THE FRANKFORD GAZETTE Friday, February 15, 1935

Biography of Thomas Castor Read At Historical Society Meeting

Many New Members Elected To Membership. Lincoln Honored
A meeting of Important local interest was held at the Historical Society of Frankford, at its building, 1501 Orthodox street, on Tuesday evening, February 12th. The Vice-President, Dr. Johin C. Mendenhall presided and opened the meeting with a few remarks concerning the Society, extending a welcome to all present, including many guests. The secretary read the minutes of the meetlag held January 8th, also an invitation to a meeting at the Germantown Historical Society on Friday evening, February 15th, to hear a lecture by Charles F. Jenkins, on "Germantown House of the Long Ago." A few other letters asking for Information were also read. Omar Shalicross, chairman of the special Membership Drive Committee, read a list of new members who were accordingly elected, as follows: Mr. and Mrs. A. D. McOlenaghan; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Edgar; Mr. and Mrs. Albert F. Keas; Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Baldwin; Mr. Bernard U. Effing; Mrs. Edna H. Dale; Hon. Frank J. Dorsey. In recognition of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, a large picture of hint was thrown on the screen while the audience paid tribute in the singing of "America," with Miss Jeanne Castor at the piano. For the program of the evening Mr. Horace W. Castor read a very valuable biography which he had written about his grandfather. The title was "Thomas Castor, Citizen. Inventor, Carriage and Wagon Builder, of Frankford, 18101884." With meticulous care he traced the Castor family to the first one to settle in the neighborhood of Frankford telling some Interesting facts about each succeeding generation. Of Thomas Castor, Who figured So largely in all the important activities of his day, much was related from his childhood to his successful manhood with a rather unusual business career, due to his inventive genius and to his skill in manufacturing what he designed. From. Benjamin Shalicross he, learned his trade as a wheelwright, and started in business with his brother Peter on the Main St. near the Jolly Post, later moving to new and larger quarters at the N. W. corner of Main and Allen streets. There were manufactured the finest 'carriages and. wagons of those days, and in 1858 the I. horse ears the first to travel on steel rails. The panels on the interior were decorated with paintings of scenes about Frankford. The dump cart which he patented was a helpful contrivance and much used in many places and his manufacturing ability was widely known. Thomas Castor was a member of the Washington Fire Company and other prominent orgayiizations of that time, and was one of Frankford's valued and trusted citizens. His home was on Frankford avenue, north of the Jolly Post with the grounds extending lack as far as Leiper street. Some of his descendants now occupy a portion of that land. On the platform, while Mr. Castor read, were exhibited large portraits of Thomas and Sarah Castor, the models of the street car and the dump cart, his fine old watch, and a number of papers and accounts. The watch was presented to the Historical Society from the Castor Family. Dr. Mendenhall] thanked Mr. Castor and cohgratulated him on his fine documental paper, every word of which was authentic, to be placed on record for future generations.' The lecture was entertainingly supplemented with pictures on the screen pertaming to the life of Thomas Castor. Before adjournment, the evening's program was completed with some delightful musical selections. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony was played by Mrs. ,Charles Keller and Miss Jeanne Castor, after- which Mr. Willard Cornman gave a baritone solo, accompanied by Mrs. Dennis ii. 8tmseertman. Dr. Mendenhall extended the thanks of the 8cclety to those who had contributed so much pleasure and invited all to remain for the usual Informal reception by the Women's Auxiliary, the hostesses for the evening being Mrs. Horace W. Castor, and Miss Mary E. Castor, assisted by several of the ladies.