Mike Toklish in Olney | Sketch: Ben Leech
When 52 year old Mike Toklish’s family arrived in Philadelphia in early 1908, more than a half century before he was born, men holding the flags of various nations greeted his relatives at the port. Once his ancestors found the man with the German flag they were asked if they knew how to brew beer. They said that did, and they were quickly sent to work in Brewerytown and were moved into a trinity on 3rd and Arch Streets.
Germans in fact had been coming to Philadelphia very nearly as soon as William Penn secured his charter from the King of England. The German Society was founded in 1764 to aid German immigrants in language and cultural assimilation as well as legal issues. At that time, about 20 percent of Philadelphians were of German ancestry. This rate increased significantly in the next century. By 1860, fully one-third of Philadelphians had been born in Germany.
But the work was brutal and as Mike estimates, 20 people lived in the small tenement house. After time, his grandparents were able to pool the money they saved from their brewery jobs to purchase a bar-restaurant on Girard Avenue just a few blocks from Front Street. Over time, the place became profitable enough that family members no longer had to work in the breweries. And after a few more years, they made the decision to move to the newly developed Olney section of North Philadelphia.
Until the 1920s, Olney consisted of farmland and estates for the wealthy. But after Fisher Park was developed out of the estate of Joseph Wharton, founder of Swarthmore College and the Wharton School of Business, and factories such as Heintz Manufacturing Company moved in, Olney became an attractive place for immigrant families, especially the Germans.
“My grandmother took the trip up to the realtor’s office in Olney near the 600 Block of Lindley Street,” explained Mike, in a very convincing German accent. “She asked the realtor ‘How much for dis house.’ The realtor says, ‘Lady, you can’t afford this house.’ ‘Very well,’ she says, ‘but how much for dis house.’ The realtor says, ‘It’s two thousand dollars.’ My grandmother looks at him and asks, ‘How much for the whole block?’ She ended up buying the whole block.”
Coal shoots | Sketch: Ben Leech
The legendary Schwarzwald Inn | Sketch: Ben Leech
Mike’s grandparents moved into the corner house and rented out the remaining properties to the rest of the family, including Mike’s parents.
With their terracotta roofs, refined façades, and functional back allies–where families could run their clothes lines–the houses are almost unchanged today. Each basement retains its coal shoot window; the shuttered coal elevator and garage where coal was stored and then transported to the surrounding houses remains across the street.
The family made a good life for themselves on Lindley Street, although it was not without its own strife. As Mike recalled, the neighborhood was under close watch as Germany began to wage war in Europe, and it was common for German immigrants to be targeted by police.
“My grandparents were enjoying a night out at a beer garden in the summer,” Mike said, of a night in the late 1930s, “when in the middle of the celebration, a group of German nationalists raised the swastika. This was the first time my grandparents had seen it in America and they were shocked. When the police came my grandparents pleaded with them that they were not Nazis and were actually Austrian by decent. But the cops didn’t listen and threw them in jail for the night. When they came home their house was completely ransacked by the police.”
In some old family photos, indeed, there are crowds gathered with the Stars and Stripes right next to the swastika and Iron Cross. But after the US entered World War II, Mike’s family was much more careful of the company they kept.
The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Von Trapp talks about their time in Phila before they moved north.
My family lived on 2nd and Rubicam I lived on and off there from 1982-1990.
I am old enough to remember when Olney was still largely German – Fifth Street – Fünf Strasse – the cultural center as well as the business center. I can also remember when St Henry’s Church had their final German mass. But remember the wars did take their toll on German identity in the States, leaving Germans to forgo their old ties and traditions and especially language behind as they moved to the suburbs.
My grand uncle, Henry Koenes, was founder and pastor of St Henry’s in 1916 (but, died in 1953). I was also at the last German mass. The Monsignor was buried in front of the rectory and the archdiocese sold his stone and moved him to Holy Seplucre without even telling us. The students recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the school, even though the church and school closed. Sad.
Cornelia…..you are a distant relative of mine….I’m hoping you see my response in your email inbox.
HK
My grandfather Tony Frank owned B&O beverages on front street, we delivered to all the lonely bars bayin the day, Cornelia, my grandfather was very good friends with your dad Rudy.
My father’s family grew up in Olney – they lived around 4th and Godfrey. My first apartment was at 5th and Somerville, right down the street from Zapf’s. Loved that part of town.
I grew-up on Sommerville Ave. back in the 60’s. (558 W.Sommerville) As many did in the late 60’s my family moved to Levittown.
I lived in 3 Olney houses as a child: Fairhill Street, Somerville Avenue, and Sparks Street. We moved to Levittown in 1954.
Hey Steve where on Fairhill street did you live my mom grew up there
Omg I grew up on fair hill street too! At olney ave. Moved out in 1999 and have missed it every day since…
Hello
Are you Molly z.
I’m Rachel B’s mom. She went to Lowell.
I still own the house where I grew up in East Oak Llne. I was baptized in St. Henry’s and remember well the day that I heard Pete Puljer the German band leader play the violin for a Singing Society concert in the hall of the Church. The Germans were a close knit group and included many different job descriptions. Many worked in factories, or owned their own businesses. A few got very wealthy and we were proud to know them. I was so impressed at age five that I became a violinist and play to this day. Fairhill street had at least 6 German families. We dined often at Schwarzwald Inn and I bought music and worked my way through school at Zapf’s music store. I also dated the son of Walker’s Delicatessen. His name was Hans. We had wonderful times at the Catholic Kolping Society on Rising Sun AVe. It was truly a fun time to grow up. We did not have the worries of the present generation . We were happy with a far simpler life.
My father, Rudy Mueller, was President of the Catholic Kolping Society for many years.
My Grandfather owned the Tabor Deli it was at the corner of 5th and tabor. His name was Morris Roy.
I remember him as “Mo” Roy. Bought many a sandwich there.
I grew up on the 500 block of Lindley Avenue and was of mixed Irish 75% and German 25% descent. The German influences were very much apart of our everyday experience with Michelfelders , the German bakery whose name escapes me and the Schwartzwald Inn among the most obvious examples of German specialties.
Leidig’s, perhaps?
My grandmother and grandfather owned Laidig’s Bakery!! My mom is Loretta Laidig Haeger!
I worked at your Grandparents Bakery!! They were the nicest people. If I remember your Grandfather’s name was George. They had two young sons when I worked there but I can’t recall their names though I do remember what they looked like at that age because they were always in the Bakery. I loved it because at the end of the day they would let me take baked goods home for my family. Sweet people!!!
Loretta is a classmate from Morrison elementary. How is our Mom?
My parents owned the Whimsy Shop at 5th and Olney for 40 years. I think it opened in the 1940’s. My father was German- Mom was English decent.Ilney was German fir most of the time that Whimsy was open. I remember Loft’s candy, the 5 and 10 and MAB paint. Also Weber’s Hardware and Oscar’s Restaurant. I spent many hours in the Library too.
And my mom, Alice, worked for your parents in the Whimsy Shop. Talk about employers being really nice people, your mom and dad were so kind. I also appreciated the special treatment we got at the World’s Fair.
Our favorite-Laidigs Bakery!
Loved the pineapple/cream Napoleons and butter cake!! Growing up in Olneywas the best!♥️
Greetings… Was Laidig’s the bakery on the 5600 block of N. 5th Street between Chew and Olney? If so, I worked there when I was 14. Best buttercake ever!!
Belzers
Could it be Schenk’s Bakery? I grew up in Olney (229 W.
Champlost Av)we had 5 excellent German bakeries in an easy walking distance. Fachsnacht Day was a yearly pre-Lent celebration, potato donuts on Wednesdays,
hot crossed buns & the best Xmas cookies ever!
Schenk’s is now up in Foxchase off Oxford. I bought Chocolate triangle desserts there today. Do you remember the name of the bakery on the west side of 5th street between Grange and Chew? They had wonderful salt sticks as well as chocolate chip cookies with the chips on top of the cookie.
