Last summer, leaders of the Somerton Civic Association found themselves in the surprising position of responding to a letter by a New Jersey resident characterizing the neighborhood as monotonous and lacking historical sites. Two local historians refuted that assessment on Oct. 14 during the SCA’s monthly meeting.
Fred Moore of the Northeast History Network and Cindy O’Donnell, a teacher at Comly Elementary School, delivered a multimedia presentation to more than 70 residents about the neighborhood’s heritage as a farming community and its modern-day development.
The historians invited neighbors to help in their ongoing research into the places and people that made Somerton what it is today. O’Donnell is leading an effort to create a walking tour of some of the key sites in the area.
The grade-school teacher created a similar tour years ago in Holmesburg when she worked at J.H. Brown School. Moore was president of the Holmesburg Civic Association at the time. They used research by Pat Worthington Stopper and the late Harry Silcox — both of whom are Northeast Hall of Fame inductees — to formulate that tour for Brown students.
A date hasn’t been finalized for the Somerton tour, but community members will be invited to join it. The walk should be about 1.5 miles and focus in the area of Bustleton Avenue and Trevose Road. It will likely include the current Watson T. Comly School, the original Watson T. Comly School, the William Penn Cemetery and the Cranaleith Spiritual Center.
During a photo presentation, Moore discussed the original incorporation of the community and how it got its name. Before the 1854 consolidation of Philadelphia County, the area was split between Moreland Township to the south of Byberry Road and Byberry Township to the north of Byberry Road. It was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish between Continental and British soldiers. When their blood spilled into a local creek, it turned red and became known as Bloody Run. The stream is a tributary to the Poquessing.
Until the 1820s, the area was called Smithfield. Records of a Smithfield post office date back at least to 1762 and possibly the 1720s, Moore said. The first known use of the name Somerton was in 1830. Somerton was named for a local farmer and district magistrate judge, Jacob Somers, who died in 1827.
Historians have done extensive research on the early mills, hotels and homes of the community, as well as how major roads were developed. To get involved in local historical research and programming, visit nephillyhistory.com or email to [email protected].
In other Somerton Civic Association business:
• City Commissioner Al Schmidt reminded residents to vote on Election Day, Nov. 4, when the offices of U.S. representative, governor, lieutenant governor, state Senate and state representative will be among those on the ballot. Two Somerton residents are among the most high-profile candidates, as state Sen. Mike Stack is running for lieutenant governor and state Rep. Brendan Boyle is running for the U.S. House.
Schmidt has prepared an election guide with listings of candidates in all races, as well as explanations of the referendum questions that will appear on the ballot.
There is also information about absentee ballots and working the polls. Visit www.philadelphiavotes.com for information. Schmidt can be reached at [email protected] or 215–686–3464. ••
