SUMMER 2009- Pennsylvania Heritage magazine

In this issue:
Executive Director's Letter
PHMC Executive Director Barbara Franco provides an honest and open analysis of the potential impact of the 2009–2010 state budget. At press time, proposed cuts in the budget could have a direct and significant affect on all operations of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

From the Editor
;Editor Michael J. O’Malley III gives his personal recommendation to explore the Pennsylvania Energy Trail of History as exciting destinations throughout the summer season.  

Letters
Our readers contribute thoughtful and insightful observations about past editions of Pennsylvania Heritage and offer their praises (and criticisms) for the editorial staff.

Wish You Were Here!
A 1909 nostalgic and colorful penny postcard, transported by postal carrier into New York City with a one cent stamp, and colorfully illustrated with a flashback of Phoenixville in Chester County, the old Phoenix Iron Works, and the dam on the Schuylkill River.

A Modest Fountain on the Square
Perhaps little historical thought is given to the practical side of animal power before steam and gasoline energy. Author and photographer Bill Double has given thought to this topic and a most interesting perspective to quench the thirst for Philadelphia’s history. In 1869, one man, Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, witnessed the mistreatment of horses in the sweltering heat of Philadelphia’s summer, as hundreds of equines succumbed to thirst and exhaustion working all day in the hot sun. That year, an estimated 35,000 horses hauled passengers, delivery wagons, carriages, and streetcars through Philadelphia’s narrow streets. Dr. Swann convened a group of individuals at his home to “consider the propriety of forming” the Philadelphia Fountain Society. They agreed to erect drinking fountains throughout the city, to be practical rather than decorative, and to provide humane relief to physical needs rather than aesthetic sensibilities. You’ll also learn about a separate animal rights group that joined the cause that same year. Not everyone appreciated the effort, but thousands of pedestrians, horses, drivers, and even dogs, had their parched throats relieved at the fountains, most memorably at Washington Square, where one extant fountain still sits curbside as a reminder of the network of fountains.

From Erie to Antarctica
Mention the names Roald E. G. Amundsen of Norway, Robert F. Scott of England, or Richard E. Byrd and great explorers of Antarctica come to mind. The name Paul A. Siple, a native of Erie, may not. And yet, Siple’s tremendous contributions to the exploration of and knowledge about the planet’s frozen continent is indisputable. In fact, Siple became one of Byrd’s closest friends and most reliable members of his team, starting when Siple, an Eagle Boy Scout, won a national contest among the Scouts for which the incredible prize was to accompany Byrd on his maiden exploration of the continent. The enthusiastic, innovative Siple, using knowledge gained as a Boy Scout and from training on board the dry docked U.S. Flagship Niagara, volunteered for tasks in Antarctica that hardened veterans avoided, and solved many problems of survival on the southern icecap. His lifelong dedication and repeated trips to Antarctica earned him respect, not only as a novice, but later as a leader of scientific expeditions during International Geophysical Years and as a mentor to younger explorers and scientists in later years.  His inventions and tools include improving cold weather clothing, preventing debilitating trench foot for soldiers in World War II, and winning the Army’s Legion of Merit award in scientific achievement. Anyone who has relied on the wind-chill factor in local cold weather reports all over the country has been touched by one of Siple’s innovations. 

Exploring the Pennsylvania Energy Trail of History
When it comes to energy resources and powering the industrial revolution, the Commonwealth has had significant impact on the world. From the first commercially drilled oil well in the world to the first commercial nuclear generating plant in the country. Pennsylvania’s Energy Trail of History in its own context can be found at historic sites administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The PHMC has organized seventeen of its sites into a trail examining Pennsylvania’s contributions to natural resources and energy that begins at the port of Erie, with day sails on board the U.S. Flagship Niagara, followed by visits to museums related to the history of oil, anthracite coal, and lumber; colonial understanding of solar and heat energy for cooking and comfort; the use of animal, water, and wind power in agriculture and industrial uses; the golden era of railroads; the colonial advanced understanding of scientific and manufacturing techniques; an energy tour of the State Museum of Pennsylvania; the roles of energy, man, and machine in the modern military; and a step back to pioneer days when the only occupants of present day Pittsburgh were defenders against the French and Indian War.  Details and Web links to all historic sites are provided.