Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill by Thomas H. Keels, published by Arcadia Publishing in 2002, offers a detailed exploration of one of America’s most picturesque urban villages located in northwest Philadelphia. This first edition spans 128 pages and is presented in English. The book delves into the rich history of Chestnut Hill, tracing its evolution from a colonial village of farmers and millers to a favored retreat for Philadelphia’s affluent residents following the arrival of the railroad in 1854.
Readers will discover a captivating photographic record that highlights the area’s notable architecture and historic preservation efforts. The narrative reveals intriguing aspects of the community, including the coexistence of wealthy estates and immigrant neighborhoods. Through stunning visuals and engaging stories, the book uncovers surprising elements of Chestnut Hill’s past, such as the infamous perpetual motion machine hoax and the local hotel that operated during Prohibition. The history of Chestnut Hill is further enriched by tales of significant events and figures, including the anti-Catholic Know-Nothings and Richard Norris Williams II, a Titanic survivor and national tennis champion.
Official synopsis Publisher
Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, is one of America’s most beautiful urban villages thanks to the fusion of a magnificent physical setting, notable architecture, historic preservation, and careful planning. During the Colonial period, Chestnut Hill was a rough-hewn village of farmers and millers. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill’s natural splendor and healthful atmosphere made it a popular spot for Philadelphia’s wealthy. Soon, it was ringed by magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. Living side-by-side with the wealthy were hardworking communities of Italian, Irish, and German immigrants. Chestnut Hill, a fascinating photographic record of Chestnut Hill’s past, reveals some surprising secrets about this vibrant community. The current community center was once the site of a perpetual motion machine hoax that swindled nineteenth-century Philadelphians, and one local hotel provided liquor (and perhaps other illicit services) to Chestnut Hillers during Prohibition. The stunning photographs and riveting stories of Chestnut Hill include those of the anti-Catholic Know-Nothings, who threatened to halt the construction of Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in the 1850s, and of Richard Norris Williams II, who survived the sinking of the Titanic and went on to win the national tennis championship twice at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
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