Committees
The WVHS Bylaws state that, when its Bylaws are amended, Dues-paying Members should be notified of the meeting in advance.
Notification of a vote to amend the WVHS Bylaws:
At the meeting on May 12, 2025 (7 PM at the 1895 School, 799 West Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA), Dues-paying Members of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society (2024-2025) will vote on proposed changes to its Bylaws.
In the following list are five proposed changes. For each proposed change, there are three sections: first, the original wording; second, the proposed wording (showing changes in bold font); and third, the rationale for the change in italics. The proposals would not change WVHS procedures. Each proposed change to the Bylaws is a clarification of the wording.
If it is convenient for you, please bring these proposals to the meeting to aid discussion.
Item 1.
AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
These Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society, shall be effective as of October 11, 2021, and shall supersede all prior Bylaws of the Society. Capitalized terms used in these Bylaws shall have the meanings set forth in the Definitions section set forth below:
PROPOSED—-AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY [ADD: May 12, 2025]
These Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society, shall be effective as of [DELETE: October 11, 2021], [ADD: the date listed above] and shall supersede all prior Bylaws of the Society. Capitalized terms used in these Bylaws shall have the meanings set forth in the Definitions section set forth below:
This change indicates the year that the Bylaws go into effect will be removed from the body of the text and added to the Title, which appears at the top of the page. Changing the text of the Bylaws requires a vote of the Membership, but a simpler process is to list the date with the heading at the top of the page.
Item 2.
Present and Voting shall mean for a Member Meeting or a Board Meeting, either that the person is physically present or has given a proxy to a person who is physically present. And for a Board Meeting, a Board Member may attend by electronic means so long as such person can hear the deliberations and can be heard by the Board Members who are physically present.
PROPOSED: Present and Voting shall mean for a Member Meeting or a Board Meeting, either that the person is physically present or has given a proxy to a person who is physically present. And for a Board Meeting, a Board Member may attend by electronic means so long as such person can hear the deliberations and can be heard by the Board Members who are physically present. [ADD: An abstention is not a “vote,” but the member abstaining counts to establish a quorum.]
This change clarifies that in Parliamentary Procedure, as presented in Roberts Rules of Order, an abstention is not a vote. “Present and voting” indicates that, although an abstention is not a “vote,” the person choosing to abstain is counted to establish a quorum.
Item 3.
ARTICLE 2
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
Section 2.1 Elected Officers and Terms. Commencing with the adoption of these Bylaws, the Elected Officers of the Society are as follows:
Office Name:
President Carol Kalos
Vice President Joseph Langella
Secretary Marie Goldkamp
Treasurer Thomas Goldkamp
The terms of the current Elected Officers shall all expire on August 31, 2022, and a slate of new officers shall be elected on a biennial basis, starting in May 2022 for two-year terms commencing on September 1, 2022. (See the Definition, “Biennial Membership Meeting.”)
PROPOSED: ARTICLE 2
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
Section 2.1 Elected Officers and Terms. Commencing with the adoption of these Bylaws, the Elected Officers of the Society are as follows: [ADD: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.] DELETE the following list:
Office Name:
President Carol Kalos
Vice President Joseph Langella
Secretary Marie Goldkamp
Treasurer Thomas Goldkamp
The terms of the current Elected Officers shall all expire on [DELETE: August 31, 2022,] [ADD: August 31 of even- numbered years] and a slate of new officers shall be elected on a biennial basis, starting in May [DELETE: 2022] [ADD: of even-numbered years] for two-year terms commencing on September 1, [DELETE: 2022] [ADD: of even-numbered years]. (See the Definition, “Biennial Membership Meeting.”)
This change eliminates the list of officers’ actual names from the Bylaws. The titles of the officers will continue to be listed. Also, specific dates in 2022 will be changed to the phrase, “even-numbered years” to avoid revising the Bylaws every two years.
Item 4.
ARTICLE 5
THE OFFICERS’ DUTIES
Section 5.1 Duties of Elected Officers. The duties of the Elected Officers shall be as follows:
- The President shall preside at all Board and Membership Meetings, shall appoint members of such Committees as the Board may create, and shall set the agenda for Board Meetings and Membership Meetings not less than three (3) days before any such meeting shall occur. The President shall be a member of all such Committees, shall represent the Society to the public and shall perform such other duties as may be appropriate for the president of a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation.
PROPOSED: ARTICLE 5
THE OFFICERS’ DUTIES
Section 5.1 Duties of Elected Officers. The duties of the Elected Officers shall be as follows:
- The President shall preside at all Board and Membership Meetings, shall appoint members of such Committees as the Board may create, and shall [DELETE: set] [ADD: distribute electronically or by First Class U.S. Mail] the agenda for Board Meetings and Membership Meetings not less than three (3) days before any such meeting shall occur. The President shall be a member of all such Committees, shall represent the Society to the public and shall perform such other duties as may be appropriate for the president of a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation.
This change clarifies that the meeting agenda must be distributed, not simply created. The President should distribute the agenda by U.S. Mail to accommodate Paid Members who have no email address to announce Board Meetings and Membership Meetings.
Item 5.
Section 5.1 Duties of Elected Officers. The duties of the Elected Officers shall be as follows:
- The Treasurer shall maintain the funds and securities of the Society and shall deposit all monies and securities in such depositories designated by the Board; shall disburse funds of the Society for the payment of the Society’s Expenditures as approved by the Board; shall render to the President and the Board, whenever requested, an account of all transactions made as Treasurer, and shall prepare an annual report and shall file annual tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. The President and the Treasurer shall jointly monitor the Society’s Investments.
PROPOSED: Section 5.1 Duties of Elected Officers. The duties of the Elected Officers shall be as follows:
The Treasurer shall maintain the funds and securities of the Society and shall deposit all monies and securities in such depositories designated by the Board; shall disburse funds of the Society for the payment of the Society’s Expenditures as approved by the Board; shall render to the President and the Board, whenever requested, an account of all transactions made as Treasurer, and shall prepare an annual report and shall file annual tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.[ADD: and prepare and file the required annual forms to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]. The President and the Treasurer shall jointly monitor the Society’s Investments.
This change refers to a new Annual Report, established by Pennsylvania’s Department of State, which WVHS must file. It is required of all businesses and nonprofit corporations.
Ambler Storytellers News
The Ambler Storytellers are a WVHS Committee that soon will be sponsoring tours and other programs to raise awareness of the borough’s rich history. This citizens’ group has been working to preserve the history and character of Ambler since the spring of 2021. In addition to researching and promoting Ambler’s historic buildings, they have been attending Ambler Planning Commission meetings and advocating for a historical preservation ordinance.
As a new committee of WVHS, Ambler Storytellers will support and augment the WVHS work promoting and preserving the history of the area. More about the Storytellers will be found via the links below and in future issues of The Valley Crier (the WVHS newsletter).
To read more about the group’s goals, see “Action is Needed by All to Develop Ambler the Right Way” in the December 2021 issue of The Shuttle, published by Weavers Way Co-op: https://issuu.com/weaversway/docs/theshuttle_2021_12/1?f.
To join their efforts, please send an email to amblerstorytellers@gmail.com.
To receive The Valley Crier, please send an email to info@wvalleyhs.org.
To bring you up to date on the threatened demolition of the Freight House at Ambler Train Station:
“Freight House Chocolate Bars” are available now at the Ambler Movie Theater!
For $10 or more donation, we are offering a chocolate bar made by Lore’s chocolates of Philadelphia as a thank you! Proceeds will benefit the future of the Ambler Train Station’s Freight House.
May 7th, 2024
Remarks (with a few updates) to Ambler Borough Council by WVHS President Carol Kalos
The WVHS mission is to promote and preserve the history and historic resources of Ambler Borough, Whitpain Township, and Lower Gwynedd Township. Ambler property owners have proudly done their part to preserve the borough’s old buildings. As a result of Ambler’s historic architecture, it’s a town that’s in demand. You may not realize that one of Ambler’s oldest and most valuable structures is the Freight House. It is located –along with the building that is La Provence and what was Bussingers Model Trains –at what is called the “Old Train Station.” Decades ago, our historical society saved La Provence with a $50,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation.
That group of three buildings was constructed in 1889; however, the Freight House is older; it is Ambler’s original 1855 passenger depot, moved to its present location and added to in 1889. We know for several reasons: First, it is narrow like a passenger station, not a freight building. Unlike freight buildings, it has many windows, and its roof has long eaves to protect passengers waiting for a train. To add to its beauty, under those eaves are decorative, carved rafters and brackets, examples of Victorian-era Stick architecture. And, it is built from the area’s original timbers, cut my hand; hand-held tools have left their marks. Ask any carpenter how those virgin forests, Penn’s Woods, provided dense, heavy wood. Finally, beneath the Freight House’s present covering is the original clapboard.
