What’s Inside on the Lynn Miller, www.lynn-miller.net he arrival of summer In keeping with the season, T has also brought an this issue features some end to most of the social of the spectacular plants OUSE restrictions imposed on and flowers in our midst. HThe Newsletter of us by the COVID-19 Dennis McGlade comments Hopkinson House • Summer 2021 pandemic. We are now able on the unprecedented to socialize with friends and nature of this year’s PHS family members in our own Flower Show — long billed on their use, along with neither the client nor his homes, dine in area restau- as the world’s largest such examples of how to make architect benefitted from rants, and reveal our faces exhibit held indoors — most effective use of these what turned out to be a to the world for the first which unrolled outdoors in electronic message boards, calamitous endeavor for time in eighteen months. South Philadelphia’s F.D.R. which includes our very both. Elsewhere, I’ve also Philadelphia has passed Park, and in June instead own BuildingLink. had a look at how our most the 70 percent mark in of March. A number of his famous brick-and-mortar My main offering in this the numbers of its citizens photos reveal the beautiful neighbor acquired the issue considers another who are vaccinated, so we result. But Dennis’s attention name we know it by today. near neighbor from the are relatively safer from to flowers neither starts nor distant past. That was the Look to the Chef ’s Corner infection than we have been. ends there (he is a valued hoped-for city mansion of for Jane Hickman‘s menu for Even so, we need to remind volunteer who oversees one of our founding fathers, a delicious summer meal, ourselves that a resurgent and cultivates many of the Robert Morris, whose pairing roast chicken with COVID-19 still lurks as plantings in Washington project he entrusted to a fresh fruit salad. Enjoy! a possibility and continue Square). See also his pictures the principal planner of Thanks to Robin Siddall to live with caution. of our own wonderful Washington, D.C., Pierre of Parallel Design, Inc., for flower beds both fore and Our council president, L’ Enfant. Unfortunately, the design of this issue. n aft at Hopkinson House. Theresa Kowalski, gives us a full account of what to Continuing her practice Occasional Photo by Dennis McGlade expect with the HVAC of interviewing interesting project due to begin this residents and neighbors, fall. She also anticipates a Concha Alborg turns her forthcoming announcement attention this time to a on our new building long-ago neighbor. Juan management company, de Miralles was Spain’s first and bids farewell to our representative to America current manager. at the time when the thirteen colonies were fighting to In her final column as become an independent the manager of Hopkinson nation. The site of his House, Erica Alles expresses residence on Third Street her gratitude to the many is marked with a plaque. residents who have communicated to her Martha Cornog tells us every- their appreciation for her thing we need to know about stewardship. I join them in the health care application their kudos. From the time of one of those wonders she joined us, Erica quickly of modern technology, revealed her competence, electronic health records. accompanied by a gracious Many of us are familiar manner in all the issues — with them because the and individuals — she had medical teams who serve us to deal with. We wish her now communicate through well in the next chapter patient portals. Martha’s of her career. essay provides the lowdown Summer annuals in the south garden. See more on page 12. 2 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE Message from Council Theresa Kowalski Erica Alles, who has been receive and review the final Newsletter Committee Nelly Childress, editor emerita the general manager for GMP during the first week Lynn Miller, editor and three years under CAMCO, of July, then review it and Committee Chair the current provider, and is vote on it during the second Concha Alborg their only employee on-site, or third week of July. If Martha Cornog Jane Hickman will be moving on to a new all moves smoothly and Theresa Kowalski challenge. Not only has she according to schedule, we Joseph Quinn been a smiling face in the can begin to calculate the Council Liaison management office, she has assessments per unit and Theresa Kowalski been instrumental in many distribute that information Graphic Design of our efforts in the last in early August. Parallel-Design.com t’s only been three months few years: organizing the Construction Schedule Advertising Isince the last newsletter, disparate design and Stephanie McCool As soon as council accepts yet so much has happened f inancial parts in the HVAC [email protected] the GMP proposed by in that time it’s hard to know project, spearheading our Photography Goldener Construction, where to begin. COVID-19 response, Concha Alborg Goldener immediately will Jane Hickman setting up and facilitating Tony Kelly Management Change virtual meetings and town begin ordering materials Dennis McGlade As of August 1st, halls, and introducing and lining up a variety of construction workers. Issue Contributors Hopkinson House will electronic voting, to name Concha Alborg have a new management just a few. Erica reminds The