be completed for this year's anniversary of the Battler of Germantown. The wayside marker will be unveiled at a ceremony on October 1, 2005.