November/December 2012 The Newsletter of The Society Hill Civic Association
SOCIETYHILL Reporter www.societyhillcivic.org Comprehensive Tax Reform Is Needed
ark Wednesday, November 14, on your The Commission also found that Philadelphia Mcalendar. That evening, Jeff Hornstein, compounds the problems of a high overall president of Queen Village Neighbors Asso - tax burden by relying too heavily on wage and ciation, will be joining the Society Hill Civic business taxes — the taxes that are most likely to Association (SHCA) at its General Member - drive residents, businesses and jobs from the city. ship Meeting. Jeff will speak about the need The city’s incomparably high wage and business for comprehensive tax reform in Philadelphia. tax rates have damaged Philadelphia’s economy As reported in past issues, the Society Hill over the past three decades, ultimately reducing Civic Association has joined with 12 other tax revenue and the ability of the City and School civic associations to form the Tax Fairness District of Philadelphia to finance services. Jeff Hornstein, Coalition. Earlier this year, the Coalition Jeff Hornstein, former Service Employees speaker at SHCA’s advocated for delay in implementation of the International Union leader, lives in Queen November General Actual Value Initiative (AVI) until the City had Village and is now president of the Queen Village Membership Meeting completed a thorough and fair assessment. Neighbors Association. He’s also president of the Cooler heads prevailed and Council post- Philadel phia Jewish Labor Committee and has poned the implementation of AVI over the worked for the American Federation of Teachers. recommendation of Mayor Michael Nutter. The General Membership Meeting will take This prudent move by Council offers place at 7:30 p.m. in the Zubrow Auditorium an excellent opportunity for Philadelphia on the first floor of Pennsylvania Hospital, to take the time to broaden its tax reform just inside the main entrance at 8th Street and design a 21st century taxation system near Spruce. All neighbors are invited to attend. that is both competitive and fair. Prior to the General Meeting, we will hold The Tax Reform Commission’s study of the our monthly Board Meet ing at 6 p.m. in the City’s tax system demonstrates that, as a city, Hospital’s Great Court Conference Room. we tax what others do not; our taxes are too All current members of the Society Hill high; and our taxes are unfairly imposed. Civic Association are welcome to attend.
WED. MARK YOUR CALENDAR WALKING IN THE PARK Nov. Society Hill Civic Association Meetings 14 Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Pennsylvania Hospital 8th & Spruce Streets 6:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting Pennsylvania Hospital Great Court Meeting Room All SHCA members are welcome. 7:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting Pennsylvania Hospital Zubrow Auditorium All neighborhood residents are invited to attend.
Speaker: Jeff Hornstein, President Neighbors met for the Philly Walking in the Park Queen Village Neighbors Association kickoff on October 22. Coordinated walks through beautiful, historic Washington Square start at 8 a.m. Topic: Comprehensive Tax Reform on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Come join us! PAGE 2 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
SOCIETYHILL Liberty Tree Reporter by Thomas Paine Managing Editor Press Release Liaison Sandra Rothman c/o Matt DeJulio A song written early in the Columnists [email protected] American Revolution. Marilyn Appel Advertising Manager Claire Batten Lenore Hardy In a chariot of light from the regions of day, Jane Biberman [email protected] Matt DeJulio The Goddess of Liberty came; Submission Deadlines Martha Levine Ten thousand celestials directed the way Jim Murphy January/February Issue And hither conducted the dame. Keri White Advertising: December 1 A fair budding branch from the gardens above, Contributors Editorial: Where millions with millions agree, Paul Boni December 10 She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love, Nancy Frenze Mike Harris Society Hill And the plant she named Liberty Tree. Laurel Landau Civic Association P. O. Box 63503 The celestial exotic struck deep in the ground, Lauren Leonard Avalie Saperstein Philadelphia, PA 19147 Like a native it flourished and bore; Rob Taglieri tel: 215-629-1288 The fame of its fruit drew the nations around, Graphic Design Website To seek out this peaceable shore. [email protected] www.societyhillcivic.org Unmindful of names or distinction they came, For freemen like brothers agree; Submissions With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued, We want to hear from you. Our goal is to print news of interest to Society Hillers — happenings in and around And their temple was Liberty Tree. our community for residents, businesses and professionals. Beneath this fair tree, like the patriarchs of old, Direct your editorial submissions and/or queries to Sandra Rothman by phone at 717-715-5791 or email Their bread in contentment they ate, [email protected]. To publicize an event, submit Unvexed with the troubles of silver and gold, all press releases directly. The cares of the grand and the great. Materials must be submitted in writing — via mail or With timber and tar they Old England supplied, email — and must include the name of a contact person. And supported her power on the sea; Edited submissions will be considered for publication Her battles they fought, without getting a groat, if the subject matter is community related and if space allows. Otherwise, upcoming events of interest may be For the honor of Liberty Tree. listed in the Community Calendar. Letters to the Editor But hear, O ye swains, ‘tis a tale most profane, will be considered for publication only if signed and the writer provides contact information. How all the tyrannical powers, Kings, Commons, and Lords, are uniting amain To cut down this guardian of ours; Society Hill Civic Association From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms Board Officers and Directors Through the land let the sound of it flee, President Northeast Quadrant Let the far and the near, all unite with a cheer, Steven Weixler 2013 Lorna Katz Lawson In defence of our Liberty Tree. Vice President 2014 Lenore Hardy 2015 Heather Steiner Jim Moss Northwest Quadrant Secretary 2013 Lawrence Burstein George Dowdall 2014 Sissie Lipton Treasurer 2015 Diane Rossheim Marc Feldman Southeast Quadrant Directors-at-Large 2013 Robert Curley 2014 Jane Ahn 215. 886. 6111 | Oreland, Pa Mike Duffy Bernice Hamel 2015 Laura Temple 215. 725. 3637 | Philadelphia, Pa Certified Arborist George Kelley PD-1766A Southwest Quadrant 215. 572. 6937 | Fax Martha Levine 21 years experience Kim Williams 2013 Melvin Buckman www.libertytreecare.com 2014 Francisco Carreno 2015 Marilyn Appel NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY STEVEN WEIXLER Your Civic Association at Work
can’t quite say why, but I always find this repaving of streets is (slowly but surely) taking I time on the calendar to be invigorating — place. Our thanks go to preservationist groups, giving me the “umph” to set new goals as I head Councilman Mark Squilla and government into the new year. Perhaps the arrival of brisk agencies for all their hard work and collaboration. autumn winds blows away some of the cobwebs! Thanks also to board members Martha Levine The community life of Society Hill picks up and Lorna Katz-Lawson for following this long as well, and there are many Civic Association process through to the final details. members at work to make our neighborhood I am effusive in my praise of the many people a better place. who contribute to our community through the You may have observed some of our efforts — Civic Association. As we approach our November others are less obvious, but just as important Membership Drive, I encourage you to join us if Steven Weixler, President to our community. This summer, I was honored you are not already a member or to renew your to participate in the re-dedication of both of membership — and to contribute an additional Washington Square’s guardhouses — recently amount if you are able. In addition, urge your restored to historic standards. SHCA, led by friends and neighbors to join us in our work. Sissie Lipton and her crew of stalwart volunteers, Our community life becomes stronger and is a major force behind this project — and in more robust with the more people we represent keeping Society Hill’s “front yard’ well-groomed. and the more input we receive from involved You cannot help but notice that the long-anticipated and committed residents. Please help us renovation of our sidewalk crossings and meet our goals by joining SHCA! Happy Return of the Guardhouse Holidays Gather for Holiday Cheer ump-start the J holidays with neighbors and friends on Monday, December 3! Gather for an evening of good food and drinks, plus lots National Park Service’s Special Events Coordinator of fun. Check SHCA Andrew McDougall and SHCA Chair of the Washington weekly email blasts Square Committee Sissie Lipton thank neighbor Joan Johnson (right) for her generous contribution that for more info. helped restore the Square’s historic guardhouse.