first work to be tackled Martha Cornog company providing general me of the Ann Richards will actually not be in the Jane Hickman management services, along quote: “Ginger Rogers units but in the mezzanine. Dennis McGlade Abatement of the asbestos Lynn Miller with accounting and finan- did everything that Fred cial services. Council has Astaire did. She just did in the mezzanine area will Hopkinson House Council begin in the second half [email protected] been reviewing proposals it backwards and in high heels.” I think of Erica of September, followed by Website from other management companies and, in addition, doing it with a two-year- replacement of the large Find past issues of valves at the bottom of on the House at interviewing representatives old, and in high heels. All www.thehopkinsonhouse.com to on-site managers. Council of our best wishes to Erica each stack in October. has just chosen the new in her future endeavors. Work in the units them- management company selves is now expected to HVAC Project it feels will best serve begin in late October/early Hopkinson House’ needs, Action is happening on many November. However, prior but as the contract is not fronts so let’s catch up. to that start, unit owners yet finalized, I will wait Guaranteed Maximum Price will be given a complete until then before making (GMP) and Assessments orientation to the work that an announcement. will be done in their unit As you may recall from by a Resident Co ordina tion previous presentations Team assembled specifically Residents Corner and articles, much design for that reason. research and drawings Residents wishing to make Your comments will be had to take place in the Corona Partners – Resident comments or observations published in the next pre-construction phase in Coordination Team on the current issue may issue of the newsletter. order to accurately predict Corona Partners has send them to: “The Editor,” Anonymous comments the price of the project. been brought on to act as [email protected]. will not be accepted. Those who do not have Additionally, the construc- the Resident Coordinator a computer can place their The editor reserves the tion contractor had agreed serving as the primary comment in an envelope right to reject opinions/ to give Hopkinson house a l iaison between the HHOA, addressed to “Editor, on comments, etc., if they are guaranteed maximum price the other members of the the House” and give the deemed inappropriate or for the project if there was Project Team, and the envelope to the employee can involve the association enough detail in the drawings residents of Hopkinson at the Resident Services Desk. in legal troubles. and design to do so. The House. Corona will council is scheduled to continued on page 3 ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 3
create a communication They will be working with HVAC Informational Town Hall Other information about plan to keep all owners the project manager and It’s expected that sometime special needs, pets, storage informed about the work the construction manager in August, a town hall issues, moving or packing to take place in their units, on a daily basis to review devoted to the logistics help, or small contractor along with timetables and workflows and procedures, of the in-unit construction help will be collected. Corona resources available to them to support effective installa- will be held. The team from Partners now is developing a for help. tion, minimize disruption Corona Partners will be list of approved help in those areas which will be distrib- Corona representatives will to unit owners/residents, introduced, and they will uted during the interviews. review the unique conditions and support worker and explain some of the general for each unit with each resident safety. They will be preparation, such as the Again, a separate meeting resident, explain construction the front line for information order in which the work in will be held to discuss procedures, where they on the obligations of unit units will start and progress just the assessments and will take place within that owners during the project around the building. Inter- financial aspects of the unit, the requirements for and will enumerate the views with occupants in the project, most likely in clear workspace and make resources available to assist first two to three stacks of late July or early August. notes of special needs, owners in preparing their 31 floors will be scheduled. units for construction. During the individual Importance of Resident such as residents who are Cooperation bedridden, those who have As such, they will shortly interviews, each resident pets, those who work night be establishing their on-site will receive a customized There’s no doubt that this shift, or those who may office, along with a dedicated floor plan of their unit with will be a challenging time need help to move heavy phone number and areas marked that will need for people living in the furniture, etc. email address. to be cleared for work. continued on page 5
Out With the Old … In With the New
I’ll share a few photos that maintenance provided to me when I asked what the end product would look like. Sometimes a picture is Photos by Tony Kelly Kelly by Tony Photos worth a thousand words…
Before and after photos of the pipes to be replaced.
