Our front yard by Lynn Miller century later. In April, 1777, on the The beautiful green park John Adams wrote to Abigail, reclining at our feet is one of “I have spent an hour, this the great reasons to live in morning, in the congregation Hopkinson House. It’s our of the dead. I took a walk into front yard, a serene and leafy the Potter’s Field, a burying ouse walkway in all seasons, a buffer ground . . . and I never in my H The Newsletter of from the city’s hurly-burly, and whole life was affected with a barrier to new construction so much melancholy.” Today’s Hopkinson House • Fall 2009 crowding in around us. For all green park was then that that, we should take a moment melancholy plot of land. A to say a silent thank you now 19th century historian, J. F. and then to William Penn and Watson, wrote that in 1805 his surveyor, Thomas Holme. the houses surrounding the Little pieces When they conceived their square were “as miserable planned city in 1682, they and deformed a set of huts designated this 6.4-acre square and sheds as could well be along with four others—one imagined.” Not a pricey condo of our history in each corner, plus one in in sight! by Enny Cramer until the 1760s that residential the center—as urban oases to The nice urban plan When are sherds and development began. Large punctuate Philadelphia’s grid devised by Penn and Holme other “stuff ” important? tracts of land were divided and of streets. was just too visionary for In case you are interested sold as individual housing lots But the grandeur of Philadelphia’s first century. in the answer to this odd by Caleb Cresson, a wealthy today’s Washington Square is Even though the city grew question, we suggest you visit Quaker. What is now Race a far cry from its beginning. rapidly, becoming the largest the former Visitor Center at Street, on the North side of the Misery ruled in the early years, in the colonies by the time of the corner of 3rd and Chestnut plot, used to be called Sassafras and a near-death crisis came a see square, page 10 Streets, which currently houses Street. the Independence Living By the end of the History Center. Since 2005 American Revolution the area Cityscape this archeology laboratory, was home to small business by Muriel Stein under the guidance of three owners of many religious and paid archeologists and 35 ethnic backgrounds. Betsy Night and lights and city sleeps. part-time volunteers, processes Ross spent her final years Tire sounds on quiet streets. and analyzes the collection’s on Cherry Street, south of more than one million ceramic Race Street. By the end of the River flows like a giant moat. sherds (better known as 19th century the area became Moaning horn from a passing boat. shards), metal objects, glass commercialized as residents fragments, animal and fish moved to the suburbs. During Pulsating light on tower afar bones as well as seeds. The the 20th century the block Piercing the night like a reckless star. artifacts originated solely from continued to change with the archeological excavations at construction of factories. Refinery burning oil excess. the site of the present National During the 1950s and Would that emotions had such egress. Constitution Center conducted 1960s the buildings on between 2000 and 2003. this and other blocks were Cities would quiet, no shots or sirens, Before 1688, when the demolished, with state funding, No blackjacks, daggers or tire irons. first European settlers arrived, to allow the construction of the National Constitution Independence Mall (a park, Fear would lessen, relaxing tensions Center site was home to completed in 1967). In 1973 And peace prevail in new directions. the Lenape Indians, an the management of the mall Algonquian-speaking tribe was taken over by the National Author’s note: My inspiration came as I gazed of hunters and farmers, Park Service and became part south from my high window at night. populating the Delaware of Independence National Valley. However, it was not see sherds, page 17 2 • FALL 2009 • ON THE HOUSE on the ouse HEditorial Committee Nelly M. Childress Enny Cramer Byron Fink Lynn Miller Dan Rothermel Susan Tomita
Graphic Design Desperate Hours Productions [email protected]
Advertising Nancy Snyder (215) 627-1731
Council Liaison & Photography David S. Roberts
Issue Contributors Nelly Childress Enny Cramer Byron Fink Judi Forte Lynn Miller Jason Norris David Roberts Muriel Stein Photography: Courtesy of Steve Weixler of Steve Courtesy Photography: ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 3 Message from Management Electricity a concern now and on into 2011 by Judi Forte During budget season we Agency urges careful The front-desk staff Summer is officially feel an obligation to remind handling of broken bulbs. may not accept delivery of over and I am sorry to see it you of the deregulation of If a bulb breaks the Agency dry cleaning, furs or any end. Hopkinson House pool electric rates which begins recommends that you turn off hanging clothing. Please make members and guests enjoyed in 2011. We are told that your HVAC system and open arrangements with your dry a wonderful pool season. I electric rates will increase a window to air out the room cleaner and/or your furrier am sure that many of you are substantially in 2011 unless before clean-up. Don’t sweep to have these items delivered storing up memories from legislation is passed to or vacuum the broken glass directly to your unit when you days and evenings at the pool extend the cap on these rates. which can spread the mercury. are at home. Staff members will and are counting the days until Although residents do not Wear disposable gloves to not accompany them to your it re-opens next year. Plans receive an individual bill from scoop up the glass fragments. unit. for the hallway renovations PECO, this increase in rates Use sticky tape to pick up the The front-desk staff are continuing to move will be reflected in the annual rest. Place the broken bulb is prohibited from holding forward. The committee that owners’ assessments in 2011. and glass in a glass jar with cash for residents. Payment is choosing alternative carpet It is not too soon to begin a lid or a sealed plastic bag. arrangements for housekeepers, options