Irene Ferguson and Harry Snyder

Familiar Faces

By Sally Graybill

News Contents:

Eleanor Bittle

Preservation Student at Work

The PWFS Museum Shop

Tree Programs

Continuing Education

Schultz Family Heirlooms

Sweet Time of Year

Familiar Faces

Society Board

Our Photo Album

Irene Ferguson, a small woman with a sparkle in her eye and a quick smile, is well known to many of us. She was born in Philadelphia and has resided in Cedars since 1956. Irene was employed by the Penn State Extension Center in Norristown, working in the cooking and food preparation area. She belongs to several quilting groups, a home economics group, and is active in Wentz U.C.C. One of Irene's current interests is impersonating Martha Washington, utilizing her abundant knowledge of 18th century history to entertain and educate groups. She is also researching 18th century tea drinking and service.

Irene began her volunteer career at the Salvation Army Headquarters in Philadelphia. She fried eggs and, along with three friends, served Sunday morning breakfast for returning WWII servicemen. Irene began as an interpreter in 1976 at Valley Forge Park, serving there for fourteen years. In 1980 she assumed interpretive duties at the Morgan Log House where she continues to be active. Irene has given over 2300 hours of volunteer time to the Peter Wentz Farmstead. In addition to her guiding duties, Irene has taught classes in band box construction, reverse glass painting, and lucet at Wentz Colonial Camp.

If there was one thing Irene could change at the Farmstead, there would be monthly meetings of staff and volunteers to update information and increase the knowledge and historical appreciation of interpreters. Irene's love of telling people about 18th century history, especially General and Mrs. Washington, is well received and respected by all who have had the privilege of hearing her. Thank you, Irene, for all you have given us.

Harry Snyder is a pleasant man who loves talking to people and who has volunteered at the Farmstead since 1987. Harry is a familiar face to many members and visitors. He and his wife, Doris, moved from Philadelphia to Upper Gwynned twenty seven years ago.

When Harry retired from Moore Products, an industrial instrument maker, he began a new career, volunteering. He has been involved with Meals on Wheels, the Wissahickon Watershed, the local AARP chapter, Lions Club, and a neighborhood book club. Along with home maintenance chores, Harry and Doris enjoy traveling. They frequently visit with family in California and Florida, and especially enjoy their great granddaughter, Emily.

In addition to interpreting duties, Harry has been an enthusiastic volunteer at Colonial Camp, cheerfully tackling any project asked of him. He especially enjoys teaching campers to marbleize paper. One summer Harry served as the camp "town crier." He has taught campers paper making and woodworking, tasks that could test the patience of a saint!

Harry continues to lobby for a working flag pole on the Farmstead. In addition, he would like to see the completion of an adequate education center, a long term goal of the Society. We are all indebted to Harry for his generous gifts of time and talent. Thank you so much, Harry.