E Moyamensing Ave (L to R) - #1819 Goldner Home - # 1821 - #1823 Potts Home - Moonshine Tavern
Stories From the Goldner Aunties
"The Goldner Aunties" were the seven sisters of Katherine Goldner-Potts (1867-1948), who is the Great-Grandmother of BJ and his siblings. So technically, the Aunties are really the "Great-Grand Goldner Aunties", but whose counting?
The eight sisters, and one brother, (God bless him) Albert Goldner (1872-1934), are the children of Karl Heinrich 'Henry' Goldner (1845-1925) and Louisa Miller-Goldner (1849-1909), 2nd Great-Grandparents to BJ. Click to read about "Who's Henry Goldner?"
The Goldner Aunties
Emma Elizabeth Goldner-Mansure 1874-1944
Laura Goldner-Rowan 1877-1934
Henrietta Goldner-Rhoades 1880-1967
Anna M Goldner- Gibson 1882-?
Edna Ray Goldner 1884-1972
Gertrude Goldner 1887-1966
Lillian Miriam Goldner 1892-1972
Emma Elizabeth Goldner-Mansure 1874-1944
Laura Goldner-Rowan 1877-1934
Henrietta Goldner-Rhoades 1880-1967
Anna M Goldner- Gibson 1882-?
Edna Ray Goldner 1884-1972
Gertrude Goldner 1887-1966
Lillian Miriam Goldner 1892-1972
Since all of the Goldner Aunties had passed when BJ and his siblings were still young, the Aunties had become a legend in their own time - the Victorian era. BJ remembers the older folks talking about the Goldner Aunties from time-to-time, but he doesn't really remember them at all.
Flash forward to February 2022, when I received a message on Ancestry.com from Mary 'Molly' Malloy, who happens to be the third cousin, 1x removed of BJ and his three siblings, through the Goldner line!
Molly shared with me a series of stories passed down through her family that were written primarily by Edna & Lillian Goldner, describing what life was like growing up at the turn of the 19th century, in the East Moyamensing Avenue area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the blending of the Goldner and Potts families, when Katherine Goldner married Abraham Lincoln Potts.
So take a journey 100+ years back in time, see what life was like in a different era, and take some time to get to know the Goldner Aunties.
The Garden at 1402
The garden was already planted when we moved to 1402. It had every kind of flower you could think of. Roses, bushes, shrubs, vines and peach and pear trees in the back. It reached all the way to the back street. The back fence was a high wooden one with a big wooden gate. A big iron gate was in the front. Old Mr. Riley took care of it. He had no teeth to hold his pipe so he wrapped the stem with cord. We remember him very well.
Later, since there was no one to care for the flowers when we spent the summers at the shore, we had the flower garden cemented. The back part which was covered with gravel was left as it was. Harry Potts and his friends - Fred and Dan Neall, Harry Haines, Pen Laws, Harry and Bill Kiefrider (just to name a few) played ball here. These boys all became very successful business men.
Later, since there was no one to care for the flowers when we spent the summers at the shore, we had the flower garden cemented. The back part which was covered with gravel was left as it was. Harry Potts and his friends - Fred and Dan Neall, Harry Haines, Pen Laws, Harry and Bill Kiefrider (just to name a few) played ball here. These boys all became very successful business men.
Cullen's Garden
On the present site of the Vare School there was a beautiful house and garden owned by three sisters - Mary, Celeste and Louise. They wore long black dresses just like nuns. The garden walks were covered with cedar bark and edged with hedges of box-wood. There was a high wooden fence all around with a gate on Morris Street right opposite our house 222. We were allowed to play in their garden and we were always greeted with a kiss on each cheek. Sister Louise had married a French Count and when he died she came back to live with her sisters. One time a French Count visited them. He had been banished from France for killing a man in a duel. He brought with him a big wolf hound dog. He let the dog run on Moyamensing Ave. and we remember running home for we were afraid of him.
The Bride's Pin
On our mother's wedding day grandmother Goldner pinned a rather small gold pin on her dress. "This pin was given to me on my wedding day and now I want you to have it," she said. When Henriette got married the pin was given to her. Shortly before she went to the nursing home she had a new pin put on it. It had been mislaid and not found until Lea Jones Wang found it when she was packing up Henrietta's things. It is now in our possession. When Polly Campion and her husband were in from Germany we showed Toni this pin. He called it a Fertility Pin. German brides are often given these pins when they marry. It worked very well with our mother but failed with Henrietta. The pin is really a twisted snake - could this have a reference to the snake in the Garden of Eden?
The Trip to Ringheiser's
Our mother and father took a trip to Kansas to visit a friend by the name of Ringheiser. On their way they stopped at Niagara Falls. Mother wrote home that she had never seen such diamonds as were in the store in Chicago. Of course we all expected a diamond as a gift when they came home - but no diamonds - there was something for everyone, but no diamonds.
The Flowing Blue Dishes
These blue and white dishes which are on the shelves in our living room are well over 150 years old. They belonged to our Grandmother Ang's second husband's first wife's mother (Hetty Gaw).
The Death of Our Cook, Lillie
Lillie was with us one summer at Chelsea. We noticed she often stayed a long time in the basement - later we know why. This night we heard a heavy thump and when mother went down Lillie had fallen in an epileptic fit. When Dr. Filbert who lived near came he gave her a hypodermic shot but she never came out of it. The police moved her to the morgue. We notified her husband and he came to get her belongings. He seemed only interested in finding money and only then did shed a few tears. She had saved nearly every penny of her wages. Whenever we met Dr. Filbert he greeted us - "You remember me, I'm the doctor who killed your cook."
Katharine Ang (Aunt Kate)
After our mother's father died, Grandmother married Auguste Ang, an artist from Alsace-Lorraine. Aunt Kate was their daughter making her our mother's half-sister.
When Aunt Kate's father died, Grandmother worked to support her two daughters. Aunt Kate learned dress making and worked for a well known Modiste. Our mother married our father and shortly after Katie was born, Grandmother and Aunt Kate came to live with them and stayed for the rest of their lives.
