objective
This is a continuing series in the social history of Philadelphia’s built environment, a study of the forces that cause structures to come into and pass out of existence.
We take seriously J.B. Jackson’s liberal definition of a monument, that:
A monument can be nothing more than a rough stone, a fragment of ruined wall as at Jerusalem, a tree, or a cross. Its sanctity is not a matter of beauty or of use or of age; it is venerated not as a work of art or as an antique, but as an echo from the remote past suddenly become present and actual.
Further, we believe that that the study of the landscape and its monuments is didactic and invigorating; that there is no present space segmented from its former state of being cared for and honored.
All text and most photos by Christopher R. Dougherty
Hi Chris,
I discovered your fascinating website today (by accident while exploring the web). Do you know where I could find out the history, or any info about the abandoned Ridge Ave. Subway stop at 13th Street and Ridge? The stops currently in use for this line are Broad Street, Chinatown, and 8th $ Market. You can see the remains of a fourth closed up station for the Ridge Ave Subway on Ridge Ave. between 13th Street and Spring Garden Street. Judging by the design of this closed subway stop it looks like it was still in use into the 1970s. –Carl
Mr. Dougherty,
Do you accept requests? I have heard of a colony of parrots living in Philadelphia. They migrate above ground during warmer weather and nest by a transformer in cooler weather. Have you come across any information related to this in your extensive readings?
TMJ
I chanced upon your website this morning. It seems we have similar interests.
Thank you for your comments.
James
Please consider adding your blog to PhillyFuture. The directions and form are here.
this website is dead amazing.
j.
Great web site!
I was curious, do you know anything about an underground boulevard in Center City designed only for police and emergency vehicles?
Would you be interested in participating in an upcoming riverfront planning charette sponsored by Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront? Please contact me.
Chris, I was wondering if you might look into the original Chestnut St. bridge as a subject.
You can see some pictures of it here:
http://www.phillyideas.com/Chestnut/
I assume that this was demolished primarily to make room for the Schuylkill Expressway — a crying shame.
wonderful!