This photo shows the horse-drawn hearse carrying the body of Dr. Titus Albright from Hatfield to his final resting place at the Lansdale Cemetery on Sept. 2, 1908.

If you didn’t make it out to the Lansdale Historical Society program, “Until Death Do Us Part,” that had been planned for Feb. 12, don’t worry.
Because of inclement weather that night, the program has been rescheduled to this Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lansdale Parks and Recreation Building, Seventh Street and Lansdale Avenue.
To highlight that program, Dick Shearer of the historical society has provided us with this photo today, showing the horse-drawn hearse carrying the body of Dr. Titus Albright from Hatfield to his final resting place at the Lansdale Cemetery on Sept. 2, 1908.
Albright was a civic leader in Hatfield, Shearer said, and was one of those who led the effort to create Hatfield Borough out of Hatfield Township in 1898.
He met a tragic end at the young age of 48, dying of typhoid, Shearer said. It was later determined that the family’s well was contaminated. Ironically, Albright helped form the first Hatfield Board of Health, according to Shearer.
The story about Albright and his procession from Hatfield to the cemetery is one of the stories that will be included in the Thursday program.
Contrary to its name, “Until Death Do Us Part” is not a program draped in mourning cloth. It is a story about how previous generations marked the passing of loved ones and celebrated their lives.
Gone are many time-honored traditions like in-home viewings, formal funeral announcements that were mailed to friends and family, and walking processions from homes and churches to cemeteries.
Death was once a much more public event than it is today. Details of a person’s passing were openly described in newspapers for all to read. And it was not unusual for the editor to offer an opinion of the deceased’s good works or misdeeds — a practice that was commonplace during the 1920s in this area.
Society members will narrate a video presentation highlighting the changes that have evolved over time.
There is no admission charge to attend the program, but donations are appreciated. For more information, call (215) 855-1872.

UPDATE

Bill Jacobs, former North Penn School District employee, sent us this information about last week’s Remember When photo:
“The photo was taken at the North Penn School District administrative offices, at that time located on Penn Street in what is now Penndale Middle School.
“The women all worked in the administrative offices. I remember them all well. Just in case some one inquires, they are left to right:
“Beverly Chaney, Regina Kevin, Dorothy Terrell, Mildred Follansbee, Leila Corcoran, Betty Brittin, Betty Kirsch, Evelyn Hales, Bertha Everist, Jean Weaver, Marilyn Souder, Cynthia Musselman, Vivian Sheak, Dorothy Sellers, Peg Hackulich, and Betty Lou Moyer.
“Thanks for the memories!”
No, thank YOU, Mr. Jacobs.