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Lower Providence tutors have deep respect for one of their earliest community members John James Audubon. He was the author and illustrator of “The Birds of America.” This book was one of the first of its kind closely examining many different species of birds, and their habitats. Audubon wanted to create a work that would depict accurately each bird, in every aspect, from its plumage, to its diet, nesting, reproduction, and its role within its environment.

It was not always apparent that Audubon would become so dedicated and successful in his work. He always had an interest in wildlife, and a deep respect for mother earth and all of its inhabitants, but being born when and where he was, he had more immediate responsibilities.

Audubon was born in French Haiti, with close ties to the French navy through his father. During his father’s service Audubon senior was imprisoned by Britain and on his release worked to help the American cause. He worked very hard to determine his family’s future and worked hard and acquired real estate in order to secure it. Sensing the instability in the Caribbean, he sold his plantation in Haiti (then San Dominique) and used the funds gained to purchase a farm just outside of Philadelphia in what we now know as Lower Providence. Circumstances led the family to return to France and Audubon ended up being educated and growing up in Nantes. His father encouraged his son’s early interest in nature, yet still had firm focus on him following in his footsteps with a career in the Navy. However on attending Naval school it became clear very quickly that Audubon junior was not a natural sailor, he suffered from severe seasickness and was not adept at navigation or the understanding of the instruments. Audubon senior supported his son and when the time came that his conscription to serve in the Napoleonic Wars was imminent he helped his son escape back to America where he still owned property in Lower Providence. He did this by furnishing his son with false papers in 1803.

According to Lower Providence tutors, John James Audubon loved residing in the community of Lower Providence after relocating from France. He felt very at home in the rural splendor and enjoyed hunting and fishing and continuing to draw sketches of wildlife and birds. It was at this time that Audubon made note of his ornithologist’s rule, “The nature of the place – whether high or low, moist or dry, whether sloping north or south, or bearing tall trees or low shrubs – generally gives hints as to its inhabitants.”