Belzer’s Bakery
Hampel’s Bakery. My Uncle Fritz Hampel owned it.
I lived on Nedro between 3rd and 4th. The first bakery to close was the one closest to me. I think it was on Grange St about 3rd The next one I remember to close was Belzers on 5th between Grange and Chew. Going in the orher direction, o
I think Shevermans was still open when I left the area in 1971. Same thing happened with some of the candy stores
What a very special neighborhood to grow up in, I grew up there from 1952 to 1969. I would love to have a list of all of the stores on 5th St. from Lindley Ave. To Chew St.
You’ve provided such a wonderful sense of the history of Olney and its inhabitants. Most of my German relatives migrated from the Germantown section of Philadelphia (where I was born) into the Olney neighborhood (where I grew up) throughout the 20th century. Further back, German immigrants occupied a large portion of the Spring Garden area in Center City. My German ancestors, in particular, owned a block of houses on Buttonwood Street in the early 20th century and on occasion (from what I’ve been told), ran a biergarten during festivals up at Lemon Hill. The German Society on Spring Garden still contains a wealth of information on German immigration to the area.
The house I grew up in had an attached shed at its back where the stove was kept and an l-shaped bunker right beneath it. Now I’m curious as to what purpose these parts of the house served when it was originally built.
Many thanks for this article and to those who contributed. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
My father, a Jewish boy, grew up near Olney and went to Olney High. He remembered getting beat up by the Nazi Bund – a gang of boys who ruled the neighborhood in the 1930 – 1940’s.
I grew up in Feltonville just across ‘the Boulevard’ from Olney. Both my sisters graduated from Olney High School in the early 60s. In the 1950s there was still a German presence there. We called ‘The Felton’ movie house on Rising Sun Ave. the “German Movies” because on certain days they ran German language movies. (Now a Latino Club). We shopped on 5th street regularly.
The Feltonville neighborhood then was a mix of older “empty nester” Jewish couples and young Catholic families whose kids went to Saint Ambrose and Cardinal Dougherty. “Becks on the Boulevard” and “The Schwarzwald Inn” were THE places to go.
I do remember the stories of the “Olney (Nazi?) Bund”, a pro German group in pre WWII 1930s.
BTW the Ben Leech sketch labelled “Coal Shoots” made me laugh. The correct term is coal chutes not “shoots”.
My parents were born in Scotland but my Dad loved the Becks on the Blvd. and Schwartzwald Inn food !
I have many of the same memories and my grand uncle, Henry Engelbert Koenes (1883-1953) emigrated to Philadelphia in 1903, studied for the priesthood at St Charles, and was the founder and pastor/Monsignor of St. Henry’s parish in 1916 when 5000 Germans petitioned the archdiocese to established a German language parish north of center city. The church was a former beer hall called Central Park Hotel and later a basement church, rectory and school were built. Neighborhoods change and the church was closed in 1993. Alumni celebrated the 100th anniversary of St Henry’s last month.
Do you happen to know of or about Rev. Louis Kovacs? He was assistant pastor at St. Henry’s from 1951 to 1956. Any info about him from those days would be appreciated!
Fr Kovacs was assigned to St Bonaventure Parish in Fairhill when I was an altar boy there, mid-1960s.
Movies at the Felton Theater were in German
My mom loved going to the German movies with me at the Felton. Plots always involved a castle, scenery and singing…pure schmaltz. However, I am still fluent in German.
I remember in the early 1990s, the GCC Northeast ran German-language movies on Saturday afternoons.
My parents and I came to Philadelphia in February 1953,when I was 10. We were sponsored by the Kolping Society, and lived with the Pilger family on Lindley Avenue for a couple of weeks before we moved to an apartment across the street from St. Henry’s and ultimately to 4157 N. 8th Street. My father had been a German POW in Texas for 18 months during the war and was repatriated after the war. You didn’t need to speak English on 5th Street because the merchants mostly all spoke German. I attended St. Henry’s school, Cardinal Dougherty High, and then LaSalle College. I have fond memories of the area, Walker’s delicatesssen, Bergen’s Apotheke etc. Our wedding reception in 1967 was at the Schwarzwald Inn and Frau Trautz made sure everybody was well taken care of. I still remember going there on Sundays with Corning Ware dishes to take out Saurbraten, Rotkohl, and Kartoffel Kloese and bring it home because my father wanted a beer with his meal and PA had the blue laws at that time.
Viele gute Erinnerungen. Tschuess, Kurt Wich
Kurt,
Was your father in Crystal City TX? Check out Train to Crystal City by Jan Jabboe Russell. My father was taken in March, 1942 from his job at the Widener Estate and spent time in 4 different internment camps, but, luckily wasn’t repatriated.
Hi Cornelia.
I realize this is old. I’m interested in more details about your father and his time working for the Wideners, who ironically are of German descent. It’s just been a hobby of mine to document the Wideners and their estates.
In the 70s we made a regular Saturday morning pilgrimage to Walker’s. They had the best westphalischen Schinken. There was a Salamander shoe store on Olney. Schwarzwald Inn was a great place.
Kurt Wich, we all knew the Pilgers of the Kolping well. They were good people as most were back then. My wife and I got married in our local parish at St Henry’s by Fr Brown in 1960. He loved his German music and dancing at the Kolping House. My parents were refugees who had come over with me in 1952 and quickly bought their first house from Alphonse Ellerkamp’s Real Estate business (another Kolping member) down on 5th St (& Wingohocking ?) for $8000 – 4357 N. 4th St. It was all so long ago but the house still stands.
We’re you still living on 4th street in the 1970s? We lived at 4340.
This is a 2013 article somehow resurrected from the internet archives which never forget anything. I basically grew up in Olney even though I’m not sure what our neighborhood around St Henry’s was called. 5th & Olney was just a short trolley ride down the road. My paper route covered the whole area and among my first dreams of a young refugee boy was to get my very own bicycle. So I kept going to the Firestone store at 5th and Tabor just to smell the aroma. (I still love that smell). Eventually one of the sales guys and I got to talking and I walked out with a brand new Firestone bike. It was really a Schwinn and became my horse and wagon for every purpose. The strange thing was that I bought the bike with a few dollars down and the rest on a time payment basis. They trusted me to come back every week. It made me feel like a man. With my last payment I felt like I had purchased the world.
Fred,
I believe the neighborhood around Saint Henry’s was called Nice Town. I lived across the street from the church on Purdy Street.
My Kluge/Smith family lived on Purdy as well.434, 441, and also 416 W Courtland
when I was growing up in Logan in the 60s and taking German at CD (’66) I remember Bernstein’s fondly. My cousin was a Russian major at La Salle and bought all his books there, which resulted in a visit from the FBI (just looking). Several of the stores in that block had lettering on their windows: “Man spricht hier Deutsch”. I bought several instruments at Zapf’s and loads of sheet music. good memories.
I remember the Schwarzwald at 2nd and Olney Avenue for many years a great place to eat.
My mother (her mother german) that during WW II the inside joke in Olney was that half the residents were of German ancestory and the other half were FBI agents pretending to be german to capture NAZI’s. My grandmother worked for Link-Belt but used her married name – Stanton but not her maiden name – Maurer .
What do you know about the textile company F.W. Maurer & Sons
Hey frank, it’s us gina and Jerry, love reading all these beautiful messages, does any one remember salamander shoes?
Hi I remember Salamander shoes on Braad St in the 4900 block. My father had shoe store at 4841 N Broad and as a young boy, I laughed at a shoe store named after a lizard. There was a great pizzeria near Salamanders.
we[my mother,bernardine and my father frank berner] lived with my grandfather harry gebel next to incarnation before moving to 5850 marshall st next to fishers park around 1950 very irish very german very happy residents til we moved to warminxter in 1968
yes when the schwartzwald closed& you wanted another drink you went to doodles
I lived at 5826 N Marshall Street until 1965. Went to Olney High. Wonderful neighborhood back then.I worked at Paul’s Delicatessen 5647 5th St.
was there a bar in the 50’s called dodels at mascher & olney ave.across from the schwartzwald inn I might have the name wrong but I know it was german owned
I am amazed that I have found this site. I grew up at 6th and Olney… Graduated Olney High in Jan 1953. All that you are collecting seems so very full of memories. I was even telling someone the other day about the coal chutes!!!
I’ll be back to read more. (Too late tonight!)
Talk about a blast from the past. I’m an old Olney boy, born and raised, whose folks immigrated from Heilbronn am Neckar in 1929. They initially settled in Fishtown and then came to Olney. I was going through some old family papers and found an old Schwarzwald Inn place mat menu. Decided to look it up and reminisce a little. The Schwarzwald was our go to restaurant, aber naturlich, and growing up we spent a lot of time there for all kinds of celebrations. Beautiful memories. We lived on the corner of Chew and Marshall in what now seem like ‘kinder, gentler’ times. Went to Lowell Elementary, Olney High and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran at 5th and Nedro. Spent more time than I care to admit in Fisher’s Park and the Fern Rock Theater. Father was a machinist at the Frankford Arsenal and then the Franklin Institute Museum. I would hoof it all over the city on the trolleys (47 Car down 5th), buses and subways. Worked as a kid at the vegetable grocer at 5th and Chew and a few other businesses along 5th and was a bagboy at the A&P on 5th, south of Roosevelt Blvd. My best friend’s father owned/ran Chris’ Lunch on Olney Ave., between 5th and N. Lawrence. Olney was our turf. Folks moved out to Southampton in the mid 60’s where I finished high school.
Haven’t been back to Olney in many years. Seems like a time for a pilgrimage.
Bring a gun for protection. The area now will break your heart.
I also went to St. Paul’s as a young child in the 1940s and early 1950s. My mother had been a member since she was a child. She told me that they had German-language services back then.
Glenn, my brother Chris and I were good friends with you and your brother Richard.
Our father owned Chris’ Lunch.
I, too went to Lowell, Olney High and married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Lived on Second St. a few houses up from Olney Ave.
I grew up on 2nd St. near Chew. Went to Lowell and Olney High. Catechism at St. Helenas.Shopped on 5th St. Crossing Roosevelt Blvd was forbidden, but we did it anyway. Went to Fern Rock and sledding in Fisher’s park – Italian and Irish families: Deal, Donahue, Stein. circa 1966 – 1986…
GLENN,
MY MOM GREW UP THERE. GRADUATED IN THE EARLY 40S. HER NAME WAS ELSIE NEUMANN. HER PARENTS HAD A BAR/BAKERY. HUGO AND OLGA. MY SON IS TRYING TO FIND HIS ROOTS. RING ANY BELLS?
THANX!
MY grandmother – Louisa Helen Maurer was the grandaughter of F W Maurer. Louise held my children.
Myparents(both German descent) and siblings lived at 251 Sheldon St. from 1920 to 1955.
I really enjoyed this account of Olney.
Very interesting read. I grew up in Olney, went to St. Helena and CDHS my freshman year. I’ve been in California since 97. I watched Rocky IV with two friends and then we went down 5th Street afterward, ate at Peppinos. Merry Christmas.
Nicholas Esposito – Great article but PLEASE correct your spellings of the words ‘chutes’ (not ‘shoots’) and ‘alleys’ (not allies)! Yikes!
Ah, the Schwarzwald Inn – every anniversary, birthday, funeral in my family we went there .
Nicholas Esposito – love the article, but it’s Lindley AVENUE, not Lindley Street. I lived on the 5200 block of Marshall St. and took the “J” bus frequently.
I grew up on Wentz St – by Front and Olney. Great memories 💗 of Olney. Whether, Fern Rock Theater or Schwarzwald Inn and of course trips down 5th St – attended St Helena’s & Cardinal Dougherty before serving in the US Navy for 6 years – thank you for sharing 💞
I grew up in Olny at Spencer and Masher in the late 40’s. Parents were of Scotch Irish English German heritage. Remember Fisher Park well and the Fern Rock Theater.