In This Issue… Page 5 Page 13 Page 17 Page 29 Fall Clean-Up Day Exploring the City: Philly Food Lovers: The Beat of the Street Page 11 Mosaic Artist Isaiah Zagar Bistro Romano (South Street) Fix the Brix: One Brick Page 15 Page 21 Page 34 At a Time On Our Shelf: Ups and Why is New Market Nifty Neighbors: Del Connor Winter Tips for Homeowners Downs of Northern Liberties Stalled? and the Physick House PAGE 4 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
NEED TREEWORK, LANDSCAPING, MASONRY, OR IRONWORK? NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 5
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fall Clean-Up Day
here’s nothing worse than walking through Coordinators are encouraged to remove these T wet, soggy leaves as you go about your day! signs as near to 1 p.m. as possible — in order to In addition, remember that our neighborhood permit cars to be moved back to their usual side brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets are of the street between 1 and 3 p.m. — since this positively dangerous with a slick coating move will prevent those cars from getting ticketed. of debris. Coordinating this fall’s Clean-Up Day are Co- So, be a good neighbor on Saturday morning, Chairs Spencer Finch ([email protected]) November 17, and sweep up the piles around and Bob Curley ([email protected]). your house — and on your block. Remember For last-minute Clean-Up Day questions, call to get those gutters cleared, as well as nearby Spencer at 215-592-0536 or Bob at 215-592-4251. walkways and alleys, before the city’s sweeper Snow is trucks arrive sometime between 8 a.m. and noon. Clean-Up Day’s Paper-Shredding and just around Trash bags will be available — handed Electronic Recycling Services the corner! out by SHCA’s Clean-Up Day volunteers — This Clean-Up Day, SHCA is again sponsoring at the S. 5th Street SuperFresh, from 8 a.m. paper-shredding and electronic recycling services. until 2 p.m. Your bagged street leaves and litter The shredding service is for the convenience of (but no household trash) should be left by 1 p.m. Society Hill residents only (sorry, no businesses). at intersections on Locust, Spruce, Pine and It is only for confidential materials, since Lombard Streets, where they cross the numbered non-confidential papers should be recycled streets. And, let’s not forget Three Bears Park! — not shredded. Wherever posted, cars must be moved to the • Services will be available in the St. Peter’s opposite side of the street after 6 p.m. on Friday School parking lot, at 3rd and Lombard Streets. night — or they could be ticketed on Saturday morning, beginning at 8 a.m. Please note that • Hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or earlier to accommodate Saturday synagogue services, if the truck reaches capacity). the 300, 400 and 500 blocks of both Spruce and • Only paper is accepted — no CDs or disks. Lombard Streets will be swept by 8:30 a.m. — • Electronic recycling will take televisions, leaving the south side of these streets available microwaves, computers — anything with a plug. for congregants to park their cars. • No large appliances like refrigerators All streets will be swept from Front to 8th and or washing machines, please. from Walnut to Lombard Streets (not including Walnut Street). There will be no parking on If you partake of these special services and either side of the 300 and 400 blocks of Front are not yet an SHCA member, please consider Street, the 200 and 300 blocks of 2nd Street, and joining our civic association — simply by Lawrence Court. Although “Other Side Parking” filling out the form — either on page 33 of signs will generally read “from 6 p.m. Friday this newsletter or online at societyhillcivic.org. until 3 p.m. Saturday,” Society Hill’s Block Any questions? Call 215-629-1288. PAGE 6 SOCIETYHILL Reporter NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 7
N O V E M B E R 5 J A N U A R Y 5 Bagged Leaf Holiday Tree Recycling Recycling
he Streets Department’s 2012 reenlimbs will collect Christmas trees and T Bagged Leaf and Recycling Program Gholiday greens on Saturday, January 5, in will begin on Monday, November 5, and front of the Whole Foods Market at 929 South will run through Friday, December 14. Street. The resulting mulch will be given a There will be curbside collection of bagged second life in various neighborhood gardens. leaves for the entire city. Follow these steps Help leaves and Last year, chipping sponsor Cenova chipped to recycle your leaves: trees join the 338 trees. These efforts, combined with others back-to-nature • Leaves will only be collected in throughout the city, kept more than 2,000 trees biodegradable paper bags. from the landfill! This year, the goal is to collect movement! and chip 500 trees. • Leaves set out in other bags or containers may be collected as rubbish. • Set leaf bags curbside next to trash HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR and recycling on your trash day. Become a Volunteer Driver • Do not mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This enn’s Village, a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that contaminates leaves and makes them P connects members to a wide array of supportive services, is unfit for recycling purposes. looking for volunteers to take members to doctor appointments • Use as many bags as needed, maximum and grocery shopping. If you have the time to help, please 40 pounds each. contact Penn’s Village at [email protected] or 215-925-7333. PAGE 8 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
Old St. Mary Church ✝ Holy Trinity Church 252 S. 4th Street 6th & Spruce Streets 215-923-7930 Old St. Mary’s was the first Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Holy Trinity Church was established as the first National (German) Catholic Church in the United States. Celebrate your holidays and holy days with us. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22 Holy Trinity Church, 9 a.m. Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Holy Trinity Church Friday, Dec. 7th, 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8th, 9 a.m. Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 2013? Old St. Mary Church, 4 p.m. Put this on your calendar! Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 January 6, 5 to 8 p.m. Old St. Mary Church, 10 a.m. New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31 Celebrate Twelfth Night Old St. Mary Church, 4:30 p.m.
