The Christian C. Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Who was Christian C. Sanderson?
Christian Carmack Sanderson was born in 1882 in the little village of Port Providence, Montgomery County, into a typical American family of that era - one that held great respect for family life and high devotion to our flag and country.
A TEACHER
He started his formal career in the one room school house at Garwood, Montgomery County, and after teaching a number of years in Chester and Delaware Counties, he ended his career as a principal of Oak Grove School, Elsmere, Delaware, in 1929. Following his formal teaching career, Chris devoted much of his time to teaching "youngsters of all ages" the art of square dancing. Up to the time of his death in 1966, he was still conducting square dance classes in private and public schools as well as making many classroom lectures.
A MUSICIAN
At an early age, Chris learned to play the violin and for many years of his life he devoted much time and effort in promotion of the Old Fiddlers' association. He and his Pocopson Valley Boys made an album of square dance records early in the 50's.
A POET
Numerous poems were written by him but his most notable one was his Back East on the Brandywine written by the fireplace at the original Washington's Headquarters at Chadds Ford.
AN ACTOR
Twice he portrayed the role so dear to him - Rip Van Winkle -- at the famous open air theater at Longwood Gardens.
A LECTURER
He was a most colorful lecturer for many years! He enjoyed the opportunity to pass along the vast amount of information he had gathered. One of his favorite lecture topics was the Battle of the Brandywine. At one time he went to the Sunday afternoon lecture series in Coatesville. The scheduled speaker did not show up, so they called Chris from the audience to speak in his place!
A HUMORIST
This was quite evident in his lectures and in his off-the-cuff comments when called upon on numerous occasions.
A WRITER
He wrote two pageants at Longwood Gardens. These were "Historic Delaware" and "Historic Chester County."
A TRAVELER
Very few important events occurred in Washington, D.C., or New York that did not see Chris Sanderson as a witness. He attended every inauguration from Teddy Roosevelt's to Lyndon Johnson's and to most of these events he took with him school-age boys so that they, too, could witness history in the making.
A SPORTSMAN
A participant in fox hunting, he was fond of all sports and it was a common sight to see him at all sporting activities in this area. During his college days he aquired the art of swinging Indian Clubs and continued to entertain with this fading art up until he died.
A RADIO COMMENTATOR
He made his first broadcast in June, 1923, for the Boy Scouts of America and was still broadcasting weekly at the time of his death in 1966.
AN HISTORIAN
Born into a historically-minded family, he developed an early interest in history, particularly local history. He devoted much of his time and energy in "making history live" for thousands and thousands of school children. His love for history had him tramping the countryside for relics and information and had him camping with the Civil War veterans at Gettysburg on the 50th anniversary of that famous battle.
A COLLECTOR
Hand-in-hand with his deep interest in history was the desire to collect historic relics. He saved artifacts of family interest as well as items of general interest.
People, places and events made up the life of Christian Sanderson. He cared for people, loved his country, and treasured the heritage given to each of us.