My Dad was born in Germany. He came over when he was 16 and eventually joined the US Marines and fought in WW11. He was on Iwo Jima and watched them raise the flag. He was proud to be an American but loved living in Olney at 2nd and Godfrey. It was a great place for me to grow up. My best friend lived across the street from me. Linda Weichs. Her father owned a German Bakery in the neighborhood. Gee, I miss those days. I’m 76 now but still like to remember those wonderful times. Thanks for bringing back all these memories.
Was Leidigs the name of the german bakery?
Laidig’s Bakery! My grandparents owned it and my mom, Loretta, spent much of her childhood playing in the bakery!
My grandparents lived in Olney section on Rising Sun across from the A&P. Myother and ain’t graduated from Olney. Grandpop was Germany& the rest of my family lived in Germantown. Great memories of the area as a child. Use to sit in the window and watch the trolleys, people at A&P and the kids at the Catholic school across the street. For treats grandpop took use to a German bakery that we could walk to. Wonder if it your families?
Do you remember Ritchie Fletcher?He would be in his late70’s now.
Hi Alice,
Linda Weich was my cousin!
Her mom and my Grossmama were sisters from Talheim, Germany
Do you remember Annegrete Scherer?
She used to decorate the bakery at Christmas.
Annegrete Scherer was my mom and Linda’s first cousin
My parents owned Eisele Flowers. My five sisters and brothers had a wonderful childhood. We went to St Helenas and CDHS. Spent the summer playing at Lowell School playground. I was a teacher in Philly for 35 years. My daughter teaches at Morrison 3rd and Duncannon. I have volunteered there a few times. So many memories.
And I remember the fish pond
Where did parents move to in WG… ? What was their name?
My parents owned Rossi’s pizzeria at 2nd & Linton st. I went to St. Helen’s and CDHS graduated 1964. Had a wonderful childhood. A great place to grow up.The Fernrock movies, shopping on 5th street, Dial & Triplex shoe stores, and the whimsy shop. I could go on & on.My fondest childhood memories are of Olney.
Hello! Thanks for the interesting read. Anyone know anything about the old Olney Hospital? I was born there 1956. My parents had moved to Germantown from NYC for my father’s job, daddy had grown up in amongst immigrant families of all backgrounds in NYC and particularly loved German food! They relocated to the Willow Grove area shortly before I was born. I’m trying to put together all the details.
A resident of Olney for many years. Memories include the spring water at Fischer park, the hobby shop on 5th st., Woolworths and Kresgesstores, rolling from the lobby onto 5th st. at the Colony movie, sledding down Dead Man’s hill in Fisher park, thousands of Catholics attending St. Helena church (always seemed to fill to the max despite how large it was), Al’s candy ice cream shop at Lawrence and Grange, the library on 5th st.
I worked at the Schwarzwald as a teenage busboy in the 1960s and played for the Olney Eagles. Lots of Olney memories, both good and bad, mostly good. I can tell you a couple of funny stories about 5th St, CD, St. Ambrose (class of ’67), and all the hangouts at the playgrounds in both Olney and Feltonville.
I lived on Olney on Linton St., went to Lowell and Olney High. Sunday services at St Paul’s with Pastor Wisznat. Regular services in German with the German choir which were always filled. I remember the bazaars at St Paul’s with they worked hard to make over 600 lbs of German Potato Salad and spechets (noodles). Many of good times with all my friends on Fis St,going to the Fern Rock. Walking back and forth to Olney for 4 years. Such wonderful memories.
Does anyone remember Dea’s pizza on Grange or Chew between 2nd or 3rd?
Yes! Dea’s pizza on the corner of 2nd and Chew Sts. We lived on the 5700 block of American St. Olney was a great place to grow up, I also went to Lowell, Olney High, was an usher and was married at St Paul’s. Those times will never be duplicated! Who remembers at Lowell school, Mr Atler, Mr Laws, Mr Felty(not sure of spelling) and my favorite Mr Swartz?
I rememberDea,s. I live in bucks County and live around the corner of the daughter of the people who owned Dea,s.