Grandmother fell and broke her hip and had to use crutches the rest of her life, but she was kept busy baby-sitting. She would sit out-doors and watch the baby in the coach and Jack our faithful dog was always near-by.
Grandmother was very fond of ice-cream and when Harry Rowan and Jake Mansure came courting Emmie and Laura, she would never go to bed until they bought her ice-cream. The boys went to Wittes store at 4th and Dickinson Streets and bought her a ten cent box to get her off to bed. They had a good technique, because history repeated itself in Aunt Kate. Maybe that is one of the reasons the three of us are single.
She never refused candy, and often hid it on a ledge under our dining room table. Many a time we swiped it, but she never knew it.
When Aunt Kate's father died, Grandmother worked to support her two daughters. Aunt Kate learned dress making and worked for a well known Modiste. Our mother married our father and shortly after Katie was born, Grandmother and Aunt Kate came to live with them and stayed for the rest of their lives.
Grandmother fell and broke her hip and had to use crutches the rest of her life, but she was kept busy baby-sitting. She would sit out-doors and watch the baby in the coach and Jack our faithful dog was always near-by.
Grandmother was very fond of ice-cream and when Harry Rowan and Jake Mansure came courting Emmie and Laura, she would never go to bed until they bought her ice-cream. The boys went to Wittes store at 4th and Dickinson Streets and bought her a ten cent box to get her off to bed. They had a good technique, because history repeated itself in Aunt Kate. Maybe that is one of the reasons the three of us are single.
She never refused candy, and often hid it on a ledge under our dining room table. Many a time we swiped it, but she never knew it.
Just a Joke
One summer at Atlantic City we had Mary Begley who did the cooking and her sister Josephine and a young girl from Greenwich Street Sunday School named Jennie Sherrod. Jennie always said she was never afraid of anything. Mary Begley was a great one for playing tricks so she planned a joke on Jennie. She borrowed a pair of trousers and a hat from Lawyer Byron who lived next door. When it was dark she went down to the beach. It had been planned that Josephine would ask Jennie to go with her for a walk on the beach. When they arrived at the beach there was the man (Mary Begley).
Josephine dared Jennie to go ask him for a match. She took the dare and walked up to the man and asked for a match. He answered, "I haven't a match but you are my match" and grabbed her. Jennie screamed and ran home. Even though Mary told her it was all a joke, she didn't believe her and she never trusted Mary again. She was always afraid for every night she brought her mattress and slept on the floor in Nan's and Edna's room. Her summer was spoiled but Mary was cured of playing such tricks. Lawyer Byron was greatly concerned for had the police heard Jennie's screams he would have to admit his share in the hoax.
Josephine dared Jennie to go ask him for a match. She took the dare and walked up to the man and asked for a match. He answered, "I haven't a match but you are my match" and grabbed her. Jennie screamed and ran home. Even though Mary told her it was all a joke, she didn't believe her and she never trusted Mary again. She was always afraid for every night she brought her mattress and slept on the floor in Nan's and Edna's room. Her summer was spoiled but Mary was cured of playing such tricks. Lawyer Byron was greatly concerned for had the police heard Jennie's screams he would have to admit his share in the hoax.
Aunt France and the Scorched Pudding
Aunt France lived next door in 1821 and came over to 1823 often to chat. They always sat in the kitchen. She was quite heavy but beautiful. One day she told about the burnt pudding. She was making pudding and somehow or other it scorched in the cooking. She decided to serve it anyway and her husband Will like it so well she had to scorch it ever after. This was probably the fore runner of Butterscotch Pudding.
The Dog Spot
Spot was a rather big, shaggy, gray and white dog. He was very intelligent and knew everything you said to him. There were no telephones in those days so Spot was a messenger between the Potts's and the Goldners. If Katie had a message for up home she'd write a note and fasten it to Spot's collar and say, "Take it up home Spot." Spot was off in a jiffy. He knew to wait for an answer and seemed proud to carry it back to his mistress with his mission accomplished.
Aunt Lizzie Potts (Mrs. Will Dersum)
When Lizzie Potts, Lincoln's sister, married Will Dersum, they lived at home with her mother and father. She was very good to her parents. When her father died she grieved very much and worried when the snow would be on his grave. He died in the Spring and she didn't live long enough to see snow on his grave for she died to following early winter. She said goodbye to all at her bedside, and since then Lincoln never said goodbye but "Good Day."
Aunt Lizzie Dunlevy
Aunt Lizzie was a spinster lady very proper but very nice. She was heavy and wore a brown wig. She lived in a room and came often to spend a few days at the Potts's. In those days a house guest was content to just sit and talk and didn't expect to be entertained at luncheons, dinner, etc. like to-day's guests. They were satisfied just to be to-gether.
After Grandmother Pots died, Aunt Lizzie still came to visit Katie and Lincoln.
She lived to be quite old. Someone asked her to what did she attribute her long life. She answered, "Daily bathing."
After Grandmother Pots died, Aunt Lizzie still came to visit Katie and Lincoln.
She lived to be quite old. Someone asked her to what did she attribute her long life. She answered, "Daily bathing."
Every Wednesday
Every Wednesday Aunt Em Soby and Arch went to visit Grandmother Potts. They stopped for Lillian and took her along too. This was before Lillian and Arch went to school. As far as we can figure they were about 6 years old. Grandmother Potts always made soup and served it from a big tureen at the table. After lunch Lillian and Arch took a kettle of soup to Aunt Mary. Aunt Mary and Uncle Ben Martin kept a little store on Second Street between Morris and Moore. They sold everything, candy and toys. We remember lemon drops which were sticky and stuck together but we liked them just the same. Lillian loved those Wednesdays and has pleasant memories of Grandmother Potts.
Always Some Poor Soul
Grandmother and Grandfather Potts were always helping some poor soul. Jinks was a poor boy who had no home. When Mrs. Potts heard he was sleeping in a wagon in their stable she brought him in the house and fed him. He worked for Mr. Potts faithfully for a long time. Lincoln and Katie always had a lame duck they looked after and took an interest in.