has been meeting with preparing for that eventuality. Wipe the area with a damp contractors, vendors, etc. must carpet factory representatives All of the lighting in paper towel. be made by the residents directly and studying many different the common areas is energy A step up from the CFLs with their service people. patterns, designs, weaves, etc. efficient. Owners and is LED bulbs which are even Hopkinson House will not be to find the carpet that will be residents have a responsibility more energy efficient. These responsible for cash left at the perfect for the hallways. to do their part as well. LED bulbs are a bit more front desk. Although it hardly Considering the number of expensive, but will go down in UPS, FedEx, USPS seems possible, CAMCO, apartments in this building cost as time goes on. and DSL packages should be the Council and the Finance and the number of light picked up within 24 hours of Committee are working on the bulbs used in the apartments, their delivery. We are unable 2010 operating budget and changing over to CFL light Message from to hold these packages for the capital budget which will bulbs for your lamps and light Council any extended length of time. extend through 2018. With fixtures can reduce the cost Please make arrangements all of the major projects and of lighting the apartments to pick up your deliveries continually rising costs, every tremendously. The CFL bulbs Hallway promptly. HHOA is not effort is being made to make have become very affordable responsible for loss or damage prudent decisions regarding for everyone and will last at to packages delivered to the how your money is spent. least 10 times longer than the update building. These decisions are made with incandescent bulbs that you by Jason Norris If you are experiencing a the assistance of engineers find yourself replacing every President medical emergency and need and consultants who are tops few months. The design of Over the summer, an ambulance, please call 911 in their fields. An update of these bulbs is continuing to members of Council, with directly. Do not call the front the capital reserve study was evolve and chandelier bulbs the able assistance of several desk to make this emergency done last year. This study is and decorative bulbs are design consultants and call for you. This wastes an important working tool now available. These bulbs members of the Design valuable time. The dispatcher when undertaking capital may be purchased in home Committee, have continued to will ask certain questions about improvements to the building. improvement stores, Walmart, work towards completing the symptoms you are experiencing The 2010 budgets will be Target, supermarkets, drug details for the design of the that only you are able to presented to the membership stores and anywhere that hallways. Council will vote on answer and this may delay on Thursday, December 10, bulbs are sold. For those of the major components of the the ambulance’s arrival at the 2009, at 7:30 P.M., in the you who are unable to go design in the next few weeks. building. solarium. Those who are out to shop, they may be After these components are You may now pay your unable to attend in person purchased online also. The finalized, we will publish monthly condominium fees by will be able to watch the CFLs contain a small amount further details on our website, credit card online. If you find presentation on the in-house of mercury and the U.S. http://www.thehopkinsonhouse. that your payment is going channel 98. Environmental Protection com. see management, page 21 SMART, RESPONSIVE, EXPERIENCED “Real Estate MatchMaker”
Whether you’re selling or buying a home in amazing Center City, Bari Shor cares and delivers for you.
Call Bari today: 215-790-5678 email: [email protected]
Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors 215-546-0550 x 5678
Bonnie Silverman 215-922-3544 [email protected] www.silvermanfinancial.com ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 5 The tintinnabulation of biscuit tins by Byron Fink show in, say, Cincinnati, Ohio with this fascinating object, (And by the time I heard of I enjoy going to antique Atlantique City. began my interest in British it, out of print. I assembled shows and flea markets. The Miss America show biscuit tins. I might consider a complete set volume-by- They’re full of an amazing is also but a memory in them cookie containers, volume over variety of things ranging from Atlantic City. but because the Brits call several years.) family heirlooms to empty cookies “biscuits,” biscuit The best find was a cereal boxes that people What is this? tins is what they are. The gorgeously-printed and slip- have—perhaps absent- At the Atlantique tins all were given names at cased book called British mindedly, perhaps lovingly— City show circa 1990, my their debut, but calling the Biscuit Tins 1868–1939 by saved. The kinds of things attention was drawn to aforementioned beady-eyed M. J. Franklin, published that George Carlin called a dealer’s nine-inch-high bird “Bluebird” is a cruel joke in 1979. Mr. Franklin, a “stuff.” ceramic sculpture of a bizarre, because it’s surly and moody. Londoner, who had made One of my favorite hunch-shouldered, beady- How about calling it “The his first of hundreds of tin haunts is Atlantique City, eyed bird. I picked it up for Raven”? purchases in 1951, explained the antique-slash-not-quite- a closer look. Way up. It was in the book’s preface, “There antique shows in the much lighter in weight than I I do research is one question I have been Atlantic City Convention expected. I wanted to know more. asked time and time again: Center. These shows have “What is this?” I asked. In the early 1990s, I couldn’t ‘What ever made you start at least 1,000 dealers, each “It’s a biscuit tin”, came the do much research online; collecting old biscuit tins?’ offering at least 500 items. dealer’s reply. Whaddya know. you had to get up off your The answer is simply— This means (luckily, I have It wasn’t ceramic, it was tin. big, fat couch. There wasn’t they are fun.” The preface a calculator nearby) continues, “I smiled half a million things to to myself when I look at. Which I tried discovered that the tirelessly to