Narratives about people, community history, the culture
[What’s Behind the Names of Pennswood’s Buildings?] Pennswood’s “B” Building One of Quaker core beliefs is living “integrity and truth,” expressed as “Let your life speak.” Quakers do not take oaths on a Bible, believing that a person’s word should always be truthful. Gervase Benson (d. _____) was an influential lawyer of his time, a notary public, an alderman, […]
Multi-talented Kurt Martin has supported the Pennswood Singers, memorial meetings for residents, Pennswood’s Got Talent and more. In this interview, Kurt shares his Pennswood journey.
Kurt Martin, Music Man Read More »
Opposite the main entrance to our Community Center our new peace pole proclaims in 16 world languages, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
Pennswood’s NEW Peace Pole (May, 2024) Read More »
RICHARD YARNALL (d., 2013) was a graduate of Germantown Friends School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and his Masters in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. During World War II, he served in the American Field Service with the British Sixth Armored Division in the Italian campaign. He was a sole proprietor
ROBERT “BOB” TEEL (d.1983) held degrees in journalism and educational psychology from Temple University. He spent his career as the Personnel Manager at Dun & Bradstreet of NY and was a member of the NY Personnel Management Association. After his retirement from Dun & Bradstreet, he worked at George School developing a deferred giving program.
GEORGE OTTO (b. 1903; d. 1996) was described in the Philadelphia Inquirer as a “community builder.” For 40 years, George and his partner operated Penn Valley Constructors, Inc. The firm built custom homes in Bucks County, but also built pioneering, integrated communities in the region, an expression of George’s Quaker beliefs in equality and affordability.
BARBARA JACOBSON (b.1915; d. 2011) grew up in Rose Valley, PA. She studied piano with Nadia Boulanger in Paris (1931-32), graduated from the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr in 1933, and earned a bachelor’s degree in set design at Bennington (VT) College. She became a school administrator in 1943 when she joined Gwynedd Friends Meeting
JOHN “JACK” STAPLER HOLLISTER (b. 1914, d.1988) was born in Trenton, NJ, of Quaker parents. A George School graduate (class of 1931), he was tall (6 ft. 6 in.) and athletic, captain of the tennis team. He went to Brown University. He and his brother Charles both took a year off and rode bikes through
SIDNEY “SID” CADWALLADER II (b. 1933; d. 2015) was born and lived most of his life in Yardley, PA. He attended Fallsington Friends School, George School, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He practiced law on the Main Street of Yardley for 60 years. He and his wife Carolyn and their four
Sidney Cadawallader II Read More »
ELISE LUDEKE BARASH (b. 1915; d. 2010), the second of four children, lived a long and full life that touched the lives of many people. She had a passion for sailing (learned from her father), gardening, and tennis. She adored children and quickly developed a special rapport with them. Early in her life, Elise had
Elise Ludeke Barash Read More »
