Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

UPDATE: Great news!  On November 18th, the museum announced that tours will be continued on a reduced schedule and a summit will be held in early 2011 to explore future options.  There are still many issues to be resolved but funds were made available to make needed interim repairs.  Thanks to all who are continuing to work on this project!

This may be the last weekend that you will have the opportunity to visit the Cruiser Olympia. 

The City, State, and Nation may soon be losing an important piece of the Nation's history.

The Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia has announced that they will cease tours of the Cruiser Olympia on November 22.  The Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia is the world's oldest floating steel warship and a National Historic Landmark.  She served as Commodore George Dewey's Flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay.  In February, the museum announced that they were unable to fund the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Olympia.  They have been trying to secure funding over the last several years but to date have been unsuccessful.  

Today, the Cruiser no longer is a priority in the Museum's long term strategic plan, and there is a very real possibility that the Cruiser Olympia will be scrapped or sunk off the New Jersey coast to create an artificial reef.

The future of the Cruiser Olympia remains in question as the museum continues to search for funding and looks at various options for the ship's future.  If funding is not found, this may be one of the last chances to visit this historic ship.  

Despite the economic times that we are living through today, the loss of this ship would be irreplaceable and a tremendous long term loss for the country.  Hopefully some organization, museum, or individuals will be able to devise a creative solution allowing the continued restoration, display, and existence of this landmark.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this historic Cruiser!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Bear, DE/Newtown Square, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Chestnut Hill PA has been named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Distinctive Destinations are cities or towns "that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes, and a strong commitment to preservation sustainability, and revitalization."

Chestnut Hill is now part of Philadelphia, but it was originally a small town serving the local farming community and later acted as a summer vacation spot for Philadelphians.  It was one of the earliest suburbs of Philadelphia and has a history predating the Revolutionary War.  In 1854, it became part of the City of Philadelphia under the 1854 Act of Consolidation when all government entities within the County of Philadelphia were consolidated under the City of Philadelphia government.

Today, "Chestnut Hill is one of Philadelphia's premier neighborhoods.  It has a long history of preservation beginning in the 1960s and has continued to keep its historic districts largely intact. Germantown Avenue and its adjoining streets have more than 150 boutique shops and restaurants, making them destinations for shoppers and architectural historians alike."

Residents and visitors to the Chestnut Hill PA area continue to enjoy its history and entertainment options offering a small town feel but still only minutes from all that the City of Philadelphia has to offer.  Congratulations for the designation.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com