The Newsletter Committee Wishes Hopkinson House Owners and Residents Peace, Love, Joy and Good Health for 2014

The Newsletter of What’s Inside Hopkinson House • Winter 2014 Nelly Childress

resident of Council In “Diet and Exercise: A House resident Tino Karakousis November Municipal Election PPaul Coyne and Manager Tragic Story” David Roberts and his sister Maria Karakousis in Philadelphia and how Judi Forte report on the tells us about James F. Fixx, starred as… in Pennsylvania we residents performed. many accomplished, almost an extraordinary individual Ballet’s e Nutcracker this e Holiday Celebrations completed, and forthcoming who wrote e Complete Book season. (You’ll find out by included Hanukkah in projects such as the elevator of Running, and his fate. reading the notice.) the lobby, a Christmas Tree cabs, the restoration of the We are proud to report that For those interested, we lighting in the lobby and a Stonorov/Vivarelli sculpture, seven-year-old Hopkinson include the results of the last party in the Solarium. n the lobby’s renovation plan and other necessary infrastructure work. Judi Forte also reminds residents to complete the forms that have been recently distributed. She also stresses the importance of strictly following the regulations regarding, among others, apartment renovations. Read the account by Nelly Childress of the Francis Hopkinson Mural at Christ Church. It was finished and installed in record time — three days! Another historical site in the neighborhood that underwent a major renova- tion is interestingly described by Lynn Miller in his report entitled “All-New Franklin Court Museum.” A report by Louis DelSol do on Otto Reichert-Facilides’ talk on Oscar Stonorov — the person — that was sponsored by Washington Square Citizens’ League is a must-read for those interested in the building. Find out about “Pop-Up Movie Nights in the Solarium” from Susan Tomita’s column. See the article about the Francis Hopkinson Mural at Christ Church on page 5. 2 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE Message from Council Paul Coyne

As Christmas approached, so ceiling opening for access to Editorial Committee did the elevator project which the emergency hatch did not Nelly Childress Enny Cramer was star ted a few years back provide the 400 square inches Louis DelSoldo with an anticipated completion required by the building code. Lynn Miller date of Labor Day 2013 when is meant that the roof David Roberts the weather was warm and panels had to be reconfigured Dan Rothermel summer was coming to an end. for all fou r elevators. e Susan Tomita contractors were able to make Installation began with the Council Liaison the necessary changes and get electric system, the controls, Paul Coyne us back on schedule in very and some stainless-steel work. Graphic Design short order. e Design en the floor was installed Parallel-Design.com Committee (James Scott, Gail es, you probably do not and the sidewalls and roof Advertising Winkler and Sunny Feldman) Y notice it, but the days are were raised into place. When Louis DelSoldo, 267-249-7843 has been asked to suggest getting longer! the floor was laid with individ- [email protected] long-life foul-weather mats ual tiles and grout, the colors Photography e 2014 Budget presented for the renovated elevators. at first did not look right. David Roberts by Phil Harvey from Camco Placing the contract-specified Congratulations to all who Issue Contributors was approved at the 2014 tile on the floor, however, participated in and enabled Nelly Childress Annual Budget Meeting. showed that the colors matched. the completion of this project. Paul Coyne Phil gave an overview of our e addition of the grout was Louis DelSoldo needs for 2014 and broad Restoration Engineers, Inc. evidently responsible for the Byron Fink base projections out to 2017. has proposed plans to increase apparent difference. Judi Forte He stressed the importance the attractive ness and func- Lynn Miller of building a Capital Reserve During the inspection tionality of the front desk area David Roberts Anthony Kelly, our building and the back office space, and Susan Tomita fund capable of addressing future needs. engineer, observed that the to improve the mailroom. ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 3

