| Colonia Then and Now Jan 2010 |
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January 2010
Happy New Year.
In reference to Mary Pattison and her House Keeping Experiment. In 1948 Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth, wrote a book “Cheaper by the Dozen”. There have been a couple movie adaptations of the name, most recently with Steve Martin, but the content was different. The book was about Frank Sr. and Lillian Gilbreth and their twelve children and how they related to time and motion studies. Lillian and Frank Sr. visited Mary Pattion and her House Keeping Experiment in Colonia on more than one occasion. So, it can be suggested that, even though Lillian was considered a pioneer for women in the engineering industry and was quite famous throughout the country, her knowledge in time study and home management was enhanced by Mary Pattison and thus the premise for the book could have its roots in? You guessed it, Colonia. John Casteras of the Colonia History Club bought this to my attention. He remembered Lillian’s name from his engineering back ground. Her biography can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/Lillian_Moller_Gilbreth
34 Acre Project Probably the first development type of home in Colonia, located in the area between Chain O Hills Rd and St. Georges Ave. the project was developed by Elizabeth Cone along with the Rollinson family. It was also called the Rollinson Development. Trying to mimic the style of the original “Colony”, the homes where to by sold to friends through the word of mouth. Many types of homes where built, including cape cods, but the emphasis was on character and custom building. I believe that the Tudor style homes on the corner of Chain O Hills Rd and New Dover are an example of building not for speculation but as “Assembled Creation”. It can also be said that this development was a response to the Opulence on the other side of the Creek. The feeling was that the new neighbors who occupied the new homes, where people who would put down roots and not be “running” not occupying the homes , as it may have appeared in the “Colony”, where people of much greater means migrated between homes and towns as the situation required.
On the Other side of Town In the Fairview Ave section of town, a Mr. Ostrander tried his at developing with the construction of Sears homes and small ranches that could be seen from the the local trains. Built and sold by speculation, the opposite of the other planned Colonia projects. A sign near the train tracks posted, “Colonia, owned by Ostrander.” This type of development and planning was just the type that the Cones and the Rollinsons detested. I quess it seemed easy, but Mr. Ostrander might have bit off more than he could chew. Some time during this process, Mr. Ostrander decided to relieve himself of all worry and responsibility by jumping from the 11th story of a New York City hotel.
Passing In 1948 Eileen and Thomas Drew Sr. opened a business on the corner of Dukes Rd and Inman Ave. Considered to be the longest existing Colonia business at the same location, Drew’s Florist and Monument Sales since 1948, has lost it Matriarch. Eileen Grace Drew, passed away on December 20th , at the age of 90. Mother to Thomas Jr, James and Alan, she dedicated herself to her children, grand children and recently a great grand child. When ever I would go into the store she would be off to the side, monitoring everyone, making sure it was done right. She was the boss and a source of great energy. Nora, her daughter in law could always be heard saying “ok mom”. I will miss her.
Did you know? Mrs. Toms the oldest town resident at one time stated to Mary Pattison that she believed that the bricks that were used on the Savage estate and later to adorn the Colonia Library, were actually manufactured at a site on Wood Ave.
Thanks for reading.
Daniel D’Arcy This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 732-382-1156
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