I Love Skippack Blog About SHS President

Drive down our main thoroughfare in Skippack, dear reader, look to the left and right. You will not see Dunkin’ Donuts or Dairy Queen. You will see buildings from the nineteenth century, nearly all in good repair, delightful to the eye with individuality and detail. We cannot stop the relentless march of progress, but we can preserve a few examples of beauty specific to a slower time.

Traveling from the east along Route 73, look to your left as you enter Skippack. You will see the Indenhofen farmhouse, a stone structure that dates back to... read more

HISTORY 101: Skippack's Indenhoffen House

Check out this article published in the The Times Herald Newspaper.

The Historical Society of Skippack has seemingly picked an appropriate place to put its headquarters, as well as its impressive collection of artifacts collected over a period of many years; the Indenhoffen House, a quaint and attractive farm house which is a remnant of the very first homestead in what was once called Skippackville...

Read entire article "HISTORY 101: Skippack's Indenhoffen House"

The Good Old Days

There will be a special presentation by our own Charlie Miller titled "The Good Old Days" on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the Skippack Township Building in Skippack Township, Pennsylvania. The presentation starts at 7:30 pm and will include great memorabilia on display from the good old days.

We will be meeting in the Community Room on the lower level at the Skippack Township Building located on Heckler Road near the Skippack Elementary School. The Community Room is assessable from the rear of the Township Building.

Light refreshments will be served. This is a free presentation and all are welcome.


photo credit

Coopersmithing is Still Alive at the Skippack Historical Society

At our next meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009 the Skippack Historical Society will be presenting a program titled "COOPERSMITHING IS STILL ALIVE". The program will begin at 7:30pm at the Fellowship Hall of the Wellspring Church of Skippack on Creamery Road between Rte 113 and Skippack Pike. [ link to map ]

Come join us for a most enjoyable evening learning about the life and craft of an itinerant cooper. The Woxall Cooper, otherwise known as David Miller has been working as a cooper since the late 1960’s and has demonstrated the craft in many of America’s most prestigious historical sites. For those of you who attended our Living History Event in September, you may recall visiting David and his wife at their covered wagon as they demonstrated the work and wares of a traveling cooper.

David Miller, a graduate of Millersville University, armed with a Master’s degree in Archaic Crafts, has chosen to bring the art and skill of the cooper to national awareness. David is a published author and a trainer to many others in his field. Coopersmithing is still alive; making the commodities that were so prevalent prior to the industrial revolution, and repairing those articles when needed, allows David to maintain his Cooper’s shop in Woxall.

ALL WELCOME! Come join us for an enjoyable evening of learning and fellowship. Refreshments will be served and donations always welcome.

Date: November 19, 2009
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Fellowship Hall of the Wellspring Church of Skippack

Hope to see you there!

More information on the Skippack Historical Society.

How Old is Your House? with Jeff Marshall

Jeff Marshall of the Heritage Conservancy will be with us on Thursday, October 22, 2009 for another great presentation. Presentation starts at 7:30 pm at the Historic Indenhofen Farmhouse in Skippack [map].

After Jeff's slide presentation he will guide us on a brief tour of the 1700s Indenhofen Farmhouse where he can demonstrate specific characteristics discussed and answer any questions.

Come learn more about historic houses.


Jeff Marshall is the Vice President of Resource Protection at the Heritage Conservancy. Jeff is a planner and historic preservationist with over 25 years of combined experience in land protection and historic preservation. He is actively involved in administering the conservation easement and facade easement programs with expertise in the employment of protection strategies for significant resources. He gives public education programs and acts as a preservation advocate throughout the community. Numerous articles have been published on his endeavors in the preservation field. He has authored the book, "The Barns of Bucks County," and has a new publication on farmhouses which will be available soon.

Hosted & sponsored by the Skippack Historical Society.

Suggested donation for attendance is $2.00 to help cover the honorarium for the speaker.

Refreshments will be served.

Public meeting. All Welcome!


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Washington returns in Skippack Village Encampment

Revolutionary War Encampment in Skippack!

Saturday & Sunday September 26 & 27, 2009 at the Historic Indenhofen Farmstead in Skippack.

If you head out to the Indenhofen Farmstead in Skippack this weekend, you'd better leave your iPods, portable video games and Blackberries at home.

