The 2015 Amity Heritage Society Calendar features many pictures which were printed off glass negatives from over 100 years ago.
In 2007, the Amity Historical Society was invited to go through the barn of the late Bruce Gilbert, a longtime Amity resident, and found over 200 glass negatives. Included in the calendar this year is a photo of an early school bus – just maybe your great-grandfather didn’t have to walk ten miles to school in the snow?
Upon researching, the AHS was able to trace back the photographs to Kate Ehrgood, a local photographer. Kate Ehrgood was a single mom in the 1900s and was using her skills as a photographer to take pictures for postcards in order to earn a living for her and her son, said Randy VanFleet, an AHS board member.
The calendars are now available and may be purchased at: Manatawny Creek Winery, Glick’s Nursery, Boyer’s Market, Amity Twp. Municipal Building, Gently Used Books, Cedar Hill Florists, Daniel Boone Homestead, Boone Area Library, and Schuylkill River Heritage Center.
Calendar proceeds go towards the expense of maintaining the society’s building, the former Fairview Chapel on Route 422 in Exeter Township.
If you have any old photos or artifacts that they would like to share, please contact Amity Heritage Society at amityhs@hotmail.com.
Additionally, the AHS is looking for a volunteer secretary. For more information contact Tony Mattassa at 610-568-2070.