Courtesy of the Harvard University Archives, via The Atlantic Cities
- The Atlantic Cities recalls the near-extinction of urban squirrel populations during the nineteenth century. By mid-century, social reformers were urging the animals’ reintroduction, claiming that wildlife would remind citizens enough of nature so as to check immorality. Philadelphia was the first city to bring back the squirrel in 1847, launching a national trend that warded off a return of antipathy towards the pest for a few decades.
- After nearly a year of work, the mayor’s task force for attracting more manufacturing in the city released yesterday its “Manufacturing Growth Strategy for Philadelphia” at the Northeast’s AgustaWestland helicopter factory.“The report,” says The Inquirer, “lists a series of recommendations the city plans to implement to heighten its competitiveness for manufacturing on an international stage. Among them, the task force gave a lengthy list of improvements on how the city solicits itself in the areas of talent, innovation, access to capital, government and regulation, energy and advocacy networks, and business development.”
- Since 1986, when an explosion brought attention the woes of one section of Logan that was sinking due to its compromised foundations (mostly coal ash), the “Logan Triangle” has sat mostly empty, in a limbo that has severely depressed real estate values in the area.Philadelphia Neighborhoods looks at the past 27 years of forfeited development schemes and mounting trash heaps.
- Naked Philly is underwhelmed at the long-awaited rehab of 1244 Ridge Avenue. When the site shared a rendering from Harman Deutsch this summer they were excited “that the look of the building would be restored to something that echoed its historic appearance while also looking forward.” Yet what is there is missing “something.” Stucco? Altered windows? My vote is on the less defined metal bays.
- Philadelphia magazine shares photographer Cory J. Popp’s “A Very Philly Christmas,” a visual reminder of just how darn gorgeous this city can be around the holidays.”
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