In the future, we picture this historic structure as a monument, showing off Ambler’s connection to its railroad history. It could become a retail shop or the centerpiece for a farmers’ market, standing as a lovely welcome at the entrance to the town. I am here to ask Ambler to assist us in saving the Freight House; that means moving it.
Sadly, today it sits over the Tannery Run culvert, which needs repair.
In 2022, SEPTA notified the historical society that it intended to demolish the building. Because the Freight House is eligible for historic status, SEPTA was required to offer the historical society mitigation.
In October of 2023, we were waiting to hear from them about the mitigation when the historical society learned that SEPTA had notified its riders that there would be delays on the tracks because the building was to be demolished.
Due to public outcry, including 1200 signatures in just a few days, the demolition was postponed, but now we have until August 1 to remove the building, or it will be destroyed. SEPTA wants to repair the culvert.
We have raised $8000, used for an engineering study of the structure, needed for further grant applications to save the building.
Our plan is to move the Freight House and do further fund-raising. We have an estimate from Wolfe House Movers, who did work at the Colony Club. They would charge about $30,000 and put clamps on the corners to stabilize the structure. To avoid building footings, the Freight House, which measures about 10 feet by 50 feet, would stand on a trailer for about two years to give us time to raise donations and work our way through the grant cycle.
We are here tonight to ask that we place the trailer in the parking lot across the street. It would take up about six parking spaces. The lot is owned by the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority, who leases to the borough, and has offered it approval for placement of the trailer.
The safety of the building is important. The lot has a chain link fence, and we would add to the fencing to surround the structure.
Questions and answers followed. It was noted that, prior to the meeting, the Borough Solicitor reviewed the lease agreement, and he stated that, according to the existing lease, the Borough is permitted to accept this request if Council approves.
Representatives from SEPTA and the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society met on Monday, April 15, 2024, to hear SEPTA’S plans for the Ambler Train Station’s Freight House.
- WVHS presented evidence that the Freight House is the original Wissahickon Station passenger depot, built in 1855, and moved to its present location in1889.
- WVHS quoted a SEPTA document regarding the offer of mitigation that established that “the Ambler Station is eligible as a contributing resource to the North Pennsylvania Railroad (Philadelphia to Bethlehem) Historic District (Resource #1995RE42969), under Criterion A in the area of Transportation. The station consists of three major components:” the present-day La Provence, the former Bussinger Model Train store, and the Freight House.
- SEPTA stated that it already had a demolition permit to take down the Freight House.
- SEPTA intends to tear down the Freight House in order to make repairs to the Tannery Run culvert.
- SEPTA stated that the Freight House should be moved by August 1, 2024. This is one week after the SEPTA Board meets on Thursday July 24, where they will choose a firm to repair the Tannery Run culvert.
December 31, 2023—Funds Still Needed to Save Ambler’s Freight House
“Freight House” beer, a special brew created at Tannery Run Brew Works to benefit WVHS and the “Save the Freight House” campaign, is now available at Bar 31, Harry’s Taproom, and Tannery Run Brew Works. Beer glasses depicting the Freight House are also available at the three bars (while supplies last) and with proceeds helping to save the old building. New research shows that it is older than previously stated, and it may be the first train building in Ambler!
Funds are needed: WVHS hired J&M Preservation Studio, a women-owned engineering firm, to complete a structural assessment and to propose plans and estimate costs for re-use of the building. Their work has already begun.
In October, SEPTA announced plans to demolish the pre-Civil War Freight House. However, Pennsylvania has determined the Freight House to be eligible for national register historic recognition in two ways: the Ambler Borough Commercial District and the North Pennsylvania Railroad Linear Historic District, where it consists of “three major components” (the three buildings at Ambler’s Old Train Station).