A recent leak. Fan coil removed. Maintenance worker in new catwalk. 4 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 5
Message from the President continued from page 3
building. All of us will be fitted out to function as What is not under Need for Cooperation take our turn living in our a day lounge, and the upper discussion though is the disrupted units, which is solarium will be designated absolute need for every There is no room for why council has chosen to and set up as workspace. resident and owner to “re-schedules” or not being hire the Corona Partners Those who are bedridden cooperate and be ready ready. The planning that the for coordination. After the or physically challenged at the time your unit is construction contractor has HVAC Town Hall, resi- will have special accommo- designated for work. to do, managing different dents and owners will have dations. Your cats and birds While you can look at this tasks done by different an approximate idea of the are on the list, too, for special as a big plumbing project, work teams on thirty floors order in which work will accommodations. All of this is like doing that same at once, is so difficult that proceed around the building, this is under development plumbing project on 30 they have included in their and within 60-90 days of as we speak, and will be floors of the same unit contract a $25,000 charge work beginning in your formalized and presented simultaneously in a specific per day if one of those unit, the Corona Group to you in a special packet/ and short period so that, units is not ready and will be working with you binder for all of your HVAC when finished, the pipes they cannot proceed. more intensively to ensure info that will be presented tying those 30 floors and Everything is interconnected that you have all the infor- by the Corona Group prior their fan coil units together and we will be giving every- mation and resources you to the start of construction will magically and one the support they may will need. The solarium will in the units this coming fall. seamlessly work. need to meet that date. n
Message from Management Erica Alles As we collectively emerge new plantings and furniture, Also, please be from our cocoons of the as well as the refreshing understanding when pandemic, I hope that some pool and sundeck! Please staff members share of the changes of the last put umbrellas down when rules or guidelines. They several months remain with finished at a table (storms are trying to enforce rules us. For me, the pandemic and winds could hit faster that have been approved revealed glimpses of than an HH employee can by council or management humanity, honesty and get outside). And this would and deserve the respect humility in people that I not be a summer update if I of our compliance. would not otherwise have did not remind residents to I wish you all a wonderful witnessed. By virtue of the please use care when water- summer and year, and frequent (and often scary) ing plants on the balcony; continued success with the changes we were experienc- any water that overflows am grateful to be included many projects underway ing, my professional role ends up mostly on neigh- in this summer edition at the property. Thank you I shifted to a more personal bors’ balconies and heads! of on the House, as it is for your consideration and level with people. Our Thank you in advance for my last HHOA newsletter time; I will miss you. n collective and individual your cooperation. contribution before CAMCO strengths were amazing leaves the property at as we faced challenges. the end of July. I certainly I do not want to take appreciate the kind words those lessons for granted. from residents and co- In addition to preserving workers, and please know and improving an asset, my that I’ve enjoyed my time role as a community manager with you! The years I have is about people (residents) served as your General and their unique experiences Manager — collaborating in their community. with council and my colleagues — have been an As for practical matters… adventure and I am proud I hope you have been enjoy- of our accomplishments. ing your courtyard with 6 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE Philadelphia Flower Show in Great Outdoors Dennis McGlade his year, for the first weeks later, the country by the Olmsted Brothers the years the park has T time in its 192-year closed down due to the in 1914 in the romantic, become a bit overgrown. history, the Pennsylvania COVID-19 pandemic. picturesque style with In consequence of this, it Horticultural Society PHS could not afford lakes and streams that has become a major habitat (PHS) held its annual to miss a year, since the follow the courses of for a diversity of birds flower show out of doors show receipts are one of some of the original tidal and aquatic fauna. Its rich in historic Franklin Delano the biggest contributors creeks. The park served mix of wildlife in an urban Roosevelt Park, and in June to its yearly budget. The as the site for the ill-fated setting complements the rather than the end of win- event also gives the city 1926 Sesquicentennial 2021 show’s theme, which ter. An unprecedented out- and surrounding region Exhibition that celebrated was “Habitat: Nature’s door show was mandatory an economic boost. the 150th anniversary of the Masterpiece.” signing of the Declaration for health safety reasons. Franklin Delano Roosevelt The show is scheduled to of Independence. Over the decades, the PHS Park was originally called return to the convention Flower Show had grown League Island Park. Sitting The park was chosen center again next March. into the largest indoor below street level, the park as the site for this year’s This year’s audience re- flower show in the world. was laid out in a South flower show because it sponse may help determine Last year it was held the Philadelphia tidal marsh was very accessible by car if the show remains indoors first week in March in the bordering the Navy Yard from I-76 and I-95, as or returns once again to Philadelphia Convention and located on League well as from the Broad nature, where gardens Center, as usual. Then two Island. It was designed Street subway. Also, over originated and belong. n
Flower Show walkway ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 7 Photos by Dennis McGlade Photos
Flower Show table and chair
Flower Show arbor Flower Show hydrangeas 8 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 9 Getting to Know Our Neighbors Juan De Miralles: A Historical Neighbor Concha Alborg, www.conchaalborg.com
ne of the most born in Valencia myself ). independence. In 1777, O wonderful activities Not much is known about Diego Navarro, Cuba’s for those of us who live his early life, only that he governor, promised in historic Society Hill is was the son of an infantry him the title of Spanish to stroll around the many officer and a French woman Ambassador, although his historical sites: Independence and that he emigrated with confirmation from Charles Mall, Carpenters Hall, his family to Cuba, which III, the Spanish King, Ben Franklin Court, Betsy was then part of the Spanish didn’t arrive until much
Ross House. On one of Empire. There he became later. In fact, because the Alborg Concha courtesy of Photos my walks, I found a plaque an entrepreneur, possibly United States would not next to the Powell House, taking part in the slave become an independent on 242 South Third Street. trade, and became a rich nation until 1783, Miralles Adorned with the Spanish businessman in Havana. could only act as an observer Portrait of Juan de Miralles by Crown and Imperial Coat In 1744 he married María for Spain and not an Rafael Lopez of Arms, it says that Juan Josefa Eligio de la Puente accredited diplomat. de Miralles (1715-1780) from one of the most Given his vast experience providing arms, lived there when he was prominent families in as a businessman and with ammunition and capital the first Spanish diplomat the city. They had eight the help of the financier to the revolutionaries. In in the United States of children — seven daughters Robert Morris, Miralles April, 1780, Miralles left America. I hadn’t heard and one son. organized shipments of for Washington’s encamp- about him in my studies Through his business much needed flour to Cuba, ment in Morristown, New of American history in with Great Britain and the whose economy was based Jersey, where a parade in his Spain. Who was this Juan American colonies, Miralles mainly on sugar, tobacco honor was being prepared. de Miralles, practically learned English; he already and coffee. In exchange, But he felt ill as soon as he a neighbor in his historic knew French due to his he exported other products arrived and was attended past? I soon learned that mother’s nationality. In such as chocolate, cigars personally by Martha and the historians are not in the 1750s Miralles traded and wines to the young George Washington in agreement. So, I asked with Florida, Charleston, United States. At that time, Jacob Ford’s house where myself, was he a hero, a Philadelphia, New York it was understood that fresh he was staying. Gravely ill, diplomat, a spy? Was he and Boston. During the fruit was a cure for scurvy probably with pneumonia, Spanish, Cuban, or Creole? War of Independence, he and Miralles was able to Miralles was not able to Juan de Miralles was born was allied with the colonies provide guavas and limes attend the parade and he in Petrel, in the province against the English, a com- for the American troops. died a few days later on the of Alicante, part of the mon enemy, and became a In 1778 Miralles settled 26th of April. On his death Valencian region (I was big supporter of American in the house in Society bed, he dictated his will Hill, where he entertained to Alexander Hamilton, General George freeing his personal slaves, Washington with whom and leaving them parcels of he established a close land near Havana. Robert friendship (their letters Morris was his executor. are housed in the National Even the events around Archives). The house itself, Juan de Miralles’ death owned by John Penn first are in conflict. There was and then Benjamin Chew, a national funeral with was eventually demolished. military honors held first in The present one in the the Presbyterian Church on Greek Revival style is now the Morristown Green. Later, old enough to be historical. on May 8th, a solemn mass, When Spain joined the attended by Washington American cause in 1779, himself and many other Miralles house plaque on South Third Street Miralles was in charge of continued on page 11 10 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 11
