May/June 2004 The Newsletter of The Society Hill Civic Association

SOCIETY HILL

Reporter www.societyhillcivic.com Welcoming and Saying Farewell to Community Activists May 19th Election of Directors & Officers

t’s election time again — shortly after The good news is that Tania Rorke is SHCA’s Ithe April primary, the Society Hill Civic presidential nominee. Many neighbors already Association (SHCA) will conduct its annual know Tania for her outstanding leadership election. Wednesday, May 19th is a chance for regarding Three Bears Park, where she all members to elect a new slate of officers and currently serves as the group’s chairperson. board directors representing our community’s (Please see a brief profile of Tania on page 4.) four quadrants. We need your participation, In addition to the election, our featured speaker and ask that you review the profiles of all those for the evening will be the Superintendent of good folks up for election. These generous Independence National Historical Park, Mary neighbors willing to devote time and skills on Bomar. Superintendent Bomar, who helped Mary Bomar, behalf of our community deserve your support. Superintendent of build the Oklahoma City National Memorial Make a point of arriving in time to vote. Independence National after working with survivors of that city’s Historical Park Most important, we must elect a new president, bombing, has been here on the job only since as Liza Seltzer is now retiring. (Please see her January 2003. But since then she has found farewell President’s Message on page 3.) herself in the midst of major challenges con- We very reluctantly part with Liza, but send cerning the park’s security measures as well her bundles of thanks for so splendidly serving as lack of funding for the landscaping of Inde- Society Hill this past year and for all the time pendence Mall. For current information about she lived here and contributed to our quality the park’s security measures, we recommend of life. We send to Liza, her husband, Jonathan, visiting the website of the Independence Mall and their three children our very best wishes Business and Residents Coalition (IMBARC) as they move into their new home and — of which SHCA is a member group — community in June. at www.freeindependencemall.com.

“Mix & Meet” your WED. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Neighbors at our May Spring Social. Society Hill Civic Association Meetings Wednesday, May 19, 2004 19 6 p.m. pring Fling Board Meeting St. Peter’s Church Parish Hall, 313 Pine St Wednesday, May 26, 7 - 9 pm! The Parish Hall is a large townhouse located Hosted by The Dark Horse Restaurant next to St. Peter's Way. 421 South Second Street All SHCA members are welcome to attend. All SHCA members who enjoy refreshing 7 p.m. General Membership Meeting drinks, delicious hors d'oeuvres and St. Peter’s Church Main Sanctuary, 3rd & Pine delightful conversation are invited. Annual election of officers and directors. Non-members are welcome to bring Meet and query our featured speaker, Mary Bomar, $40 SHCA membership dues. So join us! Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park. 20% discount for those who stay to dinner. All Society Hill residents are invited to attend. RSVP: SHCA Administrator Matt DeJulio at 215-629-1288 or [email protected] PAGE 2 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

The Green Tree SOCIETY HILL Perpetual Assurance Company Reporter Editors (May/June Issue) Business Manager Bernice Hamel and Photographer Carole LeFaivre-Rochester Matthew DeJulio

Editorial Team Letters to the Editors Marilyn Appel Robert Devoe Andrea Layden Nancy Frenze Sandra Rothman Graphic Design Columnists [email protected] Paul Boni, Esq. Deadlines for Next Issue Keri White David Woods Advertising: June 1 Editorial: June 14 Contributors Society Hill Civic Association Jean Bryan P.O. Box 63503 Cynthia Jones Eiseman Philadelphia, PA 19147 Michael Erdos tel: 215-629-1288 Robin Komita fax: 215-625-9914 Martha Levine email: [email protected] C. DeWitt Peterson Liza Seltzer Website David Stevens www.societyhillcivic.com

Submissions One of the goals of the Material must be submitted Reporter is to print news in writing and include the Insuring Homes Since 1784 of interest to Society Hill name of a contact person. residents – especially hap- Edited material may appear penings in and around our if there is space; otherwise community. To publicize an upcoming events may be event in the Reporter, press listed in the Community releases or copy should be Calendar. Only signed submitted to the SHCA Letters to the Editors will be office by email, mail or fax. considered for publication.

In this Issue…

Page 4-9 Page 27 Introducing SHCA A Master Plan for Nominees Three Bears Park

Page 11-13 Page 34 Comprehensive Homeowners Insurance Important Safe & Noteworthy Neighbors: An Insurance Expense Becomes an Asset Sound Tips Paul Levy and Carrie Rickey Annual Savings Begin Immediately Entire Deposit Is Fully Refundable Letter to the Editors

Nancy Frenze, a longtime Society Hill resident, sent the 1.800.468.TREE (8733) following amplification for the "Condo Corner" article in the March/April Reporter which described St. James Court: 215.925.0609 “St. James Court is one part of the much larger Washington www.thegreentree.com Square East Redevelopment Authority parcel which consisted of two low-rise condominiums, Independence Place Towers, Washington Square garage, and a private club which was to serve all unit owners — now the Philadelphia Sports Club. Also, the RDA's plans refer to Skidmore, Owings and Merrill as the plan's architects, not Cope, Linder, Walmsley Associates, who are listed as consultants.” JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Busy Year

s many of you know, I will be stepping internal mechanism of the Square’s fountain. In A down as SHCA President at the end of this addition, Kelly Nelson and Sandy Rothman are month. While I have loved working with every- working with Independence National Historic one on our Board to help make our neighbor- Park (which in March of this year has taken hood a stronger place, I will be moving from over responsibility for the Square) to form a Society Hill in June and therefore cannot Gardening Committee to improve its appearance. continue to serve. Keri White continues her McCall School initia- This has been a busy year for our civic associa- tives by helping to resurrect and serve on its tion. I feel truly fortunate to have had such an Home & School Association. She also called outstanding team to work with on the growing to the attention of School Superintendent Paul portfolio of projects that SHCA is currently Vallas the fact that the McCall School lacks a Liza Seltzer undertaking. playground. Funding and plans are now in place SHCA president to add an on site playground later this year. For example, SHCA has played an instrumental role in supporting plans for the renovation of As always, Zoning & Historic Preservation have Three Bears Park. Under Tania Rorke’s able been front-burner issues for the association this leadership, this project has evolved from a plan year. Paul Boni and his excellent committee to replace only the playground equipment to a dealt with a wide range of issues, including a more comprehensive overhaul of this neighbor- legal appeal against the substitution of fiberglass hood hub — to make it safer and more appealing to replicate destroyed marble cornices during to children and adults alike. A new committee construction of the St. James Tower complex has been formed, co-chaired by Tania and (a project which SHCA otherwise endorses). architect/SW Quadrant Director Robin Komita. The committee also mobilized our neighborhood (See page 27 for more about this committee.) to oppose a bill before City Council that would undermine the meaning and value of historic SHCA also made important strides this year in district designation throughout Philadelphia. In improving neighborhood safety. We formed Safe contrast, our historic district has been supported & Sound Society Hill, co-chaired by Michael by a gift of $50,000 through State Representative Erdos and Martha Levine. This new committee Marie Lederer’s office. The funds will be used to coordinates all anti-crime initiatives that affect support the efforts of this important committee, Society Hill — both physical and quality-of-life as well as provide general support for the issues. SHCA also helped foster the resurrec- community’s safety and beautification. tion of Society Hill Town Watch, independent of SHCA but collaborating with us. The president Other ongoing projects, such as the Society Hill of Town Watch is SE Quadrant director Michael Reporter, our bi-monthly newsletter co-edited by Erdos. This group patrols our streets on a Bernice Hamel, Carole LeFaivre-Rochester, and regular basis. Sandy Rothman, and our Weekly Sidewalk Sweeping & Graffiti Removal, chaired by Dave We also made progress this year toward upgrad- Stevens, continue to contribute to making ing the quality and brightness of Franklin lamps Society Hill the special community it is. Let me throughout the neighborhood. This long-term say that these are just a sampling of our associa- project, chaired by Martha Levine, received a tion’s accomplishments over the past year, all of gift of $110,000 through State Senator Vincent which resulted from the hard work of dedicated Fumo’s office that will allow nearly one-quarter volunteers and SHCA board directors. I wish to of the lamps to be upgraded. (The electrified offer my heartfelt thanks to each of you for Franklin lamps, installed during the time of everything you do for the neighborhood and our community’s rebirth about 50 years ago, for making this year such a productive one. are unique to Society Hill and were based on Benjamin Franklin’s original street lamp design.) GOOD NEWS ABOUT TAX REFORM Improving quality-of-life in and around City Council will hold a public hearing on tax reform legislation as part of Washington Square received growing attention the process to consider the city's annual budget and five-year financial plan. this year from SHCA. Our Washington Square This hearing may very well determine the future of tax reform in Philadelphia. liaison, Sissie Lipton, helped to secure a gift Scheduled for: Monday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall, Room 400. from the producers of the film “National Click www.philadelphiataxreformnow.org/content/view/4 for more information. To testify for tax reform, contact Philadelphia Forward at 215-563-3881. Treasure” that will go towards renovating the PAGE 4 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

MEET THE CANDIDATES Tania Rorke—Nominee For SHCA President

ania Rorke has come up through the ranks Auxiliary of Pennsylvania Hospital, chairing its T— beginning service to our community as Maternity Committee and co-chairing its 2004 a Block Coordinator, then as a Southeast Quad- Fantasy Ball, a large fundraiser for the Auxiliary. rant board director, and today she is SHCA’s In addition, she volunteers her time and energy nominee for president. to St. Peter’s School, St. Peter’s Church, and The Junior League of Philadelphia. Tania grew up in Holyoke, Massachusetts, earned a B.A. from the University of Massa- In her new role as SHCA President, Tania will chusetts, and then went on to acquire an M.S. continue to work closely with many neighbors in Occupational Therapy from Springfield to foster our community’s quality of life follow- College in Springfield, Massachusetts. She and ing the lead of SHCA’s previous two presidents, her husband Tom relocated to Philadelphia in Liza Seltzer and Malcolm Lazin. She hopes to Tania Rorke 1997. Until their first daughter arrived, Tania focus her energies on several pending issues was employed by Pennsylvania Hospital, where — including the appropriate development of she managed the outpatient therapy depart- both Foglietta Plaza and Penn’s Landing. ment and worked as an occupational therapist. She is also concerned about how South Street These days Tania keeps very busy raising her impacts our immediate neighborhood, and two girls and volunteering for good causes. hopes to develop a coalition of volunteers to She is President of The Friends of Three Bears work with the South Street Headhouse District Park. Through her leadership, the Friends’ to address some of the problems that derive organization has raised sufficient funds to from that corridor. She looks forward to work- replace unsafe and outdated playground equip- ing with SHCA members, old and new, so that ment with new equipment that meets modern Society Hill continues to be the city’s most safety standards. She is also involved with the desirable place to live.

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2004-2005 SHCA Slate of Officers & Directors

ccording to SHCA’s bylaws, officers and directors can serve in their respective roles for up to A three consecutive years, after which they must retire from those positions. Our two retiring vice presidents will continue their dedicated service to our community as quadrant directors: Bernice Hamel will represent the Southeast Quadrant and Martha Levine the Southwest Quadrant. Luisa Boverini will continue as SHCA’s Recording Secretary, while Colleen Farrell, previously a Northeast Quadrant director, will replace Frank Hoban as treasurer.

Introducing SHCA’s Officers

Paul Boni, Esq., Vice President Kelly Nelson, Ph.D., Vice President Now in his third year serving SHCA as a Kelly grew up in Texas and spent several years Meet the vice president, Paul Boni has chaired our in Washington, D.C. before coming to Philadel- association’s Zoning & Historic Preservation phia in 1990 with attorney husband, Raymond Candidates Committee for almost three years. His excep- Quaglia. Ray and Kelly moved to Society Hill in tional administrative skills, professionalism and 2000 when expecting their now four-year old leadership have guided committee members as daughter. They also have a 20-month-old son. they collaborate to maintain Society Hill’s zon- Kelly has a long-standing personal and profes- X ing and preservation achievements and goals. sional interest in urban affairs and is an ardent Paul, who acquired his law degree in 1990 from believer in the virtues of urban communities. the University of Pennsylvania, earned an Her hobbies include shopping at Reading undergraduate degree from Emory University. Terminal Market, cooking, and trying to finish He has his own law practice in Philadelphia the most recent New Yorker before the next where he focuses on environmental and land one arrives. Prior to serving as a vice president use law, and enjoys living in his historic on SHCA’s board last year, she spent three “trinity” home. When not working on behalf of years as a Southeast Quadrant representative. his clients or our community, Paul tries to find Luisa Boverini, Recording Secretary time to see good films, enjoy sports activities Luisa Boverini, originally from Lynn, Massa- and take advantage of our area’s wonderful chusetts, moved to Philadelphia in 2000 when restaurants. she became a doctoral student at the Univer- Bonnie Halda, Vice President sity of Pennsylvania studying for an Ed.D. in Bonnie has been a resident of Society Hill Higher Education Management. This year since 1990 and lives in the Society Hill Towers, Luisa has again agreed to serve SHCA as its serving SHCA as a vice president since 2002. Secretary. She says that “participating in the She has over 25 years of experience as a Society Hill Civic Association enables me not historical architect, and holds a management only to learn about my community, but to make position with the Northeast Region of the a contribution as well.” Last August, Luisa National Park Service. Currently a member married Dr. Jeff Heit and they are living of our civic association’s Zoning and Historic happily ever after at the Hopkinson House. Preservation Committee, she was also part of Colleen Farrell, Treasurer the charrette planning team for Foglietta Plaza Colleen Farrell, a Philadelphia native, is a and has participated in public meetings to paralegal who works for Independence Blue discuss the future of Penn’s Landing. Cross specializing in monitoring healthcare Jerrold “Jim” Moss, Esq., Vice President legislation and campaign finance/lobbying Jim has lived with his wife Marsha at Society laws — for federal, state, and local compliance. Hill Towers for twenty years. For the last ten She is also an established real estate sales per- years Jim has served on the Towers’ Council. son affiliated with Russo Real Estate in Center Prior to his current nomination as vice presi- City. With a Masters from the Fels School of dent, Jim served on SHCA’s board of directors Government at the University of Pennsylvania, for six years, three as a vice president. He Colleen has been active in Women’s Way, the retired briefly due to SHCA’s term limitations Philadelphia League of Women Voters, the in its bylaws, which he helped draft. Jim prac- Ronald McDonald House and the Juvenile tices law with Astor Weiss Kaplan and Mandel, Justice Center of Pennsylvania. Previously she where he concentrates in commercial litigation served as an SHCA Northeast Quadrant direc- and business transactional work. tor and is now pleased to serve as its treasurer. PAGE 6 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

Northwest Quadrant Directors Meet the Sissie Lipton* (2007) Diane Rossheim* (2007) Lisa Karlin (2005) Candidates Sissie and her husband, Diane Rossheim is a graduate Lisa Karlin has lived in Herb Lipton, have lived at of the University of Pennsylva- Philadelphia all of her working Independence Place for 18 nia and has lived in the Society life. She currently works in years. Previously they lived Hill area since 1979 — first on Horsham, PA with small busi- in Rydal, Pennsylvania, where Willings Alley and now at the nesses as a retirement plan X they raised three wonderful, Hopkinson House with hus- consultant. She “endures” her successful children — one of band, Bob Rossheim. Diane’s daily commute to suburbia whom, Eric Lipton, is a Pulitzer varied career includes owning because she loves Center City’s Prize winning journalist with a bookstore and co-authoring diversity and culture, including the New York Times. Sissie a guidebook to Philadelphia. the ballet, orchestra and great serves on the Wilma Theatre Currently she is a tour guide restaurants. A 1997 graduate Board, is a Trustee of the White for several organizations, as of Penn State University, she Williams Scholars, and is a past she has a keen interest in our also attended the Institute for president of the Friends of city’s architecture, history Paralegal Training. Lisa and Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, and cultural heritage. Locally, her partner of 20 years, Paula, where she was co-chair for Diane is a 25-year member live with their dog, Matisse, the many Artists with Disabilities (i.e. shareholder) of The “mayor” of Washington Square, exhibits. While serving as Athenaeum, a member of and they love to escape to their SHCA’s representative from the Friends of Independence beach house in Delaware. Lisa Independence Place, Sissie Historical Park, the Washing- has been happy to represent helped to develop a committee ton Square Citizens’ League the Northwest Quadrant of for Washington Square Park, a and, of course, SHCA. As the our community since 2002. liaison with the National Park grandmother of eight, Diane Service to maintain the stan- happily reports that baby Rudy, dards and amenities that our born just last month on April 6, neighborhood park deserves. is doing beautifully.

Southwest Quadrant Directors

Robin Komita, AIA (2006) Martha Levine* (2007) Tours. She and her husband, Robin Komita, a White Plains, Martha Levine, a Society Howard Sedran, are the par- New York native, holds a de- Hill resident for 18 years and ents of a 4th-grade daughter. gree in Industrial Design from past vice president of SHCA for Frank Signorello (2006) Carnegie Mellon University. three, initiated and/or chaired Frank Signorello, a Center City A registered architect and several projects — including resident since 1987, now lives member of the American our Welcome Basket and on Lombard Street with his Institute of Architects, she Block Coordinator programs. wife Catherine. Frank is presi- is currently employed as an She has encouraged more than dent and part owner of Global Associate with Becker Winston 200 neighbors to install exteri- Exchange Group, Inc., a firm Architects. She and her hus- or light fixtures on their homes specializing in international band, Mario Moussa, have for safety purposes, and she banking services. Frank proud- lived in Society Hill since 1995, now co-chairs the recently ly reports that Global just cele- where they are raising their formed Safe & Sound Society brated its 10th year in business three children. Robin is cur- Hill Committee. Martha com- and has been recognized as rently co-chairing the Three piles and shares with residents one of the fastest growing firms Bears Park Oversight & SHCA’s Preferred List of in the Philadelphia region for Design Committee with Tania Contractors, and she has been three consecutive years. His Rorke, which is coordinating working with city officials to educational background the park’s entire rehabilitation. improve the lighting of our includes a bachelor’s degree Occasionally Robin finds time Franklin lamps. A former in economics, business and to enjoy tennis, swimming, elementary school teacher with finance from Mt. St. Mary’s biking, yoga, and gardening. an MBA in Marketing, Martha College and a Master’s degree She and Mario especially has for the past few springs in Environmental Studies at enjoy restoring their 1890’s co-chaired Society Hill’s Open the University of Pennsylvania. historic home. House Home and Garden * New Post for this person Year in parentheses indicates when term of service will expire. JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 7

Northeast Quadrant Directors Lee Dennis (2005) Keri White (2006) Lana Noël* (2007) Meet the Lee and her husband, Geoffrey, Keri and her husband, Matthew, A Temple University graduate, Candidates have lived in their S. 3rd Street an attorney, moved to Society Lana Noël has called Philadel- 1813 house for the past six Hill ten years ago and have phia home for 15 years. She years and in Society Hill for been members of SHCA ever and husband Josh Nadel prefer four years prior to moving into since. As the parents of two to raise their son Gabriel in an their historic home. Lee enjoys young children they are enthu- urban setting. “Society Hill is X attending auctions to fill the siastic supporters and promot- a great place for children,” she home with wonderful collect- ers of our area’s parks. Keri is says. “This community is full ibles, and she also donates her involved at the McCall School of wonderful neighbors, terrific talent and energies for several where her son attends second parks and green areas, and good causes. In Society Hill, grade. Prior to her current full- family-friendly restaurants, she serves as vice chair of the time job as stay-at-home mom, shops, and cultural venues.” Powel House Committee, but Keri was a seventh grade teacher. Lana’s hope is that Society Hill she also serves on other city- A free-lance writer for the Uni- will continue to be a beautiful, related boards — e.g. the Big versity City News and other clients, nationally important neighbor- Picture Alliance, which teaches she recognized the need to hood cared for by its residents filmmaking to inner-city stu- provide relevant information and admired by its visitors. dents, and Philadelphians for to the increasing number of Formerly an administrative Literacy, which is developing young families who now live director, Lana has set aside her day care and early learning pro- in our neighborhood — so that business career to raise her grams for the city’s low income they stay in the neighborhood! son and pursue vocal studies. neighborhoods. She also serves Reporter readers enjoy Keri’s on the board of The Friends “Kid’s Beat” column which of Benjamin Franklin House, keeps these young families U.S.A., which is turning Ben’s informed about the pleasures house in London into a museum. and challenges of living here.