at The Physick House New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013 321 South 4th Street Old St. Mary Church, 10 a.m. Cocktail Buffet · Open Bar · Traditional King Cake · Music Mass at Old St. Mary Church is celebrated every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 10 a.m. $75 Benefits the Preservation Fund Weekday Mass is celebrated at 7:30 a.m. in the chapel of For reservations and information, call 215-925-9537 Old St. Mary Convent/Residence at 5th and Locust Streets. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 9
ZONING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BY LORNA KATZ-LAWSON
HCA’s Zoning and Historic Preservation (ZHP) 312-322 Walnut Street Through to Willings Alley S Committee meets monthly to address community The zoning variance needed to increase the density concerns related to both zoning and historic preser vation. of the building by 11 units was approved at ZBA. The It helps homeowners who would like to make changes additional apartments were created by adding four to the exteriors of their properties understand and be penthouse units on the roof of the building and making prepared for the process of approval by the Philadelphia each of seven other apartments (which had been wider Historical Commission (PHC), which is required for any and single-level) into 14 narrower, bi-level apartments. exterior changes, and for any zoning variance which may In exchange for non-opposition to the proposed increase be needed. We urge you to submit your plans or ideas in density, parties to the community agreement with the to the ZHP Committee before submitting them to PHC. developer negotiated additional requirements to offset 220 South 6th Street the impact. These included off-site parking, limitation Thanks to tireless efforts of long-term resident and on number of tenants who can have dogs and provision SHCA member Nancy Frenze, the Dilworth House is now of 24-hour manned security at the building. ready for winter. There are new gutters, the plywood has 411 Spruce Street been moved to the inside of the windows, the grounds The ZBA approved the application for a rear garage are cleaned up and the building structure is sound. with roof deck, revised to allow a partial green roof and 410 South Front Street a pervious courtyard. These revisions intend to reduce (aka New Market or Stamper Square) impact on the neighboring property for loss of light The Board of Licenses and Inspections cited several and air, mitigate the loss of open space and compensate items that were not conforming to code regarding Toll for loss of water to the earth through natural filtration Brothers’ proposed condominium project. In October, created by the double garage structure. the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) heard the Toll 214 Walnut Street (aka The Ritz Five) Brothers’ appeal arguing that because the proposed Mosaic Partners LP, a local company representing project is far less complex in terms of uses (and far the Texas-based owners of Landmark Theatres (who less dense in terms of population) than any of the also own and operate the Ritz Theatres) met informally previous proposals considered and/or supported by with the ZHP Committee to get feedback on their plan the community, there is not much difference between to demolish the existing structure. They intend to build what they are asking for and the Code requirement. a new structure to house eight smaller, double-stacked Attorneys representing near neighbors challenged Toll’s theatres. These would be outfitted with amenities, such counsel; however, letters of support had also been sent as lounge-type furnishings and alcoholic beverage service from other near neighbors. SHCA provided a letter of no within the theatres. In addition, an 85-unit apartment opposition, as did Councilman Mark Squilla (see page 21). tower would be built on top of the proposed theaters. The proposal includes no plans for on-site parking. Contingent on SHCA support is an agreement with The company also proposed usurping part of historic Toll Brothers preserving the existing design’s height Dock Street for an outdoor café. Landmark is trying and the public plaza on 2nd Street, as well as regulating to consolidate its theatre operations and plans to operations during the construction period and thereafter. close the Bourse location, which they currently rent. This will assure a peaceful coexistence between the existing and new neighbors once the building is occupied 800 Walnut Street and governed by its condominium council. The ZBA heard an appeal for large, illuminated signs proposed by Penn Medicine for the rooftop of their Due to the detailed presentation by Toll’s attorney and new outpatient facility being constructed on top of the expert witness, and the resulting long cross-examination existing parking garage and Wawa on the corner of 8th by multiple attorneys, the ZBA schedule ran out of time and Walnut Streets. One sign would face south toward and the case had to be continued again. It’s the hope of the Society Hill Historic District and the other would all parties, pro and con, that the intervening weeks will face north. Although the building is located in the be well used to resolve issues that are still in dispute. Washington Square West Civic Association boundary, 601-603 Lombard Street the impact falls on homeowners within Society Hill. In April, ZBA unanimously denied this application Community Organization Registration to create three lots from the original and to build two It’s “official.” Philadelphia City Planning Commission sent single-family houses with garages, but the applicant had written notification that SHCA has been accepted as Society subsequently appealed this decision. However, in Septem - Hill’s Registered Community Organization (RCO). Check ber, the lawyer for the City informed SHCA and near out the district by going to phila.gov/li, then right-click neighbors that the applicant has withdrawn the appeal. on “Zoning,” select “Maps” and then click on “RCO.” PAGE 10 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
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‘FIX THE BRIX’ BY MARTHA LEVINE Improving Sidewalks, One Brick at a Time
he Physick House, at 321 South 4th Street, is If you have a sidewalk T one of Society Hill’s beloved museum houses. — brick or cement — It has had a problem for many years in the form that is a hazard or just of a ridge, six feet in length, on its brick sidewalk uneven, SHCA can on 4th Street. Over the years, this irregularity help “fix those brix!” has become a serious tripping hazard for walkers. The process is easy: Because of limited budgets, most museum houses struggle to maintain their structures. The Physick • Get several House is no exception and, thus, was concerned estimates for the about this costly repair expenditure. work to be done. As a relatively new member of the Physick • Choose a masonry House Committee, I suggested that the house contractor from our should investigate SHCA’s “Fix the Brix” suggested list or program; 40% (up to $300) of the bill would be your own mason. reimbursed for sidewalk leveling. This program • Have the work done to your satisfaction. Masonry contractor is available to all Society Hill homeowners who Tony Micela (pictured on level their sidewalks — brick or cement. • Submit an invoice after you have paid the the right) and assistant contractor — make sure it states the work is Mario did a superb job The committee agreed to hire mason Tony on the brick sidewalk for your front sidewalk. Keep a copy for your- Micela to do the work and allotted an amount project at the Physick self. If possible, include a cancelled check. for the repair. After two days work, the ridge was House to the satisfac- tion of all. Tony has • Mail to SHCA, P.O. Box 63503, Philadelphia PA gone, replaced by a smooth surface — leaving it served Society Hill much easier to navigate. In addition, tree roots 19147. Receive a check from SHCA. for many years and is that were dislodging some bricks near the curb on the Society Hill List For more information, contact SHCA at were pruned and the bricks were neatly and of Contractors. 215-629-1288 or [email protected]. meticulously tucked back in their proper places. What a difference this has made for both safety To learn more about “Fix the Brix” or to get a and aesthetics! Take a walk over to the Physick list of suggested masons and arborists, contact House and see for yourself. me at [email protected] or 215-629-0727.
Winter Tips for Homeowners
Fireplaces/Chimneys Heating System Many older homes in Society Hill have multiple Have your heating system checked before you fireplaces. Before using your fireplace(s), make turn on the heat for the colder months. It will sure each chimney is properly lined, not just make your system run more efficiently and cleaned. The City of Philadelphia has an ordi- save you money on your heating bills. Check nance requiring this. Failure to do so could our Society Hill List of Contractors for a list result in a fire. To find a chimney specialist, of heating and air conditioning specialists. check our Society Hill List of Contractors. Gutters Snow Removal After leaves start to fall, some may collect in Did you know that a city ordinance states your rooftop gutters. Have your gutters checked that eight hours after the end of a snowfall, so they won’t clog up the flow of water after a the owner must clear his front sidewalk with rain or snow. This is usually a job for a roofer. a path of 36 inches or receive a citation? If you plan to be away during the winter months, To have a copy of the Society Hill make arrangements with a neighbor to have the List of Contractors mailed to you, email sidewalk cleared in your absence. In addition [email protected] or phone 215-629-0727. to the citation, you could be liable for a person’s You must be a current SHCA member to injury due to slipping on the snow or ice. receive a list. PAGE 12 SOCIETYHILL Reporter NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 13
EXPLORING THE CITY BY JIM MURPHY Isaiah Zagar
fter moving to Philadelphia from the Zagar learned construction techniques, “unbuilt” The A suburbs in 2008, I was fascinated by the Eyes Gallery space at 4th and South, and redid the colorful, shimmering mosaics I found it using materials found at abandoned warehouses. Mosaic Artist on Gaskill, Leighgow, and South Streets. including glass, tile, shoe ornaments, and more. Who Makes Philadelphia But I didn’t know who had created them. Top tidbits from our conversation: Glitter So, I went to “the Google” — as President His biggest mural: The old firehouse at 1016-18 George W. Bush called it. Surprisingly, one of South Street. When he completed it, he said, “Now the first stories I found on artist Isaiah Zagar, I have entered the consciousness of Philadelphia.” the man responsible for more than 200 mosaic His favorite mural: “Animal Dreams” on murals in the city, was from the Seattle Times’ the side of Society Hill Playhouse. “It’s in a Sally and John Macdonald. beautiful, quiet location with homes and trees.” Digging deeper, I learned about Zagar’s opus, Where he’ll work: Any blank wall made Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a labyrinthine of unpainted masonry, open to the public and unique sculpture garden on South Street. for 24 hours daily, and within one-half mile I read about the documentary, In A Dream, of his workshopat 10th and South Street. that his son, Jeremiah, had made about him. And finally, I sat down one morning with the Problematic location: Society Hill, whose artist himself — a friendly, polite, soft-spoken Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee man, for breakfast at the Fitzwater Café. believes his work “is inconsistent with the neigh- borhood character.” Zagar says, “It’s off the map Zagar told me he was born in the city at Osteo - for me.” If he did a job, “there would be such pathic Hospital (then at 48th and Spruce), grew consternation, anger would erupt.” up in Brooklyn, and received a B.A. in Painting & Graphics from Pratt Institute in New York City. Society Hill Playhouse: When Zagar saw that a painted mural on the north side of the building After serving in the Peace Corps for three was decaying, he asked Deen Cogan, owner and years in rural Peru (with no electricity or heat), operator of the playhouse, if he could do a mosaic Zagar and his wife Julia moved to the German - there. She said yes, upsetting two nearby residents Isaiah Zagar in front town section of Philadelphia. In short order, who made quite a fuss. The result: “It’s wonderful,” of his favorite mosaic, he suffered “reverse culture shock,” and “Animal Dreams,” at the Deen says. “You have no idea how many people found himself in a mental institution. Society Hill Playhouse, come by and take photos of it. They love it.” 507 S. 8th Street. He felt like a failure and even attempted suicide. Philadelphia’s One Percent for Art Program: Then he started to live again. His recovery period “I have never gotten past the first stage in 25 took nine months, the gestation period of his years. It’s very important that I did not get it. son Ezekiel. I would be stilted.” And stilted is one word you Reinventing himself, Zagar and his family moved probably will never see used to describe Isaiah to South Street in 1968, then a downtrodden, Zagar’s work. depressed, crime-ridden area just waiting to When You Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: be demolished for the Crosstown Expressway. Expect to be simply overwhelmed by colors, objects, Zagar regained his confidence by focusing and a dazzling array of tiles in this artistic tour F A S T F A C T S on a successful period in his life at Pratt, where, de force. Your eye just doesn’t know where to go on a summer scholarship, he worked with first or next because the entire place is a feast for Magic Gardens Clarence Schmidt, a noted practitioner of the eyes. Wherever you glance in this labyrinth 1020 South Street the outdoor art environment. — up, down or sideways — you see something Open 365 days a year new and different: blues, greens, reds; discarded Winter Hours: The Zagars developed a new strategy: get a piece figures, bottles, wheel rims, reflecting tiles, and Sunday - Thursday, of real estate cheap, open a store, sell Isaiah’s art more. There’s even a chuppah, a canopy where 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. as well as folk art they brought back from Peru, marriages are performed. Children love the Friday - Saturday, and “make the place our business and our home gardens because they can go down steps, through 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. into an outside environment.” tunnels, and explore on their own. It’s a truly 215-733-0390 Done, done, and done. unique and enjoyable experience for all ages. phillymagicgardens.org PAGE 14 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
•• WineWine CellarCellar && PrivatePrivate PartyParty RoomsRooms AvailableAvailable •• OverOver 150150 WinesWines byby thethe GlassGlass •• WinnerWinner ofof WineWine Spectator’sSpectator’s “Best“Best ofof AwardAward ofof Excellence”Excellence” •• GuinnessGuinness WorldWorld RecordsRecords inin “World’s“World’s LargestLargest Winekeeper”Winekeeper” NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 15
ON OUR SHELF Ups and Downs of Northern Liberties and Billy the Kid
n his latest book, Northern ociety Hill neighbor Staci Schwartz is an award-winning I Liberties: The Story of a Phila - S children’s author, as well as a physician who has practiced delphia River Ward, local historian in Geriatric Rehabilitation Medicine. Her latest book is Billy and author Harry Kyriakodis the Baaadly Behaving Bully Goat, a story about the challenges unearths the story of this remark- of dealing with a school bully. It is due to be published able riverside community. He traces next month by ComteQ Publishing, an independent press over 300 years of the neighborhood’s specializing in Holocaust memoirs and tolerance education. evolution — from its rise as a When Staci became a mother, she realized that there were premier industrial district, to the many “little life lessons” that she wanted to share with her destruction of much of the original daughter. It occurred to her that a fun way to present these cityscape in the 1960’s and its messages would be to subsequent rebirth as an eclectic and vibrant urban hub. write and illustrate stories, Since the time of William Penn, the Philadelphia neighbor- in rhyming verse, that hood of Northern Liberties has had a tradition of hard work they could read and act and innovation. This former Leni-Lenape territory became out together. Staci enjoyed one of the industrial River Wards of North Philadelphia after creating and sharing being annexed by the city in 1854. The district’s mills and these tales so much that factories were powered not just by the Delaware River and she began to write and its tributaries, but also by immigrants from across Europe illustrate children’s Staci Schwartz reads her book and the city’s largest community of free African Americans. books full-time. to third graders. The Liberties’ diverse narrative, however, was marred Her first published book, The New Bear on the Block, is by political and social problems, such as the anti-Irish about tolerance, friendship, and avoiding the impulsive Nativist Riots of 1844. judgment of others. Billy the Baaadly Behaving Bully Goat expands on those themes and invites readers to Kyriakodis, a staff attorney for the American describe what it feels like to be bullied, to identify bullying Law Institute, has lived at Pier 3 Condominium behavior, and to think about the people in their lives at Penn’s Landing since 1997, when and where who could help them if they are exposed to bullying. his fascination with Philadelphia’s waterfront district began. He has collected what is likely Several years ago, Staci met Dr. Paul Winkler, Director of the largest private collection of books about the New Jersey Commission on Holo caust Education, who the City of Brotherly Love — more than was looking for materials that could lay the founda- 2,000 titles, old and new. In addition, Harry tion for tolerance education. She is now working is a founding and certified member of the closely with Dr. Winkler to introduce her new Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides book into New Jersey’s public schools’ primary and gives walking tours and presentations grade curricula. The goal is to supply at least on unique yet unappreciated parts of the city. one copy of this book to every New Jersey public elementary school. If successful, Visit www.historypress.net for information about purchasing this book, as well as Harry’s first work, Philadelphia’s Lost Staci will pursue the same goals in Philadelphia. Waterfront. Visit www.stacischwartz.com for more information.
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cclaudia-mcgill.comlaauudiaa215.893.99202--mm15ccgcgill.gi89ll3.c.o9m920 215.893.99202 12000250.080 9PPine3in.e9 9StreetSt2re0et PAGE 16 SOCIETYHILL Reporter NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 17
PHILLY FOOD LOVERS BY CLAIRE BATTEN A Taste of Italy in Our Own Backyard
his year marks the 25th anniversary of the alongside a chef who was supervising about T local neighborhood eatery, Bistro Romano. 30 other chefs in a major local restaurant. The restaurant, which is situated in a gorgeous I came back with new recipe ideas for stuffed converted 18th-century granary, features pastas and also a Limoncello tiramisu, which exposed brick walls, timber beams, and an is now on our menu.” impressive wine cellar. The restaurant recently The night we visited Bistro Romano, my won an award for excellence from Wine Spectator fellow Philly food-lover Keri and I dined on veal magazine, so we know that their wine collection saltimbocca and a Caesar salad, tossed tableside. is first-rate! (Remember those?) Of course we just had to Keri White and I sat down to chat with proprietor try the homemade, stuffed pastas, which were Michael Granato and to sample his regional che bello. We also chowed down on a trio of Italian-inspired cuisine. It’s interesting to note ravioli comprised of sausage, Parmesan, and that his wife and business broccoli rabe; mushroom Bistro Romano partner, Joette Adams, and pancetta in a butter is Chair of the South Street and sage sauce; and 120 Lombard Street Headhouse District. then a lobster and ricotta Mon-Thu: 4:30-10 p.m. ravioli in a sherry cream Fri-Sat: 4:30-11 p.m. Twenty-five years ago, sauce. The sausage pasta Sun: 4-9 p.m. Michael was a CPA working was our favorite — but 215-925-8880 for Price Waterhouse, but he only by a slight margin! knew this wasn’t the life for him. “I thought to myself, Whenever possible, ‘I have to find something I produce is sourced enjoy more. I love food, good wine and enter - locally from Pennsylvania and New Jersey taining.’ In a conversation with a bartender one — and this shows in the menu. evening, I learned about a vacant building for The restaurant is extremely popular with sale. I bought it and Bistro Romano was born.” regulars, many traveling in from New Jersey As Michael explains, the restaurant draws inspi- to attend the wine tastings, Mystery Murder ration from every region of Italy. “All four of my Dinners, or the piano nights. For a full listing grandparents were Italian. One was from Sicily of events, see www.bistroromano.com. and the others came from Naples. Every year Bistro Romano was kind enough to share its I travel back to Italy to stay fresh and research recipe for its rich Limoncello tiramisu. Perfect new ideas for our menu. This year Joette and I for the Holidays! The recipe can be found on traveled to Villa d’Este, Lago di Como. I worked our food blog, www.phillyfoodlovers.com.
John & Kira Help Philadelphia Schools Create Mini-Urban Gardens
ohn & Kira’s handmade chocolates are both these sweet treats are made from ingredients Ja regular fixture at Sunday’s Headhouse grown in Philadelphia school gardens by the Farmers’ Market. We can never decide which students. According to John, the company’s flavor of ladybug chocolates to buy; should goal is to educate these local children about the we go for the raspberry or the chocolate mint? pleasures of growing your own food. “Some of The company has now made the choice even these kids have never seen a chili pepper growing more challenging with the addition of the Urban or seen a rosemary bush,” he says. “We want Garden Chocolate Bars, which come in two them to enjoy gardening and understand where flavors: chili pepper and almonds or tangy orange their food comes from.” Now you can feel virtuous and rosemary. We were delighted to learn that about eating that last square of chocolate! PAGE 18 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
OUT AND ABOUT Strolling Through Greenways
ociety Hill’s lovely greenways and charming to a destination, he or she turns 90 degrees and S pocket parks provide a welcome respite from heads for another landmark. Ed had come across the bustle and noise of living in the heart of the this orientation scheme in China, where there Pedestrian city. We owe a debt of gratitude to the genius is an ancient belief that by constantly changing Paths Planted of noted urban planner Edmund Bacon, as well direction people can shake off any evil spirits With Native Flora as the talent of renowned landscape architect that may be following them. John F. Collins, FASLA. John Collins was hired to design the landscape. In 1958, the Washington Square East Renewal He added richly patterned brick sidewalks and Plan began the revitalization of our deteriorated walls, alleys, benches, trees and site-specific community. Ed Bacon realized that removing light standards and bollards. These, combined incompatible, dilapidated structures would leave with small courtyards, pocket parks and outdoor gaps in the neighborhood fabric. Instead of filling sculptures, helped to unite the unique blend these holes with new buildings, he proposed of historic and modern architecture. Collins tying them together into a network of greenways used only plants and materials found naturally that ran through whole blocks. in the Philadelphia area. His work reflects an understanding of human proportion and He once explained the processional element behavior and how design can respond to of this system: each time a pedestrian comes this knowledge. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 19
OUT AND ABOUT Finding Kangaroos and Pocket Parks
PAGE 20 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
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Why Is New Market Stalled? BY PAUL BONI
’ve long advocated for a project at New To that extent, property owners have the right I Market that would comply with the Zoning to do whatever they want, so long as it complies Code. Our historic neighborhood rightly enjoys with the law. I’m content with this project and, the protections of small-scale zoning limitations. coming from me, that says a lot. Also, content, To stand with the Zoning Code means that I have by the way, is the Civic Association, which has opposed — and organized others in opposition voted its full support. to — projects of undue height, mass and density. So what’s the holdup? Well, at this point, Toll We have done so even though some of Brothers is at the Zoning Board seeking relatively the New Market near neighbors supported minor variances. Some of the near neighbors those proposals. In my opinion, some of those have hired attorneys and are appearing at the neighbors had granted their support in return Zoning Board to oppose the project. Specifically, for private gain, such as free or cheap parking these are the residents of the 100 Block of Pine, spots. That is their right. on the eastern end of the south side of the street (with some exceptions) and the condominium In my opinion, we’ve gotten lucky this time association on the north side of Lombard. I do around. The economic recession had a silver not fault anyone for exercising their legal rights. lining: the bidding up of New Market’s value I just hope that people keep in mind the best over the past 10 years finally burst, with the interests of the neighborhood at large and owners falling on hard times and the property don’t tie up this project in court for years. being sold for about half the price. The new owner can now make decent money by The second day of Zoning Board hearings will proposing something modest. have occurred on October 31, 2012, while this issue of the Reporter is on the press. Here’s The new owner is Toll Brothers, and I don’t hoping matters were resolved… or that they claim they are perfect; but a benefit they bring will be soon. is that they can self-finance this project. More appetizing to me, however, is that the current Mr. Boni is a former member of the Civic Associa - proposal would not abuse the Zoning Code. tion’s Board of Directors. His opinions are his own.
AND THE WINNER IS... NOVEMBER 9 & 11 Chamber Concerts at Old Pine Church
he Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble T presents the first pair of concerts in its 36th season on Friday, November 9 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at Old Pine Street Church, 4th and Pine Streets. Audience members are invited to meet the musicians at a free reception in the church hall following each concert. The Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble is the oldest continuously performing chamber ensemble in Philadelphia and the only chamber group in residence in Society Hill. For more information, Congratulations to Society Hill neighbor Debbie Kowit (center) call 215-542-4890. for winning first place in the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society City Gardens Contest — container garden category! PAGE 22 SOCIETYHILL Reporter NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 23
SAFE AND SOUND IN SOCIETY HILL BY MARILYN APPEL 911, 411, and Now 311
s we know, 911 is mainly for emergencies I said, “Before you send me off to the Streets A (no charge); 411 is for information (there Department, please tell me what 311 does han - may be a charge — outrageous from your cell dle.” The list is not endless, but here are some phone); and now there’s 311 which was set up examples — trees obstructing traffic signs, several years ago to take care of non-emergency illegal dumping, snow removal, overflowing, problems that had to do with City Departments. dirty or smelly trash cans, graffiti removal Remember the days when you got a list of city from traffic control boxes, burned-out phone numbers, probably from your City Council streetlights and licenses and inspection issues. Representative? You filed it and then couldn’t Vandalism — what you don’t get in SHCA’s find the list when you really needed the Water weekly email blast is news about vandalism. Department or the Streets Department. All A couple of weeks ago it happened from 3rd that has changed because of 311 — or has it? Call 311 to 6th Streets on Spruce — plants pulled out I decided to do a little research. First, I went and strewn all over the sidewalk, pots turned Serve your neigh- borhood in a small to our Police Captain, Brian Korn, who told me over or actually thrown against doors. My but important way: that calling 311 helps to eliminate the need to beautiful window box was pulled off the ledge, sort through the 500 phone numbers and hotlines smashed to pieces, plants thrown all over. All If you see a available to contact the City government. When this happened at 4 a.m. — waking my daughter, Franklin Light that you call 311 to report problems, such as potholes who looked out the window. But here’s some is out or blinking or an overflowing or abandoned cars, the service will get in touch advice — she looked OUT but not DOWN, or Big Belly trash with the appropriate department which will those vandals would have been caught because receptacle, call she would have called 911 immediately. This address the issue within a given time period. 311 to report it. A tracking number helps you determine the message applies to the “Downspout Dragon” progress, especially if the problem wasn’t as well — don’t just look out your window — It's a great service and they will come fixed within the original time frame. look down and around and we may yet out within five to catch these guys. Don’t think it’s not Sounds great! And mostly it really works, 10 business days. going to happen to you — it might! but let’s proceed to my call to 311. Have your front door light turned on I do have a legitimate problem with other people’s from dusk to dawn — the brighter the better. trash being left in front of my house — bags A rear door light and/or a motion detector and bags, big bags, little bags sometimes open is also essential. A timer or sensor will or overflowing or even trash not in bags. I called automatically turn them on. 311 and explained my problem and was told that they did not handle trash, but they would connect Cell phones — Your unwanted cell phones me with the Streets Department. I stayed on the will be re-programed to call 911 and given to line for almost 15 minutes and finally hung up. persons who have been abused, or to the elderly Thinking I might get a better response at a who have no way of seeking help when they less busy time, I called 311 again the next day. need it. Bring them to 414 Spruce Street — Again, I was told to contact the Streets Department. don’t forget the chargers!
WHAT TO DO ABOUT GRAFFITI? It’s ugly and disgusting. You can help rid Society Hill of the plague of graffiti! If you see graffiti on a public space, report it! How? Contact SHCA by email: To combat graffiti on your own property, [email protected] or phone SHCA at the City of Philadelphia provides homeowners 215-629-1288 and give exact location. with power-wash services. To request this It will be cleaned up within a few days. service, call 215-686-0000 or report graffiti online Remember, graffiti invites more graffiti. at www.phila.gov/antigraffiti/removalform.html. Let’s have zero tolerance for this blight. PAGE 24 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
Hi Tech. Hi Touch. A Winning Combination – in Person and on the Web!
Buying? Selling? Please call or email Rosemary Fluehr. Know someone who’s Buying or Selling? Let me know. Referrals are the strength of my business. Rosemary Fluehr Associate Broker, GRI
215-440-8195 – Direct 215-627-6005 – Office 215-514-9884 – Cell Fox & Roach, rosemary.fl[email protected] REALTORS® www.rosemaryfluehr.com 530 Walnut Street, Suite 260 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 25
BLOCK PARTIES GALORE Reveling, Rain or Shine Raising the Roof
undraising efforts to fix the roof of St. FPeter’s Church at Third and Pine Streets are well underway. The campaign was kicked off with a lively block party on September 16. Parishioners and neighbors converged on the 300 block of Pine Street, enjoying jazz and hot dogs while getting motivated for the final six weeks of fundraising. The parish was forced to close its church building in May because of deterioration in the roof trusses. Estimated costs of repairs are $1.7 million. To date, the church has received $1.25 million in pledges and donations Block party, 500 blocks of Manning Walk, Spruce and was scheduled to reopen at the end of October. Street and Cypress Street Parishioners and ndaunted by rain, neighbors on the 500 contractors examine Ublocks of Manning Walk, Spruce and the deteriorated trusses in the roof Cypress Streets recently got together for a of St. Peter’s Church. block party. Revelers arrived with plenty of food and drink, squeezed into Carolyn and Chris Stanish’s 4-car garage and, suddenly, the weather became irrelevant!
Fundraising kickoff party, 300 block of Pine Street.
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An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. PAGE 26 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
in today’s market. Put my years of NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 27
Shofuso Japanese LADIES: EXERCISE & SOCIALIZE House and Garden Join The “Walkie-Talkies”
ith the addition of its new lthough it’s considerably Street between 2nd & 3rd Wyear-round Sakura Pavilion A colder these days, winter’s Streets. This friendly, healthy classroom space, the Friends of imminent arrival will not prevent and non-stressful physical activity the Japanese House and Garden several neighborhood women also encourages the development announces a series of winter pro- from joining Society Hill’s of new pals amongst local gals. grams at Shofuso Japanese House year-round, FREE exercise So don’t be shy! Show up and and Garden. For more info, call and FUN social program. On any give the Walkie-Talkies a try. 215-878-5097 or visit shofuso.com. Tuesday and Thursday morning Any questions? Feel free to (when not raining or snowing) phone Bernice at 215-925-4363. Saturday Mornings, newcomers are always November through March Weekly Japanese Tea School most welcome to participate with Walkie- Sunday, December 9 Talkie “old-timers” for Japanese Tea Sweets-Making Class Adults will learn to make several these one-hour strolls seasonal “sweets” that are typically that explore Society served at Japanese tea ceremonies. Hill’s charming Sundays, January 13, streetscapes. All partic- January 27, March 3 ipants are, of course, Children’s Japanese Craft Classes reminded to bundle Kids will make fun seasonal crafts up before showing based on traditional Japanese holidays. These Sunday afternoon up prior to 8:15 a.m. classes will be conducted at the at Three Bears Park — new Sakura Pavilion classroom. located on Delancey
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Contact me: Bari Shor 215-790-5678 [email protected] Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors 215-546-0550 x 5678 PAGE 28 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-545-1500 www.allandomb.com
Allan Domb Real Estate Presents Independence Place
233-241 S. 6th Street
Light-filled and Spacious Two Bedroom Plus Den Open and bright with a balcony that runs almost the entire length of the home. There are wood floors, an open kitchen and generous master suite. 1937 sf $790,000
Pristine Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Completely renovated residence with panoramic southern view and private balcony. There is an open chef’s kitchen with high end appointments and Waterworks designer bathrooms. 1387 sf $699,900
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 29
The Beat of the Street BY MIKE HARRIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOUTH STREET HEADHOUSE DISTRICT
he South Street Headhouse District Sunday Farmers’ Market. Present your card at T (SSHD), which includes some 500 businesses, participating businesses and enjoy special offers, restaurants and bars, is filled with award seasonal promotions and discounts. winners! Eleven businesses in our lively district We are also thrilled with our SSHD mobile were recognized by Philadelphia Magazine, app that enables visitors to access information earning Best of Philly Awards, and 23 were about merchants, specials, promotions, and deservedly placed on the 2012 Channel 17 Philly events. It will also be synchronized with our Hot List. I think this outpouring of recognition loyalty program, so you can benefit from special speaks to the wonderful variety, quality and offers as you live, work, shop and dine in energy here in the District. For a full listing of the South Street Headhouse District. awards and winners, visit www.southstreet.com. SSHD will be welcoming some new businesses You may have heard by now about our “Live Mike Harris in the coming months, and we’re sure our neigh- Local, Shop Local” initiative. We’ve introduced bors will be pleased with these new amenities. this loyalty program to reward patrons for supporting businesses in our District. Residents Please visit www.southstreet.com for more infor mation of Society Hill and surrounding neighborhoods about SSHD; follow us on Facebook@South Street will receive a loyalty card by mail, and additional Headhouse District and Twitter@officialsouthst for cards will be distributed at SSHD events and the the latest! I’ll see you on the Street.