Katharine Goldner Potts
Katie Goldner married A. Lincoln Potts
Their children:
Harry Goldner
Katharine Ang Goldner
Lillian Sarah Goldner
Katie Goldner married A. Lincoln Potts
Their children:
Harry Goldner
Katharine Ang Goldner
Lillian Sarah Goldner
Katie Goldner married A. Lincoln Potts and their romance began when Katie looked over the fence at 1819 E. Moyamensing Ave. into the stable yard next door and spied her future husband. It was love at first sight, for she had many beaux.
Lincoln had a feed store on Third Street at Wharton. At this time the Goldner's were living at 1402 E. Moyamensing Ave. Every day, on his way to his store he opened the yard gate and came in to tease the girls. On wash days, all were helping to rinse at the spigot in the yard. Linc many a time had a soaking wet piece of wash thrown at him, but this was what they called fun.
Katie and Lincoln were married at 1402 by Dr. Hutton of Greenwich Street Church. She wore a gray crepe de chine dress, trimmed with beaded braid. After the wedding party, they went to their home between Second and Third on McKean Street. Shortly after, Lincoln's father died and they moved to 1823 Moyamensing to be with his mother.
Lincoln's father was William Potts and his mother was Sarah.
William Potts was an active member of Wharton Street Methodist Church. At "Harvest Home" it was the custom to distribute food to the poor. He always donated a whole bullock (he had a meat market stall in the Second and Pine Street Market.). The bullock was always displayed on the platform, and part of the ceremony was to carve this into portions. Lincoln helped to carve and distribute the meat to the needy.
Lincoln had a feed store on Third Street at Wharton. At this time the Goldner's were living at 1402 E. Moyamensing Ave. Every day, on his way to his store he opened the yard gate and came in to tease the girls. On wash days, all were helping to rinse at the spigot in the yard. Linc many a time had a soaking wet piece of wash thrown at him, but this was what they called fun.
Katie and Lincoln were married at 1402 by Dr. Hutton of Greenwich Street Church. She wore a gray crepe de chine dress, trimmed with beaded braid. After the wedding party, they went to their home between Second and Third on McKean Street. Shortly after, Lincoln's father died and they moved to 1823 Moyamensing to be with his mother.
Lincoln's father was William Potts and his mother was Sarah.
William Potts was an active member of Wharton Street Methodist Church. At "Harvest Home" it was the custom to distribute food to the poor. He always donated a whole bullock (he had a meat market stall in the Second and Pine Street Market.). The bullock was always displayed on the platform, and part of the ceremony was to carve this into portions. Lincoln helped to carve and distribute the meat to the needy.
A Resident of Bladin's Court
One of the ancestors of the Potts family, by the name of Drinkwater, lived in Blandin's Court in Elfreth's Alley. The house had a spinning rail porch. The Drinkwater's attended Christ Church on Second Street above Market. Anyone who lived in this house had free pew rent at the church. Perhaps the Drinkwaters sat next to George Washington during the Church service.
The Bakery on Second Street
Grandmother Potts had several sisters who had a bakery shop on Second Street around Wharton. They didn't live at the store but had a house on Redwood Street between Third and Fourth. This house had a cellar kitchen and Edna remembered going there with Katie.
One of the sisters had a gr4andchild named May Melville. Aunt Em Soby told the following about her. She was so pious she wouldn't take as much as a crust of bread without saying grace so I guess she's in Heaven by now.
One of the sisters had a gr4andchild named May Melville. Aunt Em Soby told the following about her. She was so pious she wouldn't take as much as a crust of bread without saying grace so I guess she's in Heaven by now.
Faithful Workers
No record of the Potts Family would be complete without telling about the colored help they always had. There was old Sill. She was small in size but big hearted. Then came Martha Syers, another willing soul. When she became too old to work, her daughter-in-law Josephine took her place. She was another fine woman. Josephine and her daughter worked for the Goldners too. Her daughter Thelma worked at Binder's Hair Dressing Parlor for a long time. Her other daughter Gladys went to Normal School and was ready to graduate when she died of the flue. Her mother told us before she died she had turned completely white. Mr. Syers worked at the Vare Stables
Albert Goldner
Albert Goldner married Ella Sharp who lived on Second Street above Wharton. Her father Isaac had a milk route and sold milk at the Second Street store. Her mother was Phoebe Sharp.
When Al married Ellie they rented one of the porch houses on Moyamensing Ave. between Mifflin and McKean Streets. Later they bought the house on the southwest corner of Fifth and Morris where their daughter Phoebe Louise was born. Phoebe Louise was named for bother her grandmothers.
Grandmother Sharp came to live with them when Mr. sharp died. It was then that they built an entire third floor to the house. Mrs. Sharp died of a heart attack after having to walk in a heavy snow storm from a visit to a friend.
Louise Goldner graduated from Normal School and taught at the Sharswood School. She married Lew Nichols and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They had two daughters, Patricia and Alberta.
After several moves, Al and Ellie settled in an apartment on the corner of 61st and Catherine Streets. When Ellie became too sick to keep house they went to live with Ellie's sister Martha, but she died on a visit to her daughter in Cleveland.
It was all planned that Al would come back home to live with us but he went down to Ed Selby's. He contracted pneumonia and died in Cooper Hospital. Louise flew in from Cleveland and our Nan stayed at the hospital with her.
When he had been away a long time Harry Rowan told him our father was failing and he should go to see him. He came early one afternoon when father was drinking a glass of ginger ale in our upstairs library. Father shook hands with him and offered him a glass of ginger ale - thus the ice was broken. On his way out father invited him to lunch for next Wednesday. When he was a little late father sat on the cedar chest in the bay window on the second floor watching for him. He feared he was not coming, but he did come and the rift was healed but always left a scar.
When Al married Ellie they rented one of the porch houses on Moyamensing Ave. between Mifflin and McKean Streets. Later they bought the house on the southwest corner of Fifth and Morris where their daughter Phoebe Louise was born. Phoebe Louise was named for bother her grandmothers.
Grandmother Sharp came to live with them when Mr. sharp died. It was then that they built an entire third floor to the house. Mrs. Sharp died of a heart attack after having to walk in a heavy snow storm from a visit to a friend.
Louise Goldner graduated from Normal School and taught at the Sharswood School. She married Lew Nichols and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They had two daughters, Patricia and Alberta.