A meeting of SEPTA and WVHS officials on October 31 created a demolition delay, so that WVHS could find a way to save the structure. After that meeting, WVHS announced its understanding that “both groups prefer that the building should remain where it is positioned now.” Then WVHS hired J&M Preservation Studio, a women-owned engineering firm, to complete a structural assessment and to propose plans and estimate costs for re-use of the building. WVHS made arrangements for SEPTA to open the building on December 18, when J&M began its study of the broken timbers under the Freight House. It was a “weather advisory” day with pouring rain in the morning and a strong, cold wind in the afternoon. WVHS is raising funds to pay for the services of J&M.
WVHS is grateful to the individuals and businesses who have helped raise the funds to pay for the engineering study conducted by J&M Preservation. A future issue of the Valley Crier will list the donors. A total of $7,840 is needed, and much of that amount has been raised. Everyone can do their part! It’s not too late to send your check. Also, last month’s Valley Crier showed pictures of the “Save the Freight House” holiday ornament and the beer glass (mentioned above), which the Ambler Storytellers have been selling. Although in limited supply, the ornaments are for sale ($20) at Bussingers Train and Toy Store, 57 N Main St, Ambler. Or to use a credit card, go to “Donate” at www.wvalleyhs.org/get-involved/ and then take your proof of purchase to Bussingers to pick up your ornaments.
Update for December 7th, 2023–The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society is raising funds to SAVE THE FREIGHT HOUSE, one of three pre-Civil War buildings at the old Ambler Train Station.
Funding is needed for an engineering study!
You can help by purchasing, a specially-designed holiday ornament and some specially brewed Freight House Beer.
1. A Holiday Ornament (Pictured below. Drawn by a local artist): $20 each. Buy one for yourself and several for your family and neighbors.
Use PayPal online. At the WVHS website, go to “Donate” and in the subject line, write “Freight”: https://www.wvalleyhs.org/get-involved/. Then pick up your ornaments at Bussingers Trains and Toys, 57 N. Main St., Ambler (Please bring proof of purchase, such as your email or digital receipt.)
Use cash. Buy your ornaments in person at Bussingers Trains and Toys, 57 N. Main St., Ambler.
2. Freight House Beer: Tannery Run Brew Works has agreed to create a special beer to save the Freight House. A portion of the proceeds from purchases of this distinct beer and/or a “Freight House” glass will benefit the cause.
Buy a beer or a round of beer—A portion of each Freight House Beer sold will benefit the cause. This beer is available at Bar 31, Harry’s Taproom, and Tannery Run Brew Works.
Update for November 29th–Freight House Still in Danger: In October, WVHS learned that SEPTA intends to demolish the 1855 Freight House, located at the old Ambler Train Station. It is part of a trio of buildings, including the delightful La Provence and the former location of Bussinger Trains and Toys. Bernadette Dougherty, a former board member, is leading the charge to try to save the Freight House. At present, she is raising funds to hire a Preservation Engineer, who will evaluate the Freight House’s broken timbers and suggest how the damage under the building can be repaired. Click on Donate above to contribute!
SEPTA states that they would have to pay over $350,000 to fix the structure, and they want repairs done quickly because the structure may fall onto the tracks. Thus, a priority is raising funds to hire the Preservation Engineer!
Bernadette is selling Christmas ornaments depicting the old Freight House (a limited printing), and she has arranged for Ambler’s Tannery Run Brew Works to create a batch of “Freight House” beer with the proceeds going to save the Freight House. Buy a round or two! Details about the Freight House project are posted regularly on this WVHS website.
On October 30, representatives of SEPTA and WVHS met at the Ambler Train Station’s Freight House to discuss saving the historic building from SEPTA’s threatened demolition. SEPTA’s concern is that the building is unsafe.
Prior to the meeting, WVHS made a plea for public support, and WVHS successfully created a demolition delay. SEPTA representatives stated that were not aware that WVHS learned of the planned demolition through SEPTA’s online announcement about possible train-schedule changes caused by the demolition. Prior to this announcement, SEPTA and WVHS had been emailing each other since May 2022 about the future of the old building.
Both groups prefer that if the building is saved, it should remain where it is positioned now. Previously, WVHS had investigated moving the structure.
SEPTA revealed that it will repair the broken culvert, which runs under the building, and that the building sits on piers, not on the culvert. SEPTA also indicated that it would send WVHS President Carol Kalos recent photographs of the damage under the building, which is causing it to lean. The illustrations will be useful to WVHS contractors.
