Upper Merion Township Remember When

02/10/2023

Elbert Lee

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Ed Higgins sits down with Elbert Lee. Elbert moved to Rebel Hill in 1941. He played tackle for the high school football team and also played for the school's baseball team. Because of his exceptional grades, he was accepted to Penn State. Elberts and his brother helped their father with his plastering business. Elbert was president of the West End Civic Association. He also was in South Africa when Nelson Mandela was freed. Elbert and his wife had three children. Please, sit back and listen to Elbert Remember When.
01/27/2023

Millie & Bob Mitchell

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Millie & Bob Mitchell. Millie and Bob met in first and second grade, but didn't start dating until high school. Millie remembers playing in her house when the news that Pearl Harbor was just bombed came across the radio. What her tasks were when she worked for Bell Telephone as a phone operator. Bob taught and was principal of the Junior High School until the school was closed down. Also all of their kids become teachers and still live in KOP. Sit back and listen to Nicholas Remember When.
12/16/2022

Patricia Haggerty

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Ed Higgins sits down with Patricia Haggerty. Patricia was born in 1930. Spent a long time vollenteering for Lafayette Ambulance. Please, was the first non- christian to be married at the church at Villanova, sit back and listen to Patricia Remember When.
11/18/2022

Nicholas Yacovelli

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Nicholas Yacovelli. Nicholas was born in Swedesburg in 1928. He talks about his brother joining the Civilan Conservation Corps. Nicholas joind the Air Force in 1947 where he was a key punch opperator working on some of the First computers. He tals about losing a sibling during the 1918 Flu Pandemic. He talks about the early days of the Swedesburg fire company Please, sit back and listen to Nicholas Remember When.
11/04/2022

Wilmer Cressman

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Wilmer Cressman. Wilmer was born in 1931. He went to the Port Kennedy School, a 4 room schoolhouse. He also talks about the day he was playing football with his friends when he found out Pearl Harbor was bombed. Talks about his grandmother's pet alligator, and his family's rationing to help the war effort. Please, sit back and listen to Wilmer Remember When.
10/21/2022

Chuck Volpi

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Chuck Volpi. Chuck was born in 1922 in Narberth PA where he recalls going to work with his dad. He started working in construction at 10 cents an hour and worked 70 hours a week making 7 dollars a week. He was drafted into the army at the age of 18 in 1942. He took part in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He built a lot of the houses in KOP. Helped form the Park and Rec Board, helping build many parks in KOP. Spent time serving as township supervisor. Please, sit back and listen to Chuck Remember When.
10/08/2022

Frank Murphy

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Frank Murphy. Frank was born in 1932 in Sweedland PA where he recalls Alan Wood Steel building Sweedland for their workers. His dad was the postmaster and the post office was located in their house. He remembers the firehouse having slot machines and in 1949 seeing his first TV at that station. He watches the Detroit Tigers play the Philadelphia Athletics. He goes on to coach Junior High and High School sports Please, sit back and listen to Frank Remember When. (Recorded 2007)
09/23/2022

Ruth Louden

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Ruth Louden. Ruth was born June 4, 1917 in Norristown, She Lived in Bridgeport and remembered all the roads being made of dirt. Her uncle moved in after serving in WW1, where they had a coal stove and weel in their kitchen. They had no electricity and lit their house with oil lamps. Remembers the Penny bridge, and riding the Philadelphia & Western Trolley to West Point, PA Please, sit back and listen to Ruth Remember When. (Recorded 2007)
09/09/2022

Don Reihl

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Don Reihl. Don starts his story by telling us about Moving to King of Prussia. being a part of the Planning Commission. In 1974 starting His time as a District Justice. Please, sit back and listen to Don Remember When. (Recorded 2003)
08/26/2022

Milton Lamin

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Milton Lamin. Milton starts his story by telling us about being born and raised in Philadelphia. Going into the Navy in 1945 after high school. He attended the University of Pennsylvania on the GI Bill. He worked on the GE Space program which led to his move to KOP in 1961. His performance with the King of Prussia Players, and his involvement with the Upper Merion Senior Center. Please, sit back and listen to Milton Remember When.
08/12/2022

Tom Hobson

In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Tom Hobson. Tom talks about being born in the same bedroom his father was born in. He talks about his family owning the Peacock Garden. He talks about the upcoming King of Prussia Inn move and other businesses located in town. Please, sit back and listen to Tom Remember When.
02/25/2022

Judy Vicchio

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Judy Vicchio. Judy talks about Growing up in Sweedsburg, Shopping in a time when you would pay at the end of the month. Sunday family dinners at home. Taking the Schuylkill Valley Busses to school, Just ten tickets for a dollar. She also took Secretarial classes in high school, was part of the Glee Club, and went dancing at Visitation on Sundays. Judy's first job after high school was secretary for the chief of police of Upper Merion Township. She also worked at Wanamakers part-time and has spent more than 40 years working for Upper Merion Township. She talks about the transition from Stewart fund Hall to the new Township building, and being part of the renovation in 1989. Please, sit back and listen to Judy Remember When.
02/11/2022

Frank Janoski Sr.

In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Frank Janoski Sr. Frank tells about his early childhood in Upper Merion. Listening to radio programs in a house warmed by a potbelly stove. Walking to the Bird in Hand school. He was captain of the football team in 1936. What it was like working on farms as a kid, and getting ice cream at the King of Prussia Inn. Please, sit back and listen to Howard Remember When.
01/28/2022

Doris Freeman

(Recorded 2002) In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Doris Freeman. Doris talks about having to shop in Norristown until the Valley Forge Center was built. Being active in the League of Women Voters. She is a founding member of The King of Prussia Players. She was instrumental in founding the Wolfsohn Memorial Library, the first library in Upper Merion. Please, sit back and listen to Doris Remember When.
01/14/2022

Bob Gray

Recorded 6/28/07 UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Bob Gray. Bob tells about moving to King of Prussia at the age of 14. Graduating high school in 1955, and His Volunteering with The King of Prussia Indians for over 25 years. Please, sit back and listen to Bob Remember When.
12/31/2021

Bill Ross

UMGA-TV and the King of Prussia Historical Society present Remember When as an oral history project of life and community in Upper Merion Township. In their own words, the people who lived the history of Upper Merion Township to tell us about that history. In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Bill Ross. Bill tells about his early childhood in the 1920s, the depression, World War II. Bill talks about being one of the first Township Supervisors. Please, sit back and listen to Howard Remember When.
12/17/2021

Arthur Cummins

In this edition, Carl Schultheis sits down with Arthur Cummins. Arthur talks about life in Upper Merion. The gas station, and the building of the highways. Please, sit back and listen to Arthur Remember When. Recorded on Early 2000's
08/27/2021

Bob Duber

Bob Duber In this edition, Carl Schultheis sits down with Bob Duber. Bob talks about growing up in Gulf Mills before the Expressway went through. Going to the Bow as a kid and, being a police officer in the township. Please, sit back and listen to Bob Remember When. Recorded on February 23, 2006
07/09/2021

Bob Kratz

In this edition, Carl Schultheis sits down with Bob Kratz. Bob talks about being a bomber on B-17’s and B-29’s during World War 2. Notable dignitaries in Upper Merion Township. Also, Valley Forge Park Being transformed from a state park to a national park. Please, sit back and listen to Bob Remember When. Recorded on February 23, 2006
03/26/2021

Henry Backe

In this edition, Carl Schultheis sits down with Henry Backe. Henry talks about getting block ice for refrigeration, coal to heat the house, and using food and gas stamps for rationing during World War 2. Please, sit back and listen to Henry Remember When.
03/12/2021

Kaye Stalker

In this edition, Ed Higgins sits down with Kaye Stalker. Kaye talks about her time in Upper Merion. Raising kids and volunteering for local organizations such as Meals on Wheels and the Upper Merion Woman’s Club. Please, sit back and listen to Kaye Remember When.
02/26/2021

Dave & Mary Vannicelli

Recorded 11/17/05 In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Dave and Mary Vannicelli. Dave and Mary talk about their time in Upper Merion Township. Working with the King of Prussia Indians youth football. Please, sit back and listen to Dave and Mary Remember When.
02/12/2021

Margaret Barrow

Recorded 1/30/06 In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Margaret Barrow. Margaret talks about what it was like growing up on a farm. Living in a Farmhouse without electricity. Please, sit back and listen to Margaret Remember When.
01/29/2021

Jo Rose Clifton

Recorded 05/26/05 In this edition, host Carl Schultheis sits down with Jo Rose Clifton. Joe Rose talks about moving to Upper Merion with her husband Bob Clifton. Working the election poles for 30 plus years. And how the circus came to town setting up where the Plaza is now. Please, sit back and listen to Jo Rose Remember When.
01/01/2021

Hunter R. Robinson

Hunter R. Robinson (Recorded 07/21/03) In this edition, host Ed Higgins sits down with Hunter R. Robinson. Hunter tells about his moving to the township in 1965 to work for General Electric. Hunter goes on to become Township Supervisor. Is instrumental in Hiring Ron Wagaman, former Township manager. He also helps form the Transportation Management Authority in Upper Merion, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, and the Optimist Club. Please, sit back and listen to Hunter Remember When.