Juan de Miralles: A Historical Neighbor continued from page 9
dignitaries, was held in There is another plaque at At the same time, Miralles Old Saint Mary’s Church Old Saint Mary’s Church is a “friend of George on Fourth Street, even listing the founders of the Washington’s from though it was discovered nation, including Juan de Havana” for Portell, while later that the casket was Miralles. Unfortunately, the he is “the prototype of the empty. Although the church Museum of the American Anglo-Saxon business man” in Morristown still names Revolution doesn’t hold and a “Cuban entrepreneur Miralles in its cemetery, any artifacts or documents and a nationalized Spaniard it is believed that his body related to Juan de Miralles. who became a Creole,” was transported to Havana according to Böttcher; What can we definitely and was buried in the and let’s not forget that say about Juan de Miralles same church where he was the plaque on Third Street if the historians are not married, the Church of the declares him to be “the in agreement? Silva calls Holy Spirit. Not wanting first Spanish Diplomat.” him “a forgotten hero of to leave any stone unturned the American Revolution;” Perhaps, as a novelist, Juan de Miralles: Biography (pun intended), I have been Herrero considers him a I may have to decide that of a Founding Father of the in touch with a friend in United States by Dr. Salvador “businessman, diplomat Juan de Miralles, even Havana for confirmation. Larrúa-Guedes and a spy;” Larrúa-Guedes though he is a historical Inopportunely, the church says that he was a founding figure, deserves to be a is still closed now due to father of the United States.” character in a novel! n COVID-19. 12 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE Flower Beds of Washington Square and Hopkinson House Dennis McGlade
By mid-June, Washington Square was alive with the blossoms of astilbe, hosta, and hydrangeas, which bloom at the same time. Fragrance was provided by the linden trees, which also bloom then.
Shown here are hostas (foreground) backed by astilbe and hydrangeas. ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 13 Photos by Dennis McGlade Photos
Summer annuals of the front driveway and south garden of Hopkinson House. 14 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE
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Portals, Patients, and Providers continued from page 15
younger, had higher incomes are likely to get problems with chronic diseases. But to talk more with patients and more education; fewer handled before they turn these people are not high who do want personal were minorities, and fewer serious, the doctor com- portal users now. Has the contact, I don’t know had chronic conditions. mented, and so office visits medical world increased if this happens. Nonusers and low users should be reduced. And care disparities between However, as that doctor trended older, poorer, less while other providers have the well well-offs and said, it’s an age thing. educated, suffered more also mentioned increased the sick have-nots? Patients not using portals health problems, and more workload to researchers, now will eventually be were minorities. Sign-ups surveys have indeed reported In asking around, I heard displaced by digital natives and usage increased when fewer office visits and phone about a Philly practice that growing older, whether providers personally calls (actually freeing up recently instituted a portal. privileged or not. Currently, encouraged portal use, time for more new-patient Patients, I gathered, were all portals I’ve checked offer especially if tutorials were appointments), reduced being pushed to the portal access via mobile apps — offered during in-person no-shows, fewer emergency regardless of preference — and 85% of Americans own visits or hospital stays. room visits, and fewer anyone calling by phone smartphones. So disparities In May 2020, organizations preventable hospital stays. got a byzantine call tree, in portal use may decrease. using Epic’s MyChart or a recording, or endless Let’s hope so. And let’s also reported that all portal- Have portals had any ringing. Are other providers hope that phone, in-person, related virtual care exploded, effect on people’s health? prioritizing portals over and video visit contact all especially video visits, due Reductions in higher-level the personal? remain easy-to-use options to COVID-19. care imply decreased sickness for those patients. Maybe not — Ninth Street across medical centers. How have providers Internal Medicine states on Moreover, studies conducted If your provider has a portal reacted? A doctor told me its portal’s log-in page, on health outcomes have you’ve never tried, check that yes, the portal creates “[I]t should not take the reported small effects in it out. It may make your more work, and they’ve had place of any important greater understanding healthcare easier. But to hire additional people to communications about of diseases, increased whether you use it or not, keep up. What was driving your care. We continue medicine-taking, more don’t hesitate to call or visit the