Part 1

Arranged and Printed by the Germantown Independent-Gazette Germantown, Pa.

GERMANTOWN OLD AND NEW

Its Rare and Notable Plants

1904

BY EDWIN C. JELLETT

To CLARA HELEN BAUMANN a native of Germantown whose ancestors beautified it in the past as their successor honors and enriches it in the present.

PREFACE

This outline sketch of our “rare and notable plants” was prepared at the direction of “The Germantown Horticultural Society” and was read at its public meeting of May 9, 1904,--the same later appearing in the columns of the “Germantown Independent-Gazette.”

At the time of writing, there was no thought of publishing the paper, it being hurriedly assembled outside the time required for daily positive duties within the limits of one week,--and was intended only for a simple address.

This will partly explain, if it does not excuse obvious defects, and since I have been urged by several members of the Society named to present the paper in print, I have concluded to send it forth with all its faults from the same types by which it first appeared, asking only that the circumstances be remembered, for no one, I feel confident, is able to satisfactorily present the plants of Germantown in an article so brief,--or more definitely,--I am not able to do so. To the original paper I have added an index, which I hope may not be found superfluous.

For the illustrations which grace our pages, I am indebted to S. Mendelsohn Meehan,--who suggested this paper,--and to Horace F. McCann--who printed it. The faces which familiarly greet us I have added to dignify our work, for past and present they represent the “stuff” which built our town,--preserved it,--and now keep it,--forever famous. Last, but not least, I feel sure we all are pleased with the appearance of our book, and to Erwin W. Moyer, whose skill and good taste reared upon a sub-stratum apparently hopelessly unpromising a structure so creditable, I wish to record my heartiest thanks.

E. C. J.

ILLUSTRATIONS

FRONTISPIECE

Oak tree on Rabbit Lane, near County Line Road. Photograph by Charles Edward Pancoast.

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The “Morris-Littell” House, at southeast corner of Main and High streets. The rear part of this house I believe to have once been the residence of Dr. Christopher Witt.--(E. C. J.) Photo by J. H. Russ.

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George Redles. A remarkable botanist, whose knowledge of our native and cultivated plants is unsurpassed, and whose modesty is equal to his acquirements. Photograph by Mrs. George Redles.

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Wakefield, a notable historic mansion, whose surrounding grounds exhibit many of our finest plants. Etching by Joseph Pennell. Penna. Magazine.

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Naglee Houses. Original houses, exhibiting to the present the stone dwellings of the early settlement. Photograph of “The Philadelphia Times.”

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Weeping Elms. Beautiful specimens shading the entrance to Meehans’ nurseries. Cut from “Meehans’ Monthly.”

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Louis Clapier Baumann, in his day the leading Florist of Germantown, and the first “wholesale grower of cut flowers” for the Philadelphia markets. Photograph copy by E. C. J.

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