After several moves, Al and Ellie settled in an apartment on the corner of 61st and Catherine Streets. When Ellie became too sick to keep house they went to live with Ellie's sister Martha, but she died on a visit to her daughter in Cleveland.
It was all planned that Al would come back home to live with us but he went down to Ed Selby's. He contracted pneumonia and died in Cooper Hospital. Louise flew in from Cleveland and our Nan stayed at the hospital with her.
When he had been away a long time Harry Rowan told him our father was failing and he should go to see him. He came early one afternoon when father was drinking a glass of ginger ale in our upstairs library. Father shook hands with him and offered him a glass of ginger ale - thus the ice was broken. On his way out father invited him to lunch for next Wednesday. When he was a little late father sat on the cedar chest in the bay window on the second floor watching for him. He feared he was not coming, but he did come and the rift was healed but always left a scar.
Before Al was Married
When he was young he really was handsome. He was always carefully dressed. For Church on Sundays he wore striped trousers and a cut away coat with an ascot too (this was proper Church attire at that time). We had a full length mirror in our parlor at 1402 and before going out he took a last look to see that everything was just right or maybe to admire what he saw.
He had many girls and to every girl he gave a pug dog and a ring. He always needed money and our mother and Aunt Kate were easy prey. He was one spoiled boy.
He had many girls and to every girl he gave a pug dog and a ring. He always needed money and our mother and Aunt Kate were easy prey. He was one spoiled boy.
Emma Elizabeth Goldner
Emma Elizabeth Goldner was born when the family lived uptown. She and Al were the only two who went to private school (Friends Select).
From the time she was born she was a good worker. She always helped with the house-work and the sewing. Before she went to dress for her evening date, she played checkers or parchesi with father.
She had many boy friends before Jake Mansure, to name a few, John Owens, Reece Fleishman, Horace Higbee and etc. They all went to Wharton Street Church. She had many girl friends too who came often for meals.
She had a very large catered wedding at 1402 E. Moyamensing Ave. and went to live on Ritner Street - between 4th and 5th Streets. The house was carpeted and furnished by our father.
When Henry was born they all came home to stay for several months. One of the comic episodes during this stay was Henrietta walking Henry with the colic. She was as thin as a rail (believe it or not) and wore a torn night-gown with one sleeve. She was some picture.
Their next move was to 312 Morris St. next to Laura and Harry's house. When Father visited them he put a finger on each bell, and went first in the house where the bell was answered first.
When they moved to Moore's Station Jake was often sent abroad on business. Emma and Henry and Albert come to our house at the shore for a month or two.
We have always thought of Emmie as the most wonderful sister-in-law to Addie Mansure. From the time she was married she shared with Addie out of her house money - when she got a new hat, Addie got one too. Later on as she was better able, she gave Addie very liberally out of her own allowance, regardless of the fact that Jake took care of Addie's big expenses. Emmie never disclosed this. Addie told us, so you see we feel Addie was grateful.
She seldom missed on Friday luncheons, and always brought a basket of good things - Mary Megraw's tea cake or angel food. On our birthdays she gave us something from the Dink's. She also gave Aunt Kate five dollars a month for crochet cotton.
The night Henry was married, they all came, along with Katie R. Ford, to our house 1933 S. Broad St. for supper. Edna was sick in bed at that time, and in her room was a full length mirror. Bud and Henry looked like millionaires, and as they stood adjusting their attire, Bud said, "Henry, isn't our Father wonderful for we are dressed like rich guys."
Just before Emma died, she said to us "I still think you are all right, no matter what they say." This has been the one unanswered question in our life - "Who were they and what did they say?" Without being self-righteous we don't know what we did wrong. Our philosophy of life is - not to question - just to keep the peace, but we often wish now, that we had asked - "Who were they and what did they say".
From the time she was born she was a good worker. She always helped with the house-work and the sewing. Before she went to dress for her evening date, she played checkers or parchesi with father.
She had many boy friends before Jake Mansure, to name a few, John Owens, Reece Fleishman, Horace Higbee and etc. They all went to Wharton Street Church. She had many girl friends too who came often for meals.
She had a very large catered wedding at 1402 E. Moyamensing Ave. and went to live on Ritner Street - between 4th and 5th Streets. The house was carpeted and furnished by our father.
When Henry was born they all came home to stay for several months. One of the comic episodes during this stay was Henrietta walking Henry with the colic. She was as thin as a rail (believe it or not) and wore a torn night-gown with one sleeve. She was some picture.
Their next move was to 312 Morris St. next to Laura and Harry's house. When Father visited them he put a finger on each bell, and went first in the house where the bell was answered first.
When they moved to Moore's Station Jake was often sent abroad on business. Emma and Henry and Albert come to our house at the shore for a month or two.
We have always thought of Emmie as the most wonderful sister-in-law to Addie Mansure. From the time she was married she shared with Addie out of her house money - when she got a new hat, Addie got one too. Later on as she was better able, she gave Addie very liberally out of her own allowance, regardless of the fact that Jake took care of Addie's big expenses. Emmie never disclosed this. Addie told us, so you see we feel Addie was grateful.
She seldom missed on Friday luncheons, and always brought a basket of good things - Mary Megraw's tea cake or angel food. On our birthdays she gave us something from the Dink's. She also gave Aunt Kate five dollars a month for crochet cotton.
The night Henry was married, they all came, along with Katie R. Ford, to our house 1933 S. Broad St. for supper. Edna was sick in bed at that time, and in her room was a full length mirror. Bud and Henry looked like millionaires, and as they stood adjusting their attire, Bud said, "Henry, isn't our Father wonderful for we are dressed like rich guys."
Just before Emma died, she said to us "I still think you are all right, no matter what they say." This has been the one unanswered question in our life - "Who were they and what did they say?" Without being self-righteous we don't know what we did wrong. Our philosophy of life is - not to question - just to keep the peace, but we often wish now, that we had asked - "Who were they and what did they say".
Laura Goldner Rowan
Laura was the last of the girls to be born uptown. She was always very quiet and reserved. When she wasn't at some Church Group she was lying across the bed reading and eating an apple - don't misunderstand, she did her share of the housework.
