History Spotlight
Historic Newtown Square Day by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society
When I first joined the Newtown Square Historical Society in the mid 1990’s, there was very little going on: a monthly public program but not much else. And then Sam Coco and Stan Short, along with Jan and Sid Elston and some others had this idea for Colonial Day, and a tradition was born. The original idea was to celebrate Colonial history. According to a news article, “It’s going to be like a little Williamsburg,” said Chairman Sam Coco. “We’re going to have people in costume doing colonial crafts like carpentry, smithing and colonial art.” On June 10, 1995, we hosted that first celebration. A fife-anddrum corps kicked off the event at the Paper Mill Museum. George Washington, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross were in attendance at the opening ceremonies. Costumed guides provided tours of eight of the historic locations in the township. Isobel
Celebrate Moms & Grads at
Colonial Day All Stars: Madaleen Ellis, George Washington, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross
Snyder taught students at the Octagonal School House. Several private homes were open for tours. Sam sold ads for a program book to raise money for the Society. We were not sure what the outcome would be, but it was well received, and that first year has served as a template for what has become an annual event.
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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
May 2022
