What if I told you this statue has a mistaken identity? The Toleration Statue stands here overlooking the Wissahickon Creek in Fairmount Park. Many believe this is William Penn. But that’s not quite right. Let’s unravel the story behind this monument.
The Toleration Statue isn’t actually William Penn. It represents an unnamed Quaker man. Herman Kirn sculpted the statue in 1883. It symbolizes religious and political tolerance. John Welsh gifted the Toleration Statue to Philadelphia. He was a prominent citizen and former park commissioner. He wanted to commemorate Penn’s policies of toleration.
The Toleration Statue sits atop Mom Rinker’s Rock. This rock has its own story to tell. During the American Revolution, Mom Rinker played a vital role. She was a patriot who helped the colonial soldiers. According to legend, she knitted on the rock. She dropped yarn balls containing messages. These messages detailed British troop positions. The Green Boys of Roxborough retrieved these messages. They then relayed them to General Washington in Valley Forge. So, Mom Rinker was a true hero.
Some stories paint Mom Rinker in a different light. They say she was a witch. People believed she used the rock to launch her broomstick. One night, the legend goes, she fell to her death. The creek then toyed with her lifeless body. Fact or fiction? The story adds to the rock’s mystique.
The Toleration Statue stands about 40 feet above the walking path. This path runs 75 feet above the creek. It is a bit of a climb to reach the Toleration Statue. But it is worth the effort. The views from up here are stunning. You can see why Mom Rinker chose this spot.
Interestingly, the walking path has a hidden secret. It runs directly over the Wissahickon Creek High Level Intercepting Sewer. The sewer was built in the 1880s. It diverted waste from nearby neighborhoods. This prevented pollution of the creek. The path uses the sewer pipe as a bridge.
Although the Toleration Statue is a major landmark it is less visited. The Tedyuscung statue attracts more people. But with some perseverance, you can reach this spot. You can access it from the Orange Trail or Park Line Drive. A small, unmarked trail leads to the Toleration Statue.
So next time you are here remember its true meaning. The Toleration Statue embodies the principles of liberty and conscience. It reminds us of the importance of religious and political tolerance. It honors William Penn’s vision for Pennsylvania. Take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. Think about the stories it holds. Consider the values it represents. The Toleration Statue is more than just a statue. It is a symbol of Philadelphia’s rich history.