The back of the postcard in the top photo,
dated (probably) 1913. Very frustrating, the postcard was sent
on May 10 from West Point and arrived in Gwynedd Valley on the
same day, but the year on both postmarks is illegible. Best
guess from examining the Gwynedd Valley postmark is 1913. (The
Washington 1¢ stamp was issued
between 1908 and 1922.)
"I might walk out to the toll-gate"
The toll gate was located at Sumneytown Pike and West
Point Pike. A gas station now occupies the location.
What a strange thing to write, but Miss Jennie Seiple, the
recipient of the post card, could
also walk to the toll gate, from North Wales.
Jennie Seiple Becker (1888 - 1968) is buried in Greenlawn
Cemetery, which is located across the street from where the toll
gate mentioned on the postcard once stood.
Here is a twist of history: Jennie was married to Abram Becker.
Abram was the son of Arnold Becker, who had purchased Kneedlers
Hotel in 1898. Kneedlers Hotel was ALSO across the street from
the toll-gate.
Abram purchased the hotel and 20 acres from his father in
October of 1911 for $11,000.
At the time of Arnold Becker's death in 1926, Abram listed his
address as "Kneedlers" so we can guess that Jennie lived there,
too. As a matter of fact, The Ambler Gazette (Dec 12, 1927)
reported that Jacob Seiple died at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Abram Becker, at Kneedlers.
Jennie, Jacob, Abram, and Arnold are all buried near each other
in Greenlawn Cemetary, right near the toll-gate! |
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Grace Church