Yo, Philly! Party
evitalization efforts at Starr Garden, R Philadelphia’s oldest playground, are going strong. Starr Garden Neighbors is celebrating its first anniversary and is proud of this year’s accomplishments. Most recently, on October 14, a new, beautiful garden was planted with help from Pennsylvania Horti cul tural Society through Friends of Starr Garden receive a prize for their winning video. a Green Machine Grant. Neighbors contributed funds to install a small fence bordering the garden to protect it from dogs. Order this Miniature Reproduction On September 11, Philadelphia Parks & of the Three Bears Sculpture Recreation rewarded the Starr Garden The sculpture of three white granite bears Neighbors with the “Yo, Philly! Party,” for that gives the park at 3rd and Delancey the winning video submission to the 2012 Streets its name is a beloved part of “Love Your Park Contest!” Society Hill. Sculptor Sherl J. Winter envisioned this work as interactive, Starr Garden Neighbors will be participating in and children of all ages have embraced the citywide “Love Your Park Day” on Saturday, it since it was installed in 1966. November 17. Please join us between 10 a.m. Recently he has reproduced the figure in miniature, giving and 1 p.m. as we rake leaves for compost, collect anyone who has ever been to the park (or enjoyed playing trash, remove graffiti, and plant daffodil bulbs. there as a child) the opportunity to revisit it at home. All ages are welcome. The low introductory offering price is $125. If you would like to be involved in the It is approximately 6" high x 7" x 5.5" revitalization efforts and/or you would and made of virtually indestructible cast stone. like to join the email distribution list, please To place an order or for more information, please contact sculptor send an email indicating your interest to Sherl J. Winter at: 215 242 0978 or [email protected] [email protected]. or visit www.winterartstudio.com. PAGE 30 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-545-1500 www.allandomb.com
Allan Domb Real Estate Presents 220 West Washington Square 3720 sf three Bedroom
Custom entire floor home with 360 degree city views including The lavish master suite has his and hers walk-in dramatic Washington Square vistas. California Closets and an ensuite bathroom appointed in marble with a Jacuzzi tub, oversized seamless Enter the residence through a secure elevator that glass enclosed stall shower, private commode and opens directly into a foyer appointed in marble. bidet, and double vanity with windows overlooking A grand gallery runs the length of the home. Perfect Wash ington Square. Two additional bedrooms each for entertaining, the large sun-soaked living room have their own full baths, one ensuite and the other offers west and south facing windows, coffered ceilings, adjacent. Additional home features include oak floors a gas burning fireplace and large mahogany wet in the living areas and carpet in the bedrooms, twelve bar. The arched entry to the formal dining room has foot ceilings and eight foot windows throughout, two beautiful faux-painted columns. The chef’s kitchen Bose sound systems and a spacious laundry room. features cherry cabinetry; granite countertops; under-counter and recessed lighting; center island The condominium comes with one parking space with breakfast bar; and stainless steel GE Monogram in a secure lot adjacent to the building and two gas range with electric oven and hood, Bosch dish- storage spaces. washer and Sub-Zero refrigerator with freezer drawer. $1,995,000 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 31
1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-545-1500 www.allandomb.com
Allan Domb Real Estate Presents The Bank Building 421 Chestnut Street
Brand New Custom Home Overlooking Independence Hall Beautifully appointed two bedroom plus den, two and a half bathroom condominium with exposed brick barrel ceilings and walls, chef’s kitchen and amazing bathrooms. 2,025 sf $1,100,000
Brand New Furnished Designer Residence Magnificent two bedroom, two bathroom home that is available furnished, with high end finishes and features, as well as original building details such as exposed brick walls and arched doorways. 2,101 sf $895,000
Unique Opportunity to Create a Custom Home
Raw space that provides an opportunity to create a custom home overlooking Independence Hall—customize your own floor plan and finishes! 3,068 sf $1,150,000 PAGE 32 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-545-1500 www.allandomb.com Allan Domb Real Estate Presents Society Hill Towers
200-220 Locust Street
Completely Renovated Three Bedroom Completely renovated three bedroom, three bathroom condominium with hardwood floors throughout, an open custom kitchen, beautiful bathrooms and wonderful river and city views! 1950 sf $749,900
Beautifully Renovated Corner One Bedroom Pristine corner one bedroom, that is being sold furnished, with city and bridge views, an open chef’s kitchen, designer bathroom and custom finishes throughout. 803 sf $379,900
One-of-a-Kind Two Bedroom Magnificent corner two bedroom, two bathroom with an open chef's kitchen, brand new master bathroom and wonderful river and city views. 1515 sf $599,900 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 33
2012 Membership Surpasses 2011 Total
Win a Dinner at a SOCIETY HILL CIVIC ASSOCIATION Restaurant of Your Choice! Membership Application y mid-October, 1,036 residents have either Brenewed their membership or joined the Name SHCA for the first time. This exceeds our 2011 total membership of 1,033. Address Apt. # A big thank you goes out to the 97 new members. City, State, Zip But we still wonder why 93 residents — some of whom have been longtime members — Home Phone have not renewed after several notices. Membership renewal notices for 2013 will go Work Phone out on November 1. Please return yours promptly email so that we may avoid the expense of repeated (print clearly) follow-up. The names of all those who respond IMPORTANT: Today most everyone communicates via email. Please be sure that we by December 31 will be placed in a drawing for have your current email address — so that you can receive important updates between two $100 gift certificates to a local restaurant publication of our community newsletter. All SHCA emails will be judiciously screened, and rarely will we send emails more than once a week. Nor will we share your email of their choice. Winners will be announced address with anyone else. This convenient, 21st-century system helps save our civic in the March issue of the Reporter. association postage costs, while keeping you regularly informed. We always strive to obtain memberships Residential Memberships Business Memberships from all 2,600 households located in our most l $ 50 Basic Household Membership l $ 100 Institutions — historic neighborhood. Why is your membership l $ 40 Senior/Student/Single 5+ employees so important? Besides providing funding for our l $ 100 Federal Friend l $ 60 Institutions — many neighborhood improvement projects, such fewer than 5 employees as graffiti control, weekly sidewalk cleaning, and l $ 150 Georgian Grantor plantings in Washington Square, numbers speak l $ 300 Jefferson Benefactor volumes. When our board advocates on your l $ 500 Washington Benefactor behalf on zoning changes, real estate taxes, crime l $ 1,000 Benjamin Franklin Benefactor problems, ramp issues, trash receptacles, street lighting, bus re-routing, etc., it makes a greater Additional Contributions impact if they can say they speak on behalf of $______Washington Square Beautification $______Franklin Lights the majority of residents. You are also guaranteed a personal invitation to each of our social events. $______Sidewalk Cleaning/Graffiti Removal $______Tree Tenders
Without membership dues, SHCA would cease $______Zoning and Historic Preservation $______McCall School to function. Protect your neighborhood and your real estate investment. Sign up today! Total Enclosed $______l Charge VISA/MasterCard: Email [email protected] if you have any questions or wish to comment on why you have Number Exp Date not renewed or are not a member. All comments will be shared with the board, which is represen- Signature tative of every quadrant in Society Hill. The following topics are of special interest to me. I welcome receipt of email updates on these topics.
