We are excited to announce that Rodney Kulp will be presenting a special PowerPoint on the History of the Kulp Family of Meckesheim at our 2025 Reunion to be held on June 8^th at the Lower Skippack Mennonite Church Social Hall. Rodney will focus on the Kulp family’s origins, tracing the line of George Michael Kolb, who arrived in America in 1738, entering through the Port of Philadelphia. The family settled in New Hanover Township, part of what was Western Philadelphia County, near what is now the Green Lane Reservoir.

Rodney Allan Kulp, Sr. is a passionate history enthusiast, particularly focused on local and American history.  He takes great pride in exploring the rich tapestry of his family’s heritage and often immerses himself in researching the stories that have shaped both his community and the nation.  Beyond his historical interests, Rodney enjoys woodworking, a craft that allows him to connect with the past in a hands-on way, creating functional and beautiful pieces that reflect his personal touch.  Above all, he treasures the time spent with his family, considering it an essential part of his life that fuels his work, research and his commitment to preserving the history and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

When our Kolb ancestors first came to Pennsylvania in 1707, they first settled in Germantown, a small community about 6 miles north of the rapidly growing town of Philadelphia.  Germantown itself was becoming a prosperous town in its own right, but the Kolbs and others soon left for an area 20 miles to the northwest known as Bebber’s Township, later to be known as Skippack.  The Kolbs quickly became leaders in early Skippack and the Mennonite congregation there.  Their younger brother, Dielman Kolb arrived in 1717, taking up residence not far away in Lower Salford, where he made his own contributions to the area and the Mennonite Church.

This year’s reunion speaker, Walt Johnson, will talk about the founding of Skippack and the Kolb’s influence during its founding and following years.

Walt grew-up in Creamery, Skippack Township, graduating from the Collegeville-Trappe High School. He then received a B.S. degree from Ursinus College and later attended Ohio State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He taught for 25 years at the Indian Valley Junior High School and then 13 years at the Souderton Area High School. He also was an associate professor at Ursinus College in the Education Department for 5 years.  Walt is a 5^thgeneration teacher in Skippack Township, following grandfathers Henry G. Johnson, Henry H., Henry M., and his father Ralph W. Johnson as continuous teachers beginning in 1826! His son teaches at Indian Valley Middle School, making the streak the 6^th generations!!!!

After retiring from being a math teacher, he became interested in the local history of the area. He is currently involved in the Skippack Historical Society, serving as a historian. He is also director and chairman of “Washington’s Encampment”, a living history event held in the village of Skippack held each September. He also gives tours of the historic IndenHofen House and Barn Museums, and enjoys presenting programs of our local history to scout groups, senior citizen communities and civic groups.

Walt is also a descendent of Jacob Kolb!