Southeast Quadrant Directors Michael Erdos (2006) Bernice T. Hamel* (2007) Richard De Wyngaert* (2007) Michael Erdos, his wife, Diana, Bernice Hamel has been a Richard De Wyngaert, his wife, and their three cats have lived community activist for all of Susan, and their three daugh- in Philadelphia since 1997. her adult life. With an M.A. in ters love Philadelphia living Michael received his B.A. from Creative Writing from Temple and have been Pine Street Dickinson College, an M.A. University, she has wielded the residents in Society Hill for from Oxford University, and a “power of the pen” for several more than ten years. Formerly J.D. from Yale Law School. He local causes. Bernice is presi- an auctioneer and fine arts is currently the Assistant Chief dent of the Head House dealer, Richard now works of the Economic and Cyber Conservancy, which led the in private asset management. Crimes Unit of the Philadelphia restoration and preservation A graduate of Georgetown District Attorney’s Office, as effort that rescued this National University, he is currently a well as a Special Assistant at the Historical Landmark. A founder board member of St. Peter’s United States Attorney’s Office. of the Society Hill Reporter and School and is active in many Prior to becoming a prosecutor, recent SHCA vice president, community institutions and he worked on behalf of women’s she will now represent the initiatives. Richard is particu- rights. Michael has reinstituted Southeast Quadrant. For 17 larly interested in influencing the defunct Society Hill Town years she and her husband, Philadelphia communities Watch (SHTW), and is presi- Bernard, have treasured living through education and trans- dent of this independent group in their historic home (built in formative projects that empow- of about 50 volunteers who 1762), which their two sons er youth and improve neighbor- patrol our streets several days and three grandchildren love hood dialogue and connections. and nights weekly. SHTW is to visit. In 2001 Bernice was He is very committed to allied with our association’s awarded a Citation by the Society Hill and to addressing “Safe and Sound Society Hill Mayor of Philadelphia for issues that concern residents Committee” with whom promoting education and which might threaten to Michael collaborates regularly. awareness of the city’s history. compromise its future. PAGE 8 SOCIETY HILL Reporter JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 9

Condominium Representatives Condominium representatives Society Hill Towers: St. James Court: Meet the are chosen by their respective Fran Newberg, Ed.D* Andrea Layden* Candidates organizations and may serve for Fran Newberg, a Philadelphia For the past year Andrea up to three consecutive years. native, was raised and educat- Layden has been a team Hopkinson House: ed in the city. With a doctorate member of the Society Hill Steven A. Weixler* in Educational Leadership, Reporter. She and her hus- Steve Weixler is a long-term she began her career as a band, Dan, are the proud par- X resident of Society Hill. An grade school teacher in South ents of a beautiful daughter, architect and principal in the Philadelphia. Currently she born in August 2003. Andrea, Philadelphia-based interior serves as a curriculum liaison a graduate of Widener Univer- design firm Weixler, Peterson and project manager for the sity with a degree in Finance, & Luzi, his work has appeared School District’s Office of spent eight years as an insur- in Architectural Digest, Florida Educational Technology, ance adjuster with State Farm Design, and Philadelphia Style. where she has launched and Insurance Company, but after He has won numerous awards, implemented a system that her daughter’s arrival she and his own condominium at will bring the tools of the switched to a part-time Hopkinson House appeared Internet, database manage- position. A second-generation on HGTV’s “Interiors By De- ment and customized student Italian-American, Andrea’s sign” as an example of stylish resources to the fingertips of wedding was held four years life in the city. Steve’s concern teachers and principals ago in Florence, Italy. She and about the preservation of our throughout Philadelphia her husband are now applying community’s historic architec- schools. Fran resides with her for Italian-American co-citizen- ture is one reason he has been husband, Jeremy, and their ship. Andrea enjoys meeting a dedicated professional mem- two daughters at Society Hill and mixing with neighbors, ber of SHCA’s Zoning & His- Towers. They are members and now that she spends more toric Preservation Committee, of the Society Hill Synagogue time at home with her daugh- appearing often at City Hall and have a deep appreciation ter, she enjoys contributing hearings representing our for the opportunities and her skills to benefit our community’s best interests. challenges of city living. community. Independence Place: Society Hill Towers: Penn’s Landing Square: Richard Weeks* Henry (“Hank”) Bowen* Carole LeFaivre-Rochester Richard Weeks, a New Henry Bowen grew up in Carole LeFaivre-Rochester Jersey native, moved to New Jersey and graduated has been writing and co-edit- Independence Place four from Rutgers University. After ing the Society Hill Reporter years go after living in New several years in the Air Force, for the past few years — England for almost 25 years. Hank joined the Ford Motor following her retirement His educational background Company, but most of his three years ago as editor for includes an undergraduate career was spent running the American Philosophical degree in psychology and medium-sized businesses for Society, one of America’s mathematics and a Master’s a venture capital company. oldest and most prestigious degree from the University Currently he is CEO of the learned societies, where she of Pennsylvania. He retired Delaware Valley Floral Group, worked for almost a quarter from banking and elementary one of the largest floral of a century. Carole has been school teaching as well as importers in the U.S., serving an on-again, off-again Philadel- several administrative posi- the market from Washington phia resident for most of her tions, including a ten-year to New York. Hank and his adult life. She and her husband, position as manager of an wife, Shirley, nurtured a Michael Rochester, who will English antiques business combined household of ten soon celebrate their tenth on Nantucket Island. Having children — including fourteen wedding anniversary, love lived most of his life in similar grandchildren and one great- Society Hill living. Carole historic communities, he is grand daughter. They love finds herself quite busy, pleased to be able to contri- Society Hill and our communi- involved with the Society Hill bute his talents and time to ty’s proximity to city ameni- Synagogue and as a board Society Hill. ties. Also they love sailing the director of the Philadelphia Chesapeake, and they hope to Jewish Archives Center. She do as much sailing as they can continues writing, editing, * New post for this person this summer. consulting and doing research. PAGE 10 SOCIETY HILL Reporter JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 11

STAYING SAFE IN SOCIETY HILL You’re Invited to Join Us!!!

Society Hill Town Watch (SHTW) and Safe And Sound Society Hill (SSSH) Work With Police to Fight Crime and Enhance Quality Of Life

What: Problem: Motorcycles without mufflers Society Hill Town Watch (SHTW) careening up, down and around Society Hill Solution: New noise ordinance allows police Where: to confiscate noisy motorcycles. So far, almost Our neighborhood’s beautiful historic blocks 100 motorcycles have been confiscated. In When: addition, the police now have special equip- Two hours on any summer evening you choose ment for recording decibels and have been trained to use it. Why: Community Policing makes Society Hill safer Problem: Loose bricks on sidewalks, around trees or just piled up against buildings. These Why else: create a hazard in two ways. First, they are a To get some exercise on lovely nights and danger to pedestrians, especially at night when rediscover Society Hill treasures. And because it is difficult to see them. Second, they can dozens of your neighbors belong. be used as weapons to hurl through win- RSVP: dows or to mug someone. (See Letter to 267-251-0749 or [email protected] the Editors by Bob Devoe on page 30.) Solution: Individual homeowners Problem: Broken windows on 4th St including need to be made aware of the dangers. house windows, windows and doors at St. If there are loose bricks in front of your Mary’s, and car windows vandalized by groups house — fix them. Be a good neighbor : walking from South Street up to Old City late if you see loose bricks elsewhere, tell the at night on weekends. owner or replace them yourself. Keep Society Solution: Captain Korn has assigned three Hill safe — do your part. uniformed police details, who are dedicated to the area, covering several shifts. This special Problem: Pot holes and other street repairs task force will continue throughout the sum- needed. mer months during weekends. In addition, a Solution: SSSH is still working on this. plainclothes team has been assigned to the Problem: New Thursday after 10 p.m. trash area throughout the week to address the pick-up causes challenges. recent rash of car break-ins and vandalism. Possible solution: Call the Streets Follow-up: Several quality-of-life arrests and Department at 215-686-5520. A real person will enforcements have been effected, including answer. His name is Frank Leo and he’s collect- curfews, hazardous moving violations, ing, not trash, but your feedback on this late disorderly conduct and vandalism. Thursday night trash pick-up time. Presently, Problem: Stalking in Society Hill (See page 13 you must put out your trash between 10 p.m. in this issue of the Reporter). Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday. A proposal is in Solution: BE AWARE and BE OBSERVANT. the works to turn back hours to 7 p.m. on Carry a cell phone and call 911 if you see Thursday night. This proposal is coupled with suspicious behavior. increased enforcement and increased fines for putting out trash too early. Since this is a quali- Problem: Cars coming down 6th St. or turn- ty of life issue, SSSH is also collecting your ing right onto 6th St from South Washington feedback — call Martha Levine at 215-629-0727 Square often don’t stop for pedestrians or email her at [email protected]. crossing the street. Solution: Have you seen the new “Pedestrian Problem: It’s dark out there at night! Crossing” signs on 6th St.? They’re big yellow Solution: Martha Levine’s four years of toil signs to keep you safe (when not blocked by has borne fruit — the “green” kind in the form huge trucks). of funding. (See President’s Message on page 3.) PAGE 12 SOCIETY HILL Reporter JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 13

