IN THIS ISSUE:
Edward Harris and the
Alabama Connection (p. 3)
Did John James Audubon
visit Moorestown? (p. 4)
The Value of Studying
Birds (p. 5)
Visit the Gift Shop (p. 7)
FROM
THE
FRONT
PORCH
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF MOORESTOWN
View From the Porch
Research Library and
Mansion Hours:
Tuesday 1-4 PM
Second Saturday of
the Month 1-4 PM
Address
Historical Society of
Moorestown
Smith-Cadbury Mansion
12 High St.
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone
856-235-0353
Web Site
www.moorestown.
com/history
E-mail
moorestownhistory@
verizon.net
Published by
The Historical Society
of Moorestown
Spring is almost here, and what better time to meet for tea and view the latest
styles? Latest that is, if you just attended Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration or
are thinking of taking a spin in one of those new-fangled horseless carriages!
On Sunday, March 29, the Society’s talented Textile Committee will present
a collection of fashions spanning nearly 100 years at a Vintage Fashion Show
& Tea to be held at Laurel Creek County Club. In addition to the show and
fashions, a fabulous array of gifts in every size and shape will be yours for the
bidding at the Champagne Silent Auction. Many, many volunteer hours have
been devoted to bringing you this memorable and fun afternoon, which is also
most vital to our treasury. We hope you will generously support this important
Society event.
Spring also means it is time for the Society’s annual meeting and election.
While doing research for our current exhibit on John James Audubon and Edward
Harris we had the great pleasure of meeting Mitch Harper from the staff of Mill
Grove in Audubon, Pennsylvania. Mill Grove was the home of young Audubon
when his father sent him to America to avoid conscription into the French army.
The National Audubon Society now manages Mill Grove as a museum and
education center. Mr. Harper, an artist in his own right, will present a program for
us about Audubon’s love of nature entitled, Through the Eyes of An Artist. This
interesting program will give us a unique perspective into the heart and genius of
America’s best-loved artist and explore the special qualities that Harris so quickly
recognized in Audubon upon their initial meeting.
Finally, spring means that children’s school tours are around the corner.
Thanks in advance to all those who will be involved in this important work
ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday April 23rd at 7:30 PM
MARCH 2009
Our guest speaker is Mitch Harper,
the Arts Specialist for the John James
Audubon Center at Mill Grove
as we fulfill our mission of educating Moorestown’s youth who will be
tomorrow’s preservationist and history buffs. It will also be your last
opportunity to see the Audubon and Edward Harris of Moorestown
exhibit in its entirety before we close for the summer at the end of June.
I promise that if you make the effort to come and see the exhibit you will
learn a great deal and not be disappointed. We will be open every Tuesday
afternoon and the Second Saturdays of March, April, May and June.
March and April will be the final sessions for your favorite budding artist
to create a wonderful keepsake at the Second Saturday Children’s Craft.
The unique projects combining art with history will delight your young
artist. For reservations call Olivia at 235-5747 or email thelangerhans@
yahoo.com.
I look forward to seeing you soon, “up at the house!”
Ann Langerhans
The Historical Society
of Moorestown
Officers
President
Ann Langerhans
Vice-Presidents
BJ Tetlow
Stephanie Herz
Treasurer
Harry Koons
Recording Secretary
Lynne Brill
Corresponding Secretary
Lynne Japka
President
Trustees
Susan Acker
Lynne Brill
Lisa Cash
Ann Condon
Laura Cooper
Stephanie Herz
Accessions
Debra Hojsak
Lynne Japka
Several interesting items will soon be reviewed by our Accessions Committee.
These recent gifts are the June 14, 1900 graduation program for Moorestown Public
High School; the banquet program for a 1941 meeting in the Community House of
the New Jersey Fox Hunters’ Association; several beautiful sketches of local scenes
by the late local artist William H. Kenderdine; and architectural drawings of several
local homes also by Mr. Kenderdine. Regarding the graduation program it reveals
that there were very few students in the class. The banquet choices served to the
fox hunters were bland and predictable but generous.
An item of particular interest is a relic of the Indians who inhabited this area
before the Europeans. It is a very large and heavy stone ax head found in the 1940s
on the property line of a lot on East Main Street where it joined a swamp.
Lisa Knell
Dolores Kocyan
Harry Koons
Ann Langerhans
Julie Maravich
Joseph MacMichael
Nan Pillsbury
Gloria Senno
Jay Taylor
BJ Tetlow
Lenny Wagner
Jr. Trustee: Charlie Langerhans
Newsletter Editor
These gifts will probably be accepted by the Committee and as soon as they are
processed they will be available to our members and other visitors to The Historical
Society for a look-see.
