Letters to the Editor
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Letters category and the Winter 1989 issue Topics in this article:A Victory
After reading James E. Valle’s article, “The Battle of Lake Erie: A Victory for Commodore Perry,” I wished I could have witnessed the launching of the restored United States Brig Niagara in September. By the way, wasn’t Oliver Hazard Perry very young when he trounced the British?
J. Vincent Haar
Allentown, Pa.
Oliver Hazard Perry, born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, on August 23, 1785, was twenty-eight years old when he took part in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. He died of yellow fever on his thirty-second birthday in 1819 off the coast of Trinidad.
Botanical Legacy
As an avid (and amateur, may I add) gardener, I was bowled over by the absolutely beautiful article by Albert G. Mehring in the summer 1988 issue entitled “A Flowering for the Ages.” Although the outstanding illustrations drew me to this article, I found the text not only informational but enlightening. The cover illustration of the Franklinia alatamaha was breathtaking, and I was curious as to whether or not this is Pennsylvania’s official state flower.
Frances E. Stronheim
Westchester, N. Y.
The Franklinia alatamaha, discovered by Philadelphia father and son team of botanists, John and William Bartram, was named to honor John’s good friend, Benjamin Franklin. In 1933, the state legislature adopted the mountain laurel (Kalimiia latifolia) as the state flower. For more information on the Franklin flower, or the gardens kept by the Bartrams, write: John Bartram Association, Fifty-Fourth St. and Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143.
The bouquet of beautiful flowers presented in the summer edition was truly magnificent. Where were all those fabulous photographs found?
Jeanette B. Olsen
Philadelphia, Pa.
There are many individuals and institutions to thank for their generosity in lending illustrations especially for this article. The author and editor wish to acknowledge the contributions of Ann F. Rhoads of the Morris Arboretum; the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Brandywine Battlefield; Barbara E. Deibler, curator of the Commonwealth’s Rare Book Collection; the John Bartram Association; independence National Historical Park; and The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Picture credits may be found on the inside front cover of each edition.
Tranquility Regained
Your neighbors south of the Mason-Dixon Line certainly enjoyed the article on Adams County (see “Adams County: Tranquility Regained” by Robert L. Bloom, fall 1988), which we visit quite often. We’ve toured the famous Gettysburg Battlefield, the home of Pres. and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower and enjoyed more than our fair share of the county’s apples and peaches. Since most of our family still live in the “Deep South,” that is, Atlanta and Savannah, we make sure we give them the complete tour of Gettysburg – as well as our beautiful and historic Maryland. This issue of your magazine will take its place among my “tour and travel library” so that my guests can fully appreciate the story of Adams County. Thank you for the in-depth and “behind-the-scenes” history; it was terrific!
John V. Webster
Baltimore, Md.
I think your article on Adams County was well-written and nicely illustrated. As a Civil War buff, I enjoyed the additional background on the county, particularly its local political scene.
Harry Bowers
Nanticoke, Pa.
Boathouse Row
It’s about time people from outside Philadelphia take a look at Boathouse Row (see “Crews, Clubs and Clubhouses” by Sara Freligh, fall 1988)! Too many visitors think only of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Christ Church and dozens, perhaps hundreds, of our historic buildings and sites. I am delighted that this Philadelphia institution has warranted the attention of a state magazine. Bravo! And thanks!
Betsy Ann Winton
Philadelphia, Pa.
