William Penn Celebration

Councilwoman Elizabeth Williams has always been passionate about the City of Chester and its residents. Williams lives here, was educated in Chester Upland School District, works here, raised her family here, and one of the projects that she’s most passionate about is Chester’s status as the “First and Oldest City in Pennsylvania” and making certain, that every year that iconic status is celebrated.
Williams shares, “I am very serious about Chester and maintaining its history. I’m so proud to live in this wonderful city.
The 341st-anniversary celebration took place in a coveted area at Front and Penn Street, the site of the Penn monument, where a granite monument marks Penn’s original landing spot. The five-foot-tall monument featuring Penn’s coat of arms was funded by the Historical Society of Philadelphia and the Penn Club at the 200th anniversary of the 1882 landing.
This year’s event was hosted by the Chester City Department of Recreation and Chester Historical Preservation Committee.
Chester Preservation Committee (CHPC) Vice President Carol Fireng dressed as Hannah Penn and welcomed guests. While Tom Smith, dressed as William Penn, retold the story of Penn’s landing in Pennsylvania.
State Representative Carol Kazeem (D-159) provided a proclamation from the House of Representatives, read by Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, and remarks were made by Upland Mayor William Dennon, Senator John Kane (D-9), Steve Bonnie from the William Penn Charter School. Mayoral Candidate and Chester City Councilman Stefan Roots and other community stakeholders were also in attendance.
“They talk about Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, but this is the original Penn’s Landing right here in the City of Chester,” said Kirkland. “We originated the hoagie here, too. Chester has been first in many things.”
Following the program, attendees boarded a bus for a visit to the Pusey Plantation in Upland, a location Penn visited, after which light refreshments were served.
Raised in Upland on Race Street, Councilwoman Williams reiterated the importance of saving history, especially the history of Chester.
Penn, a founding father, was a fascinating part of our country’s history as well as the history of Chester. If you’re interested in where your city’s going, find out how it came to be by exploring the legacy of William Penn. https://www.ushistory.org.