— Ann Condon
2
Lisa Knell
Library
Stephanie Herz
Edward Harris of Moorestown
& THE ALABAMA CONNECTION
“There exists,
even to this day,
a great deal of
interest on the part
of Europeans in
anything that has
to do with Native
Americans and
as a consequence,
a great deal
of interest in
Edward Harris”
Visitors to our current exhibit celebrating John James Audubon and Edward Harris will
be surprised to discover that the largest collection of items once belonging to Edward
Harris is now in the possession and care of the Alabama Department of History and
Archives.
In 1900 William Ustick Harris, a grandson of Edward Harris, Jr. left Moorestown and
moved to Alabama to take a job with the Alabama Power Company. As his retirement
neared, William considered a number of options for the distribution of the over 5,000 items
in his grandfather’s collection, including the possibility of selling off some of the items and
breaking up the collection.
Thomas W. Martin, the owner of the Alabama Power Company was an amateur historian
and understood the significance of the Harris collection and the importance of keeping
it intact. In 1941 he brought Harris together with his good friend Peter Brannon who was
the Director of the Alabama Department of History and Archives (ADHA). Harris agreed
to donate a portion of the collection to the state at that time and the ADHA agreed to
purchase additional items on an incremental basis, which they did until 1959 when the last
of the 5,000 items came under its care.
The collection contains the original handwritten journal and memorandum book from
the famous 1843 Audubon/Harris Missouri River expedition, notes on the Percheron Horse,
records for the Harris Moorestown farming operation, an invitation to meet the Marquis de
Lafayette and countless letters, photos and sketches.
One component of the collection that generates a great deal of worldwide interest is the
collection of Indian artifacts that Harris gathered on his expeditions with Audubon. Robert
Cason, who oversees the Harris collection for the Alabama Department of History and
Archives reports that he receives hundreds of requests and inquiries each year concerning
the Harris collection. “There exists, even to this day, a great deal of interest on the part of
Europeans in anything that has to do with Native Americans and as a consequence, a great
deal of interest in Edward Harris,” Cason remarked.
The state of Alabama has forwarded to the Historical Society of Moorestown copies of
all the significant Harris documents. This collection of items is currently being catalogued
and added to our library materials.
Linda Overman, Curator of Collections, for the ADHA, plans to visit the exhibit in the
spring. The exhibit runs now through June.
— Lenny Wagner
3
Did John James Audubon ever
really visit Edward Harris at his
home in Moorestown during their
thirty-three year friendship?
Come to the 39th Annual Meeting, Election &
Program on Thursday, April 23rd and find out
On Thursday, April 23, the Society will hold its 39th Annual Meeting and
Election of Officers at 7:30 p.m. in the Community House Club Room. After a
brief business meeting we will hear from Mitch Harper, the Arts Specialist for the
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, in Audubon, Pennsylvania.
Mill Grove was Audubon’s first home in America and today the historic house,
which was built in 1762, is a museum dedicated to his art. The site is also an
environmental education center of the National Audubon Society and has 175
acres of wildlife sanctuary with nature trails throughout the property. Mr. Harper
designs exhibits, teaches art, and interprets John James Audubon for special
events. He has a master’s degree form The Vermont College of Fine Arts and is
especially interested in the interpretation of nature through art. It will be a terrific
meeting not to be missed. Please come and bring a friend!
Contact Ann Langerhans with questions: 235-5747
QUICK FACTS FROM
THE AUDUBON
CENTER
• John James Audubon
Center offer a unique
combination of art and
nature
•
The museum located
in the historic home
features all of John
James Audubon’s
major works, including
the magnificent Birds
of America .
• Over 175 species of
birds and over 400
species of plants have
been identified on the
grounds at Mill Grove,
which feature five mile
of walking trails
• John James Audubon
arrived in America and
Mill Grove in 1803 at
the age of 18
• Mill Grove was sold to
Montgomery County
Commissioners
in 1951 and
reopened as
the Mill Grove
Museum and
Audubon Wildlife
Sanctuary
Image from the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove web site:
http://pa.audubon.org/centers_mill_grove.html
4
The Value of Ornithology
. . . Audubon
“shocked the
scientific
community”
by focusing
on birds in
motion
Dr. Donald H. Cresswell showed the Historical Society of Moorestown the value of
ornithology at the General Meeting of the Society on October 16, 2008. As the Society
is commemorating the life and works of John James Audubon this year, Dr. Cresswell
showed a number of ornithological prints by Audubon. He discussed works of other
world-famous ornithologists, as well. Dr. Cresswell is the co-owner of the Philadelphia
Print Shop and a frequent guest on the television show Antiques Roadshow. His lecture
focused on the business of buying and selling original prints and reproductions in the
21st Century.
Dr. Cresswell started out by showing some works of Mark Catesby. Dr. Cresswell
showed a Catesby drawing of a “Booby Bird” that was valued at $2,800. This print was
interesting because the bird’s head was drawn to scale next to the sketch of the whole
bird. He also displayed a Catesby drawing of a snake priced at $1,300.
