The circa-1960s dioramas depicting colonial times and the American Revolutionary War at the Neshaminy Mall have been saved.
The unique display commissioned by businessman George Strawbridge was installed in the wall of the former Strawbridge and Clothier and later Macy’s store in the Bensalem Township mall. The dioramas are large and of significant weight.
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As the former Strawbridge and Clothier and Macy’s store is up for redevelopment, work began to save the dioramas that depict General George Washington and his troops, Washington crossing the Delaware River in Bucks County, the Battle of Germantown, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, William Penn buying land from Native Americans, Ben Franklin gaining French support for early America, and the evacuation of the Liberty Bell.
Last week, the seven iconic dioramas were saved from the trash heap.
The Bensalem Historical Society, Bensalem Township, and Neshaminy Mall management were able to extract the displays, which once had audio narrations and lit up, from the building.
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The township’s public works employees removed the displays for storage.
The diorama featuring the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be on display at the Bensalem Township building and the others are seeking loving homes.
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“They truly are a part of Bensalem and the unique history we hold,” said Bensalem Township Mayor DiGirolamo. “As soon as we received information these precious fixtures were going to be demolished, the Bensalem Historical Society jumped into action! Between our administration, the Neshaminy Mall Management, and the muscle of our public works department, we were able to save these integral pieces of the past.”
Credit: Bensalem Township
DiGirolamo and Sally Sondesky were key in saving the dioramas. Both are members of the Bensalem Historical Society.
“While I love all the scenes, I have a penchant for the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Sondesky, president of the Bensalem Historical Society. “We celebrated Bensalem’s Tri-Centennial in 1992 (founded and incorporated in 1692) and re-created the entire signing scene with people, costumes, and an exact replica of Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed.”
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