Rarely are the stories of second generation offspring of acomplished men as compelling as the original figure himself.  John and Mary Wanamaker's four surviving children, however, are the exception to the rule.  This version of the Wanamaker story tells the story of his children, residents of Chelten Hills, and how they achieved their own notable fame and fortune.  This presentation will review the accomplishments and exciting lives of these notable citizens of Philadelphia and the Chelten Hills, and their estates that were the talk of society in the Gilded Age and into the twentieth century.

Dr. Tom Wieckowski is vice-president of the Old York Road Historical Society and chair of the Cheltenham Township Historical Commission. He graduated from Villanova University and holds a masters and PhD from Catholic University of America in Washington DC. After thirty years as a dean and professor at the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, he retired and now pursues his lifelong interest in history. He is the author of five books, the most recent being Hitherto Invincible, published by Palmetto Press, the saga of the influential Barker family over three generations in 19th century New York, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Chelten Hills.