Philadelphia Chapter
It is that time again to advise our members on the upcoming events and other important issues. After the January event at the Union League, we, as even chairpersons, will be hard pressed to surpass Bob Skaler's affair. We thank Bob and all of the event chairpersons who have served our board so well over the past year. All of us are looking forward to the future events outlined [on the upcoming events page].
We are only able to provide these events because of the dedicated involvement on the part of our board of directors. It has been one of our priorities to recruit more members to assist us in both the planning and implementation of these events. Most of us have been serving on the Philadelphia Chapter of the VSA for the last decade and now we need your help.
All of us lead busy lives but I can personally say that being a board member is a rewarding experience that develops many friendships and a sense that we are sincerely making a difference in this world. Our "raison d'etre" is to raise income to fund scholarships to the summer programs in London and Newport, RI. In addition, the Philadelphia Chapter also supports many educational and preservation programs rooted in the Victorian period. Meeting once a month, enjoying a meal together, and devoting an evening to planning future events rounds out a typical board meeting.
We would welcome any of our members to join us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Share your ideas and opinions on what organizations we should consider supporting in the future. Give me a call at 215-514-6040 or email me at jmcpartlin101@comcast.net. Help us round out our board and give some of our directors a well-deserved rest.
Thank you again for a wonderful year and your continued support.
Best Regards,
Jim McPartlin, President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the VSA
More on the Union League Restoration Project
The exterior of the building was also carefully restored to its original 1863 appearance by the award willing architectural firm of Dan Peter Kopple & Associates (DPK & A). The exterior restoration took 16 months to complete and was finished in October of 2005. Included in this major undertaking was the replacement of the roof and the wrought iron word along the roofline of the building. The Copula Tower, which was burned out in 1888, was also rebuilt. In addition, extensive sidewalk replacement was made along with the division strip in the center of Broad Street in front of the Union League which was lowered and replaced with cobblestone. This is intended to facilitate ceremonies that are often presented in front of the building and to further enhance the beauty of the "Avenue of the Arts".
Partnering with the Center City District, the Union League installed new lighting on the streets surrounding the League. To complete the extensive restoration project and further enhance what is already a beautiful center city skyline, the Union League's roofline, cornices and windows around the entire building are being lighted with state-of-the-art accent lighting.
As restored, the Union League offers significant photographic opportunities for photographers of all skill levels. However, I would caution you not to take a picture of the building from the Broad & Sansom Street corner unless you wish to include the ever-present stainless steel hot dog cart which has become permanently chained to a pole since the restoration was completed.
Only in "Bizarro Philadelphia" could this happen!
Bob Skaler, Preservation Officer, Philadelphia Chapter VSA (forensicarch@comcast.net)
Opinions presented are the author's and not necessarily agreed to by the Board of Directors of the Phila Chapter of VSA
Many members have expressed interest in having a Victorian outfit to wear at society events but have no idea where to find the clothing. "Modern" Victorians (that's you) have many options including antique shops, sewing patterns, and ready made garments. Antique clothing may be the most difficult to meet your needs. It is often difficult to find the right size or fabric in good enough condition to be worn. Sewing is an option for those of us that are talented in that way. Patterns can be found in many of the pattern catalogues or on the web. One website to check out would be www.trulyvictorian.com.
Lew Keen, Chapter Secretary
If you are interested in attending the Annual Meeting of the National VSA in St. Louis MO (scheduled for May 17-22, 2006), you must be a member of the National Victorian Society in America (call 215-545-8340 or email info@victoriansociety.org for more info). Annual dues are $45 for individuals and $55 for househould.
For more info, click here.
