Heartfelt thanks

To the Editor:

One of Nate’s historical markers on Riverview Rd. Photo by Greg Hoy.

We in Swarthmore are privileged to live in a community rich in history and heritage. For this reason, combined with my personal passion for history, I chose to preserve our past as part of my Eagle Scout project. This project, as many of you may know, was to install historical markers around the borough. Now that the markers have been installed and the project has finally come to a close, I would like to thank everyone who made it possible.

First off, I would like to thank everyone who donated money. I could not have done this project without your generosity and belief in me. While I’m sure you all thought at one point “Oh, what ever happened to that kid who we gave money to a while back?” I hope it was worth it now that the finished product of your support is on display.

I would next like to thank the leaders of Troop 112, most notably Chuck Kropac and Al Federico, who always helped and guided me throughout the project. From meeting with me in Dunkin’ Donuts on weekend mornings, to giving me email addresses of people I needed to meet with, to helping solidify the focus of the project, you were always an invaluable resource.

Next, there is everyone who helped me with the historical research of the project. Many people had immense resources at their disposal, and I am forever grateful to them for letting me use them. Of special note, I must thank Susanna Morikawa of Swarthmore Friends’ Historical Library, Carol Savery and the Swarthmore Historical Society, Charles Cresson, Jeanine Osayande and the Community Elders from the Historically Black Neighborhood, Bill Titus, and Maurice Eldridge. I thank all of you for helping me preserve our shared history.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Borough Manager Jane Billings for helping guide me through the bureaucratic process, as well as everyone on Borough Council and the various committees which granted their approval to this project.

Additional people who I would like to give a shoutout to are Rick Lee of the Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association, Susan Kelly with the Environmental Advisory Committee, borough public works manager Cuzzy Rowles, Terri May of Strath Haven Condominiums, Joyce Carpenter from Signs by Tomorrow, the various property owners throughout town who allowed marker placement on their property, the many Scouts from Troop 112 who donated their time and labor to help with sign installation, and anybody else I may be forgetting who helped me with the many phases of the project.

Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank my father. Not only do you fit in all the aforementioned categories, you were the one who believed in me from start to finish. It was you who steered me in the right direction, and it was you who made sure I kept my foot in the gas. This project would not have gotten out of my own brain without you, and I cannot express my gratitude. Now and forever, thank you.

Now that it is all said and done, I hope everyone will enjoy the signs for years to come!

Nate Linderman
BSA Troop 112
Swarthmore