Four short biographical portraits of Vernon, Arthur, Helen and Ralph reveal something of life in the Borough from the end of the 19th century until the mid- 20th century. In aggregate they were residents for 226 years in Swarthmore.

The grand tour, no longer the exclusive tradition of wealthy young Englishmen, by the early 20th century morphed to include twenty-three year old Helen, and Clara, her recently widowed mother. They sailed from their beloved America on the steamship, S.S. Blucher to Europe and kept two journals. You'll read from their travels, presented in a parallel arrangement, as they record their thoughts and activities day-by-day. You can feel in these writings something of the vibrancy of the cultures that they encountered. If you are interested in history, geography, culture, and women's studies, you are likely to find much to appreciate. Enjoy discovering something of the tenor and rhythum of the times as you follow their ten month itinerary to eight countries. You will be transported as you get to know these curious and open hearted women.