WATCH YOUR CHILDREN! There’s A Stalker In Our Area

The woman was wise to be wary, wise to enter y now many of you have heard about the CITY Bman who recently followed a woman with a store where she felt she would be safe, and her four-year-old daughter from Three Bears wise to phone her husband and male friend for SMARTS Park down 4th Street and into the TLA video help. What else to do in a case like this is to call Look Out store. We don’t want to scare you, but we do 911 immediately, tell police what’s happening • Stop and look both want you to be on special alert. Society Hill is and where you are. Also, call a relative or a ways before stepping usually a very safe neighborhood, and we must friend (or anybody you know who’s nearby) to off the curb. keep it that way. But sometimes an unpleasant get that person to accompany you. Luckily, in • Don’t jaywalk — or frightening incident happens, and it can this case, a friend was available, although the pedestrians only have the right of way police would have appeared on the scene happen anywhere — even here. at intersections and eventually had she stayed put. The woman first became aware of the man marked crosswalks — but do the drivers As we go to press, we have additional following her in his car after she and her child, know that? So look seated in a stroller, left Three Bears Park and disturbing news to report, because on April 21 anyway! headed toward 4th and Pine Streets. She remem- a similar incident occurred to a second woman. Be Aware bered seeing him and his car parked on Delan- Comparing descriptions, this is the same • of your surroundings; cey Street. As she walked down 4th Street, he stalker who is surely up to no good, as he is opened his window and asked her some ques- appearing in our neighborhood where children • of people around you. (See “Stalker” article congregate. The stalker happens to be a very tions about her daughter. She became wary on this page.) and ducked into the TLA. The man then parked ordinary looking Caucasian male, about 35 on 4th Street and entered the coffee shop years old, who could easily be mistaken for Be Safe directly across the street from TLA, always some child’s dad. In height he’s about 5'10'' • Stay in well-lit areas. keeping an eye on the two of them. He then or 11, weighing about 190 pounds. He has a • Carry your keys and- walked into the TLA, where the surveillance long, lean face with no facial hair, and his cell phone separately. camera caught a picture of him looking down hair is short. When last seen he was wearing • if you are threatened at the child. In the meantime, the woman had baggy jeans. or accosted, give up called her husband who phoned a male friend your money, purse, or Michael Erdos, President of Society Hill valuables — your life to arrive on the scene and help out. Mother Town Watch and Co-chair of Safe and Sound is more important! and child left the TLA and the stalker exited Society Hill, is following up on these episodes, after them, pretending to be speaking on his acting as a liaison between Society Hill and Be Observant • Stay calm. cell phone, although he paced back and forth law enforcement as our community addresses directly in front of the child’s stroller, while the both these incidents and the possibility that • Try to get an accurate woman waited for her friend to arrive. Soon the this or some other stalker could strike again. description (clothes, Meanwhile, we suggest that you not be shy license number, age, woman’s friend met the mother and child in race, body build, etc). front of TLA, and then the three walked west about calling 911 if you fear that someone is on South Street, where the stalker could not following you. When in doubt, do not hesitate Report all crimes follow in his car. The stalker’s license plate to call 911. We also recommend carrying a or potential crimes number was recorded, the car identified and cell phone. It’s always better to be safe CALL 911 a police report was filed. than sorry!

New Mini-Station Command

ieutenant Gerard “Gerry” McShea, a 26-year In the short time he’s been here, he has L veteran of the Philadelphia Police Depart- managed to get ten bike patrols on the streets ment, has recently assumed command of the and is completing his own training as a bike South Street Mini-Station. He has had experi- patrol officer. The Mini-Station’s officers have ence in various Districts and comes to us completed their training in new technological following three years in the 39th District and equipment which records excessive noise from prior to that, five years at the 18th District. Lt. radios, cars, motorcycles, and other forms of McShea enjoys his work and takes great pride transportation, which should cut down some in what his officers do. Their goal is to cut crime of the problems neighbors complain about. in the South Street area and its surrounding Do you have a complaint? The Mini-Station’s neighborhoods, including, of course, ours. phone number is 215-922-6706. PAGE 14 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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It’s Quacking Season

t’s spring again; the tourists are back, and we taken the tours themselves, while some busi- Iwelcome them. But our welcome is tempered ness owners, particularly on South Street, with a bit of trepidation as we remember last claim the interaction is a welcome addition. year’s quacking Duck vehicles, Big Buses, People who take the tours certainly seem to Trolleys and horse-drawn carriages. Some have a good time. But due to complaints, Duck worry about their commercial appearance, but drivers have been advised that there are now most complain about the noises they generate “Quack-Free Zones” where riders are asked with amplified speakers. Some neighbors feel not to use their quacking devices, Lewis says. these noisemakers are unreasonable and vio- Safety is a major concern to many people. late our community’s tranquility; others feel Riders, particularly children, are not required there are already too many tourist vehicles to wear safety flotation harnesses. These Ducks have been spot- clogging our streets. Whatever the concerns, Ducks are amphibious vehicles and for half ted in Socity Hill again. these profit-making companies do have people the tour they cruise the river. While the Duck lining up for rides and more companies are folks say that there are sufficient numbers of ining up to come into our neighborhood. flotation devices for each rider should there Most residents believe that any tours through be an accident, we’d like to know that tourists Society Hill should be historic in nature and have been fully informed about them, this precludes the need for quacks. We have particularly those for the little people. suggested that the Ducks be provided with In any case, there is now a larger, similar- headphones for each seat, something they looking vehicle and competitor tour company. have been reluctant to provide. If the goal of Beware the “Super Duck” that has been the tour is to have fun by making lots of noise spotted through the area carrying 49 people rather than have our most historic houses and (not affiliated with Ride the Ducks). Look for their noted colonial occupants described, then further information on this company in our the tour does not belong in Society Hill. next issue. The general manager of Philly’s Ride the It is important that we remain diligent about Ducks, Scott Lewis, claims he understands these tour companies that profit by featuring our community’s concerns and says that many Society Hill on their tours. We encourage you residents of Society Hill are his friends. He to share your thoughts and opinions with our believes that his firm has already addressed civic association, with Councilman DiCicco’s complaints. For example, he directed his office and the tour companies themselves. We drivers to lower the volume and change some are not against tourism; we know it is good for of the routes. Ducks is trying to make South the city, but we ask that people be respectful Street their main “quacking” venue. Some of the historic neighborhood we have worked neighbors welcome the vehicles and have so hard to preserve.

Get Down and Dirty in Washington Square! A SOCIETY HILL MYSTERY

Winter's long-anticipated to plant colorful annuals Who Filled the departure combined with — generously donated Flower Boxes? the March transfer of by the Sons of the Steven Chernekoff, Washington Square Park American Revolution— owner of Salon @5th to the National Park around the Tomb of the (opposite the Service means beautify- Unknown Soldier. The SuperFresh) thought his ing can finally begin to Park will supply the flower boxes had been happen at this venerable tools. In case of stolen one morning in piece of Philadelphia inclement weather, the early March. He arrived real estate, located at event will be resched- at work that morning 6th and Walnut Streets. uled for Saturday, May and they were gone! The To kick-off the spring 22 at the same time. following morning, they season, the Park Service Contact Matt DeJulio, were returned, filled with plans a gardening ses- [email protected] beautiful and colorful stealth gardener on the they came from or who sion for Saturday, May or 215-629-1288 to arrangements of tulips, loose? Chernekoff can dun it! Have you got any 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. reserve your place spring flowers, and deco- get no info on where clues? Let us know! Volunteers are needed on the “green team.” rations. Is there a PAGE 16 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

UPDATE Man Full of Trouble Tavern

hose of us who live near the Tavern at space for small retreats or meetings. Penn T2nd and Spruce Streets gaze quizzically wants to stay flexible and see “how things play at it from time to time as workers brighten the out” as the building is used and may then come exterior with new paint. We wonder if this con- up with additional ideas or fine-tune the ideas stant reminder of our colonial past will forever they have now. “Trial and error” and “play by stand vacant. Does the University of Pennsyl- ear” are the watchwords as the building begins vania, its owner for several years, really have to be used. A hopeful sign is that they were plans for it? Dean Ramin Sedehi, Vice Dean ordering furniture in February and expect for Finance and Administration, School of Arts to have the Tavern occupied this summer. and Sciences, told Reporter interviewers in Penn reports that the section of brick wall that Man Full of Trouble: February 2004 that the University is excited at What next? appears to be eroding (facing Spruce Street, the prospect of putting the building to suitable not 2nd Street) and which causes neighbors use. But the Tavern’s physical configuration lots of concern cannot be repointed. The precludes its being accessible easily to tourists Historical Society projects that this small wall with some disabilities. is the only remaining piece of a very old build- Jean Bryan reports that nothing inside is ing which had been attached to the original actually historic now — it had already been Man Full of Trouble Tavern. Penn claims that “renovated” as opposed to restored before this fragile-looking wall is structurally sound. being given to Penn. Penn has discussed In any case, the University understands that a several ideas for the building’s eventual use building in use and occupied by people is what and has concluded that it might be best used keeps a structure viable. They are committed as living quarters for someone connected to the to seeing the Man Full of Trouble Tavern University – perhaps a researcher or a visiting inhabited by more than the illustrious ghosts faculty member. Another idea is to use the from its historic past. JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 17

ZONING & HISTORIC PRESERVATION

ociety Hill is one of the most historic residential frosted glass serving as a door and entrance. The owners Sneighborhoods in the United States. In 1999 Society propose to install modest awnings above this courtyard. Hill was designated an “historic district” pursuant to We have reviewed and approved all these plans, and Philadelphia’s Historic Preservation Ordinance providing believe that they are consistent with the historic features a measure of regulatory oversight for all buildings within of the surrounding buildings. In addition, we believe that the district. This is the only way to preserve the historic the artistic design can be left to the discretion of the own- architectural sense of our neighborhood that drew most ers. As to the sidewalk seating, we have confirmed that of us here. Once we lose historic fabric, it is lost forever. the tables will be limited to one row, situated against the SHCA’s Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee building, with sufficient space for pedestrians to walk (ZHP) continues to work with property owners in the along the sidewalk. While the opinions of the neighbors neighborhood. The ZHP urges owners to present their are just one of the factors we considered when making plans to our committee before seeking approvals from our decision, we note that the neighbors who attended the Historical Commission or the Zoning Board of our meetings have been almost unanimously supportive Adjustment (ZBA). Presentations can be arranged by of the restaurant and the limited sidewalk seating. We contacting Paul Boni, ZHP chair, at [email protected], will continue to work with the owners on additional or Matt DeJulio, SHCA Administrator, at issues, such as signage, when such details are proposed. [email protected] or 215-629-1288. Proposed City Bill to Revise the Committee recommendations are reached by our team, Historic Preservation Ordinance: most of whom have been members for several years. We As you may have read in the newspapers and in our are architects, engineers, lawyers, real estate profession- previous newsletter, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell als and longtime neighbors who appreciate the impor- has proposed a bill that would strip the Historical tance of preserving our historic buildings and under- Commission of much of its authority and relegate the stand the city’s zoning laws. We thank our experienced Commission to becoming a mere advisor to City Council. and dedicated team. In alphabetical order, they are: Bill No. 04003, introduced in January, would not only Penny Batcheler, Peggy Bishop Lane, Morris Chomitz, make it more difficult for additional qualified districts to Susan Feagin, Ken Fleisher, Bonnie Halda, Bernice become designated as “historic,” but it would also enable Hamel, Peter Hynes, Lorna Katz Lawson, Howard City Council to “undesignate” existing districts. For Lander, Richard Lush, Ellen Miller, Peg Robb, Ted instance, City Council could remove Society Hill’s Savage, Sally Smith, Becky Stoloff, Mary Sturdivant, historic designation, which we acquired after our Mike Wass and Steve Weixler. We meet monthly and community worked so hard for this level of protection. throughout the month members are busy at City Hall Blackwell’s bill is likely a result of the developer/land- and other city sites, as we attend and participate in hear- lord/real estate lobby, mostly in other parts of the city, ings of the Historical Commission (both Architectural which fears such designations. For whatever the flaws in Review Committee and full Commission hearings) as the current system, the proposed bill would be a major well as hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. overkill and would essentially gut our existing protec- Please note our committee will soon be welcoming a cou- tions. Surely the answer to preserving our city’s historic ple of new members; we’ll let you know who they are, if fabric is not to politicize the entire process! and when they survive the hazing process (just kidding!). Fortunately, the public and almost every member of Update on 210 W. Washington Square: SHCA’s ZHP Committee have written letters to elected As you may recall from our prior reporting, the SHCA — officials in opposition to Bill No. 04003. Nonprofit organi- thanks to the assistance of SHCA’s liquor-control “czar” zations, such as the Preservation Alliance of Greater Mel Buckman — has a written agreement with the Starr Philadelphia have also participated in the public debate. Restaurant Organization for the construction and opera- At the present time, Councilwoman Blackwell has recon- tion of a new restaurant opening on the west side of sidered the bill, which is similar to one she introduced in Washington Square. Among the provisions is a require- 2002 and which preservationists fought to defeat. Also, ment that the owners present to the ZHP Committee any we’ve recently learned that a task force will be assem- proposed façade changes or plans for sidewalk seating; bled, comprised of members with diverse viewpoints, and we have interacted with them on both of these issues and that public meetings will be held to obtain citywide in the past couple of months. A prime feature of the input. This is obviously an issue that we will monitor very restaurant will be its outdoor courtyard, to the south of closely. Please stay tuned for future reporting, both here the building. This courtyard will be the restaurant’s main and in our city newspapers. entrance, and the owners are proposing to separate the courtyard from the sidewalk by installing a barrier of —PAUL BONI, CHAIR, ZHP COMMITTEE PAGE 18 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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The Reporter Reports: Farewell & Greetings

Vicki Chatley says Adieu Marilyn Appel Steps Up to the Plate

n our mobile society, people come and go — he good news is…Marilyn Appel has joined Iso it is not surprising that Vicki Chatley, Tthe Reporter’s editorial and writing team. SHCA’s Southeast Quadrant director and a Marilyn and her husband Harry have been key Reporter team member who we had the Society Hill residents for 37 years where they pleasure of working with for the past two years, raised their two grown daughters who are now has last month picked up and moved to a parents themselves. Marilyn, an experienced warmer, sunnier climate. As a farewell gift to writer with a doctorate in Education, recently Marilyn Appel our community, however, she managed to retired as Assistant Dean at Drexel University’s co-edit the March/April 2004 Reporter, just Medical School (formerly Hahnemann days before the moving company arrived to University Medical School) where she taught transport her possessions to Sarasota, Florida. physicians “how to teach” and also raised many millions in grant funds. She has authored sev- Vicki Chatley brought enthusiasm and eral books, monographs and dozens of articles dedication to our team. She loves to write and in her field and related fields. About twice a the newsletter gave her a convenient outlet year Marilyn travels to Washington D.C. to following her retirement as Director of evaluate grants submitted to the federal Administration for the Eagles. As she put it, government by medical schools. “After I started working with the Eagles in May 1983, I found I was spending almost all my wak- Many of you may know Marilyn through her ing hours in Philadelphia. I was born in a city, involvement with the Sixth Police District although a small one, and I prefer city living… Advisory Council (PDAC), which she has so when I left the Eagles, I decided to get back chaired, in addition to chairing the citywide to writing and stay here in the city that feeds PDAC. Or you may know her through the my love for colonial history.” Philadelphia Opera Guild, where she has been serving as president subsequent to her role as Since Vicki’s course of study in college was secretary and vice president. Most likely, how- English composition and her intent was to ever, you know Marilyn because she and her become a newspaper reporter, it was a natural husband, a retired financial analyst, operate transition for her to volunteer her writing Society Hill’s very successful Bed and skills for the Reporter, as well as her hands-on, Breakfast out of their historic home on Spruce administrative skills for the Ronald McDonald Street. While Harry is primarily responsible for House. running the business, Marilyn happily social- We will miss Vicki and think longingly of the izes with guests and makes them feel at home. sun and warmth she now enjoys in sunny We are most fortunate that Marilyn has Sarasota. stepped up to the Reporter’s plate. PAGE 20 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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St. Peter’s Gravestones Restored

A CRYING STONE: “...and every stone shall cry.” This recently vandalized his last phrase of a touching hymn could grave marker with the top knocked off is one Tapply to the gravestones surrounding 243- of five broken since year-old St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the 300 December. It will be block of Pine Street. The ravages of time, pollu- repaired this year by tion, and vandalism have reduced most memo- John Carr. rials to shadows of their former selves. If stones can cry, perhaps they also can smile about the restoration work that is currently underway in the churchyard. Carr Conservation Inc., which restored Christ Church’s historic burial grounds at 5th and Arch Streets, has identified 268 markers that will be repaired at St. Peter’s, a task which is being funded by the Historic St. Peter’s Church Preservation Corporation. The clergy and members of St. Peter’s feel that an important part of the church’s outreach is to maintain this quiet oasis of open space for residents and tourists alike. We invite you to spend quiet time here. You can help us main- tain the property by reminding people to keep their dogs on a leash, not to climb on trees, and not to endanger gravestones by running around or playing ball.

UPDATE Independence Branch Library

ur neighborhood public library at 18 newspapers, including Chinese-language OSouth 7th Street continues to be the most papers, are just some of the items available at popular, most heavily used branch in the Free the branch, thanks to these generous donors. Library system. Hundreds of people flocked to We need to raise an additional $2,300 to meet the branch’s Third Anniversary celebration on our goal of $10,000 by June 1. Please send a gift February 28. to the Friends now, so that you will find good The little girl who was so brutally attacked at vacation reading at the library this summer. the branch in early February is making a good physical recovery and has returned with her family to use the branch. They were among LIBRARY DONATION COUPON those attending the anniversary party. Library administration has worked with the Philadel- Yes! I want to help the Independence Branch Library maintain its phia Police Department to improve security collection. Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift for collection materials. not only at Independence Branch but at all ___ $100 ___ $50 ___ $25 ___ $10 _____other $______Free Library facilities. Name In the last issue of the Reporter, we reminded Address you that state funding cuts have eliminated all funding for library acquisitions. Many gener- Make checks payable to and mail to: Friends of Independence Branch Library ous people have stepped forward and donated 18 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. over $7,700 to the Friends of Independence The official registration and financial information of the Friends of the Free Branch Library to help make up this gap in Library of Philadelphia may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of purchases of collection materials. The New State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer and other PAGE 22 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

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Our Two Farmers’ Markets

Saturday Market: The Food Trust Tuesday Market: Farm To City

2nd and South Farmers’ Market, South & Passyunk Farmers’ Market, Opens Saturday May 15 Opens Tuesday May 18 ociety Hill residents don’t have to go far to ome on down to South Street for Sget fresh, sweet, and juicy produce during Cfun and good food on Tuesdays at the spring and summer months. Check out the Philadelphia’s biggest and oldest outdoor 2nd and South Farmers’ Market, open every farmers’ market, now in its ninth year. The Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., right here in South & Passyunk Farmers’ Market will Society Hill. The market will open Saturday, open its 2004 season on Tuesday, May 18th. May 15th with a variety of homegrown and The market, located on Passyunk Avenue, homemade or freshly picked food. is just east of 5th at South Street. Many of last year’s farmers will return this Nearly all of the farmers from last year will spring. Somerton Tank Farms, a Philadelphia return this season with their wide selection of farm, will offer a wide variety of gourmet local farm products. Michael Ahlert, formerly greens and unusual vegetables. Sugar Hill of Covered Bridge Produce, now has his own Botanicals, which specializes in tomatoes from farm and will take their place. The Livengoods Accomack, Virginia, will return as well. Fisher’s and Hausers feature John Marshall with his Farmers’ Market will sell organically grown selection of goat cheese and meats, and Phil produce such as sweet potatoes, peppers, and Landis who raises grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, mushrooms. Stauffer Farms offers organically and chicken. Al Dolinski, Jersey flower grower grown produce, flower arrangements, gourds, is also returning. Michele Harron, maker of and other plants. Northstar Orchard returns in soaps and lotions, is not here this year, but early August with apples and Asian pears, soaps, Devin Taylor has taken her place with a similar ciders, jellies, butters and sauces. Margerum’s line of products on the “Neptune’s Tears” label. Herbs sell fresh and dried herbs and spices, This market is run by Farm to City, a together with greens and pumpkins. B & L Queen Village business whose mission is Grassland Farms sell eggs and grass-fed meats to unite communities, families, and farmers every other week. More vendors are expected year-round through good local food. Farm to to sign up in the next few weeks. City is a member of the Buy Fresh-Buy Local The Food Trust, a non-profit organization with campaign for Southeast Pennsylvania, urging farmers’ markets in Philadelphia, Chester, families to purchase their fresh foods directly Norristown, Phoenixville, Coatesville, and from farmers. For more information about Camden works to ensure that everyone has Farm to City’s programs, visit its website access to affordable, nutritious food. at farmtocity.org or call 215-733-9599.

Budget Cuts Jeopardize Atwater Kent Museum

Since 1938, the museum and will remaining two-thirds stewardship of the Hall, between Market Atwater Kent Museum severely curtail generated through Historical Society of and Chestnut Street, of Philadelphia, the programming for grants, contributions Pennsylvania’s Art the museum is open city’s official history students, city and earned revenue and Artifact collec- every day except museum, has been residents and to support school tion, and state-of-the- Tuesday from 10 a.m. the center of Phila- tourists. lessons, public art computer technol- to 5 p.m. Admission: delphia history for Mayor Street now programs, and ogy throughout the adults, $5; seniors citizens from every proposes cutting the exhibitions. museum wired for and children 13-17, neighborhood — car- six remaining salaried As the center of interactive visitor $3; members and ing for and exhibiting positions that are Philadelphia history, experiences and children 12 or under, objects from 300 supported by the city Atwater Kent lever- accessibility to the free. The Museum years of city history. at an annual cost of ages city support to 100,000 objects in Store is open seven However, budget cuts $286,992. This raise program dollars. the collection. days a week from 10 announced by Mayor amount is one-third of Projects supported by Located at 15 S. a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: John Street will dra- the museum’s annual non-city funding 7th Street, one block 215-685-4830. matically impact the core budget with the include, for example, west of Independence PAGE 24 SOCIETY HILL Reporter JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 25 Kids’ Beat A COLUMN BY KERI WHITE

ail Silver, Society Hill resident and mother ful, but still restorative and relaxing way. Each Gof two, has recently launched a business class opens with an “energy game” to release that could, at a minimum, provide some relax- any pent up jumpiness; they then move into a ation and rejuvenation for you and your family, “magical meditation,” which instructs students and at a maximum, change your life. Yoga to use their breathing to relax in a way that is Child, located at 903 South Street, is a serene, meaningful to them (e.g. blow up a balloon). immaculate, inviting yoga studio offering a This is followed by a “journey,” which reveals variety of classes to the young and not so the theme of the class. Journeys might take the young, along with educational seminars, form of a safari, in which students mimic the massage, and directed group gatherings. yogic poses of animals such as a cobra, lion, tiger, or giraffe. They then play a quiet yoga Yoga Child offers classes for all ages and game based on a thematically related song or ranges of experience and ability, from the first poem, and close with the final resting pose. timer to the full-fledged pretzel. The focus on accommodating families resonates through In addition to creating a place for children every aspect of the place. Classes are sched- and families to experience yoga, Yoga Child Kid’s Quote uled to coordinate children’s with parent’s provides ample opportunity for kid-free classes yoga, but there is a wall dividing the two. and workshops. There are pre-and post-natal “My teacher can’t Thus, you might be blissfully achieving the classes, beginner through advanced adult count! She said perfect tree posture while junior accomplishes classes, and classes specifically designed I’m 6 going on 30.” the age appropriate equivalent next door. for adults over 45.

There are also many opportunities for family To receive more information about programs Rebecca, yoga, which allows parents and children to atYoga Child Studio, call 215-238-0989, visit age 6 going on 30, share the yoga practice in an interactive, play- www.yogachild.net or email [email protected]. Society Hill Kid.

Starr Garden Initiative

n Tuesday March 23, a group of concerned programs, athletic leagues, classes, and new Oneighbors and Recreation Department equipment. Neighbors voiced concerns about employees met to discuss the future of Starr the condition of the park regarding cleanliness Garden, the park and playground at 6th & Lom- and safety. In an immediate effort to address bard Streets. Mary Grace Gorman, Director of these issues, Starr Garden joined forces with Starr Garden for the Department of Recreation, Society Hill Civic Association and Spring Into called this involvement “a wish come true.” She Your Park for a Cleanup Day on May 1. Several is eager to work with neighbors to implement improvements have already been contracted the programs and initiatives that we desire. by the Department of Recreation, such as a renovation of the ball field, new doors on the Over the next few months, the group will building, and repaving the picnic area. determine whether to form a new advisory board or resurrect “The Friends of Starr To join this group, learn more about the Garden.” Either way, we will have the ability Starr Garden project, or volunteer, please to fundraise on behalf of the park and devote contact Nicole Kilcullen at 267-475-5714 or resources to maintenance and improvement [email protected].

PIANO & KEYBOARD LESSONS Your Place or Mine! • Classical, Jazz, Improvisation • Music Theory & Appreciation Paul di Francesco 215 629 2954 PAGE 26 SOCIETY HILL Reporter JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 27

3 Bears Park Begins Master Planning Process

hree Bears Park needs a complete •To improve park lighting that is not intrusive to overhaul. The equipment, installed in neighbors and to introduce signage describing T the history of the park. the early 1980’s, is deteriorated and no longer repairable. More important, playground safety • To preserve many of the elements existing, such as the Three Bears sculpture, brick paving standards have been substantially modified in patterns, trees and other greenery the past 20 years. The need for a true Master Plan and planning process has become obvi- • To replace the unwieldy large round planter. ous. Therefore, a new oversight and design As original architects for the park, The Delta committee, with Tania Rorke and Robin Komita Group Landscape Architects was unanimously as co-chairs, has been formed consisting of selected to provide a proposal offering three A complete overhaul representatives from the Friends of Three design alternatives that meet these goals. is being planned for Bears Park and members of SHCA’s Zoning When completed the designs will be presented Three Bears Park. & Historic Preservation Committee. The to the community and a plan will be selected. committee has come up with a list of specific We are grateful to City Councilman Frank goals, the most significant of which include: DiCicco, who has set aside funds for Three • To maintain the concept of a community Bears Park, and to State Senator Vincent “greenway” (a.k.a. walkway) with access Fumo, and State Representative Marie Lederer and vistas to Cypress and Delancey Streets who have both assisted the Friends of Three • To maintain a safe environment during the Bears Park in applying for state grants totaling day and evening $50,000. The Society Hill Civic Association and • To enhance the toddler and children’s play area The Friends of Three Bears Park have also by introducing recreational elements for adults committed funds for the project, which is • To increase the seating area, as well as children’s expected to cost approximately $175,000 play equipment similar to existing apparatus for the park’s complete renovation.

Society Hill Neighbors Needed SOCIETY HILL CIVIC ASSOCIATION

As some of you may have noticed, there’s 2004 Membership Application/Renewal more litter on our streets these days. That’s o Renewal o New because Adrianna Von Pein has moved away o $40 Household o $100 Business and is no longer living in Society Hill caring for Lawrence Court, Green’s Court, and St. Peters o $60 Businesses with under 5 employees $ Walkways, keeping these areas clean and neat. Additional contribution for o Anti-Graffiti Although you may not have known that this o Tree Tending o Lighting o Litter Control $ one woman individually contributed to the overall cleanliness of our neighborhood, many Total enclosed $ of us did know and we will miss her greatly. Check if you wish to receive Here’s a solution: The Friends of Three Bears o Guide for Property Owners o Historic Windowpane Plaque Park, and residents from the 300 block of Delancey Street have adopted St. Peter’s I/We would be interested in working with one of SHCA’s committees. Walkway. We now need additional neighbors My/Our interests include: to assist in taking care of these other walkways. Name Whether you live directly on one of the “Greenways” or in another corner Address Apt. # of our neighborhood, City, State, Zip please help — even if it means bending Home Phone over to pick up a Work Phone piece of trash on the ground and E-mail dumping it Mail to Society Hill Civic Assoc., P.O. Box 63503, Philadelphia, PA 19147 into the corner If you cannot afford membership dues, please donate what you can. litter basket. PAGE 28 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

Service Without Fail Call Your Neighbor Gail…

Gail Trimble Realtor Associate 215.922.3600 X 302

226 South Street

In Society Hill Real Estate One Name. One call. Jan Stephano IIzzzzyy SSiiggmmaann Lives…Knows…Sells… Phila Board of Realtors Diamond Award Winner 2002 Center City! Outstanding service and results. Every time. 33 years in Society Hill focused on your needs Recent sales Current Listings focused on customer service 606 Addison St 231 Pine St Buyer and Seller Representation 506 Addison St 218 Pine St 2519 Panama St 1104 Pine St 1900 Rittenhouse Sq 2A 100 N 22nd St#135 215.922.4200 ext. 219 #3 Blackwell Pl [email protected] 130 Bread St #230 Call Izzy Sigman

226 South Street 226 South Street 215-922-4200 x 228 215-306-2864 Pager JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 29 Jazz Vespers at Old Pine Church. Support Our Welcome Basket Donors Every year, about 50 new homeowner households receive a large basket of fresh food, gift certificates, Sunday, May 16 @ 5 PM.. and information from SHCA as our way of welcoming Rich Rudin Quartet them to the neighborhood. Please help us say thank you to the businesses which contribute to the with Rev. Jim Luckey, preaching program by patronizing these stores, restaurants, Sunday, June 20 @ 5 PM salons, and theaters who fill our Welcome Baskets. Coffee Shops ‘Father’ John D’Amico Trio with Olde City Coffee, 221 Church & Reading Terminal Market Rev. Dr. Augustella Clay, preaching Starbuck’s Coffee Inc., 347 South Street 412 Pine Street • 215-925-8051 Food Stores Chef’s Market, 231 South Street www.oldpine.org Whole Foods Market, 929 South Street ShopRite, 29 Snyder Super Fresh Food Markets, 5th & Pine Museums/Theaters/Entertainment Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, 36th & Walnut Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. 2nd Ghost Tours of Philadelphia, 215-413-1997 Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd. The Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Lights of Liberty, 6th & Chestnut Mann Center for Performing Arts, 52nd & Parkside National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut New Jersey State Aquarium, Camden, NJ Pennsylvania Ballet, 1101 S. Broad Phila Chamber Ensemble, Old Pine, 400 Pine Phila Shakespeare Festival, 2111 Sansom Phila Theatre Company, 1714 Delancey The Prince Movie Theater, Broad & Chestnut Ritz Theatre, 2nd & Walnut Society Hill Dance Academy, 409 S. 2nd TLA Video, 517 S. 4th Wilma Theatre, 265 S. Broad Restaurants Bridget Foy’s South Street Grill, 200 South City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Creperie Beau Monde, 624 S. 6th Deux Cheminees, 1221 Locust Fork, 306 Market Mustard Greens, 622 S. 2nd Overtures Restaurant, 609 E. Passyunk Panorama Ristorante, 14 N. Front Sfizzio Restaurant, Society Hill Towers Tiramisu, 528 S. 5th Salons Brescia Salon, 118 South Street John Romano’s, Curtis Center Pileggi on the Square, 717 Walnut Salon @5th, 316 S. 5th Specialty Foods Dairy Queen, 514 South Street Homemade Cookies by Roz, 510 S. 5th Metropolitan Bakery, 1114 Pine and 126 Market St Mums and Pops Confectionery, 932 Locust Pink Rose Pastry Shop, 630 S. 4th Rita’s Water Ice, 239 South Zeke’s Deli, 318 S. 5th Specialty Shops American Pie Crafts, 327 South Street Show of Hands Gallery, 1006 Pine The Write Touch, 215-413-2738 Sports Clubs/Fitness Training Philadelphia Sports Club, 220-250 S. 5th SCULPT-Fitness Training by Randi Skibinsky, 215-928-1433 Other Services Patricia Bentz K-9 Training, 215-551-5254 Riff Cleaners, 314 S. 5th James Scott AID Interior Design, 215-922-2737 Pearls by Leah, 215-627-4049 PAGE 30 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

LETTER TO THE EDITORS City Sidewalks Hazardous to Your Health!

Be sure your My name is Robert Devoe. I’ve been a resident These conditions seem to worsen from year of Hopkinson House since 1981 and an SHCA to year. Whose responsibility is it to repair sidewalk is not member for some time. It’s been a good life as these conditions? Is it the individual property an accident wait- a Center City resident. However, I’ve begun owners? Is it the city’s? Perhaps the Common- ing to happen. to feel my age recently (I’m a senior citizen), wealth? Is there any plan (short-range or long- and walking the streets and sidewalks of my range) to repair anything? Has anyone ever neighborhood is becoming a problem —- studied the potential cost and timeline of any not because of my health, but because projected repairs? In the event of injury due to of the conditions of the walkways. a fall, whom do I sue? How do I prove someone else’s negligence? What recourse do I have? Many of the sidewalks in my area are accidents Knowing this city, I do not expect anything and disasters waiting to happen. The paving much to be done beyond basic repairs, line is cracked, split, chipped, you name it. Bricks painting, and cosmetic surgery. I wonder, are loose; concrete is eaten away; curb-cuts are however, if anyone in city government really hazardous. After a hard winter such as we have knows or cares about this problem. experienced this year, ice and salt have eaten away at metal and stone (and flesh). The walk- EDITORS’ NOTE: The pavement or sidewalk in front ways are stained white, and footing in certain of every house is every property owner’s responsibility. areas (such as Spruce Street from 6th Street Please be sure that there are no missing or cracked to Broad) is extremely treacherous. Many of bricks on your sidewalk that could potentially cause the intersections along Walnut Street seem people to trip and fall and even injure themselves. If they do, you, the owner, will be liable! To prevent as though they are ready to cave in. Even the such accidents and to save you aggravation, please sidewalks in front of several federal buildings make any needed repairs as soon as possible — and historic sites are dangerous to walk on. especially as tourist season will soon be upon us. JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 31

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

Volunteers Needed! Tuesday, May 18 Saturday, June 5 the Society Hill Open House Are you a people person? and Garden Tours are the third Pennsylvania Hospital (Rain date: Sunday, June 6) If yes, then the Pennsylvania largest source of revenue for Garden Bazaar Society Hill Towers Arts Fair Hospital Volunteer Program SHCA. For tickets, at $30 each, The Auxiliary of Pennsylvania On Saturday, June 5th, the wants you! They’re looking call Philadelphia Open House Hospital will host its annual Society Hill Towers will host for warm and friendly people Tours, co-sponsored by the Garden Bazaar on Tuesday, an Arts Fair for our entire to provide key services for Friends of Independence May 18th, beginning at 10 a.m. community. This first-ever Arts visitors and patients. If you National Historical Park, There will be an Elegant Fair will offer for sale a variety enjoy feeling valued, respected, at 215-928-1188. Elephant Sale hosted by the of arts and crafts treasures cre- and most of all, needed, then Committee for the Sick and ated by area artists and crafts- historic Pennsylvania Hospital Injured. Homemade items, people. The Fair will also offer Thursday, June 24 is the place for you. Volunteer a Bake Sale and a plant and an appraisal service by a repre- opportunities are available Physick House: flower sale will be offered, sentative from Freeman’s Auc- weekdays, evenings and Jazz in the Garden as well as a raffle with donated tion House to provide current weekends. Pennsylvania Join the Landmarks Society gifts from local vendors. evaluation of your art works. Hospital will benefit from at our neighborhood’s historic Any questions, call the Auxiliary your abilities and experience, In addition, a Silent Auction Physick House, 321 South 4th Office at 215-829-3270. so call the Volunteer Services will offer an assortment of Street, for “Jazz in the Garden,” Office at 215-829-5187. desirable items such as a musical garden party featur- Thursday, May 20 paintings, jewelry, antiques, ing the cool jazz sounds of the Open Doors Open Minds and Art Deco pieces. You can Toni Miceli Trio -- on Thursday, Saturday, May 15 27th Annual Women’s Way Event also place a “silent” bid for June 24th, from 6 - 9 p.m. Free Concert and Open House WOMENS WAY, the nation’s services such as a tap dance Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and Presbyterian Historical Society oldest and largest women’s class, a massage therapy cocktails while socializing A kaleidoscope of music from funding federation, raises funds session, or a “cake a month” under the stars with friends centuries past to the present and public awareness to fight for three months -- to name and neighbors, and perhaps is being offered from 2 to 5 for and achieve women’s a few. Collectibles including participating in “Adult Musical p.m. at an Open House program equality, safety, self-sufficiency handmade scarves, jewelry, Chairs.” An open bar will offer by the Presbyterian Historical and reproductive freedom watercolors, and books will cocktails and a selection of Society, 425 Lombard Street. through women-centered fund- also be offered for sale. wines, while neighboring restau- The concert, performed by ing, advocacy and education. rants will contribute a diverse Musica Antiqua of South New So please join the Society WOMEN’S WAY will honor array of delicious nibbles. Jersey at 3 p.m., will follow Hill Towers, at 2nd and Locust higher-education trailblazer Open House exhibits, including Streets, on Saturday, June 5th, Tickets are $35 in advance Johnnetta B. Cole, Ph.D. on a history of bibles from the anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and $40 at the door. For Thursday, May 20th at the Society’s collection, the work For additional information, Landmarks members, advance Wyndham Philadelphia at of Presbyterian military chap- contact Barbara Rosenberg tickets are $30. To reserve, Franklin Plaza, 17th and Race lains from the Revolutionary at [email protected]. contact Ms. Jorja Fullerton at Streets. Reception at 5:30 War to the present, and other [email protected] p.m., with dinner and program rare treasures. Refreshments or 215-925-2251. The event at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Cole, presi- Sunday, June 6 will be served. RSVP by May 10 will be held rain or shine! dent of Bennett College in Society Hill Open House to: [email protected] North Carolina, is the “Lucretia Garden Tour or 215-627-1852. Mott Honoree” and keynote On Sunday, June 6th, from 1 to June 27 and July 16 speaker for the event. Tickets 5 p.m., we invite you to spend Summer Jazz Concert Series begin at $80 each. For reserva- a few hours in the most delight- At Old Pine Church tions contact Laura Hoogland, ful way by taking a self-guided A concert by the popular British at 215-985-3328, Ext. 226 or walking tour of 18 Society Hill pianist Neville Dickie is sched- [email protected]. gardens. Whether you’re inter- uled for Sunday, June 27th at ested in gardening or just want 4 p.m. at Old Pine Church. It is to be inspired by how creative a rare opportunity to hear this people arrange their private expert musician’s various jazz outdoor urban spaces, this is styles, particularly his stride the tour for you. This tour tradi- piano and boogie-woogie. tionally draws a large crowd of Admission is $15 at the door. nature lovers, but it benefits our neighborhood to boot. As On Friday, July 16, Bob Seeley, usual, our civic association will Michigan’s foremost boogie- receive two-thirds of the profits woogie pianist, will appear at from this tour, which is another Old Pine at 7 p.m. Bob travels good reason to attend. The the USA displaying his dynamic proceeds will be used for neigh- approach to jazz, which can be borhood improvement projects, appreciated in his latest CD, such as graffiti removal or “Industrial Strength Boogie.” lighting improvement. Both Admission is $15 at the door. PAGE 34 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