She was interested in oil painting and took lessons from Mabel Lodge. That's how she met Florence Rowan and they became very good friends.
It seems all the boys and girls went to Wharton Street Methodist Church. It was there she met some of her admirers - James Bernard, Ed Hand and others, but Henry A Rowan Jr. was her choice.
Jake Mansure and Harry Rowan were courting Emma and Laura at the same time and many good times they had at our house. On a Saturday the boys helped to churn ice cream and ate it in soup plates. When Jake and Harry came in the evening Grandmother Ang insisted on staying around and the boys used every trick they could think of to get her off to bed.
Laura married Harry before she was 20 years old. Their first house was on Fernon Street, west of Fifth Street. Laura Gertrude Rowan was born there. Then they moved to Morris Street, between Third and Fourth, where Ella Ruth was born. While they lived on Morris St. Laura had a bone felon. She was pricked while she was preserving pineapple. She was pregnant for Henry at the time and had a very difficult time. The next move was to Webster Street in West Phila. Henry was born here. It was while they lived here that Gertrude had typhoid fever and Laura became sick with typhoid herself. She was very sick. Aunt Kate went out to help and Ellie and Al took care of little Henry at their house. Laura was never well after that. They moved to 4927 Hazel Ave. where they had a mother's helper to take care of the children.
Laura died in Graduate Hospital at the age of 57.
The Rowan children often stayed at our house since their mother was not well, but not one of them ever forgot us.
She was interested in oil painting and took lessons from Mabel Lodge. That's how she met Florence Rowan and they became very good friends.
It seems all the boys and girls went to Wharton Street Methodist Church. It was there she met some of her admirers - James Bernard, Ed Hand and others, but Henry A Rowan Jr. was her choice.
Jake Mansure and Harry Rowan were courting Emma and Laura at the same time and many good times they had at our house. On a Saturday the boys helped to churn ice cream and ate it in soup plates. When Jake and Harry came in the evening Grandmother Ang insisted on staying around and the boys used every trick they could think of to get her off to bed.
Laura married Harry before she was 20 years old. Their first house was on Fernon Street, west of Fifth Street. Laura Gertrude Rowan was born there. Then they moved to Morris Street, between Third and Fourth, where Ella Ruth was born. While they lived on Morris St. Laura had a bone felon. She was pricked while she was preserving pineapple. She was pregnant for Henry at the time and had a very difficult time. The next move was to Webster Street in West Phila. Henry was born here. It was while they lived here that Gertrude had typhoid fever and Laura became sick with typhoid herself. She was very sick. Aunt Kate went out to help and Ellie and Al took care of little Henry at their house. Laura was never well after that. They moved to 4927 Hazel Ave. where they had a mother's helper to take care of the children.
Laura died in Graduate Hospital at the age of 57.
The Rowan children often stayed at our house since their mother was not well, but not one of them ever forgot us.
99 - You Make A Hundred
It happened one summer at the seashore. A friend not knowing exactly which was our house asked directions from a neighbor. "Oh yes, I know where the Goldners live - right over there. There are 99 there already so you make a hundred." At the time we were ashamed but now we are proud we had that many friends.
Aunt Lizzie Dunlevy's Funeral
Aunt Lizzie was buried in Old Swedes Cemetery. The day of her funeral was a perfect one. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. The graveyard was beautiful, too. Edna remembers Em Soby saying this is a fitting climax to Aunt Lizzie's life which had been fine from beginning to end.
Katie and Al
There is a story in the family which goes like this:
Al had been expelled from Friends School because he and Paul Reeves had taken a live mouse and let it loose in the class room. When Father heard about this he was going to thrash Al. Katie stepped up and said, "Whip me instead." Wasn't that a sisterly feeling? Of course, neither one was thrashed.
Al had been expelled from Friends School because he and Paul Reeves had taken a live mouse and let it loose in the class room. When Father heard about this he was going to thrash Al. Katie stepped up and said, "Whip me instead." Wasn't that a sisterly feeling? Of course, neither one was thrashed.
Lincoln and the New Year's Ham
Every New Year, Lincoln gave us a large Hunter's ham. We made over 100 sandwiches to be served after the parade, so you can imagine the size of the ham. From that day to this we have never equaled the deliciousness of these hams.
Broad Street Sunday Suppers
Harry Potts came nearly every Sunday evening to supper at Broad Street.
These were our fun and hilarious times. Edna one time drenched herself with water, and we teased Gert about white horses. Harry used to laugh so he jumped with joy. These are pleasant memories we have of him and we are sure he remembers them.
After supper he and his Gr4andfather walked home and stopped for a plate of ice cream on the way.
Then Father would sit in Potts's dining room and tell them stories of his life. Lil and Kath remember this.
So, at their suggestion, we have written these "Goldner Years".
These were our fun and hilarious times. Edna one time drenched herself with water, and we teased Gert about white horses. Harry used to laugh so he jumped with joy. These are pleasant memories we have of him and we are sure he remembers them.
After supper he and his Gr4andfather walked home and stopped for a plate of ice cream on the way.
Then Father would sit in Potts's dining room and tell them stories of his life. Lil and Kath remember this.
So, at their suggestion, we have written these "Goldner Years".
Friday Family Luncheons
Every Friday as long as our Father lived (and long afterwards) the married ones and any of their children who cared to came to lunch.
He often said he wished he were a fly, so unseen, he could hear our individual ideas on things. We too, wish that could be possible when this diary is read - the reaction of each one of you. But, we think we already know quite well what each one of you will say (you see, we know you all well).
Some will say, "How fine!" Others, "Who the ----- do they think they are?"
In conclusion we want to say we think one should be proud of his heritage - if that heritage strives toward better Christian living.
He often said he wished he were a fly, so unseen, he could hear our individual ideas on things. We too, wish that could be possible when this diary is read - the reaction of each one of you. But, we think we already know quite well what each one of you will say (you see, we know you all well).
Some will say, "How fine!" Others, "Who the ----- do they think they are?"
In conclusion we want to say we think one should be proud of his heritage - if that heritage strives toward better Christian living.
Lillian Miriam Goldner
I was born April 9, 1892 at 1402 Moyamensing Ave.
