Logan is a neighborhood in upper North Philadelphia. Infamous now for the “sinking homes” in its “triangle” section, Logan was once a vibrant and bustling predominantly Jewish community. Rita Rosen Poley shares her story about landmark “Rosen’s Famous Bakery” and other memories that made Logan a vital part of “Lost Philly”…
In the midst of a searing heatwave, MOVIEHOUSE PRODUCTIONS provides relief by sharing tales of Philadelphia’s “phorgotten” water towers. Not only were these towers key for commerce, but they were familiar neighborhood landmarks as well. They pumped the fluid of life to our homes and industries. Special tribute is paid to the great Chestnut Hill water tower.
Miniature golf was the first huge recreational fad of the Great Depression. The “Jolly Mon”, which opened in 1934 as the “South Seas”, was part of the “wave” which allowed the struggling masses to live out their country club fantasies. Jolly Mon was a prominent Roosevelt Boulevard landmark. Its appeal continued for decades.
Tales from the streets of lost North Philadelphia: a botanical marvel and the Babe’s last appearance in a major league game, which occurred at ancient Baker Bowl.
Before the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia had two great multi-purpose Convention Halls. One, at 34th St. below Spruce and two; a massive, all but forgotten building at Broad Street and Allegheny Avenue…
An old clothes hanger…a lost song…What do these things have in common?…together, they conjure up memories of childhood trips to enjoy the wonders of New York City…
Saint John Neumann established the Beneficial Savings Fund Society as a safe haven for Philadelphia immigrants to save their money. WSFS absorbed Beneficial in 2019, but the old Beneficial buildings remain as an important part of the fabric of the city.
Bernie Uhr shared the story of “Uhr’s”, Philadelphia’s most revered Jewish restaurant and catering establishment. Beloved institutions like Uhr’s have nearly disappeared from Philly’s cultural landscape. Uhr’s was opened by Bernie’s father “Jack” in 1919 in South Philadelphia as “Uhr’s Original Roumanian Restaurant”. Trolleys brought patrons to Uhr’s from many Philly neighborhoods including Strawberry Mansion, Logan and South Philly. Local crime and Jewish resettlement forced Uhr’s to relocate to an old theater in Philly’s Wynnefield section. “Uhr’s” is long gone; its historic Wynnefield home is now a senior apartment building.
Want to learn more about Philadelphia Jewish History?
Janet Gaynor was born in Philly’s Germantown neighborhood in 1906. She was the first star in a succession of “A Star is Born” films. Ms. Gaynor was first to win the “Best Actress” Academy Award in 1928. She became a painter of beautiful “still lifes” in her later years.
Join us for a trip through old Philly. Our destination is the Philadelphia Zoo. With a little help from his friends, meet “Massa”, the zoo’s most famous citizen and the lifespan record holder for a gorilla in captivity.
