Zikeyah Yeargin “Stenton”
A few people from 3 different groups came and our teacher named Mr. Tomphins took us on the trip to Stenton by a bus to Germantown. When we went on November 13, 2009 we studied the great history of Stenton such as James Logan and his family. We also studied how it was built in 1720 by paid people. In Stenton there was at least 8 fire places and a big office for James Logan. When James Logan died, his son, grandson, great grandson owned Stenton. When they died, Stenton became a landsite in Germantown. This was a great trip to learn about the history of James Logan and Stenton. I think a lot of people should visit Stenton because it’s a fun way to learn about a historical landsite and James Logan.
Bianca-Rodriguez
Cynthia Morales
“James Logan”
Who: James Logan
What: He died
Where: In the chamber room in his bed
When: 1751
Why: He fell and bumped his head
How: He tripped down the steps
The chamber room has a bed that is green, it’s a small room and it’s down stairs because James Logan couldn’t walk up stairs.
Delilah Rodriquez
Wesley
“Interview with James Logan”
Mr Logan, did you own a lot of land?
Yes. I owned five hundred acres of land.
What kind of jobs did you have?
I was a schoolteacher, a fur trader, a judge, a mayor and a scientist.
What year did you die in?
I died on my bed in 1751.
How did you die?
I tripped off the steps and bumped my head.
Did you have a specific tool you liked?
I liked them all because they got the job done.
When was Stenton built?
It was built in 1730
Did you speak different languages?
Yes, I spoke greek, latin and Hebrew.
Derrickah Brown
Earl Goching
“A World World Without Learning”
Books no more no
more books not a
thing to read not
a thing to learn no
money for me no
money for you 500
acres of land we
have lets build a
school me and you
more books me more
books for you more
money for us more
learning for us
the books are back
now we are through
Jada Moore
Marc Alston
“Stenton House Poem”
Have you ever seen the house of James Logan? It’s very old but doesn’t look like a hogan. The house is very big, and nice. If someone sold it, it will be a high price. The house is surrounded by trees and grass. When you walk by the house you will know a lot of sunlight goes pass. In the house children couldn’t be seen. I don’t think that’s fair. I think it’s mean. If children were seen they will get in trouble. I wonder what will happen if they get caught by their mom and dad a happle couple. Compare this house to yours, what a blend. I’m sorry everyone, that’s the end.
Christian “Gage” Hunter “The Stenton Finished”
Stenton finally finished
The Stenton took 7 years to build. It is made up of wood and bricks. They got the wood from trees and mainly used it for the stairs, floors, firewood, and tables, the bricks were handmade and used them for the outside walls on the Stenton.
When you first walk into the Stenton you’re in the waiting room and to your right is William Penn’s office. To your left is the parlour where they drank tea and sometimes wine. The doors in the middle lead to a staircase to the second floor.
The kitchen is a separate building because if there was a fire in the kitchen the Stenton wouldn’t burn down with it. The kitchen has a big fireplace to cook big pots and had long tables for holding lots of food.
The barn is where they mainly keep storage and animals. The animals they had were: pigs, cows, oxen, horses and chickens. The things that were in the barn were wagons, baskets, pots and tools that were made by a blacksmith.
The things that were in the yard were: a firebell, a well, and an outhouse. The firebell was for warning people if there was a fire. The well is for getting water out of the ground because there were no sinks. The houthouse was for going to the bathroom and you had to dig real big holes to make them.
The Stenton is much bigger than other houses because most houses are the size of 3 children. Also, the Stenton has a lot more details than most houses like a barn, slaves, a big kitchen, or power over certain land and people.
Korinne Irizarry
Julie Abadia “My Poem”
James Logan had 500 acres of land.
He was a schoolteacher.
He gave children a hand.
He died in a bedroom on Halloween Eve.
I hope they respect him,
Or they’ll never leave.
There was another guy named William Penn.
He was also known,
Like all the other men.
I hope you remember about back in the day,
Don’t forget and keep it that way!
Omaya Torres
Lisa Nguyen
Jessica
Jasmine D. Jones
“The Stenton House”
The holes in the barn were for
light. They grew veggies right. The
Logans used wagons to travel.
