|
|
|
|
|
|
On Sept. 24, researcher and writer Michael Schreiber led a historical walking tour of Philadelphia’s Headhouse Square.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fall’s great weather helps make this a busy time of year for everyone. So we especially appreciate all of you who have taken tours with us recently … or attended lectures here.
|
And we have lots more coming up.
|
This issue of our monthly e-newsletter includes an unusual story about a kidnapping, stolen land, a ghost who walks these parts and hundreds of people named Springer who think they were cheated out of millions. Just perfect for Halloween.
|
For more of the macabre, join us at Boos & Brews on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. It’s a perfect way to relax, socialize, meet new friends and sample some brews in a spooky setting.
|
Also plan to attend an illustrated lecture on “Colonel Washington and Me” Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Author Jeffrey E. Finegan Sr., who was at our History Book Festival last May, wrote this popular book. The lecture is free.
|
Please note: proceeds from everything we do helps fund the restoration, renovation and maintenance of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church buildings, grounds and graveyard.
|
Thank you for all you do to support us. And feel free to bring along additional friends and family members to experience our events. Everyone is welcome.
|
We look forward to seeing you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Springer's Millions
|
In the late 17th century, there was a young Swede named Charles Springer who had gone to school in London. On his way back to Sweden, he was kidnapped by ruffians and shanghaied on an English ship bound for the New World. He was sold to a Virginia planter whom he served for five years. Springer then decided to seek his fortune elsewhere in America. Hearing there were Swedes in the Delaware Valley, he set out and found himself in what is today known as Wilmington.
|
The English were then in control of the Delaware Valley, but Swedish colonists were thriving there under English rule. They welcomed Springer because he knew something about what was happening in the old country and could read and write.
|
When the Swedish churches in Wilmington and Philadelphia were without ministers, Springer became a lay reader. He visited this church and was influential in getting Sweden to send ministers to serve both congregations.
|
|
Springer died in 1738 and was buried at Wilmington’s Old Swedes’ Church. He rested peacefully for years until his spirit was made to walk these parts.
|
Groups of people in other parts of the United States, who have the name of Springer, often come here to find his grave. They mistakenly believe he was buried on these grounds. But it’s not always a gravestone they seek to find. Some of these people believe that they were duped out of a vast fortune they call “Springer’s millions.” They claim that a large parcel of land Springer once owned was stolen from him.
|
The most serious claim was made in the 1920s when 300 Springers in the Midwest organized Springers Heirs, Inc. and filed a lawsuit against the city of Wilmington. Since there is no evidence that this city stole Springer’s land, the lawsuit was dropped. Springers Heirs were left with nothing, but their lawyers made a lot of money representing them.
|
|
Whenever misguided fortune seekers visit Gloria Dei, Springer’s spirit is reported to be seen warning them off.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
100% of the funds that we raise from these events goes toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.
|
|
|
|
|
Boos & Brews
|
|
October 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
|
|
Spend a memorable evening with spirits on the ghostly, historic campus of Old Swedes’ Church. Wander the grounds, encounter the graves of historic figures and hear their tales of lamentation. Will you come face-to-face with the dreaded Col. Ripka? Or the women whose hearts he broke? Perhaps you’ll see a plundering Philadelphia pirate or a sailor who was doomed on a voyage at sea?
|
- Ghost Stories
- Graveyard Tours
- Gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Chef Reuben Asaram
- Delightful desserts from Chef Cory Powell
- Live jazz music courtesy of The Jazz Sanctuary
- Local craft beers and ciders
- Cork raffle (where everyone wins!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colonel Washington and Me
|
|
November 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
|
|
Join us on Thursday, Nov. 10, for an illustrated lecture by Jeffrey E. Finegan Sr. on his book “Colonel Washington and Me.” The event will take place at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church.
|
In 1768 George Washington purchases a young man who had been born into slavery. Washington has been a slave owner since age eleven. What develops is one of the more extraordinary relationships in American history. While most biographies on the first president mention the bond between George Washington and William Lee, Colonel Washington and Me is the first book dedicated solely to this story. The young reader travels through history as both men search for freedom on their incredible journey together.
|
|
This free program will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, enjoy gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea. Advanced registration is required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q&A with Jeffrey E. Finegan, Sr.
|
|
|
|
A collector of George Washington manuscripts and other important early American documents, Jeffrey S. Finegan, Sr. is the creator and author of the "I Knew George Washington" series. He will be discussing h
|
|
|
|
|
What initially sparked your interest in history and architecture?
