Carl Schultheis, in addition to being the preeminent local pediatrician, was known as a dedicated local historian in Upper Merion Township, even serving as President of the King of Prussia Historical Society for a number of years. He collected and saved materials relating to the area and its residents for many years, and has donated much of the material to the King of Prussia Historical Society!
The King of Prussia Historical Society has established the Carl Schultheis Collection in his name to recognize his dedication.
Scope and Contents (HCI-PSAR Project)
- This collection consists of photographs, deeds, marriage certificates, letters, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, and other materials documenting the local history and people of King of Prussia (Montgomery County, PA) and nearby areas.
- The photographs date from the late 19th century to the 20th century and include several glass plate negatives. There are also some photocopies and scans of photographs.
- Most of the primary source documents (deeds, marriage certificates, letters, and more) date from the 19th century; the earliest item is an 18th century land survey.
- Other materials in the collection include maps, research articles, newspaper clippings, and various printed materials and ephemera.
Dr. Schultheis was also the main interviewer for the “Remember When” series, broadcast on UMGA TV, an oral history project in which local residents shared their memories about Upper Merion and King of Prussia.
The Society looks forward to the day when we have a real home and can display Carl Schultheis’s collections, as well as that of Michael Morrison and so many of others who have and continue to contribute photos and memorabilia.
Michael Morrison’s comment from the 2013 Gazette’s President’s message:
No one cares more about maintaining our historic presence in the community than Carl Schultheis and Joan Kellett. Carl was the fabric that held this society together over many uncertain years, and Joan’s loyalty to the community is that of legend. Both are to be commended for their undying support and dedication, for without them, Upper Merion would be a lesser place.
King of Prussia’s long time residents will remember all the years of effort that went into the relocation of the King of Prussia Inn. Dr. Schultheis fought tirelessly for decades to preserve it. He was often quoted in local newspapers where one can feel his passion and determination to save our local icon – the King of Prussia Inn.
- … Carl Schultheis, remembers hearing about the day the state crew arrived in King of Prussia to start work on DeKalb Pike in 1952.
- “I remember when I was a kid reading about the people being out there sitting on their front porches defending their businesses; some of them had shotguns. Some people were ahead of their time and were thinking of the future,” he said.
- “I remember seeing a picture of one man who owned a gas station near the inn with a shotgun across his lap. But he still lost his shop; the only thing saved was the inn.”
- “The further it is moved, the more it will lose its significance.”
- The inn “was a major hub” because it was located at the crossroads of routes leading to Philadelphia and from Reading. “Everybody from miles around came to hang out here.”
- Even though the inn got a $70,000 face life in 1976, it was left, trapped in the middle of a thundering herd of traffic. Schultheis said the historical society doesn’t have the estimated $500,000 needed to move the inn, stone by stone to a safe location. “We are handicapped at this point,” he said. “We should try to preserve this last vestige of history of King of Prussia.”
- Schultheis is hoping for the best. “Our goal is to have a lot more people appreciate it in the future,” he said. “That’s hard to do in its present location.”
- Schultheis said he could imagine the inn serving as an office or as a curiosity at a local business park. The important thing, he said, is that it remain in King of Prussia, part of Upper Merion Township. “This means something to the people of King of Prussia, part of Upper Merion Township.”
August, 20, 2020 is the 20 anniversary of the relocation of the King of Prussia Inn. Our community can thank those who had vision and determination to preserve and share our local history. With your continued support, may we continue to Preserve Upper Merion’s Past To Enlighten Its Future!