And once you get there, don't talk about cars, TVs or any other modern conveniences because no one there will know what you're talking about.

Because this weekend, it's the end of the 18th century as the Skippack Historical Society hosts its fourth annual Washington's Encampment weekend.

Complete with troops of re-enactors who believe they are in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the event's activities are sure to transport visitors back in time and provide a fun history lesson. ...

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Jeff Marshall at our Next Skippack Historical Society Meeting

Do woods, fields, and historic structures add character to our neighborhoods? Find out how we can conserve and protect them at our next gathering on August 13, 2009.

The Heritage Conservancy of Doylestown, PA. is highly regarded in southeastern, Pa. for its work in retaining these resources that so greatly enhance the quality of life in our communities. Their programs and partnerships with owners have helped to conserve farmhouses, barns, a covered bridge, a lake in nearby Marlborough Township, and more throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The Conservancy also headed the Rte 113 Heritage Corridor Survey, which took them on an investigative tour all around Skippack Township.

Jeff Marshall, the Vice President of the Conservancy, has agreed to come to Skippack to meet with us to answer questions and explain the conservation and preservation techniques and programs of the Heritage Conservancy. He will also briefly describe the Rte 113 survey and why Skippack Township is included. One technique to be covered is Façade Easements, which is a service offered to property owners. Mr. Marshall has authored the book, "The Barns of Bucks County," and has a new publication on farmhouses which will be available soon.

Gather your questions and come join us for a most interesting evening at WELLSPRING CHURCH at Cressman Road between Skippack Pike and Rte 113 in Creamery on Thursday, August 13th at 7:30 P.M.

Hosted by Skippack Historical Society, Inc.

Refreshments will be served.

Seating is limited to the first 50 respondents. Please RSVP promptly to info@skippack.org.

A suggested donation of $4.00 would be graciously welcomed.


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Summer Potluck Picnic

Our Summer Potluck Picnic will be taking place on Saturday July 25, 2009 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Historic Indenhofen Farm. Corner of Skippack Pike (Rt. 73) and Evansburg Road in Skippack. | View Map |

Bring a favorite cover dish, salad or dessert and if you can please bring a chair. Beverages will be provided.

Come visit the oldes stone house in the Skippack Village (c. 1720). Look through the big red bank barn. View artifacts and archival pictures. Hear the area's oldest residents describe how life was way back when. Enjoy a game of croquet, horseshoes or bocce-ball. Win the door prize!

Everyone welcome. Come join us for good food and fellowship. Transportation can be provided. Rain date is July 26.


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Clean-up at the Historic Indenhofen Farm in Skippack

This coming Saturday, June 13th at 9:00am, we will be meeting at the Historic Indenhofen Farm to work together to clean-up the property. Please consider coming by for an hour or two to help. We will be weeding, raking, trimming, mulching, and picking up any debris or trash lying around. If possible bring your own gloves or garden tools to help in this effort. Click here for Farm Location on Map.

The Skippack Historical Society takes the maintenance and care of this 1700's farm serious and needs help keeping it a beautiful historic landmark in Skippack. If your able at this time please consider making a donation to the Society to help us maintain and preserve the Indenhofen Farm.

Looking forward to any help you can provide on Saturday or in the near future.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Troops are Coming to Skippack

The Troops are Coming!

Come visit a Revolutionary War Encampment in Skippack. This is a Living History Event presented by the Skippack Historical Society.

FREE EVENT THIS WEEKEND!
Saturday, September 27 10am to 5pm
Sunday, September 28 11am to 4pm

This event held at the Historic Indenhofen Farmstead which is located at the intersection of Skippack Pike & Evansburg Road in Skippack. click for MAP

REVOLUTIONARY WAR TROOPS
The 1st New Jersey Regiment will arrive to set up camp on Saturday morning. Talk to the soldiers, see their equipment and learn about their duties. Get a sense of the life of a soldier at the actual encampment here in the Skippack village area, Sept. 29th to October 2, 1777.

DID YOU KNOW that in 1777 a few structures, including the historic Indenhofen house and farm, were already here in Skippack when George Washington and his Continental Army positioned themselves in the region before and after the important Battle of Germantown? Just about two years after forming a new army and one year after Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence George Washington led the Continental Army through Skippack on the way to the Battle of Germantown and in retreat just after losing the battle to the British. COME LEARN ABOUT THE ENCAMPMENT AND MORE ...

