Lower Merion Historical Society

11/01/2026

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: Philadelphia Flyers 🏒

The Lower Merion Historical Society is delighted to recognize the Philadelphia Flyers for their generous support of our Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction!

Founded in 1967 as one of the NHL's original expansion teams, the Flyers quickly established themselves as a force in professional hockey. Their legendary “Broad Street Bullies” era brought Philadelphia back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975, creating a legacy that remains an unforgettable part of the city's sporting history.

For nearly six decades, the Flyers have been woven into the fabric of Philadelphia, bringing generations of fans together through thrilling victories, fierce rivalries, and a shared love of hockey. Beyond the ice, the organization has supported charitable initiatives, youth programs, and community organizations throughout the region.

As a historical society, we know that a community's history is shaped not only by its buildings and landmarks, but also by the traditions, triumphs, and shared experiences that connect generations. Philadelphia sports certainly have a place in that story!

The Flyers have generously donated an autographed puck for our silent auction, and we're grateful for their willingness to support our mission.

Thank you, Philadelphia Flyers, for helping the Lower Merion Historical Society preserve our community's history—and for nearly 60 years of giving Philadelphia hockey fans something to cheer about! 🧡🖤

11/01/2026

🔔 Bidding is OPEN for the Lower Merion Historical Society’s silent auction!

Treat yourself, get a head start on holiday shopping, or plan your next adventure - all while supporting the preservation of Lower Merion’s history.

Explore an array of experiences, theater and sports tickets, gift baskets, local treasures, and more. Every bid helps support our collections, programs, and the stories that connect our community.

📅 Bidding closes November 14 at 9:30 p.m.
🔗 Browse, register, and bid: https://app.galabid.com/historygala/items

Take a look, choose your favorites, and help us spread the word by sharing this post!

11/01/2026

Let’s set the clock back…to some old postcard images, alongside the current-day views.

A few then-and-now images from the Bala Cynwyd area. The older images are from our Lower Merion and Narberth postcard collection, courtesy of the Francis family.

See the collection here on our website.

https://collections.lowermerionhistory.org/home/full-text/lower-merion-and-narberth-postcards/

10/31/2026

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: The Quadrangle 🏡

The Lower Merion Historical Society is delighted to recognize The Quadrangle in Haverford as a Heritage Sponsor of our Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction!

Nestled on a beautiful 74-acre campus along Darby Road, The Quadrangle is a senior living community with deep roots in the Main Line and a tradition inspired by Quaker values. Its emphasis on lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful connections makes it a particularly fitting supporter of an organization devoted to preserving and sharing local history.

For generations, the Main Line has been shaped by institutions and communities that value education, civic engagement, and the preservation of traditions. The Quadrangle carries that spirit forward, offering residents opportunities to remain active, engaged, and connected to the community around them.

As a historical society, we believe that preserving the past is about more than protecting buildings and artifacts. It's also about celebrating the people, experiences, and shared memories that give a community its identity. We're especially grateful to have the support of an organization that recognizes the importance of those connections across generations.

Thank you, The Quadrangle, for your generous Heritage-level sponsorship and for helping the Lower Merion Historical Society preserve our community's stories for generations to come! ❤️

10/30/2026

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: CURE de Repos 🌿

The Lower Merion Historical Society is delighted to recognize Cure de Repos Main Line in Ardmore for its generous support of our Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction!

Located on Cricket Avenue in the heart of Ardmore, Cure de Repos offers a welcoming retreat from the demands of everyday life, with treatments and wellness experiences designed to help guests relax, recharge, and feel their best.

For our silent auction, Cure de Repos has generously donated a spa experience valued at $160, featuring the winner's choice of a 30-minute Swedish massage or classic facial, along with a 30-minute infrared sauna and cold plunge session. What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a little well-deserved pampering!

As a historical society, we're especially appreciative of the local businesses that contribute to the vitality and character of our Main Line communities. Their generosity helps us continue preserving the stories, places, and traditions that make this area so special.