Dr. Cresswell explained that antique dealers aren’t solely interested in original
works. Catesby reproductions are also of interest to collectors. Dr. Creswell also said
that “Gentlemen’s Magazine” did wood prints of Catesby’s work that are valued at $200
each. A German named Seligman did his own reproductions. These “Seligman Catesbys”
are valued at between $500 and $650. The London Edition is much more valuable to
collectors. They are priced at $2,500.
The most valuable portion of Dr. Cresswell’s presentation was his discussion of
the works of Audubon. Dr. Cresswell explained how Audubon “shocked the scientific
community” by focusing on birds in motion. He was the first to draw birds according to
scale which, in turn, created issues in terms of framing. He showed a second edition of an
Audubon drawing of a wild turkey that very effectively showed why. Dr. Cresswell talked
about Audubon’s use of the “elephant folio”, which are standard sized pieces of paper
from England. Dr. Cresswell explained how the values of the “elephant folios” tend to
increase over time.
Dr. Cresswell talked about the Octavo Edition, or “Little Audubons”, as they are also
known. These are smaller versions of Audubon’s prints. Ironically, Audubon wouldn’t have
approved of these. Throughout his lifetime he insisted that subjects be drawn to scale.
Artists sketched the first Octavo Edition in 1842. Subsequent editions came out every
five years after that until there were eight total. These cost from $175 to $275. Collectors
value drawings of the more popular birds more highly.
Dr. Cresswell explained that recessions don’t necessarily affect this business. He
explained the unique economic factors why using the elephant folios as a hypothetical
example. Presume an auction house acquires a large collection of them. Once they do,
no one will sell elephant folios for more than the auction price. Conversely, no one will
buy one for more than the auction price. At this point the price will level off. The auction
houses will put more items on the market. The price will then go up. This business
certainly isn’t for the birds.
— Kevin M. Stephany
5
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Spring is just around the corner!
Membership renewal forms for 2009-2010 will be mailed the end of March. As
always, a timely response is greatly appreciated. Remember, your membership
in the Historical Society of Moorestown not only helps to preserve our legacy but
entitles you to the Society’s quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount in our unique Gift
Shop, invitations to member only events and access to our historic research library.
Please consider upgrading to one of our Donor Levels and receive Purdy’s
Moorestown Old & New (book) along with 2 or 4 complimentary special events
tickets.
At this time, the Society extends thanks to our Patron Donors:
Thomas and Debbie Whitesell
New Members are always welcome. If you have a friend or neighbor who
might be interested in joining the Historical Society, please encourage them to
contact me @ (856) 802-0204 or lynne_japka@ comcast.net.
Till next time,
Lynne A. Japka, Membership Chairperson
THE HSM GIFT
SHOP IS FILLED
WITH GREAT
GIFTS AND
UNIQUE ITEMS.
YOUR PURCHASE
SUPPORTS THE
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY.
NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
NAME(S):
ADDRESS:
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY:
BASIC MEMBERSHIP: Student $10 ___
Individual/Family $35 ___
DONOR LEVELS: Contributor $100-499 ___
Patron $500-999 ___
Benefactor $1,000+ ___
DATE:
TELEPHONE #:
Make check payable to: Historical Society of Moorestown
Mail to: Historical Society of Moorestown
P.O. Box 477 / Moorestown, NJ 08057
6
For Membership
information,
contact:
Lynne Japka
at 856-802-0204
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 2009
APRIL 2009
MAY 2009
Audubon/Harris
Exhibit continues
Audubon/Harris
Exhibit continues
14
Second Saturday
Tours 1-4 &
Children’s Craft (1-3 PM)
11
29
Vintage Fashion Show
(2-5 PM)
23
Second Saturday
Tours 1-4 &
Children’s Craft (1-3 PM)
Annual Meeting
(7:30 PM)
Audubon/Harris
Exhibit continues
9
Second Saturday
Tours 1-4 &
Children’s Craft (1-3 PM)
Volunteer Appreciation Party
(May date to be announced)
GIFT SHOP NEWS:
If you can’t get to the house during regular SmithCadbury hours, contact Laura Cooper (856-2348572) to arrange for private shopping!
The Gift Shop will be open during the Art Walk on
May 8th and we will have some other vendors join
us. We will also have artwork from Neal Hughes on
display for purchase!
Remember . . . Mother’s Day is coming and we
have great gifts!
7
DO YOU KNOW
WHAT WERE THEY
WEARING IN 1890?
1920?
1960?
COME TO OUR
VINTAGE FASHION
SHOW & TEA ON
MARCH 29TH
AND FIND OUT!
Historical Society of
Moorestown
Smith-Cadbury Mansion
12 High Street, Box 477
Moorestown, NJ 08057
MARCH 2009
Our special
exhibit continues
through the
spring:
Be sure to
stop by and
see the story
of John James
Audubon and
Smith-Cadbury’s
Edward Harris
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Permit NO. 183