Before the summer got away from us, we wanted to come to Philadelphia to see the massive Impressionism exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum. And so, squeezed between painting, book club, and Pirate games, this is the weekend. We left Mars and headed to Downingtown. Earle had made an appointment with the archivist at the Downingtown Historical Association to tour the Ashbridge House. We had seen the house over 15 years ago and it was in a sorry state of disrepair. The Historical Association stepped in and saved the house and now uses it as their headquarters. They are doing remarkable work not only with the house, but also with the preservation of records and newspaper clippings.
The first record of the house was in 1709 when it was sold by a John Baldwin. The house passed down through the families until it was left to Elizabeth Sharpless and Abraham Ashbridge when it became known as the Ashbridge House. Abraham was Earle's 2nd cousin 3rd removed. A distant relative, but still in the family. We did discover some connections about which we had not known to the Downings, for which Downingtown was names. Fascinating history and more to research.
You know you are obsessed with family history and genealogy when you are driving down a major road and you spot a cemetery. I immediately announce that the cemetery was where a number of relatives were buried and, of course, the car turned in. Cumberland Cemetery is fairly well kept and so we set off in the 90 degree heat looking for graves. Although I had plot numbers, I had not been prepared to find this cemetery so had not contacted the manager for exact locations. We did find some cousins there in one family that were all buried together.
We would have spent more time, but it was time to meet Earle's brother and two sister-in-laws for dinner. Had a nice time chatting and getting caught up on all things Ashbridge from the Philly area. After dinner we went back to the house where Earle grew up and where his brother lives. They are putting the house on the market so it was time for a last walk through and some reminiscing.
On to our hotel in Center City for the night. Tomorrow we'll do some sightseeing. I haven't been in Philadelphia to take in the sights in about 45 years. Should be fun and HOT.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment