Terry Buckalew | photo: April Saul, for philly.com
- Terry Buckalew, a retired facilities manager foe Penn, is heading a one-man charge to have the city’s Historical Commission recognize the importance of the Mother Bethel Church cemetery, now beneath the Weccacoe Playground in Queen Village. While there is virtually no opposition to the designation, many have expressed some concern over the delays this might cause for renovations for the space as part of the Green 2015 initiative. The Historical Commission will discuss the matter at its meeting on May 29.
- The Pennsylvania Convention Center is apparently attracting a terrible reputation in the national conventions business, says Axis Philly, as the facility will annually net less revenue for the city in the next three years than it did prior to its recent expansion. “The Philadelphia facility is considered too costly, presents too many hassles and cannot deliver services at a reliable and predictable cost. Convention organizers tell tales of getting bills after the fact that far exceed their estimated costs — mostly due to unforeseen overtime costs”—that could potentially cripple an association’s operating budget.
- NewsWorks launches its retrospective series of articles preparing for the last month of the nearly-century-old Germantown High School with an interview with comedy legend Bill Cosby, who failed out of the school in the 10th grade. While he looks back fondly, Cosby admits that he was quicker in accepting the seemingly inevitable decision to close the school than most, and cites a lack of palpable enthusiasm for education from the bottom up as the source of the so much of the District’s woes. “What’s it going to take to galvanize you to realize you have to do something for yourselves,” he wonders.
- Plan Philly reports that PennDOT has finished preliminary design work on the rebuilding of one Philadelphia’s more integral, albeit hidden, transit elements: the bridge that brings North Broad Street across the Reading rail tracks, between Callowhill and Noble Streets. Although it is unclear exactly who owns the bridge, PennDOT will foot the $12 million bill for the 2-year construction project, set to begin in 2015 at the earliest.
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.
Leave a Reply
Recent Posts
Archeological Dig Will Explore Philly’s Pre-colonial Waterfront
Philly's maritime history on the Delaware River is the focus of a new archeological study at the former site of West Shipyard. Kimberly Haas has the story > more
Unraveling Myths About Philly’s Pioneering African American Architect
Amy Cohen separates fact from fiction surrounding one of Philadelphia's most famous architects, Julian Francis Abele > more
A Fine And Public Space: Preservationists Revive Philadelphia’s Historic Cemeteries As Vibrant Spaces For The Living
New life is blooming at Philadelphia's historic cemeteries. Starr Herr-Cardillo has the story > more
Appetite For Deconstruction: North Philly Nonprofit Tackles Three Pressing Issues With One Program
Philly Reclaim brings sustainability, historic preservation, and job training together with its architectural salvage program. Kimberly Haas has the story > more
Arson & Archway Raise Awareness Of A 19th Century Architect
Pauline Miller takes us on a journey from Old City to Mount Moriah Cemetery where the work of architect Stephen Decatur Button struggles for longevity > more
A Fond Farewell To Paley Library At Temple University
Paley Library closed its doors to the public on Thursday after serving Temple University for 53 years. Michael Bixler says goodbye to the mid-century modern library with this photo essay > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |