“Fourth Reformed Presbyterian Church at 19th and Catharine is shown in 2009 photo titled “Church Salvage, South Philadelphia” | Photo: Vince Feldman, via The Inquirer
- Historic preservation professor Aaron Wunsch and the Preservation Alliance’s director Caroline E. Boyce suggest some policy changes to The Inquirer’s readers that could reverse the “escalating trend” of the demolition of historic Philadelphia: 1) augment the paltry $400,000 budget for the Philadelphia Historical Commission and 2) restore the public’s confidence in that body by removing it from the aegis of the deputy mayor for economic development, 3) complete a comprehensive survey of the city’s resources, 4) incentivize creative adaptive reuse, 5) allow the Department of Licenses and Inspections to take a more hands-on approach to maintain derelict historical structures (and incidentally, the increased manpower to do so).
- Former Governor and Mayor Ed Rendell will kick off SEPTA’s Stand Up 4 Transportation rally on Thursday—National Transportation Infrastructure Day—at 9AM. Held in conjunction with hundreds of similar events across the country, this bi-partisan gathering at Dilworth Park is meant to send a powerful message to Congress that “only comprehensive, long-term federal funding will enable us to repair, maintain, and adequately expand America’s public transportation, roads, bridges, ports, and rail systems to help bring our national transportation system up to speed with the 21st century.”
- On this the 100th anniversary of the birth of native Philadelphian Billie Holiday, local Jazz historian Faye Anderson will nominate the famed singer to receive a plaque on the Avenue of the Art’s Walk of Fame, says CBS Philly.
- Philly.com reminds us that the four-year, $64.8 million project to replace seven bridges over the Vine Street Expressway will begin a week from today.
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.