increase? Partly handling to encourage you to call people getting flu vaccines, as you need to. If you don’t those patient messages, our office as necessary.” increased quality of life, and get the service you want, and partly communicating Jefferson’s MyChart has higher patient satisfaction. complain politely and about test results. But, he a Find Care Now feature, firmly. And if your provider added, it’s an age thing. But studying what doesn’t showing a walk-in clinic doesn’t provide a portal and Older doctors resisted, happen is difficult, especially near Hopkinson House. you’d like one, speak up. even by retiring early. since health trends evolve MyPennMedicine offers Younger doctors — “digital slowly. Not only is it Penn Medicine OnDemand, As for BuildingLink, it will natives” — have adapted challenging to test portal which can set you up 24/7 give you better control over more readily to keying in impact on patients, with a clinician by video how the HVAC project patient data and working providers, or national visit. All portals promote affects your apartment. with the portal. Patients health, it’s likely too soon. 911 for emergencies. But So sign up, if you haven’t using the portal to report Any differences should while fewer patient phone yet, and get comfy using symptoms and ask questions show up first in older people calls should free up staff it before work begins. n
Online Resources
Jefferson Health’s MyChart: https://mychart.jefferson.edu/mychart/signup myPennMedicine: https://secure.mypennmedicine.org/MyPennMedicine/Authentication/Login? BuildingLink sign-up: You should have received an email with user name and password from BuildingLink in October 2019. If you didn’t save them, contact our Management Office and ask for your sign-ins to be resent. 18 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE
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PA. H.I.C. Reg. #PA061648 ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 19 Pierre L’Enfant and Morris’s Folly Lynn Miller s most of us know, House.” Had the latter been APierre L’Enfant was the realized, it would have been designer of Washington, D.C. some five times the size of But how many Philadelphians the White House which know that he came close to actually was built. His plan leaving this city a vast and also showed great boule- extravagant mansion built vards and a “grand avenue” for one of our leading rolling out from the base citizens in the 1790s? Had of the Capitol grounds. The it survived, that property government’s commissioners would have been our very put in charge of carrying impressive neighbor just to out the building plan were the northwest of Hopkinson skeptical of the costs of House. The client was trying to build on such Robert Morris, who had a scale, and insisted on largely financed the American constructing the essential Robert Morris House under construction cause during the War of Federal buildings first. Indepen dence. L’Enfant had L’Enfant soon proved hôtels particuliers that were all its embellishments come to America in 1780 to be a headstrong and home to Parisian aristocrats, sold off. Shortly thereafter, as a 26-year-old member of difficult man to work with. set back from the street with the property gave rise to the French Expeditionary Before long, his principal elegant gardens to the rear. rows of houses built by Force that supported the remaining advocate was The red brick and marble a developer, William Continental Army. Trained President Washington, structure slowly rose, Sansom, whose name as an engineer, he joined who admired the grandeur acquiring ever more costly would be given to the Washington’s staff at Valley of what L’Enfant had embellishments in the new street bisecting the Forge. After independence conceived. But eventually, process. After three years block from east to west. of work, it remained unfin- was achieved, L’Enfant — even the president conceded L’Enfant never had who by then called himself that the man needed to ished, its two grand wings much fit in with the other “Peter”— established a civil be dismissed. So he was, largely open to the elements. French emigrés living in engineering firm in New although his plan was Meanwhile, and unfortu- Philadelphia — and they York. He soon was asked to retained as the basis for the nately for him, Robert numbered several thousand redesign its city hall, thereby city that gradually arose. Morris rather suddenly during the 1790s, when creating the Federal Hall After “resigning,” as he lost his fortune from overly Philadelphia was the that would serve the First insisted, from the Federal optimistic speculation in nation’s capital. Perhaps Congress of the United City project, L’Enfant western land. By late in 1795, they found him nettlesome, States during the brief sought his fortune in he could no longer accept for they seem mostly to have period when New York Philadelphia, arriving back L’Enfant’s expenditures and ignored him. The Swedish was the new nation’s capital. here in 1793. His taste for delays. Morris and L’Enfant consul with whom he In 1791, L’Enfant’s fortunes the grandiose immediately mutually agreed that the boarded eventually sued soared when he was named appealed to Morris, the “unfortunate building in him for bills he was charged by President Washington city’s richest citizen, who Chestnut Street” would not with owing. After departing to plan the new Federal hired him to design a new be continued. Bankrupt, from Philadelphia for the City on the Potomac. mansion for his family. Morris spent three years last time, L’Enfant spent To the surprise of most It would be, as both men in debtors’ prison. The the rest of his life near the officials, including Thomas agreed, “like none other mansion — Morris’s Folly, new capital city until he Jefferson, who had made in the city.” The property as it was known by then to died in poverty in 1825. a sketch of a fairly modest began to rise palace-like Philadelphians — was never Nearly a century passed town, L’Enfant soon at what was still the edge completed. The unfinished before a considerably more produced a grandiose plan of the city, occupying the house, subject to a sheriff ’s powerful United States, on the scale of a European entire block from Seventh sale, was sold in 1798 for urged on by the then-French capital, complete with an to Eighth and Walnut to the original price of the ambassador to Washington, enormous “Congress House” Chestnut Streets. L’Enfant’s lot alone. The building acknowledged him — once and huge “President’s model was of the lavish was then demolished and continued on page 21 20 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE
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215-514-9884 – Cell [email protected] www.rosemaryfluehr.com – Direct 215-440-8195 530 Walnut Street, Suite 480 215-627-6005 – Office Philadelphia, PA 19106 ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 21
Pierre L’Enfant and Morris’s Folly continued from page 19
more Pierre L’Enfant — National Cemetery in So, today, we have Jewelers’ to one man’s palatial house as the essential planner 1909. Yet in Philadelphia, Row, a strip of commercial and garden. n of the nation’s capital. By where he labored through buildings ending with Jones then, L’Enfant’s grandiose most of the 1790s but restaurant on Chestnut This article is adapted from planned city sat more easily where none of his work Street, and a hole where a Lynn Miller and Therese on the nation’s shoulders. survives, he is remembered, Toll Brothers high-rise still Dolan, Salut! France Meets His remains were reburied if at all, for having helped hasn’t arisen on blocks that Philadelphia (Temple with honor in Arlington bring ruin to Robert Morris. might have drawn our eye University Press, 2021)
How Independence Hall Became Independence Hall Lynn Miller n the summer of 1824, September 27th, where followed by remarks from 81-year-old Thomas IAmerica celebrated the he was met by a 6,000-man Lafayette extolling the Jefferson at Monticello — return of the nation’s first military escort. A hundred- virtues of the American where James Madison also non-American hero, the gun salute boomed over the republic and the wisdom of came to call. He paid his Marquis de Lafayette, on a city at 8:00 a.m. the next those who had founded it. respects to Washington’s scale it had never seen before . day, and he entered the city His secretary later published memory at Mt. Vernon. President James Monroe in a carriage drawn by six an account of Lafayette’s He was in Washington, had invited him to come white horses. The three-mile reaction to the ceremonies: D.C., when the deadlocked to America as part of the procession accompanying presidential contest of In… recognizing this hall celebration of the fiftieth him passed under a dozen 1824 finally ended with in which the declaration of anniversary of American triumphal arches to end the election of John Quincy independence was signed; independence. It was an at the State House. Adams by the House of this hall at whose door he invitation Lafayette was Representatives; afterwards, That building where the had waited in 1777, with eager to accept at a time he witnessed the defeated nation’s two most important so much impatience to when he hoped he might Andrew Jackson shake founding documents were devote his life and fortune inspire republican friends hands with the president- created likely would not to an almost desperate cause, in France to oppose the elect. He addressed Congress. have been saved had it not Lafayette felt an emotion repressive policies of the He traveled up and down been for Lafayette’s return he could scarcely conceal, and Bourbon monarch, Louis the country, returning again visit. Ever since the capital which several times showed XVIII. By then a widower, to Philadel phia for a longer, moved from Phila delphia itself in his eloquent answer. Lafayette arrived in New quieter stay in July, 1825. to the new capital city on York on August 15th, He remained in the city eight When at last he and his son the Potomac in 1800, the accompanied by his son, days, while Phila delphians returned to France, he carried State House had stood Georges Washington, and waxed semi-delirious at with him soil he had taken empty, falling into serious his secretary. For the next his presence. from the ground at Bunker disrepair. But in anticipation four days and nights, New Hill. Georges sprinkled it of Lafayette’s visit, Philadel - Thanks largely to revived Yorkers showered him with on his father’s grave after