Letters to the Editor
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Letters category and the Spring 1992 issue Topics in this article:Rediscovered …
Thank you for the marvelous feature article on Thomas Eakins – he richly deserves the attention of your very fine magazine (see “The Many Faces of Thomas Eakins” by Cheryl Leibold, spring 1991). It’s important that we teach our children that history, even that of art, is controversial and that dissent and dissenters should not be punished. The portraits of the artist were marvelous. You can be sure I am keeping this issue for my children and, someday, grandchildren to enjoy. Again, thanks.
Michael D. Swift
Allentown, Pa.
Girard College
Michael P. McCarthy in his article “Girard College: A Story of Change and Continuity” (summer 1991) provides an excellent history of the institution – with an odd omission. As he wrote, “The first minority male was accepted in 1968,” but that happened only after a series of lawsuits attempted to overturn Stephen Girard’s 1831 will. It was Pennsylvania v. Brown, argued in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 1967, which finally opened the doors at Girard College. The administration may have “welcomed it” but what the author left unsaid is how many, in positions of influence, opposed that change for many years. As an important part of Pennsylvania’s heritage, we should appreciate both the effort that went into challenging Stephen Girard’s will and in the rapid transformation of Girard College by an enthusiastic administration thereafter.
Graham Humes
Philadelphia, Pa.
The Legend Lives On …
“The Legend of Jay Gould” by Phil Holleran, which appeared in the winter 1992 issue, held particular significance for those of us associated with the Washington County Historical Society. When the City of Washington, Pennsylvania, recently demolished its Town Hall, a time capsule was found. It was while researching this time capsule that a link between Washington and “Black Friday” was discovered! Pres. Ulysses S. Grant was visiting relatives in Washington in September 1869, when he was invited by city officials to lay the cornerstone (which held a time capsule) for the new Town Hall. The president accepted this invitation and the city residents cheered him as he took part in the ceremonies on September 19, 1869. Because western Pennsylvania at the time was considered “no man’s land,” Jay Gould and Jim Fisk thought President Grant’s visit the perfect opportunity to carry out their plot to corner the nation’s gold market, thus initiating the panic on Wall Street. While in our city, President Grant received word of the panic and immediately departed for the nation’s capital, forgetting his cane in his haste. The Washington County Historical Society still has this cane in its possession. In fact, the president’s cane and articles removed from the time capsule are currently on exhibit at the LeMoyne House, headquarters of our county historical society. This exhibition also features an explanation of “Little” Washington’s part in “Black Friday.”
Laura A. Craig
Washington, Pa.
Laura A. Craig serves as education specialist for the Washington County Historical Society.
The Diary of Sallie Meixell
How much I enjoyed the article on Sallie Meixell in the winter 1992 edition (see “The Young Lady of Lewisburg Grows Up” by Nada Gray and Doris Dysinger). I visit Lewisburg once a year, and now my future visits will be enhanced by learning about this wonderful young woman. I could have read more about Sallie and Civil War era Lewisburg. Thank you.
Betty Knepper
Philadelphia, Pa.
As They See It
Josey Stamm’s wonderful article on The University of the Arts (“Philadelphia – As They See It,” fall 1991) was visually exciting and educational. I’m happy to know that your editorial staff has the vision to celebrate the artists in our midst, in addition to such notables of the past, including Thomas Eakins and Julius Bloch. Sometimes I may not agree with every article, but I think your magazine is getting better and better. You really know what makes your readers tick.
Anna Dillon
Philadelphia, Pa.
The article on The University of the Arts by Josey Stamm was great. My family and I really enjoy Pennsylvania Heritage. Keep up the good work!
William L. Porter
Lancaster, Pa.