e proposed plans should e ADA ramp at the front meeting. Work should begin agreement of the Pennsylvania also provide a brighter and entrance, the removal of the in early spring. Real Estate Commission for more inviting entrance to the brick pavement and its a branch office. main lobby as well as to the replacement with broom A staff member is researching Council at the November entrance to the building from finished concrete, along with the feasibility of offering Meeting approved the the garage. is proposal some structural repairs at the Wi-Fi for the Pool area. Washington Square was accepted at the December edge of the east and west It is looking very promising. Chiropractic Center’s lease Council meeting. Previous planters, are scheduled As you know from experience, for the next five years. Council attempts to deal with these for 2014. cell phones respond to our also appointed Sidney Siegel challenges proved too costly massive concrete with some e Council approved a chairperson of the Dispute (almost one million dollars.) temerity. Hopefully, we will contract with Rockwell Resolution Committee Adjusting our priorities and be able to offer sunshine Associates LLC for land - to succeed Enny Cramer, staying close to our budget and Wi-Fi before long. scaping the two planters who resigned after some ten guidelines allowed us to on the front of the building. e bank space has been successful years leading this project a smaller addition Council will ask the Landscape leased. Keller Williams Realty Committee. Our thanks to to our 2014 budget. Committee to review the has given a deposit for a lease Enny and congratulations New pipes servicing the pool proposal and make recommen- on the former PNC Bank to Sidney. n will be installed after the first dations. e final proposal space contingent on receiving of the year. will be presented at a public franchise approval and the

Message From Management Judi Forte

e interiors of the elevator during these repairs but it will with staff members, so as not cabs were finished in time entail the use of a jackhammer to spread any illness. We also for the holiday season and which will cause noise and request that residents do not are a wonderful upgrade to vibrations through parts of use the staff phones. Besides a wonderful building. Our the building. ese repairs are the possibility of spreading sincere thanks go out to Gail expected to take several weeks illnesses, this practice prevents Winkler, Sunny Feldman and to complete. It’s going to be the desk staff from performing James Scott, who were instru- a busy year with guaranteed their job properly. We sincerely mental in choosing the design. inconveniences which we will thank you for these courtesies. make every effort to keep to We are anticipating the It is the responsibility of a minimum. e end results start of the renovations of every resident to complete an will be well worth it. he Hopkinson House the upper and lower lobbies entry permit for your guests, TAnnual Meeting and in 2014. Engineering sstudie Winter is the time for colds, contractors and anyone you Election is scheduled for are being done to utilize the flu and other types of illnesses wish to have access to your ursday, April 17, 2014 front desk and package area which sometimes means a unit. Faxing and emailing in the Solarium at 7:00 p.m. more efficiently. e Design staffing shortage. Please bear permission may prevent that If you would like to be a part Com mit tee will be called with us if our service is a little person’s entry to your apart- of the future planning of in to bring their ideas for slow during times when we are ment. e fax machine is on Hopkinson House, complete upgrading these areas. We short handed. We encourage from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a nomination form which are also planning exterior the staff to stay at home when Monday through Friday. will be mailed out to you renovations in the front of they are not feeling well to Faxes will not be received in March and put your name the building including the protect the residents and the after hours or on weekends. on the ballot. Council terms sidewalks and the entrance other staff members. We also Emails are not a reliable method are for two years and Council to the building to allow easier ask that the residents follow of sending an entry permit. members must be available access for those who are the same procedure. Our staff e person you send the email to attend one meeting per physically impaired. Repairs is very friendly and they enjoy to may be on vacation or out month. All nominees must are also planned for a support shaking hands with the resi- sick and th is may prevent your be in good standing with beam in the garage in the spring. dents. If you are ill, please visitor from gaining access to the Association. e garage will remain open refrain from shaking hands your apartment. continued on page 5 4 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 5

Message from Management continued from page 3

We have distributed perma- If you are planning any Noises in a building like bathrooms are exempt from nent entry permit forms and renovations to your unit, Hopkinson House can travel this rule. If you have a chair emergency information forms. regardless of how large or from floor to floor. While you in an uncarpeted area, please Please update this information small, remember to pick up may think a particular noise consider rubber or felt tips and return the forms to the a Renovation Requirement is coming from directly above to alleviate any scraping Management Office. If you Package at the front desk. you, it may, in fact, be coming when it is moved. have misplaced your forms, Owners and contractors must from another floor or another Please make arrangements you can get more at the complete the forms in the part of the building. A com- to pick up your UPS, FedEx, Resident Services Desk. package and the contractor mon complaint is the sound overnight packages and all must provide an insurance of scraping or dragging some- Now that we have your other deliveries within 24 certificate with a minimum of thing across an uncarpeted homeowner’s insurance hours of their arrival. Large $2,000,000 liability coverage. floor. ese sounds appear information on file, please packages will be taken up to Contractors may not begin to be coming from directly be sure to have your insurance your unit by staff members work in the units until the above the person hearing the carrier send us a certificate if they are not picked up renovation package has been noise. We know from past of insurance when your within 8 hours. approved by Tony Kelly, the history that in most instances, policy renews each year. building’s Chief Engineer. this is not the case. As hard Holiday decorations are e certificate can be emailed Please contact Tony if you as we try, we are not always permitted to be hung on to [email protected] or have any questions regarding able to identify a sound or the apartment doors from faxed to us at 215-829-1510. renovations to your unit. where it may be coming from. anksgiving through Please remember that your He can be reached through Jan uary 6. Please remove homeowner’s policy is e Hopkinson House rules the Resident Services Desk. them in a timely manner. responsible for the first mandate that every unit have $25,000 of any damage CONTRACTORS MAY NOT 80% carpeting in the living Enjoy the winter that occurs in your unit CUT WOOD OR TILES ON room, dining room, bedrooms season. Stay warm regardless of the cause. THE BALCONIES. and hall. e kitchen and the and stay well. n

