WEEKEND: The Secret History of Manayunk

Born in 1667 and hailing from Transylvania, Johannes Kelpius held the deep-seeded belief that the world was coming to an end. Inspired by the "Book of Revelations," Kelpius expected a woods-based heaven to emerge at some point in 1694.

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WEEKEND: The Secret History of Manayunk

POSTED: Friday, September 16, 2011, 1:30 PM

Filed Under: Events

Sketch of Kelpius

Born in 1667 and hailing from Transylvania, Johannes Kelpius held the deep-seeded belief that the world was coming to an end. Inspired by the "Book of Revelations," Kelpius expected a woods-based heaven to emerge at some point in 1694. Rooted in his convictions, Kelpius and a small group of followers set their sights on an up-and-coming province in America, known as Philadelphia. Settling in Wissahickon Creek, Kelpius anxiously awaited the next phase.

What happened after that is, well, history, but you can learn more about it and explore how Philly's hilliest enclave was created when the Spiral Bookcase and Friends of Pretzel Park present The Secret History of Manayunk on Saturday.

"We just want to share another facet of what Manayunk is," says Ann Tetreault of the Spiral Bookcase. Thom Nickels, author of Manayunk as well as Philadelphia Architecture, will be on hand to speak; tour guide Nicholas Bucci will present a Kelpius exhibit; and the Kelpius Society will give a lecture, as well.

It's a lot of Kelpius to handle, but as Tetreault says, "He's kind of a big deal."

Sat., Sept. 17, 2-6 p.m., free, Pretzel Park, 4300 Silverwood St., 215-482-0704, thespiralbookcase.com.

(chris.brown@citypaper.net)

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