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Ambler... Now

Culture

From the era of the Gay Nineties, during the 19th century, when Dr. R.V. Mattison built Ambler's Opera House and Library, Ambler has been home to culture.

Today, Ambler offers a variety of cultural pursuits, from its community symphony, the Ambler Symphony Orchestra, to its professional Act II Playhouse.



"Art in the Storefront" is a new project of Ambler Main Street. The "storefront" is an empty shop owned by Denney's Electric on Butler Avenue. Main Street Manager, Bernadette Dougherty had approached Denney's to encourage them to sell it to a business that would decorate the empty windows, an eyesore on the avenue. Denney's refused to sell. However, they did offer their window space to the Main Street program to fill with fine art, for which they provide the innovative lighting.

In an exhibit that changes every two months, local artists display their creative paintings, sculptures and photographs, which are for sale. Each new exhibit is ushered in by a sidewalk opening on a Friday, 5-8 PM. The public is invited to meet the artist, view their work and enjoy finger food and drinks. This has proven so popular that there is a waiting list of artists eager to exhibit there. For information call 215-641-1070.

The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society, founded in 1975, preserves area history in an art nouveau schoolhouse that houses a museum and library. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Bureau has determined it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for Historic Preservation. The WVHS meets at the schoolhouse, Rt. 73 & School Road, Blue Bell, PA the second Monday of every month. For information, call 215-646-6541.


Ambler's annual special events are "friendraisers, not fundraisers," avows Bernadette Dougherty, Main Street Manager. They include:

  • April Fool's Party
  • Car Show (May)
  • Octoberfest (September)
  • Winter Holiday Parade with local High School marching bands
  • Dog Days of Summer - Parade of dogs and their 'best friends' (August)

Read details about these and other events at Ambler Main Street's web site.


Jack Moore rehearses the Ambler Symphony Orchestra.

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Sources:
Interviews with Bernadette Dougherty, Main Street Manager, Mayor Bud Wahl and
Frank Russo, President of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society.

Related Sites:
Wissahickon Valley Historical Society
The Ambler Symphony Orchestra
Ambler Borough
Ambler Main Street
Wissahickon Public Library, Race Street, Ambler
The Ambler Gazette , a weekly newspaper since 1881.