2014 Hopkinson House Holiday Schedule Contractor work and moves are not permitted on Sundays or legal and religious holidays throughout the year. We are posting these holidays for your convenience. No exceptions can be made. Wednesday, January 1, 2014 New Year’s Day Monday, January 20, 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, February 17, 2014 Presidents’ Day Friday, April 18, 2014 Good Friday Monday, M ay 26, 2014 Memorial Day Ê Ê ÊÊ Ê Friday, July 4, 2014 Independence Day ÊÊ Ê Ê Ê ÊÊ Ê Monday, September 1, 2014 Labor Day Ê Ê Ê ÊÊ ÊÊ Ê Ê Thursday, September 25, 2014 Rosh Hashanah** Ê ÊÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Friday, October 3, 2014 Yom Kippur** Ê Ê Ê Ê ÊÊ Ê Thursday, November 27, 2014 Thanksgiving Ê ÊÊ Ê ÊÊ Ê Ê Tuesday, December 16, 2014 Hanukkah Wednesday, December 24, 2014 Christmas Eve Thursday, December 25, 2014 Christmas Day Wednesday, December 31, 2014 New Year’s Eve Thursday, January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day **Holiday begins at sundown the day before it is listed. 6 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 7 Mural Celebrating the Life of Francis Hopkinson Nelly Childress

he mural “Celebrating the Arts and Technology. In Great Hall of Neighborhood Independence, artist, essayist, TLife of Francis Hopkinson” addition to celebrating the House, muralists finished lawyer, judge, and business located on the north-west life of Francis Hopkinson, the job in record time. It was man. n exterior corner of Christ Philadelphia’s “Artist & installed as part of Christ * e Artistic Rebuttal Church’s Neighborhood Renaissance Man,” Amy also Church’s Fourth of July Project is a grassroots initiative House [20 North American sought to celebrate the multi- celebrati.on that aims to provide an outlet Street] was created by Amy faceted lives of all artists who, As owners and residents for anyone to share their arts Scheidegger, founder of e either out of pure curiosity of Hopkinson house know, experience in an effort to Artistic Rebuttal Project,* in or sometimes necessity, are our building was named for advocate on behalf of creative collaboration with e Mural driven to master many trades. Francis Hopkinson (1737– careers, respect for artists and Arts Program and executed Starting on June 30 during a 1791), an exceptional citizen, their rights, arts education with the help of students of community paint day in the signer of the Declaration of and arts access. the Philadelphia Center of

For Those Interested

his note is for those eligible voters in the polling Division with a 27% turnout commenting on this off-year’s T interested in how we at place for the 3rd Division of eligible voters was among depressingly low voter turnout Hopkinson House performed of Philadelphia’s 5th Ward. those with the highest voter throughout the country, stated our civic duty by voting in the According to information from turnout in the city, although “When so many Americans November 2013 Philadelphia the web, our state’s and city’s significantly lower than don’t even bother to exercise Municipal Elections. turnout of registered voters previous off-year elections! the franch ise, the story about Hopkinson House residents (about 11%) was lower than In the New Yorker’s November last Tuesday should be what make up the majority of the 20% predicted. Our 18 issue, George Packer, didn’t happen.” n

Hi Tech. Hi Touch. A Winning Combination–in Person and on the Web!

