Who was Christian C. Sanderson?
Christian Carmack Sanderson was born in 1882 in the little village of Port Providence, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 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 HISTORIAN
Born into a historically-minded family, Chris 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.
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 COLLECTOR
Hand-in-hand with Chris' deep interest in history was the desire to collect historic relics. He saved artifacts of family interest as well as items of general interest.
A TEACHER
Chris 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.
The Schoolteacher by Andrew Wyeth
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.
Ole Bull's (1810-1880) violin
A LECTURER
Chris 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 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 RADIO COMMENTATOR
Chris 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.