Let's Go Back to PHilly

Let's Go Back to Philly



Betsy Ross, Billy Penn, and George Wagner are but a few of the many great historic names associated with Philadelphia. The American flag, the Girl Scout cookies, and the flexible flyer, Philly cheese steaks, and scrapple, soft pretzels, real soft pretzels and tall, cold, lager beer are all part of Philadelphia. And, as W.C.Fields tells us: "I would rather be in Philadelphia". I heartily agree with him. Philly is my home town.

Trips to Philly to visit Daddy and Mackenzie, our only granddaughter, are always excitedly anticipated. Preparing to pack, or should I say, over pack, is great fun in itself; the first step to returning home. Synchronizing the details can sometimes be tricky. For instance, we have four feisty dachshunds. They need full time care but we need to be able to afford it. We now have a permanent, loving, babysitter for our perennially five year old four footed kids. It is important to be on top of school schedules. Mackenzie and both my young daughters are all in the eighth grade but in school systems states apart. It is all so worth it. Dad and Mackenzie will be at the end of the six hour ride.

I come from a large, close knit family. We have one college graduate and no adventurers; that is, except for me. Like most natives in any city, visiting noteworthy or historic places, in their own home town never crosses their minds. For instance, most of my family have only traveled into the body of Billy Penn on School trips. For me, I cannot wait to see the other side of the mountain.

My parents adopted me, as an infant, from my Dad's sister. It was obvious with each birth that motherhood was not her forte`. Don't feel sorry for me. I got the best parents a girl could have. As a sickly youngster, Mother doted on me. As a pre-teen Daddy was Mr Mom of the car pool set. Piano lessons, dance classes, a majorette, and Catholic school, I had everything a child could ask for and all the love you could want.

Once, Mom took me to Betsy Ross' house. It was the one and only historical outing we ever went on but it started a thirst for knowledge that survives today.

My Mom was raised on "2"Street. This meant an inborn love for the New Year's Day Mummers Parade, an annual delight that has no comparison. Of course, I had to research it's history as part of my thrill.
Did you know that 2 Street was once, and some still will tell you it is, the party epicenter of Philly? Club houses, as they are called, are on or near 2 Street. They were great year long social gatherings and remain so today. It was here that the elaborate costumes were made and string bands practiced their routines. The first official parade commenced on January 1, 1901. The theme song, "Oh! Dem Godlen Slippers" centered a cakewalk dubbed the Mummer's Strut. The first cash prizes, now enviable prizes, were awarded in 1906. Oh yeah! I am and have always been a bookworm.

Any Philadelphian can and does claim a passion for the Jersey Shore. Like an extension of our city, going "down the shore" was and remains a summer event. Wildwood, New Jersey began my passion for amusement parks and carnivals. Yes! I researched both Atlantic City and Wildwood; sister shore points.

For a period of time Philly was the interim capital of the United States. Our founding fathers once sat in the City Tavern also called Merchants Coffee House, the Political, Social, and Business center of the new United States, and began the first draft of the Constitution. Voltaire once praised Pennsylvania as the only goverment in the world responsible to the people and respectful of the minority rights. At this time, Philadelphia stood as its capital. With each visit home, I take my girls and grand daughter on one more tourist outing. These outings always include a piece of Philly history.

Often we will just roam South Street, located in Center City. South Street is known for it's Bohemian atmosphere, and diverse mix of shops, bvars, and eateries. It is one of the largest tourist traps in Philly which we have come to call, Harvard Square with an eighth grade education.

One surprisingly fun outing with the girls was to the Eastern State Penitentiary. A system designed to make the criminal penitent, hence, the name, set the international standard in prison design. Eastern State, today, is equally famous for being haunted. the girls not only loved touring the prison but got a sense of punishment for breaking the law.
From the part it played in forming this great nation, to it's display of fun and celebration, to the home where I learned to love and be loved, Philly is a place of greatness. My girls always return to school, in September, with new stories of their Mom's place of origin and they are not shy with showing the pride they feel for it,
Traveling home is bittersweet these days. Mommy is no longer with us. Daddy grieves and will till he joins her. After fifty-four years of marraige, his life has a big remptiness without her. Recalling old days and enjoying the days we have to share now, make it a joy to still have him in our lives. Knowing Philly is always reachable and Daddy is there, in my childhood home, always ready to take a suitcase from my hand, or dole out hugs to us, as we arrive, will always be a source of happiness and a new memory to store.