Hopkinson House LISTEDNDJ U S T RENTED S O L D F O R R E N T Unit #1316-18 – a combined 3 Unit #2002 – 2 Bedroom Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath with Balcony 1 1/2 Baths with Balcony facing overlooking Washington Square. Washington Square. Northeast J U S T S O L D Corner, Upgraded Kitchen and Baths, Parquet Floors. AVAILABLE Unit #1718 – Studio facing IMMEDIATELY. $2,500/Month West with great skyline views. Includes all Utilities.

Please Note – Buying? Selling? Renting? I have Qualified Buyers looking for all sizes Please call or email your Neighbor of units. If anyone is interested in selling, please call or e-mail your Neighbor! Rosemary Fluehr Associate Broker, GRI

215-440-8195 – Direct [email protected] 215-627-6005 – Office www.rosemaryfluehr.com 215-514-9884 – Cell 530 Walnut Street, Suite 260 8 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 9 Young Residents Star in Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker Nelly Childress

opkinson House resi- ballet at the Academy of Marius Petipas was first a fairy ta le taking place in Hdent Tino Karakousis, Music in December. Tino’s performed in St. Petersburg the Stahlbaum House at age 7, was the youngest of sister, Maria Karakousis, was in 1892. Since then many Christmas, involves, of course, four boys who was reported one of the danc ers in the party choreographers have made a nutcracker who turns into in the press as “entirely scene in the first act, and had their own version of the ballet a prince, and is usually believable” in the role of Fritz, the role of Polichinelle [Pun - outside Russia. e New York performed in the United Clara’s [or Marie’s] mischie- chinello] — a marionette — City Ballet gave its first States during the winter vous younger brother, in in the second act. A two-act performance of Balanchine’s holiday season. n Balanchine’s e Nutcracker ballet choreographed by version in 1954. e ballet, Pop-Up Movie Nights in the Solarium! Susan Tomita

re you a TV binge- Nights, you are guaranteed at more movie nights to of laughing alone together Awatcher? Has your happy endings. Check the follow — and so they will, in the dark. iPad replaced the cinema? bulletin boards for event in a less elaborate form, If you need big explosions For films worth leaving your times and details. for the wider Hopkinson and celebrities to stay awake, couch, Washington Square House community. Testing of projection and A&E may be the better bet. Citizens’ League’s Pop-Up sound for movies in the Pop-Up Movie Nights offer Other wise… give Pop-Up Movie Nights start on solarium began last spring. small film gems you’re likely Movie Nights a try. Share January 7 in the Hopkinson e WSCL’s Book Group to have missed or forgotten. in the surprise and delight House solarium. and eater Group hosted a Enjoy neighborly chats before of big-screen stories designed You will laugh. You also may film-and-pasta eve ning in July. the lights dim and after they for seeing in the company cry. But on Pop-Up Movie An on the House article hinted return. Relish the experience of others. n 10 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE Holiday at Hopkinson House

omeone mentioned friendship but we also For those of us who do not for Philabundance. e show S that the holidays seem to continued a tradition to listen to WPLY, Preston Eliot awards prizes to individuals make people more kind, more participate in the Holiday and Steve Morrison, the host and groups that donate the patient, and more generous. Toy Drive for e Salvation and co-host of WPLY “e most food. Since 1998 the At Hopkinson House we not Army. is year we also Beat,” camp out in a motor event has raised hundreds only celebrated the holiday donated to Preston and home for one week in of tons to feed the hungry season with song, food and Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger. November to raise food across the Delaware Valley. n

Hanukkah

n November 27 of the Hanukkah festival. burned for eight days and to Margie Weinstein, Oover fifty residents us began the celebration nights on a one-day supply. Minna Savar, Shirley and families assembled in the of light, of the heroic With Murray Savar at the Silverman and Paul Coyne, lobby in front of a beautifully Maccabees who recaptured piano and Shirley Silverman who took charge of this set table to celebrate the first the holy city of Jerusalem leading the assembly, the walls celebration. Lisette Tarragano day of the eight-day Feast from the Syrians, the of the lobby echoed the joyful who usually manages this of Dedication. e Blessings rededication of the Temple songs that followed. Latkes, event was on a trip. Her were said; Shamash was the followed by the happiness/ wine and traditional dishes gracious presence was candle first lit and then used thanksgiving that the holy were served. Young and old greatly missed. n to light the first daily candle oil for the Golden Menorah had a great time, thanks Pictures by David Roberts by David Pictures

