Our Community Walks Together
Come out at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 13 (rain date is November 20), for a series of organized and guided walks around town and the area, concluding with a concert and lots of camaraderie back on the lawn at the Swarthmore United Methodist Church, 129 Park Avenue, where we will be entertained by the Last Chance Duo.
Walks will depart between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. They vary in difficulty and interest, from strenuous to leisurely, from plants and animals to history and architecture. This event has been organized by the Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association, and all ages, all interests, and all abilities are welcome!
Historic Downtown Swarthmore: A variation on the Historic South Walking Tour available at the library. This walk is relatively easy, on flat surfaces, and stroller and wheelchair accessible. Learn about some of the history of our borough and the places that have shaped our community. Leader: Judy Owen.
Construction at the College: Walk up through the SEPTA Station (where changes are coming—eventually) to see the new dining facility and the upcoming renovation of Sharples, along with the geothermal well field. See the new pinetum at Scott Arboretum. Also, we’ll walk by and hear about the recent renovation of the old observatory into an intercultural center. Some elevation change and stairs. Leader: Linton Stables.
Gardens and Trees on Campus: A walk on the north side of the college. This will involve a short car ride to the DuPont lot from which there will be a relatively flat walk to look at gardens, trees, and outdoor art. Leader: Sheila Bell.
Environmental Restoration: This walk is about enjoying nature in a small, very local park. We will walk about one and a half miles in all, to Little Crum Creek Park and back. Susan Kelly, president of the Friends of Little Crum Creek Park, will introduce us to the park and the environmental restoration work that will be going on there when we visit. Leader: Dan Snyder.
History, Houses, and the Lost Road: Led by someone who grew up in Swarthmore, we start with the history of SUMC. This tour will take in many places you have heard about but have never seen: the Ingleneuk and the site of the original borough hall, fire station, and library; the series of gas stations on the site of the “new” round bank; the Co-op’s original home; past the Wayside Tea Room; two sets of architecturally important historic houses; and how Little Crum Creek got its name. We’ll learn the extent of the Ezra T. Cresson property, and where Harvard Avenue was originally intended to veer to the right along the west side of the creek; we’ll pay homage to the old telephone exchange and the Sun Dial House at the corner at Park Ave. This walk is mostly wheelchair and stroller friendly, if folks avoid the hill on Harvard by returning via Lafayette. Leader: Louise Coffin.
We’ll return to SUMC for refreshments and entertainment at 11:30 a..m. as Last Chance Duo, Jack Scott and Ingrid Rosenback, perform their own folk-roots fusion music. Water, fresh fruit, and snack bars also await our intrepid hikers and walkers upon their return. If it’s cold we’ll move indoors and the refreshments will include a warm drink.