At Mama Dea’s, you could get their store bought pasta or their homemade for a few cents more. They would allow you to bring your own pot so you could save money.
Dea’s is the only pizza place where they put a little roll in the very center of the pizza. Was that so the box didn’t sink in if stacked with other boxes?
I lived in Olney at 198 W. Linton St. Went to St. Helena’s & CDHS. My parents owned Rossi’s Pizzeria at 2nd & Linton St.in the 50s & 60’s. What a wonderful place to grow up. Went to the Fern Rock movies, the recreation center at Front & Olney & shopped on 5th St. I have life long friends from Olney. Great memories of such a special time.
I lived 1 block away from Olney at 9th & Lindley. I thank you for the memories as my family belonged to Incarnation, I attended CD(‘78), and we celebrated events at the Schwartzwald Inn. The only thing to which I take exception is that Olney was not the most linguistically diverse school. That title belongs to Northeast.
know this is a much later response but just saw this article. I grew up on Widener street, just around the corner from your grandparents candy store. My mom would give me a quarter every day to buy myself a treat and back then that was alot of $ for a kid I would walk through the alley and down the steps to their store(they lived above it in the house) What a treat it was. Kids today have no idea how great the penny candies were. They also had pretzels that were lose and you bought thm by the pound(my favorite still today). Your grandparents were so nice and friendly I am 82years old and still talk about the store to my grandkids
Anybody remember my grandparents’ ice cream and candy shop–Feuerstein’s–at 2nd & Nedro?
My husband lived in Feltonville. He was recently talking about 5th St. I am from Northeast Philly but do remember going to Zapf’s. And also there was a hobby shop that my dad used to take me around Christmas. Both of us were always in awe of the trains there. Does anyone remember that hobby shop and what it’s name was?
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE EDINGER FAMILY. LAST ORIGINAL ST HENRY
PARISHIONER FAMILY THAT LIVED, AND STILL DO, LIVE AT 4436 n. 5th STREET. MY
COUSIN JOEY STILL LIVES THERE. GRADUATED IN 1957 FROM ST HENRY SCHOOL. THEN WENT TO LASALLE HS AND COLLEGE. FATHER JOHN WAS A BIG TIME FOOTBALL PLAYER WHO PLAYED FOR LASALLE (ALL CATHOLIC, 1937)AND THEN SEYMOUR AND BLUE RIBBON FOOTBALL TEAMS IN THE OLD SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE. SO MANY MEMORIES GROWING UP IN OLNEY. LIVED AT 312 W. LOUDEN ST.
Olney born and bred. My father grew up there, St Helena’s Parish. I went to CD HS, my father went to North before CD opened. 5th Street, The Schwarzwald, Stutz Candy, Finks Bakery. So many great German things in that Irish German enclave. My grandfather had a plumbing business on the corner of second and Roselyn, Banzhofs Plumbing. I went through the old neoghborhood last time I was back and it is pretty rough. I live in CA now but Olney was a great place to grow up.
The vivid description of immigrants greeted by flags from their homelands drew me right into that bustling era. I was especially fascinated by how Mike’s ancestors were quickly whisked away to Brewerytown simply because they knew how to brew beer! It’s fascinating to think about the skills that shaped many communities during that time. This narrative beautifully captures the spirit of immigration and hard work, making history feel personal and relatable. I really appreciated the way it interwove personal stories with broader historical context.
