Through a recent generous donation, the Lansdale Historical Society has received a valuable desk, which was built by Charles Foulke Jenkins and handed down in the Jenkins family. Most recently, the desk was owned by Christina and Warren Fisher, and then by Meadowood Senior Living Community. The folks at Meadowood, aware of our connection to the Jenkins family, offered the desk to the society as a donation. We are grateful to Carole Christ, who initially made us aware of the desk, and also to Michael Mazza of the Meadowood staff for his assistance in moving the desk.
A nameplate on the side of the desk lists several of the past owners. The first three men listed were father, son, and grandson—
- Charles Foulke Jenkins (1793-1867)- was the builder of the desk. He was instrumental in building the Springhouse-Sumneytown Turnpike (now Sumneytown Pike).
- Algernon Sidney Jenkins (1816-1890) was a highly-esteemed businessman and longtime Justice of the Peace.
- Howard Malcolm Jenkins (1842-1902) was an author, journalist and scholar of Pennsylvania history.
The desk has been placed in the Assessor’s Office at the Jenkins Homestead. As you can see from the photo, it needs some restoration work. For now, though, we’re thrilled just to have it in our collection.
Stop by to see the Jenkins desk as well as the rest of the Homestead on Founders Day, Saturday August 27, 10 am- 3 pm.