OTHER GREAT DEMONSTRATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, AND ACTIVITIES:
Revolutionary War Fife and Drum Corps | Revolutionary Artifacts - See the artifact collection of a local researcher, actually found in the area. | Dowser - Walk along as he searches the farm for underground water. | Colonial Toys - Kids can try a few! | Apple butter - See the old fashioned vat and long stirrer used to make apple butter. Apple butter and cider available for purchase. | Spinning Wheel - Flax to cloth demonstration | Farmhouse Tours - Noon to 3pm | Kids are welcome to participate in a Musket Drill ! | Germantown Attack & Retreat – Presentation at 3pm in the Barn covering the Troop movements through the Skippack Valley before and after the Germantown Battle. | Martha Washington in the barn from 1 to 2 pm. Ask questions. | Visit with Betsy Ross, see her making a flag. | Watch a Basket-weaver at work. | Learn about methods of Butter Churning. | Explore the craft of Tin Punching in the barn.

GREAT FOOD!
GREAT FUN FOR KIDS!

APPLE BUTTER & CIDER FOR SALE

Free Admission. Donations for parking to benefit the Skippack Historical Society.

Here is a link to the event program for more information:
http://www.skippack.org/2008%20program%20for%20web.pdf

ALL WELCOME!

Barn Architecture & Preservation Options

Come and learn the distinguishing characteristics of barns from the early 18th century through the early 20th century in southeastern PA and the variety of methods that are being used to preserve these rural gems.

On Thursday, June 26, 2008 we will be having another special guest at our Society meeting. Jeffrey L. Marshall is the Vice President of Resource Protection at the Heritage Conservancy headquartered in Doylestown, PA. He will give a presentation on the book, "The Barns of Bucks County" which he co-authored with Willis M. Rivinus. Mr. Marshall will use the book's highly illustrated text to present the variety of barn types found throughout the southeast region and discuss the common barn construction features and different types of timber framing techniques that were used to create these castles in the fields.

This presentation will be held at our own Indenhofen Barn at the intersection of Skippack Pike (Rt. 73), Old Forty Foot Road, and Evansburg Road, starting at 7:30 pm.

This is a free presentation and all are welcome. It is co-sponsored by the Skippack Historical Society and Heritage Conservancy. A brief book signing will be held after the presentation.

Visit the events page on our website for more information.

Planting Your Colonial Garden

The Society will have a special guest at our next Society meeting, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Jenny Rose Carey will be presenting "Planting Your Colonial Garden".

Jenny Rose Carey is the Director of the Landscape Arboretum of Temple University Ambler.

Jenny Rose Carey graduated summa cum laude from Temple University in 2003 with an Associate of Science degree in Horticulture. After graduation, she continued her stay at the Ambler campus as an adjunct professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, teaching History of Landscape Architecture and Woody Plants II.

Born in London, England, Carey earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Southampton University in 1981 and her graduate degree in Education from Oxford University in 1982. Carey brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to the director’s position with a background in research of historical Philadelphia gardens and women’s role in the development of gardens and horticultural styles in the early 20th century. She is a frequent lecturer on a variety of horticulture topics ranging from trees to herbs.

As the director of the Arboretum, Carey works closely on improvement projects, including new designs for the gardens, irrigation, lighting, signage, tagging, and accessibility. She is also responsible for working with academic and administrative units to provide educational programs for the community in addition to supporting the curricula of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, and the use of the Arboretum and its facilities across academic disciplines.

We will be meeting in the Community Room on the lower level at the Skippack Township Building located on Heckler Road near the Skippack Elementary School. The Community Room is assessable from the rear of the Township Building.

This is a free presentation and all are welcome.

Skippack Village Springfest Raffle

We need help selling raffle tickets at $5.00 per ticket to support the Skippack Historical Society. Each five dollars is a donation to our work in historic restoration and education. The prizes range in value mostly from about $75.00 right up to a $550.00 Dollhouse. There is lovely jewelry, collector dolls, gift certificates to Skippack Sportsabilia and even Greens Fees for 4 to play at the 18 hole Skippack Golf Course. Even if you don't want or need a particular item, I bet you know someone who would love to win that prize.