Like Edna, I was a victim of our era - a stay at home and not earn any money. Up until I was 16 my life was one of ease and luxury.
When Mother was dying I left school and began my "career" as a drone.
Edna, Gert, and I did much work at Greenwich Street Church. I was leader of the C.A. Club with about 100 members. With the help of Lillian Potts, Ruth and Ethel Patterson, we did a rewarding job. I still hear from many of the boys and girls who are now successful men and women.
Edna did all the carrying of Red Cross dressings for Old Pine and Greenwich Street Churches. She also taxied the Pastors, Mr. Lukens and Mr. Long, on their Pastoral calls. Gert was the head of the Red Cross unit at Greenwich during World War I. After we moved to McKean Ave. I did volunteer work at Germantown Hospital during World War II, so I had a taste of how wonderful it would have been to be out earning some money besides having the advantage of mingling with different people.
Books and reading have been my greatest pleasures.
At a Presbyterian Conference one lecturer left this thought with me. "The only real pleasure in life, is one you can look back on without regret." So my thrills have been very tame and enjoyable to remember.
I remember when I was very young, before I went to school, we often went to a hotel in Atlantic City for a few days before going to a house in Chelsea for the summer. The first thing I did was run to the beach, and finding a star fish was a real thrill. The ocean and beach are still with me. Mary O'Neill and I had many an innocent thrill watching the "blue-bloods" - how they acted and how they were dressed etc. and the Saturday "Hops" at the Chelsea Hotel were something I can never forget. I think friends have a great influence on one's life. We shared with Kit and Gert Neall, many a laugh, and many a confidence.
Like Edna, my inheritance comprises some of the furniture we still have from our original home, because our share in Father's business was lost. I think this is something many of you do not remember. Gert financed much of everything for several years before Father died.
This is my alibi for a so-called lazy life.
If I have been or will be a burden to any of you, I am truly sorry. I do not feel blameless, that is why I feel so deeply about the word "burden". I think "burden" the most detestable word in the English language and the word "empathy" on of the greatest and finest, and most rarely understood.
Like Edna, I was a victim of our era - a stay at home and not earn any money. Up until I was 16 my life was one of ease and luxury.
When Mother was dying I left school and began my "career" as a drone.
Edna, Gert, and I did much work at Greenwich Street Church. I was leader of the C.A. Club with about 100 members. With the help of Lillian Potts, Ruth and Ethel Patterson, we did a rewarding job. I still hear from many of the boys and girls who are now successful men and women.
Edna did all the carrying of Red Cross dressings for Old Pine and Greenwich Street Churches. She also taxied the Pastors, Mr. Lukens and Mr. Long, on their Pastoral calls. Gert was the head of the Red Cross unit at Greenwich during World War I. After we moved to McKean Ave. I did volunteer work at Germantown Hospital during World War II, so I had a taste of how wonderful it would have been to be out earning some money besides having the advantage of mingling with different people.
Books and reading have been my greatest pleasures.
At a Presbyterian Conference one lecturer left this thought with me. "The only real pleasure in life, is one you can look back on without regret." So my thrills have been very tame and enjoyable to remember.
I remember when I was very young, before I went to school, we often went to a hotel in Atlantic City for a few days before going to a house in Chelsea for the summer. The first thing I did was run to the beach, and finding a star fish was a real thrill. The ocean and beach are still with me. Mary O'Neill and I had many an innocent thrill watching the "blue-bloods" - how they acted and how they were dressed etc. and the Saturday "Hops" at the Chelsea Hotel were something I can never forget. I think friends have a great influence on one's life. We shared with Kit and Gert Neall, many a laugh, and many a confidence.
Like Edna, my inheritance comprises some of the furniture we still have from our original home, because our share in Father's business was lost. I think this is something many of you do not remember. Gert financed much of everything for several years before Father died.
This is my alibi for a so-called lazy life.
If I have been or will be a burden to any of you, I am truly sorry. I do not feel blameless, that is why I feel so deeply about the word "burden". I think "burden" the most detestable word in the English language and the word "empathy" on of the greatest and finest, and most rarely understood.
Photo from: digital.history.pcusa.org
|
222-224 Morris Street
|
Edna Ray Goldner
I was born at 224 Morris St. I remember playing in the beautiful garden across the street where the Vare School is.
I went to High School but did not graduate as I had typhoid fever and did not go back to school. I stayed home and have been accused of never working. What is work? So it is only work when you are paid? I never was paid a cent. What is cooking meals, carrying trays, giving up one's bed and sleeping on a cot?
Just to set our inheritance straight - our home on Broad St. was paid for by Gertie and with the exception of our dining room furniture and the two chairs in the living room, the silver service and a few dishes, Gert bought all the rest of any ornaments we have.
Our nieces and nephews have been very good to us old maids. Harry Potts $10,000 has helped us quite a lot.
My philosophy of life is, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap" but one does not always reap where one sows.
To all I say "Thank you and God bless you".
I went to High School but did not graduate as I had typhoid fever and did not go back to school. I stayed home and have been accused of never working. What is work? So it is only work when you are paid? I never was paid a cent. What is cooking meals, carrying trays, giving up one's bed and sleeping on a cot?
Just to set our inheritance straight - our home on Broad St. was paid for by Gertie and with the exception of our dining room furniture and the two chairs in the living room, the silver service and a few dishes, Gert bought all the rest of any ornaments we have.
Our nieces and nephews have been very good to us old maids. Harry Potts $10,000 has helped us quite a lot.
My philosophy of life is, "As ye sow, so shall ye reap" but one does not always reap where one sows.
To all I say "Thank you and God bless you".