|
Driving past an old log home in a wooded area about age 10 and my father pointed out it had been there since the time of Abraham Lincoln – that’s all it took!
|
Your background is in broadcast communications. How did that inform your research, writing, and book design?
|
Although I never worked in the broadcast industry, I was surrounded by like-minded people while in school who eventually did. Then, thirty years later, there were the old friends, mainly fraternity brothers, who worked in film, book production, and writing, to name a few. They were an enormous help! I was about 50 years old when I produced my first book and my PR minor assisted in moving the project forward from the marketing perspective. When you self-publish you are the president of every division of your company!
|
Your interest in history and architecture is very broad -- from the Norman Conquest of England, World War II, the American Civil War, etc. What was it about George Washington that specifically appealed to you, so much so that you amassed a large collection of his manuscripts?
|
Visits to Colonial Williamsburg brought the 18th Century to life and, as a result, my interest was piqued in everything it had to offer; architecture, decorative arts, politics, and personalities, of which I found GW the most intriguing. For me collecting historic manuscripts is a tangible way to connect with the past!
|
What is the most surprising thing that you learned by reading Washington's manuscripts?
|
In reading his writings you get the sense that he is comfortable in almost all situations – from dealing with military or political figures, fighting the Revolution, to the management of his farms. For example, during the war he wrote letters home regarding a particular crop to be harvested and did the same thing during his presidency. He once wrote a letter to Lafayette and referenced traveling by air balloon to see him! I find his diaries of interest also. They are an intimate view of his everyday schedule with rare glimpses of his innermost feelings. I often wonder how he would feel if he knew his writings to himself, which is essentially what they are, would ever capture the interest of the public.
|
Let's talk about the origins of your book series "I Knew George Washington." Was there a particular event that prompted you to undertake this project?
|
Yes – Barrack Obama's running for president. With the increased discussion of race relations, I was motivated to produce a story of the relationship GW had with his enslaved valet, Billy Lee. Billy’s dedication to Washington likely played a large role in GW’s changing attitudes on holding people in bondage. He is the only slave mentioned by name in GW’s will and the only slave to be granted immediate freedom at the time of Washington’s passing. All others would be freed but had to await Martha’s passing.
|
Your book series is aimed toward young readers. What made you want to write for this audience?
|
I think it is important for younger readers to know that although one might be flawed in some way, they can still achieve great things for humanity. To tell the life of Washington without the discussion of his slave ownership would be a disservice to the reader. Yet, at the same time, to throw out GW altogether because he was a slave owner would be equally erroneous.
|
What is your favorite hidden gem in New Jersey?
|
|
Easy one - the French and Indian era barracks built in the late 1750’s by the British government to house their troops in Trenton, New Jersey. Great place and a must visit for anyone interested in American history!
|
|
|
|
Featured Marker of the Month
|
|
|
|
In Memory
of
John Bengsson
who departed
this life June ye 12
1739 Aged 58 years.
|
|
Type of Marker: Headstone
Material: Marble
Issues: Biogrowth, blistering, loss, sugaring
Elements Missing or Compromised: Missing top portion of marker
Recommended Treatment: Cleaning w/biocide, consolidation, fill cracks, resetting
|
Evaluation
Historic Integrity: Intact
Structural Integrity: Good
Material Integrity: Fair
Legible Inscription: Fair
Degree of Bioturbation: 1/4 sunken
|
Marker Details
Inventory Number: 205
Plot Number: 445
Historic Number: 271
Ledger Book Number: 256
Cemetery Section: 5
Orientation: East
Marker Height/Length (in): 16
Marker Width (in): 14
Marker Thickness/Depth (in): 1
Axis Tilt Lean Direction: Side
Axis Tilt Lean Degree: 5-15 degrees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Messages from Our Sponsors and Affiliates
|
|
|
The Jazz Sanctuary Presents Jazz & Joe
|
|
On Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm, The Jazz Sanctuary presents Jazz & Joe at Riverside Hall, Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. Jazz & Joe is a "coffee-house" style venue. Active listening and quiet conversation is welcome throughout the evening. Refreshments are served, and attendees are welcome to BYOB. This event is free, but donations are appreciated to help defray costs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are profoundly grateful to these organizations for supporting our projects and initiatives.
|
|
|
|
|
Support provided by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are grateful to Queen Village Neighbors Association (QVNA) for supporting our dream of turning Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church's graveyard into a living history museum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal ID# 45-3210057). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