Minna Savar lighting the first candle Shirley Silverman leading the singing with Murray Savar at the piano ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 11 Christmas

he Christmas celebration and their guests, thanked were Rosina Coltellaro and DelSoldo, the dynamic T attracted young and old the organizers and invited Diane Rossheim, who was Connie Pearlstein, Shirley first to the lobby for the tree- all to the party in the pleasantly surprised for this Silverman, Susan Tomita, lighting and caroling led by Solarium. e tree shone was the first time she had Larry Meehan, Roger Moss our incomparable Murray wi th a thousand lights at the won a prize. and Scott Childress who Savar at the piano. Jolly sound of “O Christmas Tree.” managed the food and Many, many thanks go to “Jingle Bells” and favorites e atmosphere was festive refreshments. the volunteers who made such as “I Dream of a White and joyful and persisted at the it all possible: Gail Winkler, We deeply regret that the Christmas” resounded party in the tastefully decorated Paul Coyne, Lynn Miller Agnes Irwin Bel Cantos were throughout the lobby. Solarium. e food and the and Rosina Coltellaro who prevented by snow and ice President of Council Paul friendliness were exceptional. decorated the Solarium; from performing on the Coyne welcomed the residents Winners of the door prizes to Mauriel Holland, Louis 14th of December. n r Pictures by Bari Sho by Bari Pictures

Young guests at the party Murray Savar at the piano Louis DelSoldo and Connie Perlstein in the kitchen

Paul Coyne welcoming residents and guests at the tree lighting Murray and Minna Savar at the piano, lighted tree in background

Moving the piano to the Solarium Meeting old friends and making new ones at the party 12 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 13 Oskar Stonorov, Architect of Hopkinson House Louis DelSoldo

n a balmy Monday outdoor space, sculpture, Oevening in late October, grocery stores, library and even Otto Reichert-Facilides spoke a kindergarten. e three- story to members of the Washington concrete structure with brick Square Citizens League about façade was placed on the Oskar Stonorov and the archi- National Register of Historic

tectural design for Hopkinson Places in 1998. Tomita by Susan Picture House. Reichert-Facilides, a Stonorov cultivated and devel- retired AIA architect and chief oped friendships with many designer of Academy House, influential people. He and Erik was a personal friend of Oskar Erikson, the psychologist who Stonorov and of his family as expanded Freud’s developmen- well. Adding a personal note of WSCL sponsored Otto Reichert-Facilides program tal theory across the lifespan, warmth to the meeting was the on Oskar Stonorov. attended high school together presence of Oskar Stonorov’s in Frankfurt, where they stud- daughter and granddaughter. ied Greek, Latin and philoso- solarium, courtyard, balconies, Oskar Stonorov (1905-1970), phy. ey remained life-long retail space and garage are all humanist, city planner, friends . Stonorov was a great testimonies to his vision of pianist and sculptor, was admirer of Swiss architect urban living. truly a Renais sance man. Le Corbusier, and, along with After attending a planning Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Willy Boesiger, researched and confere nce in Chicago in 1947, he studied at the University edited Le Corbusier’s complete Stonorov conceived of the of Florence, Italy, and worked archives. Stonorov was also idea of the Better Philadelphia as an apprentice to French a friend of internationally Exhibition, which was later ex- sculptor Aristide Maillol. After ac claimed architect Frank hibited at Gimbels. At the core immigrating to the United Lloyd Wright and organized of the exhibit was an interactive States, Stonorov settled in the largest show ever of Wright’s map showing Philadelphia as it Philadel phia. Sto no rov was work, which was displayed here then existed. Built on wooden strongly influenced by Urbanism, in Philadelphia in the old blocks, viewers were able to a city move ment much in vogue Gimbels Department Store in flip the box to see designs for in Germany in the 1930’s. 1951, and later at the Strozzi a future Philadelphia — the Urbanism is based on sociolog- Palace in Flore nce where Ston - Broad Street train shed flipped ical studies of human life in o rov had attended university. to reveal a glittering Penn densely populated areas, and In Philadelphia in the 1940’s Center, a dilapidated Vine generally advocated an integra- Stonorov worked closely with Street flipped to become the tion of city planning with urban Louis Kahn to develop housing Vine Street Expressway, and design, growth projections and projects throughout the state of the factories and warehouses technological advances. Pennsylvania, including Carver along the river at Market Street Because he was not yet Court in Coatesville. He also to become Penn’s landing. a registered architect, he collaborated with Kahn on Stonorov was a long-time partnered with William Pope several books, including You friend of Walter Reuther, the Barney, who was able to obtain and Your Neighborhood (1944). United Auto Workers leader the required city permits, and Philadelphia architect Robert during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. in 1933 together they built Venturi also worked for Stono - ey shared an interest in the one of the first public housing rov in the 1950’s. Philadelphia social, economic and political projects in the United States, City Planner Ed Bacon and enhancement of the working the Carl Mackley Houses for Oskar Stonorov were lifelong class. ey both loved music, members of the Full-fashioned friends as were their families. art and sculpture. ey died Hosiery Workers Union. He designed Casa Farnese together when Reuther’s Lear Located at Adams Avenue and at 13th and Lombard and Jet veered out of control near M Street in the Juniata Park of course Hopkinson House. Pelliston Airport in Emmet section of Philadelphia, this His sculpture of Adam and County, Michigan. Oskar project of individual apart- Eve, executed by Vivarelli, will Stonorov was survived by ments for union workers was soon adorn our courtyard once his wife Elizabeth, three revolutionary with its garages, again. e Hopkinson House daughters and one son. n 14 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE

Digital Mammography

at the Tuttleman Center

Pennsylvania Hospital outpatient radiology at the Tuttleman Center provides patients with outstanding personalized care from board certified radiologists.

Mammography remains the most accurate screening method for detecting breast cancer. Digital mammography offers several advantages over traditional mammography including: � The ability to detect tumors difficult to identify � Enhanced imaging details for radiologists; by traditional mammography allowing greater precision and eliminating the � Flexible plates for greater comfort need for repeat screening � Completion of exam in half the time of � The ability to store and send images traditional mammography electronically, providing instant access to your medical records anywhere in the world � Less radiation exposure than traditional mammography

All mammography films are read by full-time, board-certified Penn radiologists who specialize in breast imaging. Mammography appointments are typically scheduled within the week of the initial request.

Other services include: Tuttleman Center � Ultrasound 1840 South Street, 3rd Floor � MRI Philadelphia, PA 19146 � CT scan Phone: 215.829.6670 � DEXA (bone mineral density measurements) Fax: 215.893.7011 � General diagnostic radiography � DentaScan For directions and parking information, please visit PennMedicine.org/radiology. ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 15 All-New Franklin Court Museum Lynn Miller

hiladelphians may feel Market to Chestnut Streets. P they are so familiar with In addition to the outline Benjamin Franklin that his of the original house, visitors amazing legacy can breed, can read quotations from the if not contempt, a shrug Franklins’ letters to each other of indifference. Maybe we mis- relating to its progress while

