FABRIC RESEARCH
In 1973, Marion Carson and Rose Sill made a study of early American fabric designs. They came up with six designs: Philadelphia Regimentals, Epping Forest, Bird in hand, 13 Colonies, Murray Hall and Strawberry Fields. Graeff Fabrics, Inc. in New York, agreed to manufacture fabrics of the six designs and promote them for quilts, bedspreads, skirts, etc., and to pay royalties to WGP. Later the designs were also produced in wallpaper. These welcome royalties continued for many years until Graeff Fabrics, Inc. was sold. These fabrics were also promoted at the John Wanamaker store in Philadelphia. They received wide press publicity and also helped in recruiting members for WGP.
BICENTENNIAL WAGON TRAIN
A member of WGP, Thelma Gray, created the Bicentennial Wagon Train. Covered
wagons left each state and traced in reverse the paths of early settlers
to Valley Forge for a huge celebration on July 4, 1976.
The Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania provided an authentic Conestoga
wagon or Prairie Schooner for each state, as well as a Pennsylvania Conestoga
and a chuck wagon to accompany each of the five main caravans.
TIME CAPSULE
On September 11, 1976, fifteen hundred gathered at the Lewis Quadrangle
at Independence Mall. The occasion was the launching of a Time Capsule
by WGP for the Bicentennial. Children 10 years of age and younger were invited.
The Capsule was put together by Rose Sill and Martha Gable. The Time
Capsule contains all the photos, press releases, invitations- - everything
that was going on in 1976. Eight hundred and sixteen children, whose
names are in the Time Capsule, received a certificate. It charged
each one to open and reseal the Time Capsule in 2026, and to tell their
children to open it again in 2076, America's Tri-centennial. Letters from
Mayor Frank Rizzo, Governor Milton Shapp to "The Mayor of Philadelphia,
2076" were included.
The Time Capsule was placed in the vault of the Pennsylvania Historical
Society when James Mooney was director. A brass plaque was presented
to him stating that the Time Capsule was there for opening in 2026, and
again in 2076.
SONNETS OF '76
Dr. Rose Basile Green, talented author and poet, produced a booklet of sonnets reflecting the mood, history and significance of 1976. It is among the treasured archives of the organization.
MUSEUM SHOWCASE
In 1977, after the Bicentennial was over, the members of WGP began looking for new Projects. The city found that tourism was an important asset to its economy. In this area there were a unique number of outstanding museums, and they presented attractive potential for tourism. Thelma Gray created the title "Museum Showcase." In order to create a greater awareness of these cultural gems, Thelma, along with Martha Gable put together a booklet with information and photos of the museums. There were 40 museums in 1976 and 142 in the last issue of 1985. These booklets were distributed free thanks to generous financing of local businesses and the city for printing. This project was given coverage by The Philadelphia Inquirer in their WEEKEND section once a month. In 1985 the Public Relations committee of the Museum Council of Philadelphia and Delaware Valley requested that WGP to transfer the Museum Showcase promotion to them. The transfer was done, but sadly, the free booklet was discontinued.
FASHION SHOWS AND LUNCHEONS
The Women For Greater Philadelphia Fashion Shows were begun in 1984 at the Union League and Williamson Restaurant during the month of October. Fashion shows and luncheons were also held on the QE2 and Ocean Princess in past years. In October of 2005 we return to the Union League for our Gala luncheon and fashion show. This Gala was the official launch for our 30th Anniversary celebrations in 2006.
2006 - CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY
The organization that began in 1972 had much to be proud of in their accomplishments and contributions to the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The Women For Greater Philadelphia looked forward with anticipation in 2006 as we celebrated our 30th Anniversary of continuing service and the great satisfaction that comes with volunteering.
WOMEN FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA AND EMERGING WOMEN CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2006
Our 1808 Broadwood Grand Pianoforte is finally restored. Beginning fall 2006, this historic instrument will be used in a music educational program for the children in the local schools. The pianoforte is now being used in our Summer Concerts by Candlelight.
Garden Design for Laurel Hill
Our Garden Committee
accepted the final design for the Formal Garden on September 23, 2005.
This project is a partnership of WGP, Community Garden Club of Wayne, Fairmount
Park Commission staff, students at Delaware Valley College, students of
several high schools and volunteers from the local communities to develop
an historic Laurel Hill Garden legacy plan.
Laurel Hill Mansion and Lemon Hill Mansion have joined together for ongoing story lessons enabling local schools to tour and study both houses.
A Men's Auxiliary Committee was recently convened. These men have joined the Advisory Council and will be providing their expertise and support to WGP in the future plans and programs for Laurel Hill Mansion.
WFGP gets a website: www.womenforgreaterphiladelphia.org and e-mail address.
Laurel Hill Mansion will have a DVD. Our house will be the first segment of a docudrama on the Fairmount Park Houses produced by Larry Smallwood, Channel 6 Cultural Department and Pat Jordan who has written the script for the docudrama. Pat recently became a member of the Advisory Council and serves as our Historian.
WGP Historical Cookbook was being updated with additional colonial recipes.
After exciting year celebrating our organizations 30th anniversary we look forward to the next 30 years. The goal of Women for Greater Philadelphia is to continue to work towards improving the cultural image of the Greater Philadelphia Area and the maintenance and preservation of Laurel Hill Historic Mansion.