A Message from our President
I know you have heard about SEPTA’s planned demolition of the train station’s historic Freight House. SEPTA has agreed to delay the demolition, and the historical society has been busy working to save the structure. Ideally, we would like to keep the Freight House where it stands, along with the two other old Ambler train station buildings. An online petition shows public support for saving the building (change.org), and we have received some good publicity.
A SEPTA representative states that rebuilding will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, based on their description. He also says that SEPTA is afraid that the structure will fall onto the tracks. As a result, SEPTA will be pushing us to act quickly as we do fund-raising and provide engineering reports. Importantly, he notes that the factor most influencing SEPTA’s decisions is the Ambler Borough’s opinion. SEPTA works for Ambler, he says.
Representatives of SEPTA and the historical society will be meeting next week to discuss the building’s future. WVHS has identified an expert to attend that meeting and later provide us with a required Condition Assessment and a Stabilization Plan.
Preservation of Ambler’s old buildings is important! They make Ambler what it is, lending character and attracting shopkeepers and visitors. Studies show that preserving old buildings saves the environment (less landfill and fewer resources used for construction) and ultimately generates more income for the neighborhood.
WVHS was instrumental in rehabbing the once-deteriorating building where La Provence is located. In the 1970s, the historical society received a $50,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation for its improvements, and the historical society’s volunteers spent hours cleaning and restoring that structure. Now it is a gem at Ambler’s entrance from Morris Road.
Please support the historical society in our recent endeavors to save the Freight House.
After several months of discussion, the Ambler Planning Commission has sent a recommendation to its Borough Council regarding the proposed content of its “demolition ordinance” to be overseen by the Zoning office.
It will call for a 90-day delay on demolition of any of the borough’s pre-1935 buildings. One phrase heard during these meetings is “Would you chain yourself to the door to save this building?” Thus, because a demolition cannot be stopped (the current proposal), the commission is relying in part on public opinion to protect Ambler’s old buildings.
The Ambler Storytellers will continue to encourage appreciation for Ambler’s historic properties (and save them) by providing guided tours of the borough. Tour guides are needed! For more information about the tours or the new ordinance, please email amblerstorytellers@gmail.com
Check out this op-ed from Hidden City Philadelphia about Ambler Storytellers’ historic preservation efforts!
Op-Ed: Saving the Town that Asbestos Built
Ambler Storytellers Features Building of the Month:
The King and Betz Grocery Building
THE HISTORY. The core of the original building at 216 Lindenwold Ave retains its shape, but over time the stone façade has given way to siding and brick: The first-floor porch has been enclosed, and a large addition has been added to the side closer to Butler Ave. In a nod to its original architecture, attractive corbels appear under the eaves along the roofline. The changes to the building appear to have been made in the 1940’s, giving it a WWII era vibe. Some historically significant buildings change over time, wearing their history even as they evolve to meet the needs of the community. Today it’s known as the King & Betz building, owing to the engraved marble plaque that bears the name of the grocery store it housed for half of the last century.
This historically significant building was, in fact, a grocery store continuously from the 1890’s through the late 1970’s. Back then, many grocery stores were owned by “mom and pop” and located on neighborhood street corners. Its first owner was Richard L Tyson, who had it for 14 years. Tyson sold it to Josiah Longstreth, whose ad in the 1906 Ambler Gazette boasted, “Fine Home Dressed Meats, Fresh Provisions and Fine Groceries.” Longstreth sold the store to Charles E Ridgeway, who used World War I patriotism in his ads. Ridgeway sold the store to J. B. Neely. By 1929, the store became King & Betz when Frank King and Charles Betz, whose names are engraved in marble on the side of the building, started the iteration that served this community through the late 1970’s. This long-running version of the grocery is remembered fondly by people who lived nearby in those years.
FUN FACT. Martin Kilson, the first tenured African American professor at Harvard University, grew up in Ambler. In his recently published book, A Black Intellectual’s Odyssey (2021), he recalled, “The store’s clientele was mainly North Ambler’s upper-middle-class WASP families, and whenever its fruits exhibited even a slight sign of spoilage, King & Betz set those pieces in crates outside the store. It was the heart of the Great Depression, and our parents could rarely afford to buy fresh produce, so we kids really appreciated those crates of spoiled fruits, picking out an orange, banana, or handful of grapes for our lunch bags.”
Please reach out to us at amblerstorytellers@gmail.com if you have any feedback, comments, or suggestions.
Thank You!
Ambler Storytellers