Noted American Revolution historian Dr. Robert Selig highlighted an event last night at the Historical Society of Frankford celebrating this year's designation of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route a National Historic Trail.

Ralph D. Nelson almost forgot his tri-cornered hat.

But just before he took the podium, the long, tall, graying Delaware-based historian placed the 18th-century-style cap on his head.

For years, Nelson has been among dozens of Revolutionary War buffs calling for greater acclaim for a 685-mile route along the East Coast that many say helped lead the colonies from fledgling collective to global superpower. See a map here.

Back in March, Nelson got his wish when President Obama signed into law a public management act that made the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route — nicknamed W3R — a National Historic Trail.

Tuesday night was just gravy.

More than 60 attended an event held last night at the Historical Society of Frankford on Orthodox Street, just blocks from where the W3R trail winds through Northeast Philadelphia, by way of Frankford Avenue. The night was highlighted by a short lecture from noted American Revolution historian Dr. Robert Selig.

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At least 20 historical organizations and as many as 200 people mixed and mingled during the length of Sunday’s Northeast Philadelphia History Faire — the first yearly event of its kind.

The event was held at Holy Family University‘s Campus Center from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m in Torresdale, just a short walk from the inaugural Northeast Hall of Fame induction ceremony, also held at the university.

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The Frankford Friends meeting house in 1960. Photo by R. Carollo courtesy of PhillyHistory.org

Every Friday, NEastPhilly.com will bring you NEast History, a historical photograph, story or account from the storied past of Northeast Philadelphia. See others here.

Here on Sept. 21, 1960, children play and a mother walks her daughter away from the Frankford Friends meeting house, which still stands as the Frankford Friends School.

This shot is taken on Orthodox Street looking south, just east of its intersection with Penn Street. It’s amazing how little has changed in almost 50 years – even today’s fence looks similar.

Below, see some other photos and a video of some work students are doing at Frankford Friends today.

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The 6000-block of Erdrick Street in 1950s Wissinoming. Photo courtesy of Fred R. Towers for PhillyHistory.org.

Every Friday, NEastPhilly.com will bring you NEast History, a historical photograph, story or account from the storied past of Northeast Philadelphia. See others here.

This is a view of 6015 Erdrick St. near Harbison Avenue in Wissinoming around 1950. A not much has changed – except the sidewalk.

An old gas station on the 4200-block of Comly Street in Wissinoming. Photo courtesy of Fred R. Twers for PhillyHistory.org.

Ever wonder what 4229 Comly Street used to look like? There’s a WaWa there now, but back in the ’50s it was a gas station.

Looking north on Oxford Avenue from Bridge Street on Sept. 18, 1919. Photo by Charles P. Mills, and courtesy of PhillyHistory.org.

Every Friday, NEastPhilly.com will bring you NEast History, a historical photograph, story or account from the storied past of Northeast Philadelphia. See others here.

See what it looks like today, below.
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