You can pick up brochures and tickets to sell at Skip's garage in Skippack, contact Abigail Ray at azaelaskys@aol.com., or you can buy tickets at our booth on the sidewalk in front of the "From The Past" store on the event days, May 10th and 11th from 10am to 5pm.

Visit one of the following stores right now or this weekend in the village of Skippack to see the items:
A - Skippack Village Consignment Shop
B - Amelia's
C - Dream Catchers
D - Le Bon Sac
E - Carolyn's Creative Stitchery
F - From The Past
G - Passionflowers

Also gift certificates from the following:
Skippack Sportsabilia
Skippack Sportsabilia
Award Printing
Skippack Golf Course
Justin's Carriage House
Tommy Mo's

Visit our website at skippack.org to learn more and view/print raffle brochure.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT OUR SOCIETY!

Here are a couple of examples of the 24 items available to win.

Pizza Fundraiser!

We are again selling Joe Corbi's pizza & cookie dough to raise funds for the Skippack Historical Society. These kits make great quick meals and desserts for our busy schedules. We are offering a wide variety of choices in both Joe Corbi's pizza and Grandma Corbi's cookie dough, plus all the specialty items Corbi’s has to offer.

The entire pizza kit is freezable so you can keep a supply on hand. The cookie dough and specialty product freezer very well also.

1 box | 3 pizzas | only $19.50

Orders Due: April 11, 2008 (Deliver to Skip's Garage)

Delivery: April 19, 2008 (Pike up from Skip's Garage)

More info ...

Society Lease Agreement Update

The Society has signed an extension of our Lease with the Pennsylvania DCNR. This will extend our current agreement for three months while we can work out the problems with the proposed lease that increased our rent to $300 monthly. A meeting has been scheduled in January 2008 between the PA DCNR, Senator Rafferty and the Society Leadership to discuss the lease agreement.

Thank you for those who have contacted the PA DCNR and our State representatives. Please continue to let your views known until we come to agreement on a new lease.

Read previous post on Lease Agreement The Future of Skippack Historical Society.

Email:
Secretary Michael DiBerardinis (Pennsylvania DCNR)
John Gribosh (Evansburg State Park Manager)
State Senator John Rafferty
State Representative Jay Moyer
State Representative Bob Mensch

Please note that Rep. Jay Moyer has committed to helping us out on this and with our previous experience with him we do not doubt he will do what he can. Thank you Rep. Moyer!

New Furnace for the Allebach-Cholet Farmstead

PROGRESS IN CREAMERY, PA! The 1960's Furnace has been replaced with a new Energy efficient New Yorker unit and the heat is on in the house. We thank the New Yorker Boiler Company, Inc. of Hatfield, PA for providing, at a greatly reduced price, a new furnace for the Allebach-Cholet house.

Other work is underway at the house and barn. Learn more on our website at skippack.org.

The Future of Skippack Historical Society

On Tuesday, October 30, 2007, the Skippack Historical Society received a new lease for the Indenhofen Farmstead in Evansburg State Park. This new lease, which was given to us during a meeting with Evansburg State Park Manager John Gribosh, has significant changes within that could be detrimental to the future of the Skippack Historical Society and the Indenhofen Farmstead.

Please read more of letter here ...

Memories of Skippack 2007 DVD now available

Revisit Skippack and Creamery, Pennsylvania through the eyes and memories of some of our long time residents.

Watch 10 min. preview online. Purchase the full 83 minute DVD online with a credit card.

This program was recorded on April 28, 2007 at the Skippack Township Administration Building.

Net proceeds from the sale of this DVD benefit the Skippack Historical Society.

Hunsicker House Update

A new agreement between THP, Monroe Court HOA, and Judge Augustine has been reached for the sale of the Historic Hunsicker House. This sale includes Deed Restrictions that will prevent the house from being torn down. Judge Augustine will be rehabbing and restoring the house consistent with the Historic Property Report the Society had prepared back in 2004. ...

More Info ...

Historic Farm Park in Skippack Township

The Historical Society now has a license agreement with Skippack Township to use, maintain, and restore the Allebach-Cholet house and barn. Township Supervisors Mark Marino & Bill Parkins were very supportive and instrumental in pulling this agreement together to help preserve the farm. More Info...