Dinah saved the house from
burning down. This all
happened in James town.
They pumped their water
out. They had no spicket
or any spouts. Tile told
bible stories to children.
Christian was there
religion. James Logan
was a quaker. They had
there own wagon makers.
They feed the animals
hay. This the end of my
poem yay.
Jada Martin
Hello Mr. Logan my name is Jada Martin. I just want to ask you a few things about your life.
What types of animal pulled the wagon? The ox pulled it.
What were the people making in that picture in the barn? They were making horse shoes.
Which staircase weren’t the servants allowed to use? They were not allowed to enter through the main staircase
Are you happy Dinah saved your home? Yes
Is that the reason you gave Dinah her freedom? Yes it was. I think that was awesome.
Also, are you quaker? Yes
Ok that’s all.
Thank you so much, you were great.
Yerlin Fernandez
“An Interview with Mr. James Logan”
Mr. Logan,
When was this mansion built?
It was built in 1730, but I started building it in 1723.
Wow, who lived with you?
My wife Hannah and our workers and kids.
Why did you name the house Stenton?
I named it Stenton because of the village my father lived in.
Do you speak a different language?
Yes I do, I know Greek, Latin and Hebrew.
What jobs do you have?
I am a fur trader, and a schoolteacher.
Is it true you are a Quaker?
Yes, its true I am a Quaker and so is my good friend, Mr. William Penn, the founder of this land.
Is it true you are a slave holder?
Yes, but I treat them nice and I need help on my works. Even though it is not the Quaker way.
Thank you, Mr. James Logan, for a wonderful interview.
Talaya Daniels
“Interview”
1. James Logan, why did your four children have to sleep in one bed? Children had to sleep in one bed because children were not treated equally.
2. James, how long did it take you to build Stenton? It took me seven years to build Stenton.
3. How much was cloth? Cloth was really expensive.
4. Was it hard getting water from the well? No it was not hard getting water from the well. All you had to do was put the water in the bucket and pump the water up.
5. Why did you have so many books? I had so many books because I liked to read.
6. How was it being a schoolteacher? I did not like being a schoolteacher, that is why I came to Philadelphia to see what types of jobs they had.
7. Did it take a long time to teach yourself seven languages? It took a very long time to teach myself seven languages because I had to do other things.
8. Did you like being in England? No, I did not like being in England that is why I came to Philadelphia.
9. Why were the keys so huge? The keys were huge because the locks were.
10. Was Stenton a big house? Stenton was a big house, it had 4 floors.
Vashea Ansley
Elivett Sanchez How Stenton looks like and smells like
There was a very bad smell and something green on the floor and walls. But the good part was, the beautiful yards and the inside was very fancy. The house was made by hand what makes it hard because they take a long time and the materials cost a lot of money. Inside they had paintings of their neighbors and some materials that they found buried. How travelers got to Stenton
Travelers got to Stenton by horse or foot by mostly wagons. Wagons were way useful at the time, they were also used for carrying items like hay. Hay, animals, food etc. Rooms
The first room you enter is the waiting room for people who needed to meet James Logan. Then on the right you enter James Logan’s office. On top of the chimney there were pictures there were actually stories that were used for learning. James Logan had 3000 books! So people came to James Logan for borrowing. One of those people was Ben Franklin the man who invented the library. The next room where they had tea parties, children were not allowed to go in if they were not invited even if it was their house. Outside rooms
There is also a barn where they store food and animals. There were also tools that blacksmith use to make metal. Metal was very important because it was used for many things like the wagons the wheels needed metal too last longer. Another took is used for buffalos. The other room is the bathroom it has a two toilets and no flushes instead they left the productions on the ground so it would help grow. The last room is the kitchen you might be wondering why was it separated from the house well it was separated from the house so if there was a fire the house wouldn’t get burned. Events
When the war started Dinah stayed in the house while the others were fighting then a guard knocked on the door and said he was going to burn the house down. He asked if there was any hay Dinah said “In the barn” then another guard came and asked for the other house. Dinah told him where he was and he got arrested because he left camp without permission Dinah saved the house!
Unfortunately their neighbors house got burnt.
And that’s what I learned in my trip to Stenton house.
Jody Nguyen
Mariah Vazquez-Rollerson
“Stenton House News Story”
At the Stenton house the information I found out about was that to get to the Stenton house you had to get there by wagon or horse or if you had to you would have to walk. The house was 500 acres and had offices to run his business. Also I found out Logan traded with the Native Americans. The house was built by bricks and surrounded by trees. The materials were 300 years old. They built each room for a good purpose. The desks placed in the house were used for travel. They always used candles to see and had lots of paintings. The people of the Stenton house tried to reduce, reuse and recycle their trash. Native Americans often came for treaty meetings. They also wrote with feathered utensils like a quill. They also had a fancy room for drinking tea and socializing. The bedding was very nice they were called yellow/blue lodging rooms. They had Dinah who started out as a slave. I also found out Mr. and Mrs. Norris (their neighbors) house was burned down. 3 kids had to sleep in one bed because children were not treated equally. The adults did not want to be seen with the children. They also used a little pot for when there is bad weather outside. Also Logan had an accident and had to use crutched to get around. I also learned the out house hasn’t been used in over 100 years. They also rang a bell on their property in case of a fire. The bard was used for animals and storage. Before winter the blacksmiths used fire and metal to make their tools. They used wagons for hay and heacy tools that needed to be taken back and forth for harvesting the fields they used tractors and tools. The pots were made by blacksmiths used for cooking over fires. It was the childrens job to churn butter. That’s all we have this time. This is Mariah Vazquez-Rollerson signing out.
Karen Nguyen
Emeli Garcia
“Stenton House”
Reporter- Why was your kitchen separate from your house?
Logan- It was separate because if there was a fire my house would not burn down.
Reporter- What did you do for a living?
Logan- I did many things likes selling land, collecting taxes, being a scientist, a merchant and a judge.
Reporter- How long did it take to build your house?
Logan- Well it took about 7 years from 1723-1730
Reporter- Do you know who started the first library?
Logan- Yes it was Ben Franklin. He started off borrowing books from me.
Reporter- When were you born?
Logan- I was born in the year 1674
Reporter- Well thanks for all your help
Mariah Rodriguez
“Story of Stenton”
The house is dark and when I walked in I got scared but then they turned on the light. When we went to the room I got happy. I was so happy when we arrived. I learned so much that I can’t think of anything else. It was so much fun. The rooms were nice. The fire places were nice. The baby carriage was nice I wanted to take it but too bad I can’t fit in it. There were nice people who walked us around and taught me. I also like the kitchen and the place where they cooked at and the food and stuff when James Logan and William Penn and the kids that cannot be seen. James Logan and William Penn they can’t see kids in the house in the past because if they got caught they would get in big trouble and because they walk around the house and don’t get caught. Those kids are very smart they won’t get caught. I wish I was one of the teachers because they taught me so much too. The bathroom stinked so much. I almost threw up. I saw yellow and red apples. I looked for two whole acorns. I gave them to my parents and they threw it for the squirrels to eat because we saw squirrels.
Kimberly Castellanos
“James Logan Stenton News Story”
Stenton was home to the 3 generations of the Logan family. One of the most important in Philadelphia. The Logans were quakers and were actively involved in politics in the colony and later, the United States.
The history of Stenton is rich with stories about early America, told through the experiences of one family. but also reflecting wider issues that were central to the development of the United States.
James Logan built Stenton in the 1720’s as a country house and named it after the villiage in Scotland where his parents were born. William Logan inherited Stenton in 1751 after his fathers death. He used Stenton as a summer residence. Stenton was a working farm during the William tenure with over 500 acres.
Williams’s tenure at Stenton was also an exciting time in American History as the colonies moved even closer to the war with England.
William died in 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. The first reading was heard by a 15 year old girl who lived next door to Independence Hall. Her name was Deborah Norris and she was to marry William Logan’s son and come to live at Stenton. Stenton was mostly available during the revolution. An important landmark before and during the battle of Germantown in October 1777.
It served for a time as headquarters for General George Washington and General Sir William Howe, the British commander. General Howe stayed at Stenton for several days immediately before the battle of Germantown and it was here that he heard the word of General Washington’s attack. After the battle of Germantown, Stenton was saved from burning by Dinah, the black servant who was the house keeper.
Stenton remained in the Logan family until the early year of the twentieth century.
Visits to Cliveden
Mariah Vazquez-Rollerson
“Cliveden British Soldier Interview”
1. Where do you live Mr. British soldier? I am formally hiding out at Cliveden from the American soldiers.
2. What was the weather like the day of the war? It was foggy from all the gun smoke and cold, and dark.
3. What was the noise like? I heard shooting bombs and yelling kind of like “burn it down!!”
4. How did you feel during the war? I felt brave, worried and prepared for the unexpected.
5. How was the battle going? It was pretty successful because we made the Americans leave the area over 4 hours of battle.
6. What weapons did you use during the war? We used bombs and guns and things like rifles.
7. How many of your soldiers died? I’d say about 2 soldiers or so.
8. Who owns Cliveden the house you recently were hiding in? I believe it was Benjamin Chew yeah because once he came back to the house I realized it was his well he was the owner.
9. When did the battle start? It started around 6:00 am we started seeing American soldiers marching towards the house
Marc Alston
“Editorial”
If I traveled back in time to the days just before the American Revolution war I would be a patriot, so that I can support the Americans/ I want to support the Americans because they have many troops. Since we have many troops we have an advantage. Another reason is because the Americans carried many weapons. Such as muskets and cannons. I’m against the British because of taxes. That’s why I want to support the Americans.
Lisa Nguyen
“News Story”
An important event that took place at Cliveden was the Revolutionary War. The war was between Britain and the Americans. This war was over not being able to choose how much tax they had to pay. The Americans protested over this. British captured Philadelphia and George Washington tried to retake it. The British won the battle against the Americans in Germantown. The battle between Bristish and Americans went from 1775-1783. The battle started at 6:00am. The Americans had to start walking at 2:00am to get to Cliveden. It was really foggy outside, so they had to be careful of not shooting their own soldiers. The British were outnumbered so most of them ran except for 100 soldiers. The Americans fought the British for four hours just over Cliveden. Even though they fought for four hours over Cliveden no Americans got in so they tried to shove burning hay through the doors. Some French people were working with the Americans. One French guy almost got into the house but something stood in his way. There was an officer pointing his gun at him next to the window. Then a Bristist soldier came and shot the wrong person. Instead of shooting the French guy he shot the officer. The French guy was so scared he ran instead of going completely in the house. Benjamin Chew came home and saw that his house was destroyed. All the bullet holes were covered except one that was in the room that the French guy almost got in. The bullet hole was left there to remind Benjamin Chew of what happened.
Kimberly Castellanos
“British Soldier Interview”
1. What was the weather at Cliveden when you had to fight in the war? It was dark, cold and foggy.
2. What kind of noise did you hear? I heard guns and cannons. Also, I had heard the words “attack!”
3. How do you feel? I feel brave, scared and worried because you never know what will happen.
4. How is the battle going? In the battle, we are in a matter of life and death. The battle is going great, but you never know what will happen.
5. Do you live at Cliveden? No, I do not live at Cliveden.
6. Why are you at Cliveden? We needed a safe place to hide
7. Is it uncomfortable to wear the kind of boots you wear? It is very uncomfortable to wear these boots but many of my friends don’t even own boots. I am lucky.
8. How many soldiers died at Cliveden during and after the war? 2 British soldiers died.
9. Did any Americans get into Cliveden? No, they tried to but we killed them. Two tried to walk in through the door and died at the door.
10. What kind of weapons did you use in the war? I used my saber and various guns.
11. Who owns Cliveden? Benjamin Chew owns Cliveden
12. What were the names of Mr. Chews slaves? Will and Dinah lived and worked at Cliveden but Mr. Chew had more slaves that worked at other of his properties.
13. What kind of weapons did the Americans use? They used cannons, guns and burnt hay.
14. What were some of the damages done to Cliveden? There were bullet holes on the outside and inside, there were cannon holes, and statues with missing arms.
15. What do you carry in your bag? I cary a spoon, a cup, a cabdle, some food, a feather pen, and a fork.
16. Were the British in or out the house? We British were inside of Cliveden.
Talaya Daniels
“News Story- Cliveden House”
An important event that happened at Cliveden was the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War took place at Cliveden in 1777. The war was between the Americans and the British. The British soldiers wore stocking. Also, the soldiers only owned one of two undershirts. The soldiers did not wash their clothing either. A French soldier was fighting for the Americans. The French soldier got ½ way into the house, and one of the British officers said you die or surrender, so the French soldier said I will surrender, so the officer was going to let the French soldier surrender but the British soldier tried to shoot at the French soldier, and hit the British officer. Also, during the war the Americans tried to push a cart of burning hay through the door. The Americans shot a lot of holes through Cliveden too. Benjamin Chew was the owner of Cliveden. Benjamin Chew owned many slaves and homes. Banjamins home was destroyed when Benamin got home. Soldier also used soap and the knife on the end of their gun to shave. That was very dangerous because the soldiers could have gotten cut. Soldiers traveled and they carried haversacks. Soldiers put all of their things in their haversacks. The soldiers put very little in the haversacks because the soldiers had to walk hundreds of miles the soldiers were tired. So the soldiers wanted to carry very little in the haversacks. Lastly, part of the war called the American Revolutionary war took place in Georgia.
Omaya Torres
“Cliveden House- Interview B”
Hello my name is Omaya and I am a news reporter trying to find out how the war is going for the American soldiers.
So how would you describe the weather?
American soldier: Well at the moment the weather is very foggy and the air is moist
How would you describe the noise? The noise is very loud especially coming from cannon balls and musket balls.
Where do you live? I live in Philadelphia with my wife and kids.
How do you feel? I feel very sad and mad, also I am worried about my family so I am taking my anger out on the British soldiers
How is the battle going? The battle is not going well for the American soldiers. The British soldiers are not coming out of the house so we can’t get them because the house can’t be destroyed and we can’t hit the windows.
Why did you want to be in the war?
I wanted to be in the war because I want to protect my country.
What do you think of the war?
I think the war is very necessary and the British are getting what they deserve.
Who do you think will win the war? Well it’s hard to tell because there are 2000 American soldiers and only 200 British soldiers but they have a good cover nd we can’t get to them.
When do you think the war will end? I think the war will end soon enough for the British soldiers!!!
Well thank you for giving us so much information, this will make good reading.
Jada Moore
“Cliveden House News Story”
There once was a man named Benjamin Chew. He was very wealthy and made an enormous amount of money. Benjamin Chew needed a summer house because he didn’t have one. So he owned and built the Cliveden in Germantown. On October 4, 1777, there was something bizarre that happened. The Revolutionary War! The British were not treating the Americans with respect and giving them unfair taxes. Everyone fighting, shooting and killing. All the Americans united and they wanted to kill the British. Benjamin Chew was not there at the time. Half of the British men went to get supplies from center city and the other men had to face the angry mob of Americans. So they went inside the Cliveden just to be safe. Everyone was shooting cannon balls at the house. In 1775-1783 the war kept going. There was an officer and he wanted to make a speech to the Americans. One of the Americans shot the officer and there was a boy drumming and they shot him too. As they shot the cannon balls at the Cliveden smoke came inside of the house. A canon ball could be heard 50 miles away. It made people death and filled their noses, lungs and throats with smoke. As the British were in the house 3 men had died. Back then musket balls were hard to aim so it wouldn’t shoot right. After the war was over there were many dead bodied lying on the groumd and even guns from the soldiers. This was a tragic day for everyone but its part of our history. The End!
Elivett Sanchez
“Cliveden”
Cliveden house such
exciting place. A
summer house was
back then.
It was built by
Benjamin Chew.
He was a layer.
And was a very hard
working man.
There was a fight
in the house
British vs. Americans.
The British inside
Americans out.
The British had
the upper hand.
That was awful
for the Americans.
The fight finished
four hours later.
When it was over
a man covered the
holes caused by
the fight except one
in his office.
Shami Beni
“The Germantown War”
Ben with Cliveden
A happy summer
A travel to the north
A terrible war
Cliveden damaged
Ben raveged
British fighting
People surviving
People dying
The English sending
people waiting
8 years of fighting
Americans lighting
British hiding
while the Americans are busting
British shooting
Germantown crying
while people are still fighting
old people suffering
Black people serving
water rising
Soldiers traveling
French people joining
luckiness evolving
many people crying
people smashing
Cliveden still standing
100 soldiers dying
British winning
Americans losing
still fighting
war ending
everybody laughing
nobody fighting
13 colonies are resting
Julie Abadia
“My interview on a British Soldier”
Me- Do you think your going to win?
Soldier- I don’t know, lets see.
Me- Hoe many British soldiers died so far?
Soldier- Only about 3 people.
Me- How many American soldiers died so far?
Soldier- About 75 Americans died so far.
Me- How loud is the war?
Soldier- Its making a lot of us temporarily deaf.
Me- Why do you think you’re still alive?
Soldier- The house we are in is very powerful.
Me- What’s making your team survive?
Soldier- We are on defense.
Me- How do you feel to still be alive?
Soldier- I’m very greatful for being alive.
Me- Why is it hard to shoot a target?
Soldier- It is very foggy. Also, our bullets don’t go straight.
Me- If you have only 100 men, why don’t you surrender?
Soldier- We are very brave men, we can’t leave our team down.
Me- Well, thank you for answering me on the interview. I hope you and your men survive. Your braveness can win.
Soldier- Thank you.
Yerlin Fernandez
“Cliveden News Story”
This is about the famous house of Cliveden made by one of the most important men in history, Benjamin Chew. He was very wealthy.
He owned many homes but Cliveden was only his summer home. He made it in Germantown to escape the hot and sticky summers. He made the name Cliveden after a house in England.
His home is famous because one of the most important events in history happened there. It was the Revolutionary War, which happened there on October 4, 1777. But the family of Benjamin Chew was not there.
Christian Hunter
“Interview: Battle of Germantown”
Interviewer- Right now I am interviewing a British soldier. Let’s ask him a few questions. Sir, what is your name?
Soldier- John McKinley
Interviewer- Okay, now what do you do think of this battle?
Soldier- I think this battle is very brutal, well at least for the Americans.
Interviewer- All right what are some of the weapons you carry?
Soldier- A musket with a bayonet on it with a saber.
Interviewer- Ah very interesting, now what’s some of the equipment that you have?
Soldier- I have a haversack, canteen, cartridge box, and more.
Interviewer- Very nice, now what clothes do you wear?
Soldier- I wear a neck stock, regimental jacket, waist coat, work shirt and a few other things.
Interviewer- All right, and I still haven’t asked you your age so, what is it?
Soldier- 32, going on 33.
Interviewer- Thank you for sharing with us and good luck with your battle here, so bye!
Emeli Garcia
“Cliveden News Story”
An important event that took place at Cliveden in the past was the Revolutionary War. During the Revolutionary War Benjamin Chew was in his summer house. Also during the Revolutionary War soldiers tried to get in the house by the window. During the Revolutionary War an American soldier tried to get in (at Cliveden) when he was half way in by the window the British soldier said to the American soldier “I will shoot you or you surrender”. Then a British soldier who was in the hall way heard the other British soldier talking to someone so then the British soldier went in the room. Then the British soldier who was in the hallway shot some one the American said to himself “I am shot” But the American soldier was not sot the British soldier shot his partner. Then the American left but walking. That is a news story that happened at Cliveden.
Derrickah D. Brown
“The Cliveden House”
The Revolutionary War took place at the Cliveden house. The Cliveden house was owned by Benjamin Chew. Benjamin Chew was a rich and successful man he had a job as a lawyer. The Revolutionary War began in 1775, between the British and the Americans. Only 3 British soldiers were killed and 75 Americans were killed in this war. The cause of the war was for the Americans getting their freedom from paying taxes to the British if they won. Then the British end the war with winning.
Shayonn Talley
“The Revolutionary War”
The Revolutionary War took place at the Cliveden House which was constructed and owned by Benjamin Chew and was his summer home. The war was between the Americans and the British soldiers it began because the Americans refused to pay the taxes that the British forced them to pay. The beginning of the war started when the British captured America. The war went on for eight years from 1775-1783. One day the Americans were fed up with the British and decided to start a war. There were 2000 Americans against 200 British soldiers. The war went on long and strong. When one of the British officers put up a white flag to talk and a drummer boy to get the Americans attention they shot him and the 13 year old drummer boy. Cannons, musket balls and guns were fired. Many were killed some were lucky enough to live and go home to their loving families. Once the war was over there were hundreds of dead bodies lying all over the Cliveden property. Throughout the entire war Benjamin Chew was not there. This war was a horrific part of our history and we were very lucky to learn about it.
Korinne Irizarry
“Cliveden News Story”
Who: British
What: The British had won the war.
Where: It was in the Cliveden house.
When: It was in 1775.
Why: To win the land so they could have the land.
How: They had fought with guns and cannon balls and other weapons in 1775. But the cannon balls didn’t go inside the house they had bounced off the house. It was made out of stone.
Visits toWyck
Vashea Ansley
Karen Vgayen
Ashlee Valle
Omaya Torres
Yerlin Fernandez
Cynthia Morales
Jasmine Jones
Derrickah Brown
Jada Moore
Saviona A. Whack
Visits to Johnson House
Shayonn Talby
Slaves came to the Johnson House maybe to stay the night. Because Mr. & Mrs. Johnson did them right. They helped slaves travel through underground. No one ever told the secret, no one made a sound.
James Moore
The Johnsons had hid slaves in their house in the attic at nighttime. The reason the Johsons did this was to help slaves run away from their owner. The slaves would have to say the password a friend of a friend sent me. Then the slaves would enter the attic. Nobody ever told the sheriff that the Johnsons hid slaves in their house because everybody in the town was Quaker except the sheriff which means people who are Quaker don’t believe in war or slavery. When the sheriff would come to inspect the house somebody would lead the slaves on to the roof. Also they would cover up the trap door that led to the roof so the sheriff couldn’t see it. Then the sheriff would leave and the slaves would come back out.
Julio Abadia
Yerlin Fernandez
Reader, I am going to tell you about the Underground Railroad. My opinion is the Underground Railroad is an amazing thing. Think about it, if you are African American you can’t learn or do anything you want, you have to be a slave. Is it fair? No because you should be able to do anything you want, no matter what race you are. The Underground Railroad is helping them to be fine. So it is amazing what they are doing. I think it is great and I love the idea. So remember “the dead trees will show you the way” and “a friend of a friend sent me”.
Bithany Gandver
Talaya Daniels
“The Johnson House- Travel Writers Account”
Johnson House was a medium sized house. The Johnson family lives there. The Johnson House is on Germantown Avenue. The Johnson House was a stop for runaway slaves. Mr. Tompkins fifth grade class went there. I learned about the Johnsons and the Underground Railroad! My guide was Mr. Kevin and he showed us all around the Johnson House. I also learned that the kitchen was separate from the house because if something caught on fire in the kitchen the whole house would not catch on fire. In social studies we are studying about wars. Our transportation is a school bus. Johnson House was completed in 1768. I really enjoyed my visit because I got to learn about the Johnson House. I would recommend Johnson House to others because my friends would want to learn new things too. I really hope our class will go somewhere else like Johnson House so we can learn more things.
