201220931
Many matters over the last week have led me to ponder durability in certain areas of life, mainly faith, hope, and love. While considering these abstract nouns will never grow tiring, I also know the value of reflecting on visual blessings that have stood the test of time. Here then is a compilation of South Philly-centric places and one resident who have made our environs that much better for their longevity. Many of these appeared in the South Philly Review’s May 17, 2012 edition as part of our 65th anniversary celebration, so take to our website if you wish to see what we wrote about them and other treasured spots.
10) The Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association: Certainly not as old as many of the other entries that I will include, this Marconi-situated haven dates back to 1953 and has bred many rivalries and friendships, with both reminding us of the beauty of baseball and football. Living only 1.5 blocks from the 2840 S. 18th St.-based site, I love witnessing the feats of its registrants and look forward to adding my son to the list one day.
9) Lucio J. Mancuso & Son Cheese Shop: If you read last week’s Top 10 list on what I will not be sacrificing for Lent, you know of my love of cheese. Over the two years that I lived a block away, this revered space, 1902 E. Passyunk Ave., which opened in 1940, was my willing accomplice in keeping me from having a cow.
8) Famous 4th Street Delicatessen: This Catholic enjoys a fine Jewish deli, and none is better than this Queen Village beauty, 700 S. Fourth St. Set to celebrate its 96th birthday this year, it has become a haven for politicians on Primary and Election days as they reflect on their campaigns’ success. If it were a candidate for anything, I would vote for it hands up, well, because my mitts would have a sandwich in them, after all.
7) St. Paul Church: I count Bella Vista as my favorite part of South Philly, and this 173-year-old worship site has much to do with that designation. Though not a parishioner, I enjoy occasional stops inside the 923 Christian St. space and give a reverent look skyward to thank its originators for their considerate construction.
6) Isgro Pastries: Continue along the block, and one will find Isgro Pastries, 1009 Christian St., a 112-year-old reminder of the power of family. I am not a major sweets eater, but whenever I cave, taste and tradition lead me here.
5) Tom Cardella: I knew of Tom Cardella long before I moved to South Philly in 2004 and became his neighbor two years later. Politically distant, we never let a controversial matter or election cycle override our friendship and consideration for our neighborhood. With 52 years of experience penning columns for this publication, he will forever win my respect.
4) Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church: Want to talk about durability? You must then consider this Queen Village giant, 916 S. Swanson St., which outdates the founding of our nation by 99 years! A bit of a church connoisseur, I enjoy knowing that this house of worship continues to offer answers to life’s most vexing problems.
3) Ralph’s Italian Restaurant: Much like those commercials that say “Nobody was hurt in the filming of this segment,” I must say no free food has gone to me in writing these words! Ralph’s, 760 S. Ninth St., makes this list for being the oldest restaurant in the country whose owners are members of the family behind its creation. I have dined here only once, a travesty indeed, but even if I had never set foot in there, I cannot argue with 116 years of rave reviews and family ties.
2) The Mummers Parade: Yes, it has undergone changes to its route and has incurred the wrath of many for its content, but the Mummers Parade, also 116 years old, will forever (I hope) be an inviting way to welcome a new year. The gang’s all here, and everyone wishes to join in the jubilee for centuries to come.
1) Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park: What, this guy made a list that does not include the Italian Market? Guilty! Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, checks in at a year older than the esteemed market and has yielded more personal memories for me than the younger stretch. With spring rapidly approaching, I hope to venture there for stops at the American Swedish Historical Museum and my beloved tennis courts.
Thank you, South Philly. Live, and help us to live. ■
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
