| In the 25 years since Whitpain:
Crossroads in Time was published to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial,
the book has become a collectors’ item within the Township. In honor of
the Township’s Tricentennial this past year, the Historical Society of
Whitpain has thoroughly updated and revised Crossroads for reissue this
spring. The new volume, Whitpain Township: A Tricentennial Reflection,
1700-2001, provides a history of the Township from its founding though the
present.
 Originally, we were just going to
reprint Crossroads, because it’s so popular and is out of print," explains
Historical Society Past President Ellen Gladeck. "Our vision changed
as we thought about the project, how much the population has grown, and
the different changes in the Township. We realized that the 300th
anniversary was an important point in the Township’s history, and would
provide a good time to bring the book up to date."
Much like A Tricentiennial Reflection,
the original Crossroads was the ambitious undertaking of a committed group
of committed group of community-spirited volunteers. In keeping with the
combination of voices represented throughout Crossroads, the Historical
Society invited the entire community to submit articles for A
Tricentennial Reflection. By doing so, they have created a book which
truly reflects the myriad interests of local residents. The submissions
range from a history of Tiferet Bet Israel, the Township’s only synagogue,
to a timeline of population changes in the Township, and much in between.
Written in the diverse voices of local residents, the book is true to its
name - A Tricentennial Reflection.
 The book was edited by local historian,
Wayne A. Huss, Ph.D., a history professor at Gwynedd-Mercy College who
grew up in Whitpain Township. Dr. Huss was charged with marrying
Crossroads and the new submissions in a manner which acknowledges the
dramatic changes in the Township since 1977, without detracting from the
importance of the Township’s early history. The result is a popular
history which evokes an appreciation of the Township’s deep roots, and
encourages renewed interest in the community and further personal study.
Whitpain Township: A Tricentennial Reflection, 1700-2001
is available now for $25. It can be purchased at the Township
Building. Proceeds will benefit the Historical Society of Whitpain.
For more information on how to obtain this book, please call 610-277-2400. Back to Top
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