do. object in my hands was not a set of eight On the Boardwalk leather-bound books For more than 20 held together with a years, Atlantique City buckled strap, but a tin used the very same container.” Convention Hall where the Miss America The origin of competition was held— biscuit tins sadly, not at the same During Queen time. Too bad; it would Victoria’s reign, have been a grand the British Empire opportunity for included not just the Bert Parks to ask the British Isles but areas contestants, “Which do The author shows off part of his collectible library, source of and companion to his all over the world. you think would more array of biscuit tins. Cookies, those fragile, likely lead to world crispy things meant peace: Burpee seed packets “It’s named ‘Bluebird’ and it much material about British to accompany afternoon tea, with pictures of luscious was introduced in 1911,” he biscuit tins. The most were shipped wide distances. tomatoes or Dixie Cup lids explained. reliable repositories were The best material for keeping with photos of movie stars?” I pulled the head off Barnes & Noble (which them whole and wholesome Lamentably, in 2010 (that’s how you got at its used to carry old auction was a tin container. In the late and thereafter, the Atlantique contents). On the underside catalogs) and used- 19th century, the science (or City show will become a of the head I saw “McVitie & book shops. A delightful is it an art?) of lithography Midwest-America antiques Price Biscuit Manufacturers compilation was the sixteen- on tin had been mastered. event, which probably means to HM The KING”—sort of volume, generously-illustrated Because competition between a change of name; it would a Good Housekeeping seal Encyclopedia of Collectibles, cookie/biscuit-makers was be silly to call an antiques of recommendation. Thus, issued by Time-Life in 1978. see tins, page 19 Photography: David S. Roberts David Photography:
ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 7 Foxwoods’ casino yo-yo still spinning by Enny Cramer to locate at either Market Just as the anti-casino Street location. So, folks were getting ready to Foxwoods was forced back to throw themselves in front of its original riverfront site. heavy building equipment The target date of to avert the development May 22, 2009 for being of the Foxwoods Casino operational having long either at the Gallery or passed, Foxwoods applied at the Strawbridge site, for a 24-month extension of the Pennsylvania Gaming its license to be operational. Control Board forced them And what do you know, to rethink their tactics. the Board found no reason You may remember that to deny this request at its Foxwoods was originally August 28 meeting. The given a license in December new target date, however, In the News 20, 2006 to operate a is not to go beyond May casino with a minimum 29, 2011. of 1,500 slot machines at The Board set tight the South Philadelphia guidelines on financing Pick up a pianist Delaware riverfront site, resources, and on any new just North of Wal-Mart, to plan or any changes to the be operational by May 22, original architectural and at the market 2009. Opposition to the engineering plans. These riverfront location prevailed are to be submitted by by Nelly Childress and 7:00 p.m.” Ken Artz and Foxwoods agreed to December 1 of this year. Our neighbor Kenneth plays on Friday afternoons at consider a move to the Given the Artz, who generously 4:00 p.m. Gallery at Market East. Mashantucket Pequot enlivens Hopkinson What Stearns says about But, owing to the Tribal Nation’s current House Holiday parties Ken gives you an idea of how unwillingness of the owners dire financial straits with his piano playing, these concerts develop: “Ken of the Market Street sites (Philadelphia Inquirer, was interviewed by none Artz, a retired accountant, to host a casino in their September 11, 2009), its other than the Philadelphia has a vocal sidekick in buildings, in addition to adherence to the Board’s Inquirer’s music critic David Mendelssohn Club veteran fierce opposition from schedule seems a Herculean Patrick Stearns. Ted DeCerchio, who sings many civic groups (amongst task—the tribe holds a The article “Playing the Sinatra songbook with others our own Society minority stake in Foxwoods. for tips, practice, fans, or him. … Artz knows his duet Hill Civic Association), We’ll see. themselves” (August 31, partner in ‘Love is a Many- our state representative And let’s not forget 2009) reports and comments Splendored Thing’ only by and our state senator, this that our Governor, not on the Reading Terminal his first name.” plan fell through when withstanding all existing data, Market’s “formal concert Read the article, and the Pennsylvania Gaming has just suggested that table performances where about some Friday afternoon Control Board on games are to be added to the 20 pianists play a small take a walk to the Reading September 1 decided to slot machines in our State to Yamaha on a revolving Terminal Market to hear deny Foxwoods’ request fill our budget gap. n schedule between 9:00 a.m. Ken Artz perform. n Photography: David S. Roberts David Photography: Ristorante La Buca Celebrating 26 Years
Opening a pasta/bar menu served
from 11:30 a.m. through closing
Eat in or takeout
(215) 928-0556
� ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 9 The Big Band is back again! by David Roberts an Englishman by birth, This is the third year who has been with the band in a row that the Big Band for 39 years. Bill arranges from the Valley has come the music for the 17-piece to Hopkinson House in band. He also leads the September to entertain trumpet section and sings. us. And entertain us they I asked Bill why he had do. The Big Band plays requested only eleven chairs popular swing pieces and for the musicians, fearing early rock music from the that some of the players 1940s and 1950s with such might have left the band or, skill and gusto that few in perish the thought, died. the audience can sit still. Bill said that six of the Their repertoire includes musicians, including the music of Glenn Miller, Duke trumpeters, preferred to play Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, standing up. Benny Goodman, Frank The quality of the Sinatra, Count Basie, Elvis players is very high and Presley, and many other stars Bill Willis says they are of that remarkable period. improving. In an age when The Big Band was people hire a disc jockey formed in the mid-1950s to play canned music at at the Old Mill in Rose weddings and other social Valley, Delaware County, or festive occasions, the before some of the present work available for live players were born. The musicians has declined. band leader is Bob Deddy, As a result, many fine who conducts and does a musicians are looking for lion’s share of the singing. work and the band is able The torch singer is Marge to choose the best. The Big Miller. Band plays at concerts and One of the youngest other functions all over the players is well known to Delaware Valley. most residents of Hopkinson Mid-September House: Theresa (Terri) usually provides warm, Shepard plays the saxophone sunny afternoons that are and clarinet and sings with ideal for music in our back great style. Theresa Shepard, garden. The Big Band’s professional engineer, brass instruments produce directed the installation of a volume of sound that fills our new windows in 2005 the large outdoor space and 2006. Back then we better than that of any other had no idea that Theresa ensemble that has come was also an accomplished to play for us. They are a musician. natural choice for our annual The music director of concerts and we hope they the Big Band is Bill Willis, will keep coming. ■ Photography: David S. Roberts David Photography: 10 • FALL 2009 • ON THE HOUSE Putting together our front yard
square, from page 1 today). Because of the jail’s By 1825, the city was our revolution, it remained deplorable conditions, many finally surrounding Southeast squeezed along the Delaware died and were buried in the Square. In that year, it was riverfront. The State House square across the street, officially declared a park, and (Independence Hall) stood at as were other troops from its name changed to honor the western edge of the city Washington’s Army once the the nation’s first president when construction began on British evacuated the city. Pits (Holme’s other squares were it in 1732. Forests were still 20 by 30 feet were dug along renamed for notables at the being cleared to the Schuylkill. Seventh and Walnut, which same time: Rittenhouse, Southeast Square (our were filled with coffins piled Franklin, Logan, and, in the square’s stolid handle, thanks one atop another until space in center, one for Penn himself ). to Quaker refusal to name the mass grave ran out. Long In 1833, the park was laid places for people) was simply trenches then were dug on out with symmetrical paths a space with two rough roads, the south side. Some 2,000 and trees in a plan similar to a gulch and a stream ambling soldiers may have been buried that today. A French botanist, through it, which City Council here, more than in any other François André Michaux, had designated in 1706 “for single resting place in America. selected the original trees. a common and public burial Then came more—and the By 1846, the park could be ground.” That meant a place last—burials in the terrible viewed as “a beautiful and for paupers, immigrants, year 1793, when yellow fever Washington Square’s Tomb of fashionable promenade,” prisoners, and former slaves swept the city. the Unknown Soldier features contributing to the area’s at a time when upstanding Meanwhile, this graveyard Jean Antoine Houdon’s bronze development for the first citizens could be buried in was a grazing ground for sheep cast of the original marble statue time as a desirable residential churchyards and private plots. and cattle and, by early in the of George Washington created district. Then came the 19th century, a gathering place in 1790. Soon, the square became Revolutionary War. When the for many of the city’s African- the center of Philadelphia’s British occupied Philadelphia Americans, who could often vibrant festivities. Thousands publishing industry. That in 1777, they housed prisoners be seen “going to the graves of black Philadelphians began with the establishment of war in the Walnut Street of their friends early in the sometimes came to what in 1785 of Matthew Carey’s Jail at the corner of Sixth morning, and there leaving became known as “Congo printing business and book and Walnut Streets (where them gifts of victuals and rum,” Square” to dance and sing—“in store, the antecedent of the Penn Mutual Insurance in the words of one observer. their native dialects,” as one Lea and Febiger Publishing Company building stands Those ritual acts also led to white observer put it. see square, page 15 House’s veteran barber Saldutti passes by Nelly Childress Ralph died on July 28 at in the elevator going to work Many of us old-time the age of 94. He continued he was always bright-eyed residents remember Ralph working at the salon until a and bushy-tailed. He was S. Saldutti or, as some couple of years ago, after the well-liked by the “ladies” in affectionately called him, shop was sold to the present the building who depended “Ralph the barber.” He moved owner, Marialana Romagnoli. on him for their hair care. He into Hopkinson House some Over the years some of his dressed dashingly when going 41 years ago. He worked in clients came to Hopkinson out to dinner with friends—a the barber shop that is now House from the suburban favorite pastime of his, I was M’s on the Square Salon. areas for their hair care and told. Many at Hopkinson Prominently displayed to would not think of going House miss him in the salon, this day in the salon is his in the Commonwealth of to anyone else; he trained a in his gray smock, white hair framed “Teacher of Barbering Pennsylvania” issued in number of younger, upcoming and moustache carefully certificate of registration January 1948. barbers. When you met him combed. ■ Photography: Brian Dunaway via Wikipedia (top); courtesy of the Saldutti family (bottom) family of the Saldutti courtesy (top); via Wikipedia Dunaway Brian Photography: CURTIS CENTER 601 WALNUT STREET, LL30 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 P: 215-238-5751
COME SEE WHY OPTIMAL SPORT HEALTH CLUB HAS BEEN VOTED THE “BEST GYM” IN THE CITY!
*AMENITIES INCLUDE PERSONAL TRAINING GROUP CYCLING YOGA PILATES WEIGHT TRAINING CARDIO KICK BOXING EXECUTIVE LOCKER ROOMS TONS OF FREE WEIGHTS GROUP CLASSES TOWEL SERVICE MASSAGE
VISIT US ON THE WEB! WWW.OPTIMALSPORTHEALTHCLUBS.COM
BRING IN THIS AD FOR ONE FREE WEEK AT THE OPTIMAL SPORT HEALTH CLUB CURTIS CENTER LOCATION!
*MUST BE 18 OR OLDER WITH VALID ID. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. OUTSTANDING EXCEPTIONAL C a r e C o m f o r t
AT PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL The Pavilion The private rooms and suites of The Pavilion are designed to bring a premium level of comfort, service and amenities to hospital care that is unsurpassed in the region. The Pavilion addresses all of your personal needs while delivering the excellent care that Pennsylvania Hospital has been providing to all of its patients for more than 250 years.
For more information, call 215.662.4141.
AmenitiesExpress check-in and check-out Gourmet, chef-prepared meals Fine linens and boutique toiletries Afternoon tea Sell to your neighbor at the Hopkinson House! READING TERMINAL MARKET ..... “The soul of Philadelphia.” With PNC, every ATM can be your ATM. — Campus Visit Official Guide We’re dedicated to helping you on your financial journey. Which is why we offer to Philadelphia free ATMs available worldwide. With most PNC checking accounts you won’t MON–SAT be charged an ATM fee, no matter ~ 8 H –6 where life takes you. With PNC, your C & journey will be even more rewarding. R A S pnc.com/leadingtheway & LO U & H N C Aksana Kharko,Branch Manager S Hopkinson House Branch H E A 9 T –
L 5 2 R
1 ~ F
~ ©2008 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank Member FDIC. R
7 E
1 A 3 D E 2 I - N 2 G V Y 2 T -9 E E A 5 R D 1 Restaurant at The Morris House Hotel M RY 2 ` IN ~ A RG Casual dining. Inexpensive small plates and tapas, LMARKET.O amazing homemade pastas, salads, steak and desserts Outdoor tented garden or indoor dining all year round Cozy, elegant bar. Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 Only open Monday-Friday 5:00-10:00 PM. logos and organizational identity Please call for reservations. 215-625-6666 Go to our website “Morrishousehotel.com” publication design for more information about our menu web site and multimedia development writing, editing, and proofreading unified marketing and publicity
Get coverage that’s right for you. basic, bold, beautiful design and communications Save up to $500* when you do. Give me a call or stop in to get a quote. adam blyweiss, proprietor
Gannon Coyne and Associates, Inc. 215-813-9766 fax 215-627-1518 Gannon CoyneDeanna Gannon& Associates, Coyne Inc, 213-215 [email protected] Avenue, Narberth PA 19072 TEL: 610-660-5151213 Haverford [email protected] Avenue Narberth, PA 19072 [email protected] 108 South Street, Philadelphia(610) 660-5151 PA 19147 TEL: 215-574-9080 FAX: 866-721-4442
6 www.desperatehours.com Q01-02Q ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 15 Putting together our front yard
square, from page 10 telling Philadelphia what to Back in 1825, when Mount Vernon at the invitation Company, whose beautiful do is no novelty), calling for a our square was renamed, of Benjamin Franklin to make beaux-arts style building referendum of Philadelphians City Council had also the only life-size statue of the today houses Locks Gallery. to decide the location. A planned to raise a memorial president Washington ever In Paris, Carey had impressed vote was taken in 1870 that to Washington and the sat for. The marble original Benjamin Franklin, who overwhelmingly approved continental soldiers buried remains in the rotunda of commended him to friends building the new facility at there. A cornerstone was laid, Virginia’s capitol in Richmond. in America. Lafayette loaned Center (Penn) Square instead. but no memorial followed. An eternal flame honors the him $400 to get started. Although the five original Visions sometimes linger memory of the unknown Carey’s enterprise was joined squares were thereby reduced long in Philadelphia. Not soldier of the Revolutionary in 1792 by J.B. Lippincott (its to four, at least the one until the mid-20th century, War. 1901 building is today’s posh sacrificed was the one Penn when Mayor Richardson In 1915, some eighty condo to our east). Eventually years after Washington came the Farm Journal (now Square’s first arborist planted Pennsylvania Hospital’s it, a count of the original cancer center to our west), W. plantings found some 104 B. Saunders (another posh varieties. In the near century condo on the west side of the since then, possibly all of square)—best known in later those original trees have had days for publishing the 1948 to be replaced. Still, our park Kinsey Report—and Curtis contains some of the oldest, Publishing Company on loftiest specimens for many Walnut Street (today’s Curtis miles around. In honor of the Center, with its Tiffany-glass nation’s bicentennial, in 1976, mural facing Sixth Street the Moon Tree was planted and soaring neo-Egyptian near the northeast entrance. courtyard facing Seventh). That sycamore sprouted Still another luxe condo, the from seeds carried to the Ayer, was the home from moon and back by astronaut 1928 of the nation’s oldest The culmination of more than 200 years of civic development depicted Stuart Roosa on the Apollo advertising company, N. W. in Elaine Lisle’s oil painting Washington Square Afternoon. XIV mission. (Thirty-three Ayer and Son, founded here years later, the Moon Tree in 1869. had hoped would be set aside Dilworth committed his unfortunately looks stripped Washington Square’s for “houses for publick affairs.” administration to a revival of and most unhealthy.) near-death experience came in When the 20th century our neighborhood, did that The square became part the late 1860s. That was when arrived, so did spiffy new far-off pledge reach fruition. of the Independence National city fathers sought to tear buildings for the principal The Tomb of the Unknown Historic Park several years ago, down Independence Hall and businesses around the square: Soldier was dedicated in 1954. when replanting of elderly and its neighbors to make way for the Curtis, Farm Journal, Ayer, The memorial was designed diseased trees was undertaken. new and improved city office Lippincott, Lea and Febiger, by G. Edwin Brumbaugh Bluestone walkways were buildings on that site. When and Penn Mutual buildings (who was also the architect for straightened and secured, the that proposal brought an all date from the early decades Dilworth’s house across Sixth surrounding red brick wall outcry, the city then decreed of that century. But by the Street, where the mayor would was rebuilt and refreshed, that Washington Square time they were going up, live to show his commitment to and a nicely working fountain should become the home of the city’s toniest residential renewing Society Hill). Its focal now splashes in the central the new city hall instead. Irate neighborhood had shifted point is a 1922 bronze cast of plaza. Neighbors volunteer citizens, led by well-heeled westward, toward Rittenhouse the original marble statue of to help renew flowerbeds in residents of the neighborhood, Square. The Washington Washington created in 1790 by springtime. Children frolic. Old were not appeased. Finally, the Square area had turned the greatest portrait sculptor of folks enjoy the air. Thanks to Commonwealth interceded thoroughly commercial. And the age, Jean Antoine Houdon. many generations, Washington (Harrisburg’s interest in Society Hill was distressed. He had come from Paris to Square is truly grand! ■ OH_HopkinsonHouse_Apr08 4/2/08 10:12 AM Page 1
401 chestnut street | philadelphia, pa 215.925.0000 | www.OmniHotels.com
HH Try our Friends or Family Energized Sunday Brunch & Includes: Shells of the Sea Martini Visiting? Shrimp Cocktail with Jumbo Lump Crab
BUDDAKA N Our Famous Grilled to order Crab Cakes Call Chris Laufer at 215.931.4210 Chilean Sea Bass with Wasabi Mango Coulis PR E S E N T to receive our exclusive Assorted Dim Sum Sundays in the City Fleur de Sel Cured Salmon Crème Brulee, and more... $ * > Deluxe Room Overlooking Independence Park Special Offer 129 $ $ > 125 Buddakan Gift Card (reg. $46.95) Hopkinson House Resident Rate! > Guaranteed Sunday Night Dinner 39 Reservations at Buddakan > Complimentary Valet Parking Special Low Rate $229 plus tax call Chris Laufer at Reservations are recommended. Must present this coupon. *Subject to tax and availability. Only one discount per table. Not available to groups. 215.931.4210 for details Cannot be combined with any other offers. Balance Spa & Fitness at the Omni Hotel NOW OPEN! Memberships Starting at $49 Per Month Swedish Massage Deep Muscle/ 6500 Square Foot Center Star Trac Cardiovascular Equipment Aromatherapy Sports Treatment Heated Lap Pool Body Masters Strength Equipment Hot Stone Therapy Pre-Natal Massage Personal Training Sessions ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 17 Little pieces of our history sherds, from page 1 glass is carefully washed, Historic Park. Before building numbered and put together the National Constitution with special tape, after which Center, archeological the object is taken apart excavations were undertaken again, stored in plastic bags, at the site until 2003. Over categorized and stored in the a million artifacts were Independence Living History recovered. This, however, was Center. As of this writing only not the result of scientific about 18% of the project has curiosity of archeologists to been finished. learn about the past, but was And that is how Volunteers including Hopkinson House neighbor Carolyn Scott mandated by the Historic sherds and other seemingly (right) help analyze and process sherds at the Independence Living Preservation Act of 1966, unimportant “stuff ” become History Center. which requires archeological important. They teach us excavation for all Federal about our past, how people Carolyn Scott, who has been room for more volunteers. projects, with the purpose used to live in our city. washing, labeling, sorting, Don’t worry about having no of learning more about our Since 2007 the work has mending and cataloguing for experience in this field, the past. Since 2005 all artifacts been directed by archeologist more than two-and-a-half staff will train and carefully recovered are being processed Debbie Miller. One of the years with great enthusiasm supervise you. So if you are and analyzed,On which the meansHouse Fall 2009valuable Ad volunteers for WSCL is our own and dedication. We were told interested contact the Center that each sherd or piece of Hopkinson House neighbor, that the Center always has or Carolyn. ■ Confused by the conflicting political ads on TV? T urn it o ff! Join WASHINGTON SQUARE CITIZENS’ LEAGUE at Hopkinson House An organization started in 1996 BY residents FOR residents You will have an opportunity to pose those burning questions to our guest speakers at monthly meetings on hot political and social issues. And you can participate in our lively bi-monthly discussion groups led by knowledgeable residents. At a cost of $5.00 per person per year. Yes, you read it correctly! JOI N TO DAY! Contact Enny Cramer at (215) 925-9809 or
Photography: David S. Roberts David Photography: [email protected]. Pennsylvania Hospital Outpatient Radiology
With two convenient locations in Center City, Pennsylvania Hospital outpatient radiology provides patients with personalized care from an expert team of board certified radiologists and technologists.
Locations Services offered include: Pennsylvania Hospital ß Ultrasound 800 Spruce Street ß Digital Mammography Philadelphia, PA 19107 ß MRI Phone: 215.829.6686 ß CT scan Fax: 215.829.8529 ß DEXA (bone mineral MRI Scheduling density measurements) Phone: 215.829.MRI1 (6741) ß General diagnostic radiography Fax: 215.829.7547 ß DentaScan Tuttleman Center 1840 South Street, 3rd Floor For directions and parking Philadelphia, PA 19146 information, please visit Phone: 215.829.6670 PennMedicine.org/radiology. Fax: 215.893.7011 MRI Scheduling Phone: 215.829.6670 Fax: 215.893.7011 ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 19 The tintinnabulation of biscuit tins tins, from page 5 catching shapes, the care strong tin. One place to fierce, colorful tin containers with which in an earlier see many tin examples of became not only protectors age they were designed as exuberant Victorian and against damage, but also toys or to resemble wood or Edwardian responses to important point-of-purchase porcelain or woven materials competition is Robert Opie’s influencers. Eventually, or leather which have given Museum of Packaging and more than 40,000 different the pre-1939 tins appeal far Advertising in Notting Hill, biscuit tins are believed beyond the humble materials London (well worth a visit). to have been designed for from which they were made. Shows and flea markets the many British biscuit- Candy-makers and now have lots of tins, but makers between 1868 and cigarette-makers and look carefully; some are new, 1939; World War II brought coffee-roasters and peanut inferior reproductions. a 10-year pause to their A fine example of the art and butter packagers and manufacture. When biscuit craft of biscuit tins, designed to myriad household-product Any interests beyond tin production resumed look like a bundle of books. manufacturers all made tins? in 1950, the designs were attractive lithographed tins. Sure. I’ve pursued greatly simplified. Mr. Franklin’s tins (which Scarcely a product—whether knowledge about sheet have since been donated bicycle tyre (British spelling) music, WWI posters, Tins achieve status to and have become a part patches or tooth powder or country stores, Cracker Jack In 1971 and again in of the V & A’s permanent stove polish or phonograph prizes, fruit crate labels and 1984, the Victoria & Albert collection). needles or typewriter lots more. All in all it’s been, Museum in London mounted It’s the attention to ribbons—didn’t take to use M. J. Franklin’s word, hugely successful shows of detail, the unusual and eye- advantage of lightweight, fun. ■
225 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-4414
www.teknikadesigngroup.com
A tree is planted after every completed project
For the Experience... in design and implementation Photography: David S. Roberts David Photography: CI_Ad_vert:Layout 1 5/11/09 3:02 PM Page 1
Jody Dimitruk Realtor®
SM
phone Commitment you can count on. Nick Meli, Jr. 215-342-9961 Integrity you can trust. contracting fax 215-942-9118
Specializing in: web nmjrcontracting.com Interior/Exterior Renovations Fox & Roach, REALTORS® Kitchens and Bathrooms e-mail 1800 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia Electrical/Plumbing info@ nmjrcontracting.com o: 215-893-9800 c: 215-480-4964 Soundproofing [email protected] All Carpentry/Drywall Licensed and Free estimates, just ask! Insured Mkt@Comcast_qtrpg_HH.pdf 10/20/08 2:03:06 PM
Painters Here BC Ads 3/9/07 4:14 PM Page 1
Michael Towson
Cell: (609) 238-3343 Office: (856) 616-9522 Condominium Fax: (856) 616-9217 Painting Specialist Email: [email protected] ON THE HOUSE • FALL 2009 • 21 Electricity a concern now and into 2011 management, from page 3 923-1776 to have housekeeping emergency. New residents have Log on to http://www. to be late, this is the perfect pick up the boxes. this form in their move-in thehopkinsonhouse.com to keep way to be sure your account If you have not completed packet. Please complete the up with what is happening at is credited on time, as long as and returned your emergency form and return it to the front Hopkinson House. it is done by the fifth working information form, please do desk as soon as possible after From Council, day of the month. Log onto so. The information on this moving in. It is also helpful for Management and staff at http://www.camcomgmt.com form is vital in helping us to us to have your e-mail address Hopkinson House, have a safe and click on “Pay Association assist you in the event of an on file. and healthy holiday season. ■ Dues”. There is a 5% service charge for paying by credit card, so we would advise using it only in an emergency situation. To be sure your payments are always credited on time consider signing up for CAMCO’s auto-debit program. Your monthly fees will automatically be deducted from your bank account each month. Applications are available at the Resident Services Desk. Another • Authentic Italian Cuisine method is online banking with you in control. You can • Over 150 Wines by the Glass schedule your payments to go • Winner of Wine Spectator’s out from your bank account automatically the first of each “Best of” Award of Excellence month. If you do on-line banking, be sure your unit • “2008 National Wine Hospitality number is listed on the check Restaurant of the Year Award” for proper credit to your account and be sure that your -- Santé Magazine bank sends the check directly • Private Wine-Cellar Dining to CAMCO at 511 West • Private Wine-Cellar Dining Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. According to informed sources, the real-estate market is beginning to make a recovery. If you are RIISTORANTE PANORAMA anticipating selling or renting at the Penn’’s Viiew Hotell your apartment, please contact Cathy in the management office for the most recent sale Front & Market Streets,, PHIILADELPHIIA and rental information. Sale Reservatiions:: ((215)) 922--7800 prices and monthly rental information are kept on record Complimentary Parking during Lunch and can be very helpful to you. If you have boxes to discard, please do not leave them in the trash room. Call the resident services desk at 215- Advocate for stem cell research & more Protect The environment Heal the world, one person at a time Ensure the future of Israel. Make a difference Be a part of the largest women’s, largest Jewish & largest Zionist organization in the US
Just around the corner, and united around the globe It’s Your Call: 215-732-7100, x113 [email protected] • philly.hadassah.org © 2008 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trade- mark of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
3.5x4.5
“As a first time homebuyer, Johanna made purchasing a home three things I never thought it could be---fast, fun and stress free! Because of her vast knowledge and experience, trustworthiness and professionalism, I have and will continue to recommend her to anyone looking to buy or rent in the Philadelphia area.” -Alyssa D'Alconzo 8’09 “Johanna Loke is simply the best Realtor in Philadelphia. Professional, knows every inch of the city, and knowledgeable in every aspect of the business. She was very determined and quick to sell our condominium at Hopkinson House, as well as excited and Energetic in finding us our dream home! She is a pleasure to work with, answered every question and guided us through the selling and buying process.” -Edmondo & Synthia Blando 8’09
WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO RENT, BUY OR SELL YOUR HOPKINSON HOUSE CONDOMINIUM CALL ME TO PUT THE POWER OF THE MLS AND PRUDENTIAL TO WORK FOR YOU !
RECENT ACTIVITY AT HOPKINSON HOUSE ONE BEDROOM, PARK VIEW WITH BALCONY $279.900. TWO BEDROOM PARK VIEW , UPGRADED KITCHEN AND BATH $489,900. RARELY AVAILABLE TWO BEDROOM AND ONE BEDROOM COMBINED, PARK VIEW $799,900. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR RENT: DELUXE ONE BEDROOM, HIGH FLOOR SOUTH VIEW $1500.00
PRUDENTIAL FOX & ROACH REALTORS
215-893-9800An Independently OFFICE owned and operated member of the Prudential Real 215-350-0922 Estate Affiliates, Inc. CELL For ad production and design questions, please contact Adam at Desperate Hours Productions: (215) 813-9766 or [email protected].