As the days get shorter l Clean-Up Day l Washington Square l Zoning & Historic Preservation and the weather turns colder, l Franklin Lights l Social Events l Fundraising the homeless people in our community l Dilworth House l Property Taxes l Local Crime become more of a cause for concern. l Reporter l Casino Issues Incidents & Alerts If you see someone living on the streets, Please return completed application to: please call the Project H.O.M.E. Society Hill Civic Association P.O. Box 63503 Homeless Outreach Hotline Philadelphia, PA 19147 at 215-232-1984. PAGE 34 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
NIFTY NEIGHBORS IN MY OWN BACKYARD BY JANE BIBERMAN Del Connor Calls the Physick House Home
ne day in the not-too-distant past, Del Conner 1815 until his death in 1837,” says Conner. Del believes Oopened the door of his historic home on 4th “He was one of the few doctors who stayed in in haunted Street and discovered a strange woman standing Philadelphia to treat victims of the 1793 yellow houses. And on the doorstep. He relates the following story: fever epidemic.” Dr. Physick often operated in what he should “She hadn’t knocked and she had a strange is now the small medical museum on the second know; he pallorand a rather vacant expression on her face. floor of the house. “Over the years, 11 visitors lives in one! ‘Do they say this house is haunted?’ she asked. have fainted in that room when I’ve described his I nodded. ‘Male or female?’ she wanted to know. cataract and gall bladder operations — performed When I said female, she simply turned away with no anesthesia or antiseptics — and with the without another word. crude instruments he invented on display.” Some of his more illustrious patients were Dr. Benjamin “Later that afternoon,” he continues, “I was giving Rush, Chief Justice John Marshall, Dolly Madison, a tour of the Physick House to a young girl as a and President Andrew Jackson. 13th birthday present. When she examined our family tree, she suddenly exclaimed, ‘Look, Dr. Conner welcomes an average of 500 visitors Physick’s wife died today — on my birthday!’ a month to the Physick House, up from 50 or It happens that my great-great grandmother, 60 when he took over. “I may give the best tour Susan Dillwyn Physick, moved to this house in Philadelphia,” he says with justifiable pride. when she was 13 years old.” “If you come here a dozen times, I will give you a dozen different tours.” There are seven period Conner, who is the great-great-great grandson rooms and each contains an incomparable collection of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, aka “Father of American of French-influenced 19th-century furniture and Surgery,” does not discount the supernatural. paintings, including a portrait of Elizabeth by “During the past seven years that I’ve lived here Sully and a Venetian landscape by Canaletto. as site manager and chief docent, there have been too many coincidences to ignore,” he says, adding “Dr. Physick’s home is the only Federal house that he is writing a book on his family and some museum in the city,” he points out. The enormous extraordinary happenings that have occurred fan light above the double entrance doors is unique, over the years. as is the oval document chest in the breakfast room that was used by Colonial Governor John “My great-great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Penn. The faux-effects wallpapers throughout Emlen, whose ghost may have appeared on are breathtaking. There are rare pieces, like the my doorstep, had one of the first pre-nuptial wood knife case in the dining room (forks were agreements in America,” he relates. “Despite considered gauche at the time). Renovated in being the daughter of Quaker minister Samuel 1966 with the generosity of Leonore Annenberg Powel Emlen, she was a wealthy party girl. and the Philadelphia Society for They lived together for 15 years and had the Preservation of Landmarks, it is several children before preparing to move an increasingly popular destination into this house. When Elizabeth learned on Society Hill tours. This is in that her husband wanted to cut down large part due to the entrepreneurial a fine old tree in the garden, she asked efforts of Conner. In 2007, he started for a separation and bought a mansion of a soda pop company to commemorate her own around the corner on Pine Street. the bicentennial of the drink Dr. Had she not had the pre-nup, Elizabeth Physick created when he discovered could have been turned out destitute. its healthful benefits. It is on sale But Dr. Physick got the four children throughout the historic district and because they were considered property.” Conner also ships cases of Soda’s Pop — a dark This is just one of the hundreds of stories cherry carbonated drink — all over the country. Conner tells visitors to the mansion, sometimes With the soda, he inaugurated the annual Philly called the Hill-Physick House. It was built in 1786 Phyzz Festival in the spacious garden of the house. by Madeira wine importer Henry Hill. “My great- Hundreds of people show up for the affair, which great-great grandfather occupied the house from usually takes place on the second weekend in July. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 PAGE 35
NIFTY NEIGHBORS IN MY OWN BACKYARD
And that’s not all. Conner, who is an artist, of his talents.) “The Tour Guides Association illustrator and sculptor by training, also designs has established a comprehensive training and sculpts cast-iron firebacks, modeled on course, guidebook and certification program original colonial designs. “They are large plates for the city’s tour guides,” he notes, adding that are placed inside the fireplace to protect the that the non-profit has been a boost to back wall and reflect heat,” he explains. Some Philadelphia tourism. of his handsome plates, which cost between Although his family is imbedded in the history $200 and $500, are on display in the Physick of Philadelphia, Conner seems to be the only House kitchen and in the nearby Powel House. one on its illustrious tree impassioned with his A supporter of all landmark sites in Society roots. “My daughter is somewhat interested,” Hill and Old City, Conner recently completed he says. “But at this point she is more like seven years as president of Philadelphia’s Elizabeth Emlen — a party girl.” Historic Neighborhood Consortium, which, And speaking of which, Conner opens the door among other things, produces the popular of his house — this time to a waiting tourist. Beyond the Bell brochure which features 50 cultural attractions. He was able to get SEPTA Del Connor with a bottle of Dr. Physick’s Soda onboard as one of its sponsors; and by adding Pop. The mechanism of the clock behind him their routes, tourists can now easily reach was made in London by Thomas Wagstaff and their destinations by publictransportation. sent to Philadelphia for Dr. Physick's father, Edmund Physick, last Proprietor General and A founding board member of the Association Keeper of the Great Seal of Pennsylvania of Philadelphia Tour Guides, Conner adapted for the Penn family. Edmund had the cabinet made, attributed to cabinetmaker John Head, his bird’s eye view map of Philadelphia for its in Philadelphia. Except for a few short periods, brochure. (Making bird’s eye view maps, which it has been ticking since 1766 and displays he does for a number of organizations, is another the day of the month and phase of the moon. PAGE 36 SOCIETYHILL Reporter
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Wednesday, November 14 Friday, November 23 Monday, Nov 26 - Monday, Dec 31 from the West Philly Orchestra. SHCA Board Meeting Constructing Play: Macy’s Holiday Light Show Gershman Y 6:00 p.m. Great Court Classic Building Toys & Dickens Village 401 South Broad Street Conference Room Philadelphia Center for Macy’s Grand Court light show with www.gershmany.org SHCA General Meeting Architecture Wanamaker Organ music Monday, December 24 7:30 p.m. Zubrow Auditorium www.philadelphiacfa.org visitmacysphiladelphia.com Moo Shu Jew Show Pennsylvania Hospital Saturday, Nov 24 - Monday, Dec 24 Saturday, Sunday, Dec 1,2 and 8,9 Spend Christmas Eve with 8th & Spruce Streets The Philadelphia Historic Houses of Fairmount comedians and a Chinese feast. Holiday Happenings – Christmas Village Park Holiday Tours Ocean Harbor Restaurant LOVE Park, 15th & JFK 215-685-0274 www.gershmany.org Here and Near philachristmas.com Saturday, December 1 Monday, December 31 Sunday, Nov 25 - Wednesday, Jan 2 Deck the Alley 2012 Betsy’s Birthday Bash Thursdays, Nov 15 - Dec 27 Adventure Aquarium’s Elfreths Alley Museum 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tippler’s Tour: Yuletide Christmas Celebration www.elfrethsalley.org historicphiladelphia.org Cheers and Beers adventureaquarium.com 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 2 Monday, December 31 historicphiladelphia.org Saturdays and Sundays, 17th Annual Peace Around the Franklin Square’s Kids’ November 25 - December 23, World: Passport to Cultures New Year’s Eve Countdown Thursday, November 22 plus Monday, December 24 Penn Museum of Archaeology 3 - 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day Parade Franklin Square and Anthropology historicphiladelphia.org/ Benjamin Franklin Parkway Holiday Celebration penn.museum franklin-square/visitor-info/ Friday - Sunday, November 23 - 25 Holiday crafts, cookie Saturday, December 8 Monday, December 31 Thanksgiving at the National decoratingand visits with Lucia Fest and Philadelphia Orchestra Constitution Center Santa and Mrs. Claus. Christmas Market New Year’s Eve constitutioncenter.org historicphiladelphia.org/ The American Swedish The Kimmel Center franklin-square/visitor-info/ History Museum www.kimmelcenter.org Friday - Sunday, November 23 - 25 americanswedish.org Colonial Chocolate Making Monday, Nov 26 - Wednesday, Jan 2 Sunday, January 6 at Betsy Ross House Enchanted Colonial Village Sunday, December 9 Twelfth Night Party 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please Touch Museum Tenth Annual Latkepalooza Physick House historicphiladelphia.org pleasetouchmuseum.org Enjoy gourmet latkes and music www.philalandmarks.org
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