The Holme Circle Civic Association is planning a celebration for the 400th birthday of Thomas Holme.
Holme, a surveyor, laid out the original plan for Philadelphia.
Fred Moore, of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network, said Holme is believed to have lived in the area of what is now Pennypack Woods.
Holme was born in England in November 1624. The celebration is planned for Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at Holme Crispin Cemetery, on Holme Avenue, near Convent Avenue. Descendants of Holme are expected to be in attendance.
In somewhat related news, Thomas Holme Elementary School, 9125 Academy Road, is being demolished and will be rebuilt. Students have been relocated to the former Austin Meehan Middle School.
In other news from the meeting, the civic association voted to make $200 donations to St. Jerome Parish and Bethany AME Church.
State Rep. Ed Neilson was in attendance. His office, at 16 Old Ashton Road, is accepting new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 2 for Toys for Tots. Toys for ages 6-12 are the most needed.
Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome parish hall, 8100 Colfax St. The group typically meets the fourth Wednesday of the month but is moving the meeting up a week due to Thanksgiving. ••