Gertrude Goldner
The family was living at 222 Morris St. (the haunted house) when I was born July 22, 1887. We moved to 1402 Moyamensing Ave. before I went to school. I first went to the little school at 2nd and Morris, then to Weccacoe at Second and Reed, and to grammar school at 7th and Dickinson. Then on to 4 years at Girl's High and 2 years at Normal. I received my teaching certificate June 1907. On Sept 8, 1907 I reported for my first teaching assignment at Weccacoe School. Miss Neville was principal and a mighty good one too. How proud I was when I got my first check for $52.00 a month. While I was at Weccacoe Mr. Chew, the District Supt. asked me to give a talk to a group of teachers at the Bough School, 7th and Dickinson. I don't remember what I said but I do remember I was mighty nervous. I taught 9 years at Weccacoe before going to the School of Observation and Practice. At first my classroom was 1319 Spring Garden St. and Miss Devier was my Principal. When the new school, Thaddeus Stevens, was being built Dr. Robert MacMillan was our principal and he permitted us to choose our classrooms. I chose Room 209 and Kitty Crowell 210. When I first went to the School of Practice Katharine Potts was just graduating from Normal School but Lillian Potts and Ruth and Ethel Patterson were still students.
I spent many happy years with some wonderful young people who were going to be the future teachers in our schools. The students were well trained and it was a sorry day for Phila. schools when they closed Normal School.
Things were changing even before I retired in June 1952, after 46 years of teaching. When I retired I was given a dinner at Alden Park and a beautiful wrist watch also a "Book of Memories". This was a collection of comments written by my school friends. I prize this very much and when I feel down I read some of these and think maybe I did give something to the over 1400 boys and girls I had the privilege of teaching. I feel it was a privilege also for me to teach school while Edna and Lillian stayed at home. They have been criticized by some for not working but who was to care for our Father and Aunt Kate?
School wasn't my only interest. I enjoyed working with the young people at Greenwich St. Church. We gave wonderful plays and other programs. I remember especially "The Wonder Worker." Lillian Potts and Ruth and Ethel Patterson gave a marvelous performance. Maybe they missed their calling - perhaps each could have been another Helen Hayes - but the school system would have missed out. We gave "The Wonder Worker" up at Old Pine Church and it was a great success. Mr Andres said he had never seen a finer performance. Mr. Andrews was a former English Professor so a favorable comment from him meant something.
I never wanted anything better than our home on McKean Ave. but fate ruled differently. I will never forget the day I came home from school the first Spring we lived there and saw the garden with its beautiful daffodils - there must have been hundreds of them.
We are content here at 3452 and hope we can stay together for some time to come.
I can't close without mentioning that I had on beau in my life. He was Johnny Bull, a little light haired fellow who waited to walk home from school with me when we were only about 7 years old.
**Gert died on June 16, 1966 at the Women's Medical College while we were still living at 3452 W. Queen Lane for which we are very thankful because Edna and I are entering the Bala Home on Jan. 16, 1968. We are thankful for all the help we have received this year. L.M.G.
I spent many happy years with some wonderful young people who were going to be the future teachers in our schools. The students were well trained and it was a sorry day for Phila. schools when they closed Normal School.
Things were changing even before I retired in June 1952, after 46 years of teaching. When I retired I was given a dinner at Alden Park and a beautiful wrist watch also a "Book of Memories". This was a collection of comments written by my school friends. I prize this very much and when I feel down I read some of these and think maybe I did give something to the over 1400 boys and girls I had the privilege of teaching. I feel it was a privilege also for me to teach school while Edna and Lillian stayed at home. They have been criticized by some for not working but who was to care for our Father and Aunt Kate?
School wasn't my only interest. I enjoyed working with the young people at Greenwich St. Church. We gave wonderful plays and other programs. I remember especially "The Wonder Worker." Lillian Potts and Ruth and Ethel Patterson gave a marvelous performance. Maybe they missed their calling - perhaps each could have been another Helen Hayes - but the school system would have missed out. We gave "The Wonder Worker" up at Old Pine Church and it was a great success. Mr Andres said he had never seen a finer performance. Mr. Andrews was a former English Professor so a favorable comment from him meant something.
I never wanted anything better than our home on McKean Ave. but fate ruled differently. I will never forget the day I came home from school the first Spring we lived there and saw the garden with its beautiful daffodils - there must have been hundreds of them.
We are content here at 3452 and hope we can stay together for some time to come.
I can't close without mentioning that I had on beau in my life. He was Johnny Bull, a little light haired fellow who waited to walk home from school with me when we were only about 7 years old.
**Gert died on June 16, 1966 at the Women's Medical College while we were still living at 3452 W. Queen Lane for which we are very thankful because Edna and I are entering the Bala Home on Jan. 16, 1968. We are thankful for all the help we have received this year. L.M.G.
Henrietta Goldner Rhoades
Henrietta was born at 1819 E. Moyamensing Ave. She was the lively one of the family. Our mother would laugh will she cried at some of her antics. She belonged to the Friendly Society of St. John's Church at Third and Reed Streets where they learned all the proper things to do. Henrietta was a great one for fixing up - setting the table just right and always interested in cooking and serving things well.
When we were girls at home we each had to clean our own rooms. There were no vacuum cleaners in those days so the carpets had to be sept with a broom. Henrietta could never sweep her carpet for she always got a pain in her side so Ellie Goldner who visited once a week swept it for her.
Our mother went to Church every Sunday morning and it was Henrietta who combed her hair and helped her dress while the rest of us sat at the window and watched the Fashion Parade of people going by to Sacred Heart Church at Third and Reed.
She went with our mother to Friday night Prayer Meeting at Greenwich St. Church. Will Warner was coming around then and he used to wait outside the church to take her home. When he heard them singing "What A Friend I Have in Jesus", he stubbed out his cigarette for he knew the service was over.
Henrietta had other beaux - Fred Fleishman, Morris McBride and George Lodge who took her riding in a trap.
She had a Sunday School Class of girls. One day she visited a sick scholar and took her a long stemmed American Beauty rose. The girl's mother cut the stem and put the rose in a jelly tumbler - Oh My!
When she was married (believe it or not) she weighed 98 lbs. She had a beautiful home wedding at 1402. Emmie had brought in baskets of daisies which were used for decoration. The place cards were two white cardboard hearts tied together with white ribbon with Henrietta's name on one and Arthur's on the other. Lillian was bride's maid and Walter Rhoades best man. They spent their honeymoon at our house in Ventnor, NJ After the wedding we had expected the guests to leave but they all stayed for supper for which we were not prepared so all we served was cold ham and potato salad. In the confusion we forgot to place a knife at Arthur's mother's place and she never asked for one.