take the slightly dotty old guys it was under construction — Roberts by Simon Picture tottering about town for the a period in which Ben was actual Ben, though it’s only serving as colonial agent in his impersonators. Why not London, leaving Debby to get better acquainted with the oversee completion of their real Franklin? We’re residents residence. e creation of of his neighborhood, after all. Franklin Court in the 1970’s It’s easy and rewarding to visit also saw the restoration of the spanking new tribute to houses on Market Street that The All-New Franklin Court Museum Ben in the museum below Franklin had owned and rented is spooled out in bites graphic with him. Even though, at Franklin Court. You’re sure or lived in, along with the enough to entertain young- 70, Franklin had reached to come away with new respect carriageway between them that sters, but with plenty of nour- what we might regard as for the man. You’ll find the gives access to the court itself. ishment for anyone seriously retirement age, some of his museum’s make-over very Also opened in 1976 was interested in learning about greatest accomplishments attractive, too. the museum beneath the the man and his enormous, still lay in the future. He From the time he arrived court, accessed through multi-faceted legacy. Although soon would be elected to the here as a seventeen-year-old an unobtrusive door and a few of Franklin’s household Continental Congress which runaway until his death sixty- a rather forbidding staircase. treasures are on display, don’t produced the Declaration of seven years later, Franklin e cutting-edge technology expect to see many precious Independence, a document he made the 300 block of Market of the time — princess phones artifacts. All the familiar helped draft. Franklin’s fellow Street his home base. Beginning for conver sation with Ben portraits of the man are revolutionaries then named with the nation’s Bicentennial and his contemporaries, re productions, meant to him the would-be new nation’s in 1976 — a mere 186 years flashing neon signs on illustrate the phases of his life. ambassador to France. after his death — Franklin mirrored walls — looked So, too, are the documents, For almost nine years, he Court has commemorated increasingly antiquated after letters, and publications. But was responsible, first, for Franklin’s life. e National 35 years. So the museum was what a story they tell! Self- persuading the government Park Service acquired the site closed more than two years made man, printer, journalist, of Louis XVI to support the in 1948. After archaeological ago for a complete makeover. inventor, scientist, leading American cause, then to work there, artifacts dating Reopened last summer, it citizen, philanthropist, essay- construct the peace treaty with from Franklin’s time were bears little resemblance to the ist, diplomat. All of that and Britain that gave the United revealed. at finally led to space that was. An enlarged more in one lifetime, all well States its independence. creation of the above-ground and light-filled entrance lobby set forth in the exhibits. Whew! court with its suggestions of leads you past a ticket counter So, take the full measure of the house Franklin had built and attractive new gift shop, Franklin was 79 when he the man in a leisurely hour for himself and his wife, then down into the spacious finally returned from Paris or two in the new museum. Deborah, when he was museum. ere, the old to his home on Market Street. en, back up in the court- in his mid-fifties. technology has been replaced His participation in the yard, imagine Franklin living with today’s latest: touch- Constitutional Convention e Bicentennial reconstruc- here when you peer at the screens for interactive displays, was still to come , in 1787. tion was designed as a “ghost inscriptions and architectural animations, videos, and a But what is truly revealing is house” by the architects fragments of the house itself. talking squirrel for the kids. his energy in that same year Venturi Scott Brown because His public obligations were for a major building project. no exact plans of the original While that updating may so great, in fact, that he didn’t e 81-year-old Franklin house had survived. Franklin’s be the first thing you’ll notice, actually get to live here until decided to increase the size own grandchildren had it what’s more important is the the eve of the Revolution. of his house by some thirty demolished in 1812 to make full treatment the museum By then, Deborah had died percent! at gave him a big way for a development of gives to Franklin, who comes while he was still at his post new dining room, 16 by 30 ½ rental housing on both sides alive as one of the most in London. eir daughter, feet, with a table that seated of a newly created street that remarkable figures of his Sally Bache, and her family ran through the block from or any age. e life of Ben then shared the residence continued on page 17 16 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE

“BUNDLE AND SAVE UP TO 25%.” - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Nationwide Insurance® Customer

CALL for a QUOTE TODAY! (215) 574-9080 Deanna Gannon Coyne Gannon Coyne & Associates, Inc. 108 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance CoCompaany aannd AAffilialiatedte Commpanies. Hoome Office: Columbus, OH 43214 5. Subject to underwritingg guidelines, revieew,w andd apprpprovaaal. Prodductduc s and discouunts not aavailable to all personsons in all states. Savings compared to standaloalone price off eeach home,e autooo, and lifife policycy, based on naational new customerer datd a from May 2010. A vailability and discounts vary by prroducu t, stateat and other factorsrs. The NAACASCAR Nationwide Serieses logo is used under license by t the National Associatioion for SStock Car Auto RRaciing,ng, Inc. and Nattiono wide Mutual Insuurance Company. NASCAR® and the NASCNA AR® logo are registerededd tradademarks of tthe Nationala Association for Stock Carar Auto Racing, Inc. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance and the NatNationwnwidede framf emmarark are service marks of Nationwidde Mutual Insurance Company. ©2011 Nationwidwide Mutual Insurance Compao pany.n AllA l rights resere erved. Paid endorsement. The JR MMotorsports logo and the name, likeness and signignature of Dale Earnharh dt, Jr.,Jr. and all relr lated trademarkks and copyrighhts are used with the permission of JR Motorsportss, LLC and JRM Licenssing,g, LLC. ADP-13130000 (02/11) ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 17