I had to comment because this is the first time that I realized that I too did and still do say “fis” street when talking about the commercial strip in Olney. Even now it takes effort to actually pronounce “fifth” properly! I haven’t read all of the comments but wanted to add my views on the changing demographics that occurred there and most every other area in the city during the late 20th century. My parents bought our house in 1962, I believe, second in from the corner at Mascher St. and Godfrey Ave. I vividly remember delivering the daily news in 1986 – 1987 around the neighborhood of the Fern Rock theatre and noticing the “For Sale” signs popping up like flowers on blocks where someone who looked different had recently moved in. My father would state that these are the folks who are trying to move to a nicer area and have the means to do it. As a teenager I cared not much about what he was saying but can now look back and say that he was right. Anyone complaining that the neighborhood was ruined by those newcomers have themselves to blame as playing a part in that. We all left and made those houses available and at a low price. It’s a phenomenon that only occurs by mass participation. My dad was an outlier in his thoughts. But unfortunately, because of the thoughts and actions of the majority, the self fulfilling (via group) prophecy occurred and we ended up moving in 1992. He never quite got over that move. Even though he was from Southwest Philly, he loved Olney and the house was paid off. He and my mom never intended on moving yet had a mortgage again in their early 60s and for twice the price they got for the house, they landed in a much smaller home in the far Northeast section of Philly.
Olney, the hobby store on 5th Street, Sunday drugs, the COLONY MOVIE HOUSE, the Budget supermarket, Lofts candy, the Little Terminal butcher shop, Earnie the Barbara, the Baby Parade on July 4, Hommels bakery, Clare’s Lunch, JD bar, trick or treat on 5th street. REV. WHISNACHT, BISHOP GRAHAM.
Hi George,
I was in your class at St. Helena’s. Olney was the very best place to grow up. I have so many fond memories. My grandfather, John Hampel, purchased
the house on Grange St.whereI was raised. It was brand new in the 1920’s. My mother and your father were in the same class at St. Helena’s. I sure do miss the old days in Olney.
I was born in 1961. We came to Olney to visit my grandmother until 1985, when she passed. She lived in the 5200 block of N. 6th St. We would always go to this candy store that was run by two older sisters who lived above(?) the candy store. I think we took a left onto W. Duncannon Ave and may have made another turn but we were very young and it was an easy walk from my grandmother’s house. The place was a bit shabby but the ladies (in their 60s or 70s back in the 60s) were very sweet. I guess the store closed when they passed. Such fond memories.
Made deliveries to two beauty shops (beauty supplies) every week, Wilma’s at 5th & Fischer and Violet’s on second floor above shoe store at corner of 5th& Olney. This was in the 1960’s. Anyone remember Lahr’s Health Food store.
The store you walked to was owned by my grandmother.”AL’s”
The Nauers owned this store.Did you know Mary theirdaughter?
Wow. Thank you for the information. We were early elementary age and I didn’t know their names. I just remember two elderly, white-haired sisters. My twin sister would keep asking the price of everything. She’d point and ask, how much is that? How much is that, over and over and they were very patient with her. lol.
I remember a candy store located at 3rd & Duncannon Streets -shabby place – smelled awful – 2 older women – Sigh’s Candy Store? Don’t remember them being very sweet if it’s the same store.
I’ll bet it was the same store. Thanks for the exact location. Maybe we caught the ladies on their good days. lol.
Hello
Does anyone remember the candy store called Gallaghers on Rising Sun Ave
They had the best candy
Hi,
I grew up in olney at 139 w Albany’s st Olney ,Pa 19120. My aunts house was at 243 w fisher ave. My mom’s name was Margaret Tyler before she married. My name was Michelle McKnight before I married. I was the baby queen in the 4th of July parade in 1980. We were in the parades every year since we were babies . I have such wonderful memories of growing up in olney. We bought my chelo at the music store on 5th st. So many memories the fern rock movie,there was a pet store where where my sister and I would get our pets it was such a wonderful place to grow up.
Hi Olney-ites! I was born at Olney Hospital in March of 1964.I am under the impression that it was on Rising Sun and Devereaux. Anyone know exactly where it is? I’d love to go tot he place where I was born even though it may not be there anymore. Love reading all the memories of places in that wonderful neighborhood! Take care.
I have posted in the past that my parents owned The Whimsy Shop for 40 years. I noted that Alice Walter worked there at one point. My family also lived in Olney on AmericanSt. I went to Morrison Elementary and Girl’s High. I attended StAlban’s High Episcopal Church. I am presently looking for colored photos of 5th and Olney that include The Whimsy Shop. I can only find the black and white of 1977.Does anyone reading this post have a color picture of 5th St that includes The Whimsy Shop?