Thank you to Elle and the entire Cure de Repos team for supporting the Lower Merion Historical Society and helping make our inaugural gala a success! 💚

10/29/2026

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: Buca Doro 🍝

The Lower Merion Historical Society is delighted to recognize Buca D'Oro Ristorante in Philadelphia for its generous support of our Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction!

Located in the historic Washington Square neighborhood, Buca D'Oro has been serving Italian cuisine to Philadelphians since the 1980s. Inspired by the flavors of Italy's beautiful Amalfi Coast, the restaurant offers handcrafted pastas, classic Italian dishes, and warm hospitality in the heart of Center City.

Just steps from some of Philadelphia's most treasured historic landmarks, Buca D'Oro is a wonderful reminder that the character of a city is shaped not only by its buildings and monuments, but also by the neighborhood establishments where generations gather, celebrate, and make memories.

Buca D'Oro has generously donated a $100 gift card, which we've paired with two tickets to the historic Walnut Street Theatre to create a fabulous Dinner & a Show package for our silent auction!

As a historical society, we appreciate the businesses that help keep Philadelphia's neighborhoods vibrant while supporting the preservation of our region's rich heritage.

Thank you, Buca D'Oro, for your generosity and for helping the Lower Merion Historical Society preserve the stories and history of our community! ❤️

10/29/2026

Back in 1872, in the heart of Bryn Mawr was the genteel Bryn Mawr Hotel (or Keystone Hotel, as it was first called), a grand summer resort constructed and operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Conveniently located in the rural countryside on Montgomery Ave., close to the Bryn Mawr train station.

Bryn Mawr’s upper class social life centered around activities at the Keystone. Both locals and hotel guests eagerly awaited the event of the season, the Bryn Mawr Assemblies, a ball which would draw more than 500 people. Equestrian activities were popular too, as well as carriage riding and horseback riding. Baseball, tennis, and cricket were also favorites.

The building was suddenly destroyed by fire in October, 1887. A new hotel, designed by Frank Furness, was built in 1890, inspired by a grand French chateau.

Meanwhile, just down the road in her mother’s house, Florence Baldwin opened her girls school in 1888. The original name was "Miss Baldwin's School for Girls, Preparatory for Bryn Mawr College.”

Her school was an undeniable success. Miss Baldwin leased the nearby hotel for the winter season and bought the building 17 years later. It has housed the all-girls Baldwin School ever since, for over 100 years. Today, “The Residence” building is a central part of The Baldwin School’s 25-acre campus.

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10/28/2026

Our gala is a little over 2 weeks away - but you don't have to be there to participate in the auction, which is opening in 4 short days! Preview the auction and get ready to start bidding!

10/27/2026

You’ve probably passed by a storied house many times on Montgomery Avenue.

Wynnewood’s Penn Cottage, so-named because William Penn was supposed to have spent time there, was built on land occupied for centuries by a Lenape village. The original building was constructed in 1695 by Robert Owen on 442 acres he purchased for 100 pounds in 1691.

The original modest house has been altered several times. It is one of the oldest residences in Pennsylvania.

Actress Kat Dennings was one of the more recent residents. She lived at Penn Cottage as a child, and she has spoken multiple times about ghosts in the house.

10/26/2026

Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition turns 150 this year—and there’s plenty to explore beyond what we learned in history class!

Greg Prichard, Lower Merion Township's Historic Preservation Planner, has been organizing the Centennial 150 Symposium, a day of illustrated talks exploring how the 1876 exposition shaped architecture, art, innovation, and everyday life. Greg will also present “The Scattered Afterlives of Centennial Buildings,” tracing what happened to those remarkable structures after the crowds went home.

The setting is fitting: the historic, Frank Furness-designed First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia.

📅 Saturday, November 21, 2026
📍 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
🎟️ $25 general admission; $20 for SAH Philadelphia Chapter and University City Historical Society members; $15 for students.

Registration is open! If you love Philadelphia history, architecture, or discovering the stories behind familiar places, take a look—and help spread the word.

Centennial 150 Symposium | Nov. 21, 2026 A century and a half ago, nearly ten million people descended on Philadelphia to witness a spectacle unlike anything before seen in the United States. The Centennial Exposition made a permanent impression on Philadelphia and a lasting impact on American cultu...