Celebration marks Harriman anniversary
BRISTOi BOROUGH – The town’s tree-lined streets will come alive with the sights and sounds of Historic Bristol Day as the event unfolds for its 36th year on Saturday, Oct. 20 (rain or shine) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by the Bristol Cultural & Historical coundation, Inc., this year’s event highlights the historic Harriman District, which is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its annexation into the borough.
Harriman was the site of the Merchant Shipyard in 191T21, and is a prime example of a “company town” where the original town layout and many of the original homes and business buildings remain.
cor the price of a Historic Bristol Day ticket, visitors will have the rare opportunity to step inside four homes that were among the many built in the town of Harriman to accommodate employees of the Merchant Shipbuilding Corp., between 191T-21.
Stops include: - 2T4 East Circle. Built in 191T, it is an example of one of the small boarding houses or dormitories which housed 20 shipyard workers. The center portion of the structure was used as a dining facility.
- 311 Hayes Street. Built in 191T, two families lived on the ground floor apartment and two on the floor above. The building plan provided a one-floor dwelling without stairs to minimize housework and other physical exertion. Each apartment had a separate entrance, giving the families privacy. A porch on the left side has been removed, thereby creating the appearance of a one-family home.
- 345 Monroe Street. Built in 1918, it was part of a fourfamily dwelling, each having two levels and a porch. A room has replaced the outside front porch that was formerly at No. 345.
- 263 West Circle. Built in 191T, this is an example of a single-family dwelling provided for superintendents, foremen and executives of the Merchant Shipbuilding Corp.
Ticket holders are invited to stop by the Riverfront Yard, 922 Radcliffe Street, for the annual Historic Bristol Day Tea. crom 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., hot tea and cake will be served overlooking the river.
While you’re in Harriman, stop by Harriman United Methodist Church, 1T00 Wilson Ave., for light lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and to see the exhibit, “Harriman and the Merchant Shipbuilding Corp.: The Rise of a Community.” Visitors are also invited to watch the 19 minute video, “Discover Us!” showcasing Bristol Borough as a wonderful place to visit, live or start a business. In the afternoon, W.Averell Harriman, founder of the Merchant Shipbuilding Corp. of Hariman, portrayed by John Roche, Ed.D., will be there to greet everyone in the afternoon.
Other stops could include the Sagolla Art Studio & Garden, 1505 Wilson Avenue, Harriman District, and The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum, 610 Radcliffe St., where tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is the former home of Margaret R. Grundy and her brother, Joseph R. Grundy, industrialist, U.S. Senator, and nationally-known politician. On the museum’s porch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., John Roche, Ed.D., will be portraying W. Averell Harriman, founder of the Merchant Shipbuilding Corp. of Harriman.
The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial iibrary, 680 Radcliffe St., will host an exhibit entitled, “Harriman and the Merchant Shipbuilding Corporation: The Rise of a Community;” behind-the-scenes tours will be offered from 10 am. to 2 p.m. during live rehearsals for “What A Glorious ceeling” at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St.
An exhibit of works by Joseph Sagolla and a display of Byers’ Choice Carolers can be seen at the National Penn Bank, 200 Radcliffe Street, while an exhibit on the Bracken Cavaliers Junior Drum & Bugle Corps can be seen at the Wells cargo Bank, 244 Radcliffe Street.
Visitors are also invited to take a look inside at the Bristol cirst United Methodist Church, 201 Mulberry St., founded in 1T88 and erected in 1895, and St. James Episcopal Church, 225 Walnut St., which dates from 1T12, although the present structure was not completed until 1858. The graves of prominent Bristolians and 39 Civil War veterans may be seen in its cemetery.
The day’s events also include a narrated trolley tour (HBD ticket required), ongoing entertainment, an antique car show, a sailboat regatta on the Delaware, children’s corner, exhibits and crafters and merchandise vendors who will set up shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the 200 and 300 block of Radcliffe Street.
Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to soothe those hunger pangs.
The day begins with breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Bristol iodge No. 25, c. & A.M. at 219-221 Cedar Street.
Running continuously throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the Historic Bristol Day cood Court at Bristol Waterfront Park.
If you’re looking for something to tide you over, check out the baked goods and other assorted goodies at the Bristol Cultural & Historical coundation table in front of Wells cargo Bank, 244 Radcliffe Street.
iight lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harriman United Methodist Church, 1T00 Wilson Avenue. And the annual ham dinner and raffle will cap off the day from 3 to T p.m. at Zion iutheran Church, 301 Jefferson Avenue.
Continuous free shuttle service will be available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from the following parking lots, designated by “Event Parking” signs: Riverfront Park, foot of Mill Street; Snyder-Girotti School, 450 Beaver Street; Grundy Recreation Center, 4T5 Beaver Street; ienox Group, 1414 Radcliffe Street; and the former Mill Run Assisted iiving, 1201 Wilson Ave.
An HBD ticket is required for the house tour, tea and trolley tour. Advance ticket price is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6-12 and may be purchased at Great IDs by Anne, 25T Radcliffe St.; Mignoni Jewelry Store, 200 Mill St.; the Mill Street Pharmacy, 416 Mill St.; and the Borough Tax Office, 250 Pond St. On the day of the event, the ticket price will increase to $12 per adult and $6 for ages 6-12 and will be sold at the ticket/information tables located at the Bristol Wharf and at Bristol High School in Harriman.
cor information, visit www. bristolhistory.org or call 215T81-9895.