Henrietta and Art first lived on 16th Street. After that, Art was sent to Passaic NJ. Then they bought the old farm house at Mt. Royal but had it moved and built their house now occupied by Lea and Dick Wang.
Henrietta was always house proud; she loved everything in her house. She was an invalid for many years before going to the Pine Crest Nursing Home in Sewell NJ (Died Dec 1967)
She came home every day to take a bath when she was first married and each moth before her operation she and Arthur came home for several days. After her operation, they stayed at our house for several months.
When we were girls at home we each had to clean our own rooms. There were no vacuum cleaners in those days so the carpets had to be sept with a broom. Henrietta could never sweep her carpet for she always got a pain in her side so Ellie Goldner who visited once a week swept it for her.
Our mother went to Church every Sunday morning and it was Henrietta who combed her hair and helped her dress while the rest of us sat at the window and watched the Fashion Parade of people going by to Sacred Heart Church at Third and Reed.
She went with our mother to Friday night Prayer Meeting at Greenwich St. Church. Will Warner was coming around then and he used to wait outside the church to take her home. When he heard them singing "What A Friend I Have in Jesus", he stubbed out his cigarette for he knew the service was over.
Henrietta had other beaux - Fred Fleishman, Morris McBride and George Lodge who took her riding in a trap.
She had a Sunday School Class of girls. One day she visited a sick scholar and took her a long stemmed American Beauty rose. The girl's mother cut the stem and put the rose in a jelly tumbler - Oh My!
When she was married (believe it or not) she weighed 98 lbs. She had a beautiful home wedding at 1402. Emmie had brought in baskets of daisies which were used for decoration. The place cards were two white cardboard hearts tied together with white ribbon with Henrietta's name on one and Arthur's on the other. Lillian was bride's maid and Walter Rhoades best man. They spent their honeymoon at our house in Ventnor, NJ After the wedding we had expected the guests to leave but they all stayed for supper for which we were not prepared so all we served was cold ham and potato salad. In the confusion we forgot to place a knife at Arthur's mother's place and she never asked for one.
Henrietta and Art first lived on 16th Street. After that, Art was sent to Passaic NJ. Then they bought the old farm house at Mt. Royal but had it moved and built their house now occupied by Lea and Dick Wang.
Henrietta was always house proud; she loved everything in her house. She was an invalid for many years before going to the Pine Crest Nursing Home in Sewell NJ (Died Dec 1967)
She came home every day to take a bath when she was first married and each moth before her operation she and Arthur came home for several days. After her operation, they stayed at our house for several months.
Anna Goldner Gibson
Anna Goldner was born at 1819 E. Moyamensing Ave. When she was young she was very studious. She won a prize (a book) for the highest average in the 12th grade of the John B Baugh School at 7th and Dickinson. She was always one for dressing up and she was seldom home. She too went to Wharton Street Church and the young people there were always having some entertainment or goin on hay rides, etc. Non had many friends, boys and girls - John Philips, Bill Thompson and his brother Frank, Tom Farrity, Gert Kaarcher, Pearl Eagle, Maggie Ward. All of these were welcome on a minute's notice to dinner at our house.
When she began going with Theo Gibson she left Warton Street Church and joined Scots Methodist where
Theo was a member.
For a while she was interested in photography. She had all the equipment and developed and printed the pictures she took and they were quite good. She also played the piano and played by ear every new song that was popular at that time. We had many good times when the crowd got together.
Nan was very faithful when our Mother was sick. She was a good one around the sick. She helped when Uncle Larry and Aunt Nettie Warner were sick. She was good to Margaret Warner and her neighbor Mrs. Evans.
Nan and Theo were married at 1416 S. Broad St. The day she was married Ida Lawley (Theo's cousin) sent Freihofer's Music Truck to play in front of our house, "I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl etc." This attracted a great deal of attention and made Nan very nervous. After the wedding they went to the house on Jackson St. west of 19th St. Edna Louise was born there. Then they moved to Larchwood Ave.
When Theo's mother died his father came to live with them. Nan and Mr. Gibson got along well together. He said he loved her as a daughter and promised to buy her an oriental rug but died before he could keep his promise.
Later they moved to Pitman, where she is living now.
When Edna Louise had her mastoid they came home to our house and when Theo came home from the hospital in a critical condition Nan and Theo stayed with us. Edna Louise was teaching at Blackwood at the time. Since our Edna was sick, Dr. Blumberg thought best for the Gibsons to go home to Pitman.
We mention these incidents when the married ones came home (for it was their home) and in reviewing them it makes us feel we didn't live an entirely selfish life but at the time we never thought it was other than our duty.
When she began going with Theo Gibson she left Warton Street Church and joined Scots Methodist where
Theo was a member.
For a while she was interested in photography. She had all the equipment and developed and printed the pictures she took and they were quite good. She also played the piano and played by ear every new song that was popular at that time. We had many good times when the crowd got together.
Nan was very faithful when our Mother was sick. She was a good one around the sick. She helped when Uncle Larry and Aunt Nettie Warner were sick. She was good to Margaret Warner and her neighbor Mrs. Evans.
Nan and Theo were married at 1416 S. Broad St. The day she was married Ida Lawley (Theo's cousin) sent Freihofer's Music Truck to play in front of our house, "I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl etc." This attracted a great deal of attention and made Nan very nervous. After the wedding they went to the house on Jackson St. west of 19th St. Edna Louise was born there. Then they moved to Larchwood Ave.
When Theo's mother died his father came to live with them. Nan and Mr. Gibson got along well together. He said he loved her as a daughter and promised to buy her an oriental rug but died before he could keep his promise.
Later they moved to Pitman, where she is living now.
When Edna Louise had her mastoid they came home to our house and when Theo came home from the hospital in a critical condition Nan and Theo stayed with us. Edna Louise was teaching at Blackwood at the time. Since our Edna was sick, Dr. Blumberg thought best for the Gibsons to go home to Pitman.
We mention these incidents when the married ones came home (for it was their home) and in reviewing them it makes us feel we didn't live an entirely selfish life but at the time we never thought it was other than our duty.