Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives

Source: October 1941 Volume 4 Number 4, Page 78

Editorial

Page 78

A great Chinese philosopher of ancient times is said to have recorded a precept which has since been pithily translated as

"The student who sits upon his books soon gets "behind in his studies," and more to the point, he further remarked:

"He who reads while he walks, does not go far."

The deeds, travels, and adventures of our local celebrities will carry us far enough away from our homes to satisfy our love for romance, but our foremost object as an organization, as we see it and as our Constitution reads, is

"1. Research in the history of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships and relative adjoining areas".

Even local history, the sectional records of the activities and development of our country in times of peace as well as of war, requires much research work. The historian, unless he personally and understandingly enters in thought the realm of the period of which he writes, is sure to fail of his mark.

In the interest of the New History, let us continue in the path marked out by the Founders of our Club, which, in addition to the above quotation from our Constitution, includes the following objectives.

"2. Recording and preserving historical records, materials, and the contributions of members.
3. Interest, pleasure, and inspiration of historical studies.
4. Arousing and increasing interest in the field of local history and encouragement of all workers in the field.
5. Contributions to the establishment of a historical background and tradition as a foundation upon which to build American culture.
6. Cooperation with similar bodies working in the same field.
7. Cooperation with all societies and organizations in our area that have as an aim the advancement of the Community along lines in harmony with our aims and objects."

The good book says,

"Cast thy bread upon the Waters,"

and we (so far as within our power) have endeavored to do so, if personal aid given to others interested in local research work may be so considered. We realize that this is not the ideal method and also that there are others, doubtless more competent, who would be only too glad to offer material, backed by interesting letters, journals, and documents, to aid in this work. May we, by personal contact, bring to light the hidden treasures of our countryside before so many more valuable papers have been lost beyond recovery.

F. L. B.