phia officials saw it as the interest in the nation’s every manner of celebration, the death in 1834 of Amer - logical place where Lafayette history kindled by his the first of an unending series ica’s greatest foreign hero. might greet the public. So, return to the United States, of welcomes across all 24 the chaste red-brick struc- the Historical Society of states lasting thirteen months Ever since Lafayette’s ture was dramatically reno- Pennsylvania was founded — more than three times triumphal tour in 1824-25, vated by William Strickland. in Philadelphia in the year as long as the marquis had Americans have shown a With Lafayette’s reception of Lafayette’s visit. originally intended to stay. greater reverence for the there, the chamber where the At age 67, Lafayette was The crowds were tumultuous places and people connected nation’s founders had met the last surviving general of wherever he traveled. Towns, to the nation’s birth. began to be referred to as the War of Independence cities, counties, parks and Inde pendence Hall — the Hall of Independence, a (yes, he was still a teenager squares throughout the originally the Pennsylvania name which soon came to be when he was made a major nation were named for him. State House — has remained applied to the building itself. general!). After touring He visited the 89-year-old perhaps the greatest monu- New England, he arrived Formal greetings from John Adams at his home in ment of all to the founding outside Philadelphia on Philadelphia’s mayor were Quincy, Massachusetts, and of the United States. n 22 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE An Easy and Delicious Roast Chicken Dinner Chefs’ Corner Jane Hickman Note: If you have a favorite ne-dish meals are Make sure you marinate this with a simple fruit recipe, we would love to test Ogreat any time of the the chicken pieces for at salad for dessert: use it and put it in this column. year. A rimmed sheet pan is least an hour, up to eight whatever is in season Send your recipes or requests all you need to prepare this hours; this will give you that can be purchased to [email protected]. roast chicken and potatoes flavorful, moist chicken at a farmer’s market Thank you! with feta, lemon, and dill. with crispy skin. Follow or the grocery store. n
Chicken and Potatoes with Feta, Lemon, and Dill Adapted from the New York Times Ingredients Directions 3 tablespoons olive oil, In a gallon-size plastic divided bag (or medium bowl), mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice, together 2 tablespoons oil, Hickman by Jane Photos divided (about ½ lemon) 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, minced garlic, oregano, and about ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add chicken and Salt and black pepper toss to coat. Let the chicken to taste marinate for up to eight 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken hours in the refrigerator. thighs, trimmed of excess If using a bowl, make skin and fat sure to cover it. 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ¾-inch pieces (or Heat the oven to 425ºF. Roast for 15 minutes, toss thighs to a plate, and return more, if you love potatoes) On a sheet pan, drizzle the potatoes, then return the potatoes to the oven for the diced potatoes with everything to the oven and another 5 to 10 minutes. 2 ounces feta cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon roast until the chicken is crumbled (about ½ cup) oil and sprinkle with salt cooked through, the skin Place the chicken and 2 tablespoons chopped and pepper. Toss well and is golden brown, and the potatoes on a serving fresh dill move to one side of the pan. potatoes are tender, about platter, and sprinkle with Pat the chicken thighs dry 15 to 25 minutes, depend- the remaining tablespoon and place them, evenly ing on the size of the thighs. of lemon juice. Scatter feta spaced, on the other If the potatoes are not quite and dill over the potatoes side of the pan. tender, remove the chicken and chicken, and serve hot.
Fresh Fruit Salad Ingredients Directions Assorted fresh fruits, Cut up watermelon, may include watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, pineapple, berries, and blueberries, and raspberries. other seasonal fruits Mix and serve chilled. ON THE HOUSE · SUMMER 2021 · 23
Out of the 38,000 condos we’ve sold over the past 40 plus years, How many were at The HopkinsonHouse? Well over a thousand.
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PHILADELPHIA’S LARGEST SELLING CONDOMINIUM REALTOR WE COOPERATE WITH ALL REALTORS 1845 Walnut St. Suite 2200 Philadelphia 215.545.1500 allandomb.com [email protected] 24 · SUMMER 2021 · ON THE HOUSE
Some of our most recent sales at Hopkinson House 2407 | 2515 | 513 | 2605 2707‐09 | 1517‐18 | 2710 | 1809 1315 | 1209 | 605 | 1513 Thinking about buying or selling a Hopkinson House condominium? Call us. We get the job done.
@AllanDombRealEstate @AllanDomb @AllanDomb Allan Domb Real Estate PHILADELPHIA’S LARGEST SELLING CONDOMINIUM REALTOR® WE COOPERATE WITH ALL REALTORS® 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 2200, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone: 215.545.1500 allandomb.com [email protected]
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