All-New Franklin Court Museum continued from page 15

twenty-four. e second floor assets, as when he persuaded library was nearly as large, France’s absolute monarch to designed to hold his more send a great army to help in R.Painting/Wallcovering Chobert Decorating Interior/Exterior Co. than 4,000 books, probably a republican cause. So was the largest private library in the good sense with which Creating Beauty Since 1967 North America at the time. he approached every problem, In the music room above, the from inventing bifocals to Rupert Chobert old man, having long since charting the Gulf Stream. 641 Reed Street given up flying kites in thun- No doddering grandfather, tel. 215.389.7788 derstorms, might still occa- the real Ben Franklin was a cel. 267.977.7443 sionally play the violin, the man with an uncommonly fax. 215.755.6655 cello, the harp, or the guitar. restless and brilliant mind. www.rchobertpainting.com Benjamin Franklin’s enormous And a Philadelphian for charm was surely one of his the ages. n Diet and Exercise: A Tragic Story David Roberts

oes anybody remember but, instead of treating it crusad e. at teaching had Dthe name, Jim Fixx? as one man’s idea needing no scientific basis but it still In 1977 James F. Fixx published to be verified, he adopted influences dietary advice, and e Complete Book of Running it as established doctrine. Fixx could easily have fallen (Random House), the first of He ignored advice about diet for the wrong advice. his series of books credited and he avoided the services Exercise with launching the modern of the medical profession. Cover of "The Complete Book running craze. Seven years He considered three donuts, Exercise is good. It boosts of Running" by Jim Fixx later, aged 52, Fixx died from with all thei r sugar and starch, circulation and appetite and Picture by David Roberts a heart attack while running. a suitable breakfast. it strengthens our muscles including the muscle of the common sense, we can live a Comedians and cynics made Fixx was highly intelligent heart. Strenuous exercise much longer, healthier life than much of this but the facts and a member of MENSA. is essential for people who poor Jim. Nature is usually of the case do not negate the He was a magazine editor and depend on superior strength very patient with us, giving benefits claimed for running. an engaging and persuasive and stamina such as athletes us plenty of time to mend our Fixx’s father had died of a writer. Fixx also wrote books and soldiers. A healthy heart, ways, and serious warnings of heart attack at an even younger of puzzles for the super-intelli- however, does not require the the need to do so. Fixx had 17 age, 43, and he evidently was gent but his self-deception stress of long-distance running years from t he time he started not a runner. showed a serious lack of judg- but, if our hearts are healthy, running to the day he died, ment. Had Fixx sought the Fixx was known to have such exertion should cause no and he had complained of help of a cardiologist, had his an enlarged heart, to be over- harm. If you have a heart like pain and tightness in his chest. heart treated (at autopsy his weight (almost 220 pounds), Jim Fixx’s you need medical Nature couldn’t have been coronary arteries were found and to be a heavy smoker attention and a healthy diet, more generous, but he ignored to be as much as 95% blocked), when, at age 35, he decided to not extreme endurance exercise. her and paid with his life. and changed his diet, he might change his ways. He stopped Remember — orchestra have outlived some of the e greater tragedy would smoking, started running long conductors and grandmothers comedians who mocked him. have been if some of Fixx’s distances, and shed 60 pounds. tend to outlive athletes. many disciples had died His trim, muscular body was Nutritional confusion Afterthoughts prematurely as a result of then superb but it masked a In the 1970’s and 80’s If you combine a healthy, following his dangerous advice. time-bomb ticking in his chest. nutritional teaching was in low-carbohydrate diet with For several years after Fixx’s Fixx was strongly influenced chaos, and choosing a suitable moderate exercise such as death there were, in fact, b y a Californian pathologist diet was confusing. By 1970 walking, drink sensibly, and frequent reports of well- who advanced the idea that the role of sugar in cardiovas- don’t smoke, you have a good kno wn people dying of heart people who did not smoke cular disease had been well chance of living past 80 with attacks while running or jog- and who ran long distances established by careful scientific a healthy heart. Most of us do ging but I don’t recall seeing were not susceptible to heart research but the 1970’s also not have the superb physique such reports recently. Perhaps disease. is was the exact saw the beginning of Ancel and stamina of Jim Fixx at his we have learned to take our message Fixx wanted to hear Keys’ politically driven anti-fat best or his lofty IQ but, with physicians more seriously. n 18 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · WINTER 2014 · 19

SMART RESPONSIVE EXPERIENCED

Bari Shor Real Estate MatchMaker

Whether you’re selling or buying a home in amazing Center City, Bari Shor cares and delivers for you. I am your neighbor, let me be your Realtor,® too!

215-790-5678 [email protected] 215-546-0550 x 5678 20 · WINTER 2014 · ON THE HOUSE