NOTEWORTHY NEIGHBORS

A COLUMN BY DAVID WOODS Paul Levy and Carrie Rickey

t surely says much about Society Hill when chosen a home in Old City, from which Carrie Ia perceptive and discerning critic and an could easily reach the Ritz Theatre where she internationally noted expert in urban planning typically spends three mornings and one or two and development decide that this is where they evenings a week at movie screenings. want to make a home. The differences might well be history, heritage Executive Director of the independent munici- and ambience. The couple’s “new” home dates pal authority Center City District (CCD), Paul from the 1820’s, and Paul, who has a doctorate Levy, and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s film critic, in history, says that when he first came to Carrie Rickey, say they looked all over Center Philadelphia from New York, “I immediately City before making their move from Mount fell in love with the feel and fabric of the city.” Airy to the home they’ve recently purchased And what has occupied him ever since is keep- on Pine Street. ing that fabric in good repair. First he served in former Mayor Bill Green’s Office of Housing Part of the reason is propinquity. and Community Development; then in 1990 in With the CCD’s impending move the Central Philadelphia Development Corpor- to 6th and Chestnut Streets and ation, which was originally formed in 1956 as the Ritz Theatre just a hop and the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation skip from the couple’s new home, to help spearhead Society Hill’s revitalization. they can both walk to work. Says Paul: “We liked the proximity to Carrie, a Californian who has a doctorate in our seven-year-old daughter’s cinema studies from NYU, started her profes- school so she could sleep later in sional career as an art critic and worked for the the morning and live closer to her Village Voice before coming to Philadelphia to friends…and we liked the ease join the Inquirer in 1986.The pair were married and convenience of walking to in 1991. I asked Carrie to imagine herself restaurants, theaters and shops.” marooned on a desert island with only a DVD player (presumably battery-operated) and a Even so, the pair could have set- choice of just three movies. What would be tled in Queen Village where Paul her selections? After describing Casablanca served as president of that neigh- as wonderful but as “the drinking buddy of borhood’s association between movies,” Carrie named instead Singing in the 1976 and 1981. Or they could have Rain, the Max Ophels film Madame D, and the Danish movie, Ordet. For good measure — and a little cinematic or desert license — she added The Thief of Baghdad, and anything A discerning with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. couple chooses Society Hill as So while Carrie deals with a vocation of the lights, camera and action of cinema, Paul their new home. oversees the lighting, security, and transaction of city services. What do they do for leisure? Walking their 100-pound yellow Labrador named Digby, gardening, reading to their daughter — and traveling. Paul speaks at national and international meetings; Carrie does so at American and foreign film festivals. We congratulate them on their discernment and welcome them as new and noteworthy neighbors. JULYMAY // JUNEAUGUST20042003 PAGE 35

The Green Tree Perpetual Assurance Company Episode VI • Fire and Water

From the beginning Thomas Jefferson morality, but in two forms unrecogniz- had his doubts about city life. In 1785 able at the time: germs and mosquitoes. (Notes XIX) he expressed the belief that Although Rush was able to identify the “those who labour the earth are the cho- fever, the course of treatment he and the sen people of God,” while manufacturers other notable physicians of the City were subject to a “corruption of morals” urged, bleeding and purging, proved less and as city-dwellers formed mobs that effective than the treatment advocated by were “cankers” on good government. one of the immigrants, Dr. Jean Devéze, In 1800 Jefferson wrote to Dr. Benjamin who gave his patients rest, fresh air, and Rush, an early member of The Green quinine. Dr. Devéze received no public to this project, agreeing to purchase Tree: “The yellow fever will discourage credit for his more successful treatment thirty shares with an advance payment the growth of great cities in our nation since it competed with that offered by the of $40 per share, provided that “Interest &I view great cities as pestilential to the City’s established physicians, but it was will be given for the same from the time morals, the health, and the liberties of his so-called “French treatment” that of subscribing.” man. True, they nourish some of the cured Alexander Hamilton and his wife. By 1811 it was clear that the experi- elegant arts, but the useful ones can By the turn of the century, after nearly ment was not a success, however, since thrive elsewhere; and less perfection a decade of annual epidemics of yellow the pumps were expensive to run, ineffi- in the others, with more health, virtue, fever that had erupted with particular vir- cient, and unreliable. Under the direction and freedom would be my choice.” ulence in 1797 and 1798, Philadelphians of Latrobe’s former assistant, Frederick By 1793 this widely held view of a were keenly interested in providing the Graff, the water works were relocated in conflict between the wholesome life of the City with a modern water supply. Green a new structure in the style of a Federal country and the sinful life of the city had Tree trustee Robert Wharton was then country mansion built at the base of Faire reached epic proportions with the erup- the Mayor of the City and, like his prede- Mount on the Schuylkill and supplied tion of a mysterious fever in the City, cessor Clarkson, he struggled to keep with two new steam engines to pump which most believed to be the conse- both the Company and the City going, as fresh water from the river below. After quence of the diseased morality of city most of the City’s leaders had fled town. two explosions and a great deal of dwellers. Panic spread and many civic Although the cause of the fever was gen- expense, the Watering Committee aban- leaders followed the advice of Dr. Rush erally considered to be a moral question, doned its man-made steam engines in to all Philadelphians “that can move, to most Philadelphians also associated the 1822 in favor of the natural power of the quit the City.” Matthew Clarkson, one contagion with the fetid condition of the dammed up river to run its pumps. The of The Green Tree’s founders and its City’s drains and its reliance on an inade- new system proved successful, undoubt- President at the time, was then Mayor of quate jumble of springs, cisterns, and edly to the immense relief of both the the City, and with his committee of twen- wells for its water supply. Hope abound- citizenry at large and to fire and insur- ty-six brave civic leaders he worked tire- ed that a plentiful and purified water sys- ance companies such as The Green Tree. lessly to keep the City functioning. He tem would mitigate the scourge afflicting With a reliable source of water for the was also exceedingly instrumental in the City. As an added benefit, and of par- City, firefighting equipment became more keeping The Green Tree going, since for ticular interest to Mayor Wharton and sophisticated and more costly as the its first dozen years the Company main- other trustees of The Green Tree, a new century advanced, and the trustees of tained its offices in his countinghouse. water system could also increase the The Green Tree recognized the need for That June, thousands of refugees from water pressure available to fight fires. some regular schedule of assistance for a revolution in Santo Domingo arrived in In 1798 City leaders, including The the fire and newly formed hose compa- Philadelphia, adding to the congestion of Green Tree’s trustee Daniel Smith, nies. They requested trustees James Read the City. Their stories of the revolt of formed a Watering Committee to con- and William Poyntell to explore the mat- slaves and a killing fever at home alarmed sider the problem. They commissioned ter with several other insurance compa- Philadelphians, who were suspicious that Benjamin Henry Latrobe to design and nies. By 1807 representatives from five the strangers to the City would further build the water works at Centre Square, insurance companies had amassed $817, fuel the twin moral contagions of slavery now the site of City Hall. Latrobe’s which they divided amongst the nine and fever. Dr. Rush soon diagnosed the beautiful neoclassical structure, erected companies in the City, Northern illness as yellow fever and, in fact, the in 1801, housed the new system’s experi- Liberties, and Southwark, in the first of a refugees did carry the fever with them— mental steam engine to power its pumps. series of annual donations. not in the recognized form of a debased The Green Tree was an early subscriber (To be continued.)

Advertisement 215-925-0609 · 1-800-468-tree www.thegreentree.com PAGE 36 SOCIETY HILL Reporter

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Monday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 19 Beginning May 29, thru summer & fall Public Hearings on Tax Reform SHCA Board Meeting Head House Crafts & Fine Arts Fair City Hall, Room 400 6 p.m., St. Peter's Parish House Under Head House at Pine — rain or shine See page 3 313 Pine Street Jewelry, glass, woodwork, fabric, fine arts (No show July 10-11) SHCA General Membership Meeting Saturday, May 15 Children’s Workshop Sundays, 1 - 3 p.m. 7 p.m., Election of Directors & Officers (rain date Saturday, May 22) Featured Speaker: Mary Bomar, Saturday, June 5 Washington Square Gardening Session Superintendent of Independence Park (Rain date: Sunday, June 6th) 9 a.m. - noon. Volunteers needed. St. Peter’s Church, 3rd & Pine Street s See page 15 Society Hill Towers Art Fair Thursday, May 20 10 - 4 p.m. See page 33 Saturday, May 15 Women’s Way 27th Annual Event Sunday, June 6 Presbyterian Historical Society Wyndham Philadelphia, Free Concert and Open House 17th & Race Streets Open House Tour: 425 Lombard Street, 2 - 5 p.m. See page 33 Society Hill Gardens & Courtyards See page 33 1 - 5 p.m. See page 33 Wed, May 26 Tuesday, May 18 Thursday, June 24, Rain of Shine Spring Fling at Dark Horse Pennsylvania Hospital SHCA Social. See page 1 Jazz in the Garden with Toni Miceli Trio Garden Bazaar and Bake Sale Historic Physick House Beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27 See page 33 See page 33 Atwater Kent Exhibit Opening Sunday, June 27 “The Philadelphia Game” Friday, July 16 15 S. 7th Street Open every day but Tuesday, 10 - 5 p.m. Old Pine Presbyterian Church Jazz Concerts SOCIETY HILL $5 adults and seniors; Reporter $3 children under 13 See page 33 www.societyhillcivic.com