43rd Historic Bristol Day… Take Note #2
by Cate Murway
“Planning continues for the 2019 Historic Bristol Day to be held on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation [BCHF], established in 1967,” confirmed BCHF VP/HBD chairperson, Nicholas A. Rizzo.
BCHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving over 3 centuries of Bristol's history and increasing cultural opportunities for all residents of the community, promoting pride which translates into helping and enhancing the treasure that has been inherited.
Every day and especially on Historic Bristol Day, all ages are welcome to be a part of the community’s past, present and future! Bristol Borough, nestled on the Delaware River, was founded in 1681, one of the oldest communities in the state. HBD, a free signature street festival, is especially great family fun for everyone. There will be plenty to see and do during HBD ’19 and each event is a most memorial one.
Glimpse into this diverse community.
It’s much like stepping into a history book in this charming small town!
*Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library Story Room & Learning Center ~ 680 Radcliffe Street
‘Answering the Call – Bristol’s First Responders’ is being hosted by the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library. The library and its grounds will be open for several events.
The Answering the Call Opening Reception is scheduled for October 4th and the exhibit will run through November 2nd. All are welcome to join in to learn about the storied history of the men and women, police, fire responders, and EMT, etc. who serve in Bristol Borough's emergency services.
Focus will be on the history and the prevention processes, but it will also provide an interesting glimpse into the “Day in the Life” of those who work tirelessly around the clock to respond to emergencies and keep the residents safe. Response time is seen as the most important aspect in all emergencies.
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library Director Dana Marie Barber is very excited about this exhibit. She and the exhibit team have been visiting the Borough Fire Stations where the engines, ladders, and ambulances are housed and chatting at length with the EMS services and Fire Police who provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the Borough.
“People don’t really understand the hard work that the volunteers and the paid forces do every day in keeping us safe. They are passionate advocates in keeping us safe every day. They are a font of knowledge,” shared Dana. “We should celebrate what they do with their incredible heroism, energy, drive and passion!”
There will be original documents and artifacts on display and an area explicitly for children with uniform duds and pieces of Fire Fighter gear, excellent for imaginative role play. Hey! Even Sparky the Fire Dog®, the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] has been invited.
It is sure to help make little kids into big heroes!
*Step Out onto the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library Patio ~ 680 Radcliffe Street
A Pinewood Derby racing event of handmade, unpowered, unmanned miniature wood cars will be run as a fundraiser for the Bristol Borough Cub Scout Pack #212.
Anyone can enter! It’s only $10.00 to register and purchase a Boy Scouts of America [BSA] box containing a block of pine wood, four plastic wheels, and four nails for axels.
The finished car must use all nine pieces and must not exceed a certain weight. Blocks can be whittled with a hand knife, band saw, or a carving tool.
From polishing the axles to placing weights, there are many secrets to making a Pinewood Derby car go faster, the possibilities are endless. The enclosed rule sheet will give details and permitted weight of car.
The races will be age grouped and the owner of the fastest car will be awarded a certificate.
SAFETY FIRST: Ask an adult to help with tools you haven't used before.
BSA Pinewood Derby Boxes will again be sold at the BSA booth at Bristol Borough’s final 2019 First Friday event on Friday, September 6th.
Cool History notes: The very first Pinewood Derby was held on May 15, 1953 at the Scout House in Manhattan Beach, CA by Cub Scout Pack 280C [the present Pack 713], led by the late Cubmaster Don Murphy. In May 2005, the Boy Scouts of America registered Pinewood Derby as an official trademark.
The Pinewood Derby was selected as part of "America's 100 Best" in 2006 as "a celebrated rite of spring" by Reader's Digest.
Borough resident/ Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack #212 for the last two years, Timothy M. “Tim” Ropars is an OR technician at St. Mary’s Hospital who always encourages new members kindergarten age through age 10 to join Bristol’s Cub Scout Pack #212. The Pack meets at St. James Parish House at 225 Walnut Street on Thursdays from 7:00-8:00PM. An adult must accompany the scout and participate for the meeting.
Please call with any questions re: the Derby or the Scout Pack:
BSA Charter Organization Rep/ committee chair Frank Xavier Reilly 215.359.5227
The Grundy Library and the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 212 are currently hosting a food drive for the Bristol Borough pantries. Donations can be brought to the library through September 14th.
A food collection box is located inside the Library on the main floor of the building for donations.
Greatly needed are breakfast cereals and foods, and protein-rich foods such as meat ravioli in tomato sauce, canned salmon & tuna, canned beans, dry beans, and soup; however, all non-perishable foods would be gratefully accepted. Young children’s food needs include baby food and baby formula as well.
Select borough homes will receive a donation bag and a flyer with details ahead of the collection date.
*Then TAKE ‘EM to CHURCH! ~ St. Mark Church, 1025 Radcliffe Street
Karen Lee Pezza, the former Principal /teacher of St. Mark School for a combined total of 32 years is presenting her self-authored St. Mark Church history production once again upon request at 11:30AM on HBD in the beautiful brownstone St. Mark Church with the significant stained glass windows.
Karen herself is a graduate of St. Mark School when Sister Maria Consuela was the Principal, and she is a member of the last graduating class of the coeducational Bishop Egan High School.
She wrote this St. Mark production many years ago for a Borough anniversary when she was teaching the 3rd graders. Karen has selected to work with this year’s very outgoing, vibrant 5th grade class along with their teacher, Miss Alexis Rodriguez “who is so very cooperative”.
Cool History notes: Karen Pezza taught at least seven of the students’ parents when they were in her class and one of the student’s Aunt performed in the production when she was in Karen’s 3rd grade class.
The 5th grade students will all be in costume and/or altar boy cassocks for the presentation that lasts about 25 minutes, beginning with “Saint Mark” and “Saint Cecelia” in the choir loft introducing “the twelve apostles” along with “Saint Patrick” on the marble altar.
Retired St. Mark computer teacher Joann Lynn, and Ronnie Walker, R.N. are the talented seamstresses.
Karen is thankful for the generous cooperation from St. Mark Pastor, the Rev. Father Dennis M. Mooney, the 5th grade teacher, Miss Rodriguez and the St. Mark School principal, Mrs. Maria Vincenza Sanson.
Ms. Rosa Gonzalez will provide the music, playing her guitar.
Karen’s work will interestingly and entertainingly bring the audience from the ‘PAST-ors’ to the present!
Past priests and the mid-1880 fires and various relics will be remembered and explained.
“I am very excited about working with the kids again and it’s a really fun, not stuffy or formal, skit!”
As one can see, Bristol is totally under- rated. There is lots of rich and storied past in over 300 years.
Save the Date! HBD Saturday 10.19.19.
Welcome Friend to our historic riverfront town!
Historic Bristol Day 2019 Take Note #2 is the Second Note introducing the 43rd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 19, 2019.
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
321 Cedar Street
Bristol, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com