Kimberly Castellanos
Destiny Serrano
Mariah Vazquez-Rollerson
“Johnson House Poem”
The Johnson family working, cooling and building everyday. Footsteps of people walking on foot at a time pounding on the ground. They run to the Johnson House where they meet the wife and hide in the attic. The sad faces of slaves as they hear the sheriff walk through the door. Holding their position still trying not to bang the floor. He walks out careful and still people release as they gasp for air. Carefully slaves come out of the attic and thank her a lot. She says you’re welcome, and runs to the pot. They sit and eat when John comes home silently eating so slowly and cold. Sheriffs so suspicious trying to crack the case. The Sheriff Tompkins was so mad he bursted out with rage. A white person walking around he happens to see a slave on his way to the Johnson House. He asks where are you going.
Saviona A. Whack
Ashlee
Delilah Rodriguez
“Newstory”
The story is about the Johnsons and the slaves. What happened in the story is that the slaves ran away from their owners and went to the Johnson’s House. But they had to walk through water so that dogs couldn’t smell their scent. When they got to the Johnson’s House they have to say the password which is “A friend of a friend sent me”. When they go in they got to go to the attic. And if a police or someone up to the attic to tell the slaves someone was there. So the slaves would go on the roof and laydown till someone came upstairs to tell the slaves they can stop hiding. While the slaves are hiding the police man or someone else is searching for slaves in the Johnson House. But the slaves will only eat and sleep then by morning the slaves are gone. The slaves stay at the Johnson House n the attic. The slaves would go to the Johnson’s House at night time so that way the owners wouldn’t find them because their owners might be sleeping. The slaves left so they could get away from their owners and so they could stop being slaves. They had to say the password to get in the house.
Vashea Ansley
Cynthia Moraler
My trip to the Johnson House was very interesting.
Who went on the trip?
My classmates and my teacher Who did you met there? Our guide, her name was Ms. Dana. Why was your class going? To learn about the Johnson House. When was your trip? March 5, 2010. How did your class get there? We went on a school bus. What is the Johnson House? It is a house that the Johnsons let slaves in. Where is the Johnson House? In Germantown. When was it built? It was built in 1768. Who built it? John Johnson did. Who lived there? The Johnsons. Did you enjoy your visit? Yes I did. Would you recommend it to others? yes. Why? Because it gives a lot of history about the Johnson’ and the underground railroad.
Karen Nguyen
Korinne Irizarry
“Back in the Days”
My name is Liz Jefferson. I am a woman from back with the slaves. I don’t think it is fair that our owners are trying to find us. I did what I did because they were treating us badly and we didn’t get paid for our work. So I ran away to the Johnson House. I knew I was their because in their window was a candle that means it is a safe house. I only took my memories. When I got there I had to sleep in the attic because they let us in the house. So I do agree with everything.
Mariah Rodriguez
The Johnson’s family helped the slaves at the Johnson’s house at night because they didn’t want the slaves to be treated badly. They put them in the attic and when the sheriff came they send the kids to warn them to go through the secret door that leads to the roof and they hid it so well that it blends in with the ceiling. The sheriff could not find them so he left. So when the kids went back upstairs to open the door so the slaves can come back in, that’s the story about the Johnson’s family and the slaves.
Marc Alson
Jada Moore
“Interview”
Hello my name is Jada Moore. I just want to interview you and ask you a few questions. Jada Moore- So, where do you live? John Johnson Jr.- The Johnson House. Jada Moore- When was the house completed? John Johnson Jr.- In 1768 Jada Moore- Do you have any kind of business? John Johnson Jr- My family and I own a tanning salon. Jada Moore- How do you feel about having slaves in your house? John Johnson Jr- I feel great about having them because we are Quakers. Jada Moore- How do you think your children felt? John Johnson Jr- They probably liked it. Jada Moore- Did you feel frightened when the sheriff came? John Johnson Jr- Well at first it was, but then I knew I had it covered. Jada Moore- Do you think anyone noticed the candle? John Johnson Jr- No one but the slaves. Jada Moore- Do you think Janet Rowland played a good role in helping the slaves? John Johnson Jr- Yes Jada Moore- Did you feel scared during the Battle of Germantown? John Johnson Jr- Everyone was scared. Jada Moore- Did the slaves ever sing songs from Africa to you? John Johnson Jr- Not really. Jada Moore- Do you live far away from the Wyck House? John Johnson Jr- No, I don’t.
