Victorian Society in America ~ Philadelphia Chapter

A Short History of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Victorian Society in America

In February 1973, thirty-eight members of the Victorian Society in America petitioned the national Society for the creation of a Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter (the name was later changed to Philadelphia Chapter of the Victorian Society in America).  Approval having been granted, 106 members of the national Society residing in the Metropolitan area of Philadelphia were notified.

Academy of Fine Arts

An ad hoc Committee was formed for the purpose of developing proposals for Chapter organization and policy.  According to Minutes dated March 31, 1973, there were twelve charter members asked to serve on the Committee.  The Committee met in the home of Janet Terry (Mrs. Luther L.) on April 25, 1973.  At this meeting, those present were asked to consider the possibilities for increase of local membership, dissemination of Society and Chapter news, cooperation of the press in bringing Victorian art and architecture to the attention of the public of the area in general, potential research, involvement in local activities for the preservation of 19th Century architecture, Chapter programs, and coordination and cooperation with the many community organizations in the Philadelphia area whose interests and goals correspond to those of the Victorian Society in Ameria.

Dr. Roger W. Moss, Executive Director of the Athenaeum and Secretary of the national Society offered the Chapter the use of a desk and typewrite in The Athenaeum.  Two events marked the beginning year of the Chapter - a lecture on cast-iron architecture by Malcolm Higgs from the University of Edinburgh (held in the Auditorium of the Lits Brothers Building) and a tour of Boat House Row in Fairmount Park.

Chapter Structure

The purpose of the Chapter is to (a) support and encourage the national organization; (b) provide local activities and programs of interest to members of the Chapter; and (c) interest and educate the general public in the values and preservation of Victorian culture.

By-laws govern the operation of the Chapter.  The designated officers of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Preservation Officer are elected by the membership at an annual meeting each for a term of two years.  A six-member Board of Directors is appointed by the President with teh concurrent of the other officers.

Preservation

The Chapter acts as a watchdog to alert the public about endangered historic buildings.  Letters, telephone calls and personal interviews plead the cause for preserving significant 19th Century buildings.  Examples of such successes are the Trocadero Theatre; Mellon Independnece Center (formly Lit Brothers Department Stores); and Fairmount Park Guardhouse.

Past and Current Presidents...

1973 - Robert B. Ennis 1974 - Constance V. Hershey 1975 - David A. Hanks 1976-1980 - William Hershey 1980-1984 - William Fischelis 1984-1988 - Robert Skaler 1988-1990 - Pamela Sommerfield 1990-1992 - George Boyden 1992-1996 - Doreen Foust 1996-1998 - Bertram Laudenslager 1998-2002 - Alex Humes 2002-present - Jim McPartlin