Civic psychoanalysis? Harry K explores the long history of Philadelphians’ complicated relationship with the city

Harry K really wants us to know that this city really was a center of technological innovation well into the 20th century. He has a jewel of technological history here, on Philadelphia’s integral role in radio–we’ll call it WIP (Wireless In Philadelphia)

The submerged City Branch railroad–the subject of so much debate today–was not only one of the earliest rail lines in the US, it was also the place where train engine technology was developed and massive manufacturing occurred. The best known of these manufacturers was Baldwin Locomotive Works, but Harry K has the story of another, the early rail powerhouse, Norris Locomotive Works

Free men of the Northern Liberties could go to Commissioners’ Hall to place their ballot. Harry K traces the history back two centuries

Inspired by Michael Burlando’s story last week on “Phillyhenge,” Harry K got to thinking about ancient Philadelphia. Where was it and who built it and furthermore, what was William Penn thinking when he named his city “The City of Brotherly Love?”

Despite being nearly obliterated by successive waves of infrastructure development, a small stretch of Front Street north of the Ben Franklin Bridge remains. It’s there we find an extraordinary connection to the city’s origins

Chestnut Street–Wall Street before the US central bank was moved from Philadelphia–was once paved with red brick. Harry K says red brick meant gold. He has the story on what was “Banker’s Row”

Harry K has the story of this 90 year old theater’s recent overhaul. Lost in the renovation, interior detail in the Northern Liberties spot where Louis Kahn played piano