At 2 p.m. on Father’s Day, the New Hope Historical Society will present a Walking Tour of Historic New Hope to highlight some of the fathers in New Hope history whose lives helped enhance the town’s development and reputation. By paying tribute to them and their lives the Historical Society celebrates all fathers on their special day.
Benjamin Parry is called the “Father of New Hope,” because his rebuilt Hope Mill, which had been destroyed by fire, ultimately inspired a name change for the town. Coryell’s Ferry became New Hope in 1837.
His nephew, John Childs Parry was its first burgess, or mayor. Parry, a community leader for half a century was a catalyst in New Hope becoming the industrial and manufacturing capitol of Bucks County in the early 19th century.
Parry’s son, Oliver, was a major player in the development of Philadelphia’s western expansion. He and his wife Rachel had 12 children, many of them born in New Hope. Among them were a banker, a physician, and a Civil War hero.
Twenty-four-year-old Edward Randolph Parry moved to Mankato, Minn. with his younger brother Richard. Together they established the city’s first commercial bank and a brokerage company to help finance the expansion of the railroad industry in the midwest. Edward was the first citizen of Mankato to enlist in the Union Army. After commanding three forts and serving as a commandant of a military prison in Massachusetts, he was promoted to the rank of Major before retiring due to failing health. He and his wife Frances had three daughters — Mary, Rachel and Catherine.
Dr. Arthur J. Ricker was the “Father of the New Hope Historical Society.” His vision and drive created the Society in 1958, preserving the 1790 English-style Parry Barn, the 1787 Georgian-style Parry Mansion, and the 1891 Victorian New Hope/Ivyland Train Station. He was the first president of the Society, serving 10 years in that office in two non-consecutive terms. Through his and the Society’s efforts, most of downtown New Hope has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. Dr. Ricker, a graduate of Temple University Medical School, earned his first medical experience with General George Patton’s Third Army in France and Germany. He and his wife Linda had five children: Peter, Arthur, Daniel, Mary and. Ann.
These New Hope fathers and others will be part of the one-hour tour that begins at the Parry Mansion Museum at 45 S. Main St. Tickets may be purchased at newhopehistory.org.
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