The Facebook page “Abandoned, Old or Interesting Places – Eastern PA” recently posted a number of gems from our area.

The most recent features The Wheel Pump Hotel & Cafe in Erdenheim:

Its namesake, a wheel pump, is located just off the lower porch. Built in 1735, it was a hotel or restaurant for much of its existence. In the early 2000s it was purchased by a lamp store owner. That business did not last long, and it languished on the market falling into serious disrepair. It was purchased by a construction company and fully restored for use as their offices.

Five days ago, the page featured John Wanamaker’s estate “Lindenhurst” in Elkins Park:

Wanamaker purchased 50 acres of land from the Mather’s estate (a much larger 300-acre estate) in 1858 and named it Lindenhurst after all of the Linden trees that grew on the property. Wanamaker also brought flowers, trees, and shrubs from all over the world onto the property and later erected his estate, known as the Magnificent Mansion on the property. Wanamaker also added his own private train station, Chelten Hills, on the Reading Railroad, so he’d have a direct route between his offices in Philadelphia and his residence. Today the property is part of the campus of Salus University.

A Facebook commenter added the prior iteration of his mansion in Jenkintown (1883-1907):

Six days ago, the page featured Beth Sholom synagogue in Elkins Park:

Opened in 1959, was renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s idea of “an American synagogue” — a temple for Jews who lived in America. Also shown is Frank Lloyd Wright (center) with Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen (right of the architect) and members of the Building Committee on site, February 1958.

Last but not least, the page shared pictures of Gimbels in Cheltenham, which opened in 1955: