Anastacia’s Antiques Queen Village Tree Tenders From Fabric Row to Vintage Row
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 2 FALL 2024
PUBLISHER
Queen Village Neighbors Association
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Louis Bartholomew louis@qvna.org
DESIGNER Alec Meltzer meltzerdesign.net
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Maxine Mayer
PROOFREADERS
Cait Allen Jake Peterson
AD SALES qvna.org/advertise louis@qvna.org
QVNA provides community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2023–2024 TERM)
OFFICERS Cait Allen – PRESIDENT
Chris Mullen – VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Atkins – SECRETARY
Philip Holzhauer – TREASURER
DIRECTORS
Andrew Jarrah
Mae Johnson
Patricia Kucker
Amanda Maize Mike McPhilmy Micah Shapiro Rich Villa Kim Vo
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
Kathy Conway
Inez Green
Photo by Maxine Mayer
Meet Your Neighbor Contributors
QVNA sincerely appreciates the time and talent of the volunteers who helped create this issue of the QV Crier.
Cynthia Temple has been an active community member for almost 40 years. She was a founding member of the Friends of Shot Tower, oversaw the QVNA historic preservation committee, and is a member of the Southwark Queen Village Community Garden. She is a trustee of the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation, supporting the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church National Historic Site (preserveoldswedes.org)
Laurie Moldawer is thrilled to be back in Philadelphia after many years out west skiing. She loves living in Queen Village and being surrounded by so many great restaurants and bars. Laurie’s family goes back many generations in Philadel-
Queen Village Queen Village
Volunteers Volunteers
phia and this is her first time back since graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Math.
Jack Miller is a relative newcomer to Queen Village. He spends his time away from work reading, writing, and listening to music in various public spots throughout the Village.
Shelby Fisk is a writer and a mom who has lived in Queen Village since 2016. She loves listening to music in our parks and dining at neighborhood restaurants. Shelby holds an MA & MFA in Creative Writing.
Kelly Joyce has lived on a tiny street in Queen Village since 2012. She is a professor of sociology at Drexel University where she researches medicine and health. She volunteers with the Tree Tenders to help plant and care for trees in Queen Village.
Daniel Lidon has lived in Philadelphia for nearly 20 years, and Queen Village for a decade. He works as a commercial photographer and filmmaker. In his spare time he can be found in Mario Lanza Park with his dog Ziggy.
Nicole Maley moved here in early 2022 so is relatively new to Queen Village, but already considers it home. By day, she works as a director of media for an NYC
marketing agency; by night and on the weekends, she’s an avid walker, amateur historian, and diehard 76ers fan.
Maxine Mayer has been a QV neighbor since 2004. After retiring from a fulfilling nursing career, Maxine pursued her love of photography volunteering for the Southeastern PA Red Cross and QV Crier. Follow Maxine’s instagram @maxine. mayer.
Maureen Brady Weir has been a Queen Village neighbor since 2000 and a member of The Friends of Moyamensing Point since 2008. A communications director by trade, she is also a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist.
Hilary Young is a Queen Village mom and owner of Hilary Young creative, a brand strategy and marketing consultancy.
Michael Allen moved to Queen Village in 2019 and is chief operating officer of Wills Eye Hospital when he is not exploring the neighborhood dining scene.
Louis Bartholomew is the Executive Director of the Queen Village Neighbors Association (QVNA). An avid urban planning nerd, coffee shop enthusiast, and architecture buff, he loves working with neighbors to make Queen Village an even greater place to live. ■
Letter from the President
By Cait Allen, QVNA President
Hello Neighbors, It’s that beautiful time of year when the weather either graces us with crisp, cool mornings, or surprise, scorching afternoons; that’s right, it’s fall in Queen Village!
As we wrap up the summer, I want to share with you some updates, neighborhood wins, and issues to keep front and center over the coming months. We held our 5th annual Summer at Courtyard Program, providing a free, fun and educational summer program for children from the Courtyard Apartments. Campers enjoyed field trips to the Franklin Institute, City Hall, and amusement parks around Philadelphia!
QVNA also held its 2nd annual Block Party and Fundraiser for Summer at Courtyard, where we raised nearly $5,000 from community members! This year, we opened up Catharine Street to residents to eat, drink, and play in the street, while
our partners at New Wave and other street vendors provided excellent and tasty food options.
Entertainment and fun were abundant around the Village, with weekly Yoga at Jefferson Square Park, Movie and Music Nights at Mario Lanza Park, and Salsa on South Street, to name a few! QVNA is proud to support our Friends groups and local businesses on South Street and 4th Street for continuing to foster small-scale, cool events for neighbors and visitors around our neighborhood.
QVNA kicked off its Safety Ambassadors Pilot Program, crowdfunding over $17,000 from residents and businesses, with QVNA matching the first $2,500 (thank you to everyone who donated!). Under this initiative, QVNA has hired two, unarmed ambassadors who now patrol the Village at different times around Queen Village each week. They are trained in de-escalation, connecting those experiencing homelessness and substance abuse addiction with city ser-
vices, and have already proven to be a positive presence around the neighborhood.
We are also looking forward to our city-wide Love Your Park Day, where QVNA will be partnering with our Friends groups, centering our efforts on Bainbridge Green on November 9! Making the day even better, our 3rd annual Tour d’Art is also happening that day, featuring four different galleries around the Village, as well as different food and drink vendors!
For those of you who have called Queen Village home for ages, thank you for supporting QVNA and engaging so well and so often to make our neighborhood one of the greatest in Philadelphia. And for those who are new to Queen Village, welcome—this is a special place and we hope to meet you very soon. Feel free to stop by our office at 709 S. 5th St!
Stay warm this fall.
Native Plant Gardens at Old Swedes’
By Cynthia Temple
Philadelphia’s Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church National Historic Site is branching out—into the world of native plants!
Nestled along the Delaware River in Queen Village, Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church is a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history. This national historic site fills the entire block south of Christian Street between Columbus Boulevard and Water Street. I serve as a trustee with the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation (HGDPC), as well as chair of the Friends of Old Swedes, its volunteer gardening group.
With the support of a QVNA grant in 2023, we began cultivating native plant gardens on these grounds. We focus on species that thrived here long before European settlement, creating a habitat that complements the historic setting, while supporting biodiversity and local wildlife. This project goes beyond beautification; it aims to educate the community about the benefits of native flora. For example, noted entomologist Doug Tallamy points out that native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars, while ginkgo
trees, commonly considered a non-native from Asia, host only five species of caterpillars. What’s more, many native plants are naturally drought resistant. Once established, they are easier to maintain.
What is a Native Plant
A common definition for native plants is those that were established here before Europeans came to America. The National Audubon Society calls them, in part, “the ecological basis upon which life depends.” So, then only non-native plants can be beneficial? It’s complicated. Sometimes, non-natives may help our dwindling bumblebee population by blooming when native blooms are scarce.
Rooted in Education
Native plants offer many advantages over their non-native counterparts. They have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and need less maintenance than many non-natives. They’ve co-evolved with local insects and pollinators, providing vital food sources for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These, in turn, attract other creatures, such as birds, to create a thriving mini-ecosystem.
Our education started last April when we inventoried existing native plants and began adding new ones. When choosing plants, our goal is to diversify the height, color, texture and bloom time while avoiding aggressive natives. It is a fun puzzle with so many pieces! It’s also easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of online information for the 2,100 species native to Pennsylvania. So, we created a chart to capture the information we uncovered that we currently maintain and share on our website. Feel free to copy the information into a spreadsheet to filter.
Once you pick a native plant, you are practically guaranteed success if you choose a spot that matches the native’s
needs (e.g., sunlight) and then water accordingly. There are many groups on Facebook where you can ask questions and even obtain plants. That’s how we got our Giant New York Ironweed from a wonderful gardener in West Philly! And we want you to succeed. So, reach out to us if we can help.
As we continue to build and improve these gardens, they will serve as living classrooms displaying the rich variety of native plants that thrive in the Philadelphia region. Informative signage will soon identify plants. An audio history tour is in development, including stories of how plants were used by the local Lenni Lenape community.
Growing a Greener Community
This spring, we were awarded an additional grant from QVNA to transform the Water Street entrance into a native paradise. This is where you can begin to wit-
ness the beauty, strength, and ecological value of native gardens. We hope you’ll be inspired to incorporate native species into your own landscaping plans for both public and private spaces. This shift towards native plants can create a ripple effect, promoting biodiversity and fostering an overall healthier urban environment.
What You Can Do
Join Us! To join the “Friends of Old Swedes” native garden group, contact us on our website. Every Saturday at 10am, in addition to other times, we water, plant, weed, and more. Just bring your interest in nature and gardening. No experience necessary. Plant . Try it! Visit preserveoldswedes. org/projects/native-garden/ for more information and to help find plants that interest you.
Donate. A garden is tended over four seasons. We provide the labor but will al-
ways need a little help to purchase plants and supplies. Please consider supporting these ongoing efforts, as well as our ongoing historic preservation challenges where we actively fundraise to maintain our 325-year-old church (the oldest in Pennsylvania), graveyard, and historic buildings. Email: Friendsofoldswedes@gmail.org ■
Reflections on the Delaware Riverfront Trail
By Louis Bartholomew
On a cool, Saturday August morning, I set out on my bike from the Queen Village Neighbors Association (QVNA) office at 5th and Monroe Streets to check out the Delaware Riverfront Trail. Biking through Philadelphia, and especially Queen Village, is one of my favorite parts of living in the city since I’m able to appreciate the beautiful architecture and trees.
After taking the Pine Street bike lane and crossing over I-95, it always makes me sad how disconnected Queen Village and other communities are from the Delaware River. We have a world-class feature of the city, severed from us by not one, but two eight-lane roads(I-95 and Christopher Columbus Boulevard). Luckily, my disappointment is quickly tempered after crossing over to the Delaware River Trail.
Biking up to the Race Street Pier, there are only a few cyclists and runners on the trail this morning. The sun sparkles on the river and the Ben Franklin Bridge looms up before me as I find a seat for a few moments on the Pier. To my right stands the Cherry Street Pier, a mix of artfully restored masonry, greenery, and new shops. A peaceful oasis away from the sound of cars speeding by.
The multimodal trail includes a dedicated bike path, as well as a sidewalk for pedestrians, separated from cars by greenery. It is one of the only major paths in Philadelphia that prioritizes people walking, cycling, and lingering at river-
side businesses. As I bike further south, I see the I-95 CAP project moving along nicely. A concrete wall has been poured in the middle of I-95, both bridges have been demolished, and a large crane helps hoist new concrete walls into place. In a few years time, this whole area will reconnect Philadelphia to its riverfront, allowing residents to enjoy the area without seeing the highway.
As I bike further down past Queen Village, I happen upon an area that seems more akin to a suburban strip mall below Washington Ave—it would be hard to guess that we’re in a bustling, dense city with origins in the 17th century. The charming rowhomes give way to big box stores and massive asphalt parking lots. I turn left on the trail, leaving Christopher Columbus Blvd. The path becomes more wild as it goes closer to the river, and I’m enveloped by the uncouth shade of green trees and shrubs along the trail.
Ruined wooden piers jut out into the water, having lost their walking planks decades ago to decay and disuse. One pier has been turned into a park, filling in the space with dirt, stones, and trees, culminating in a spiral staircase structure over 30 feet tall. Abandoning any distrust of the integrity of the structure, I clamber up to the top, eager for a better photograph of the surrounding waters!
The skyline of Center City pokes up beyond the heavy tree cover near Gloria Dei Church. The supporting structures for huge tankers and their moorings clutter the sides of the pier, breaking through the surface of the water like soldiers standing at attention.
There is so much land out here, an odd mix of trees and shrubs with the backdrop of parking lots for an ACME and Walmart. It’s exciting to contemplate the possibilities of parkland restored and new neighborhoods created from the shell of this industrial wasteland. I hope that the future brings a compact, mixeduse community to this area of the river, where neighbors can enjoy easy access to the river and make good use of the Delaware River Trail. Over the next 10 years, these disparate sections will be connected to form a continuous trail with tendrils stretching all the way up towards Trenton and into Bucks County. Philadelphia’s riverfront continues to experience a renaissance, so check it out before the cold sets in! ■
QVNA Board Nominations Now Open
By Louis Bartholomew
Interested in Running for the QVNA Board?
Deadline for candidate nominations is October 18. Here’s what to know.
Our November 7 election will have six seats on the ballot:
• President
• Vice President
• Directors (4 positions)
The elected board members will serve a two-year term: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.
Candidate eligibility: Board candidates must be 18+ years of age and a resident of Queen Village.1 In addition, they must have attended at least two QVNA-sponsored events (e.g., community meeting, park cleanup, and/or zoning meeting) between January 1 and November 7, 2024.
Candidate eligibility is verified by our Nominating Committee before the ballot is announced on October 23.
Interested in running for the Board?
Please contact our Nominating Committee at info@qvna.org.
QVNA Board Members: Role and Responsibilities
The board of directors establishes the Association’s strategic direction and budget and determines our key priorities, programs, and services. Board members must serve on at least one QVNA committee or represent QVNA within a partnership organization.
Board members work collaboratively to address issues and concerns of Queen Villagers. Each is a volunteer, at-large community leader, who represents the whole of our community. Since QVNA’s founding in 1969, hundreds of Queen Villagers have stepped up to help the neighborhood. Their commitment resulted in a solid foundation that today’s board of directors proudly builds upon.
More information about board service, including an approximation of volunteer hours per year is available at www. qvna.org/run-for-the-board.
November 7: Cast your Vote for Queen Village’s Leadership
Two weeks of voting in the QVNA board of directors election begins October 24.
We will announce the names and bios of all eligible candidates in our October 24 newsletter. In accordance with Association bylaws, votes must be cast in person at our office no later than November 7. Voters must show proof of residency (a government-issued ID or recent utility bill). The office will be open from 9am–12:30pm and 1–5pm, Monday–Friday, during the two weeks leading up to November 7. If you are not able to stop by during those hours, please reach out to info@qvna.org to schedule an appointment. ■
1 Queen Village boundaries are from the south side of Lombard Street to the north side of Washington Avenue; from the east side of 6th Street to the Delaware River, including the docks.
classes, and ensembles for all ages and skill levels
The Long View: An Interview with Barbara “Bobby” DeRogatis
By Kelly Joyce
Photos by Maxine Mayer
“When my father was growing up, they used to call our neighborhood ‘the beginning of South Philly,’” explained Barbara “Bobby” DeRogatis. “After they named Society Hill in the 1950s, they started naming other neighborhoods. That’s when we became Queen Village.”
DeRogatis was born on Fitzwater and South Randolph Streets, as were her father, John, and two older sisters, Nora and Josephine. Her mother, Carmella, emigrated from Italy but grew up at 7th and Bainbridge. DeRogatis still lives in her childhood home. Having recently celebrated her 80th birthday, DeRogatis shared stories about what life was like in the Village in the 1940s and 1950s.
As a child, DeRogatis roamed from 4th Street to 9th Street, South Street to Washington Avenue with her friends and family. Queen Village was a bustling area with grocery, fish, and clothing stores along 4th and South Streets and elsewhere in the neighborhood. “It was nice. We had a lot of shops,” DeRogatis explained. Her mom took her to Auerbach’s and Youth Town on South Street to buy school clothes.
She’d go to Woolworth’s (431–435 South Street) with her mom and watch movies at the Model (425 South Street) and the Italian (729–732 Christian Street). A favorite was Silverman’s Department Store (6th and South Street), where she would browse toys in anticipation of Christmas.
Heading west from 5th Street, the neighborhood was predominantly multigenerational Italian-American. Three generations often lived together, and everyone knew each other. People didn’t just know you—they knew your generations—your children, your parents, and your grandparents. People were in and out of each other’s houses throughout the day. “The ladies were always cooking. They’d help one another, God forbid, if one got sick,” DeRogatis remembered. Doors were unlocked until it was time to go to sleep.
“The women around here were like our aunts,” DeRogatis shared, “If a mother or father had to go to a wedding, they watched you. They even reprimanded you if you were bad.”
Everyone had a nickname. “Between here and 8th Street, people had nick-
names. I never knew what their names were until I got older,” DeRogatis laughed.
DeRogatis remembers the first time she saw a woman wear slacks—she was 7 or 8 years old, and it was her cousin Anna. “She was ahead of her time,” DeRogatis recalled. “She was sharp looking. She made stuff. She started to wear pants because she saw them in the movies.”
Although she was raised in a Catholic home, her mother let her choose where she would go to school: parochial or public. DeRogatis chose Meredith, which went up to 6th grade at the time, and remembers it as a mix of Black, Jewish, and Italian students. Most of her teachers were men. She went on to Bartlett School (now the Academy at Palumbo) for junior high where she met her friend Libby. Through this friendship, DeRogatis experienced Jewish food for the first time and even attended synagogue. While hanging out at Libby’s house one holiday, Libby said, “Don’t say anything. My grandmother’s upstairs.” DeRogatis quipped, “Libby, I didn’t come here to convert you. I came here to eat. What did you make for the holiday?” DeRogatis went on to graduate from South Philadelphia High and spent her career working for AAA. ■
Not Your Grandmother’s Antique Store
By Nicole Maley with photos by Maxine Mayer
South Street is known for its artistic eccentricities, and no business represents this more than Anastacia’s Antiques at 617 Bainbridge Street. Known for its Victorian-era aesthetic, the store is meticulously curated with everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to taxidermied animals—and even the occasional skeleton. Fans of Stoker, Shelley, and any 19th century horror story will find a wellspring of inspiration here; and it’s the perfect place to get happily lost in on an autumn afternoon.
Owners Anastacia Fahnestock and Scott Evans have long had a passion for collecting gothic antiques, starting when they graduated from art school in 1980.
“We furnished our first apartment together with Victorian trash pick antiques,” says Evans. “We were finding so much great stuff that we eventually decided to sell it.”
They began with sidewalk sales on Spruce Street, eventually moving into a former flea market (and synagogue) on 615 S. 6th Street in 1985. After eight years, they transitioned into their current location, the 2,400-square foot property one block from South Street, and it has remained a two-person operation ever since. The area is now an ideal shopping and eating destination, but it was far from that when they moved in.
“This whole block was a no-man’s land in 1993. Nearly everything was va-
cant.” adds Evans. “The neighborhood is much more vibrant now.”
If you’re strolling into Anastacia’s from a nearby coffee shop or restaurant, you will immediately be greeted by a beautiful, chaotic mix of oddities amongst deep red walls. This includes (but is not limited to) a stuffed lynx, stained-glass lamps, model ships, and glass cabinets full of medical curiosities, such as old surgical books, tools, and an array of multicolored bottles. Religious relics also are also peppered throughout, as Evans and Fahnestock picked up some of their first pieces from funeral homes and churches.
“We really sell everything. People will come in expecting only oddities but end up buying furniture and lighting they like,” says Evans. It’s part of the store ex-
perience. You can comb through 1950s movie posters and political pins near a display of glass eyeballs and Victorian leg braces.
But out of all these unique items, Fahnestock has an easy answer for her favorite piece: what she calls “the heart of the store,” the family of 1890s ventriloquist dolls standing guard near the shop entrance.
“They are often what people remember about the store. They also might be the reason some people may be scared to come into the store,” she adds with a laugh.
Fahnestock does have a handshake deal with a regular customer to sell them—when she is ready to part with them, of course. “It’s a Sophie’s Choice
situation,” she explains with a smile. “I will sell them when I have something equally compelling to replace them with.”
Many of the shop’s focal point items have unique backstories, none more than the collection of skeletons scattered throughout the store, including one in an ornate coffin near the entryway. All skeletons displayed are ethically sourced, usually from medical households; this particular one arrived from an oddfellow’s lodge where she was used in masonicesque ceremonies and initiations. The baroque coffin where she lays adorned with costume shop jewelry once housed the remains of Saint Clement.
With its emphasis on the macabre, shoppers shouldn’t be surprised if they experience certain haunted vibes as they peruse the store.
“We have had energies that have come into the store attached to items,” she explains. “We have had people come in with their Geiger equipment and they’ve found certain hot spots. The hot spots are usually the same spots a medium has pointed to as having a presence.”
But Fahnestock prefers not to disclose which particular items have the strongest auras, as finding them is part of the adventure. “We let the haunted objects comingle with the unhaunted things and let shoppers discover them as they walk around,” she says.
The physical store journey is important to Fahnestock & Evans, which is why they choose not to sell directly online. But while the shop may transport you back to the 19th century, they have seen their business grow through a decidedly 21st-century invention: They are quite
active on Facebook and Instagram (@ anastaciasphilly). Customers are free to direct message if they are interested in any products posted, and they will even ship out of state. But nothing compares to the artfully considered Bainbridge Street store experience in Queen Village/ Bella Vista.
“We have a wonderful connection with this neighborhood,” says Fahnestock . “We’ve watched a lot of our longtime customers get married, get pregnant… I don’t see us going anywhere, we love what we do.”
“It’s a quirky business.it’s not your grandmother’s antique shop,” she adds. “I don’t know how we’ve made it work. Maybe it’s intuitive, we keep it up by just buying things that appeal to us. Fortunately, enough people like our taste and like what we like.” ■
From Fabric Row to Vintage Row
By Hilary Young
Photos by Maxine Mayer
Starting in the late 19th century, the stretch of 4th Street that runs between Bainbridge and Catharine Streets was known as Fabric Row. For a long time it made sense because historically, the shops on Fabric Row comprised Philadelphia’s garment district.
With time, however, many of the old textile and fabric shops that had graced 4th Street for generations had shuttered or moved to other locations. Thankfully, it hasn’t been difficult to find new businesses to populate 4th Street, and over the past year, a remarkable amount of vintage shops have taken over the Row.
The Wayward Collection at 707 S. 4th Street moved down to Queen Village after spending three years co-managing a shop with a friend in Old City.
“Our lease came up in the Old City shop and [we] were deciding our next move, and a friend put me in touch with Sammi of The Merrygold Shop, who was moving into a bigger store,” said Hayley Pelton, owner of Wayward Collection. “I had always wanted to be [on 4th Street] if I did go out on my own, and thanks to the openness and kindness of the business community on 4th, everything fell into place.”
Similarly, Keesean Moore, owner of Moore Vintage Archive, which is located down the block at 725 S. 4th Street, decided to open his beautiful shop here because the Village is one of his favorite neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
“It’s home to some of the best shopping in the city so it was an obvious first
choice for me,” said Moore. “Besides, I’m such a history nerd, being invested in the genesis of things is how I built my brand, and being a part of Fabric Row’s great history of garment manufacturing is like a dream come true.”
The storied past of Fabric Row was also a big draw for Corinne Dodenhoff and Kelly Braun, owners of Noni Vintage Clothing & Goods located at 760 S. 4th Street, who chose to open a second location of their Bok building-based business in the Village.
“We had always wanted to be on Fabric Row, it’s such a beautiful block with great shops,” said Braun. “We knew we’d be in good company. Fabric Row has been starting to become a vintage destination, and we wanted to be a part of that.”
“We wanted to be part of the exciting energy happening on 4th street with all of the vintage sellers and fabric vendors,”added Dodenhoff. “It just makes sense for us.”
With all of these vintage shops lining the commercial corridor on 4th Street, one might question the business strategy of moving in next to a competitor. However, the world of vintage shopping
is quite nuanced, with no two stores or shopping experiences the same.
“We definitely don’t view any of the other shops in Philly as competition,” said Noni’s Dodenhoff. “The cool thing about vintage is that every shop will have something different, so there’s never really any worries about having the same inventory. We have a fun, goofy, whimsical, joyful perspective to vintage (and life itself) that doesn’t take anything too seriously, and I would say that’s pretty specific to us.”
“I think that young shoppers are more knowledgeable than ever with the rise in popularity of second-hand shopping,” said Pelton of Wayward Collection. “One misconception many people have though is around sizing. People tend to think everything vintage is small, and it’s just not the case. We offer a huge range of sizes in our shop. If something is cool and high quality, we will buy it. There is something for everyone in the second-hand world.”
Moore agrees that size shouldn’t prevent fashion enthusiasts from exploring vintage shops.
“I really try to be as inclusive as possible in how I curate the shop and I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from visitors who weren’t necessarily expecting
to find a variety of options,” said Moore. “I always encourage folk to find the joy in playing dress up and exploring. Shopping vintage is a magical game of trial and error.”
Braun understands that there can be a stigma about used clothing, and as a result, some people are wary to buy clothes second hand.
“I think vintage clothing is better quality than items today, and it’s got all of the originating trends we see in mainstream stores,” said Braun. “I think sizing can also be a deterrent, because the sizing is so different from today’s standards. We do our best to offer inclusive sizing up to a modern 3XL!”
Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or curious about all the new shops that have arrived in our neighborhood, it’s worth your while to consider playing dress up in one of these unique new additions to 4th Street.
“I think many people underestimate the power of having a signature look or a signature way of expressing yourself,” said Moore. “Vintage is an excellent way to develop one’s own taste. It’s a great way to explore, time travel and discover something new about yourself.” ■
Summer at Courtyard Program
By Cait Allen
August 16 marked the conclusion of another successful Summer at Courtyard—our free annual camp for children from the Courtyard housing development in the southeast corner of Queen Village.
Thirty campers partook in the sixweek program, with highlights including an outing to City Hall to learn about the legislative process hosted by Council-
man Mark Squilla and Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s office; a water demonstration by our local firefighters from Engine 3; a mock election with Commissioner Seth Bluestein to understand how to vote (for their favorite superhero!); and weekly field trips to places such as The Franklin Institute and Diggerland.
On behalf of QVNA, the Courtyard Residents Council, and Courtyard’s par-
ent company, The Michaels Organization, a huge thank you to everyone who donated to help make it possible, especially, Senator Nikil Saval and Rep. Mary Isaacson. Their support, in conjunction with the fundraiser co-hosted by New Wave Cafe this past June, raised more than $5,000 for the program. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s block party to help make 2025’s Summer at Courtyard even better! ■
Penn’s Village: Connecting Neighbors Together
By Kelly Joyce
Two important factors for a healthy, happy life are social interaction and community. Penn’s Village creates both and offers even more.
Penn’s Village is a neighborhoodbased organization that helps people stay in their homes and communities as they age and supports residents who live between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and Washington and Girard Avenues. As executive director, Jane Eleey, explained, “Penn’s Village is a grassroots organization of neighbors helping neighbors. It is run by volunteers who serve on the board and committees. There are only three part-time staff.” Society Hill residents started Penn’s Village in 2007–2008 after receiving a state grant to form the organization.
Long-time Queen Village residents Dan Coren and Gretta Leopold have been involved with Penn’s Village for over 10 years. “We don’t have children,” Leopold explained. “We wondered who is going to look out for us when we get old. Af-
ter we saw a story in the Inquirer about Penn’s Village, we thought this is the answer to our prayers.”
They started volunteering with Penn’s Village to learn about the organization and have never looked back. Coren, a retired computer programmer, often drives people to doctor’s appointments or plays Scrabble with a neighbor to provide companionship. Leopold, a retired psychiatrist, volunteers by answering phone calls and emails and setting up services. Coren has given talks related to classical music for other Penn’s Village members. Both enjoy volunteering. “Driving people to appointments is meaningful, satisfying work,” Coren shared. “It makes me feel useful to other people,” Leopold pointed out. Both have made significant friendships through volunteering with Penn’s Village. Although they have seldom requested services, they are glad to
know that there will be help if and when they need it.
Penn’s Village is a membership organization. Once you join, you can participate in fascinating talks on topics ranging from Philly history to the experiences of hospital clowns and special interest groups on member-generated topics, such as Cooking and Restaurants, Spanish Conversation, or the Men’s Group. You can also access services, such as transportation to grocery stores and medical appointments, minor home repairs, technology assistance, and companionship (e.g., read a book or play a game together, go for a walk, go to a movie or cultural site). All three components—events, special interest groups, and services—aim to help people thrive as they age.
There are multiple membership levels: Villagers, Neighbors, and Contributors. For $600 per year per household,
Villagers can access up to three volunteer provided services per week. For $200 per year per household, Neighbors can request two volunteer provided services per year. For $100 per year per household, Contributors may attend programs, social events, and access the preferred providers’ list. Villagers and Neighbors can also participate in events, special interest groups, and access the preferred providers’ list. There is a sliding scale for people in need.
A community within a community, Penn’s Village creates space for older adults to pursue creative and intellectual opportunities, make new friends, create social ties, and get the support they need to age in place. Non-members are welcome to attend three events to explore Penn’s Village before joining. If you’d like to volunteer or check out Penn’s Village programming, please visit their website https://www.pennsvillage.org/ or email them at info@pennsvillage.org. ■
Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church
U2Charist
Come hear live musicians play the music of U2 as part of a worship service Tuesday, September 17, 6:30pm
Historic Gloria Dei Anniversary Party
Celebrate with us and learn about our new app Friday, October 4, 6-8pm, $20/ticket
Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pets to a short service of blessing Sunday, October 6, 12pm
Election Day Service
Join us for (non-partisan) prayer and meditation Tuesday, November 5, 6:30pm
Be Part of the Beloved Lucia Festival
We're looking for more kids to be involved; contact the church for details
Practices start Sunday, November 3, 1pm The Festival will be December 7-8
Observers & Makers & Explorers.
We prepare students for the whole of life.
OPEN HOUSES
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 8:45 a.m. Grades Pre-K & K
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m. Grades Pre-K–12
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 8:45 a.m. Grades Pre-K–4
Thursday, Nov. 14, 8:45 a.m. Grades 5–12
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. Athletics
Tuesday, April 8, 8:45 a.m. Grades Pre-K–12
The Only All-Gendered Pre-K to 12 Quaker School in Center City.
A Haunting History
Honoring the Past and Preserving the Future of the Hill-Physick House
By Shelby Fisk
The Hill-Physick House’s storied history, architectural features, and decorative arts collection often draw in visitors. Many also arrive for various programming and events offered year round, including a plant sale, early music concert series, theater productions, art exhibitions, and pop-up shops. However, that’s not the only reason people visit and get involved with the home. Some are curious if it’s haunted and revel in its folklore.
Whether you believe the house has ghosts, or may (or may not) be curious to find out, all are invited to gather for the third annual Halloween Fundraiser on October 30, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hill-Physick House (321 S. 4th Street).
This year’s theme is 1950s monster movies. Think werewolves, Dracula, and
creatures from outer space. Movie clips will be playing, along with music. There will be drinks, including a signature cocktail, wine, and sparkling water along with heavy hors d’oeuvres. It’ll be “campy and fun” with something for everyone, said Michael Allen, incoming chair of the HillPhysick House committee. There will be an emcee and a costume contest, though dressing up is optional. If you’re curious about the potentially haunted house, tours will take place during the evening.
Kayla Anthony, executive director of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks believes the house may be haunted. “Weird things have happened that I can’t explain,” she said. For instance, one night while cooking a bulb of garlic came out of the pantry “like it was thrown.” Another time she heard humming that sounded as though
it might have been coming from outside. “It was like a woman’s voice humming, and there’d be no way to hear humming through a brick wall.”
Another hard-to-explain story comes from Megan Thibodeaux, site manager of the Hill-Physick House. She was giving a tour a few years ago to two women who didn’t intend to stop by that day. Thibodeaux brought them into the room that according to Dr. Physick’s will was his favorite space in the house. One woman immediately said, “I feel weird in here. I don’t know what it is. There’s something going on in here.” They continued with the tour, and then Thibodeaux gave them some time in the home’s medical museum. “They’d been up there for 5–10 minutes when she ran down the stairs and saying, ‘Oh my god, do you know what today is?’” It was December 15. The day Physick died.
Photo by Maxine Mayer
The Hill-Physick House is the only free-standing Federal townhouse remaining in Society Hill. It was built in 1786 by Henry Hill, a Madeira wine importer, and it later became the home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, known as the father of American surgery.
“Dr. Physick is credited with educating an entire new generation of physicians in the early 19th century. He was the first chair of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and he also created many medical procedures and instruments, some of which are still used today,” said Anthony. “They didn’t have specialty doctors at that time, so he did everything: cataract surgery, brain surgery, dentistry. He helped create catgut sutures and the stomach pump [amongst other inventions].”
Some also think Physick’s former wife, Elizabeth Emlen, haunts the grounds of the home. Emlen and Physick separated before he moved into the home with their children.
The folklore about the home and its potential hauntings also center on Dr. Physick’s contributions and how they came to be. “Dr. Physick studied in London originally under a man named John Hunter who prioritized having his students work on cadavers. That was not something we did in the United States at that time. It was pretty taboo.”
“He was creating a lot of medical instruments and procedures, and what do
you need to do that? There’s definitely a belief that he might have been a part of the movement to get bodies off the black market to figure out potentially how to use some of these instruments,” said Anthony.
Is the Hill-Physick House haunted? Maybe, and future generations may wonder this too through the continued preservation and care of this important piece of Philadelphia—and United States history.
“Everyone loves
a
haunted house, and I think because of the medical history, it lends
itself really nicely to that,” said Anthony.
—Kayla Anthony Executive Director, Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
The Hill-Physick House is one of four The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (PhilaLandmarks) homes which include Powel House, Grumblethorpe, and Waynesborough. “There’s just such an amazing energy in these houses. It’s like stepping back in time,” said Anthony. ■
Learn more about the Hill-Physick house including how to get involved, and get your Halloween Fundraiser tickets at www.philalandmarks.org/upcomingevents.
house made pasta
friendly great bar outdoor dining
open since 1978!
Photo by Maxine Mayer
Queen Village Neighbor Spotlight: Park City Culinary
By Laurie Moldawer
The first time I moved to Philly was for the food. My dad grew up in Elkins Park, and even though he raised my brother and me in New York City, we took hoagies very seriously. There was a certain way you had to order them (never any mayo), with certain meats and cheeses (always provolone), and we were taught that Philadelphia was the Mecca for the ultimate hoagie.
When applying to colleges, I seized the opportunity to live in the hoagie homeland and marketed my way into Penn. It wasn’t easy, because I didn’t have good grades. But I obsessed over my application, had my mother help with my essays, and forged my way into the hoagie heartland.
Despite this obsession with food, I never expected to own a culinary school. I liked cooking classes and had the privilege of going to culinary school in France when I needed a year away from my finance and tax career. Le Cordon Bleu in Paris was a life-changing experience: The chefs made us cry regularly as we tried to perfect every detail of our pastries and profiteroles… and we loved it.
I moved to Park City, Utah just over 10 years ago to become a better skier. I applied for a job but there really weren’t that many that made sense for a New Yorker in Utah. I started organizing cooking classes to make friends, and then before I knew it, I was running a culinary school.
The French take their culinary cre -
ations to an entirely different level, and that is what has driven me as I’ve operated the school. Portions are smaller, have better quality ingredients, and are presented at a higher level. Park City Culinary Institute has been doing this for over 10 years now, and it is still hard to process all the recognition we get. It seems so basic to me—take pride in what you do! For years we have won Best of State, Best of Utah, and other local awards.
This past August, I moved back to Philly. It’s been so wonderful living in the Village! I’ve traveled to 60 countries and have always been curious about where in the world would be the best place to live. I truly think this might be it. Our neighborhood has such wonderful, welcoming, dynamic, and artsy people. Our restaurants are some of the best in the country, even if they want to lay low as little neighborhood outlets. People here really take pride in their food. We are just a short walk to the Italian Market. It’s a
beautiful walk too, past the most charming historic homes.
Since moving to Queen Village, I’ve been researching the Philly restaurant scene, sending back my discoveries to the chefs in Utah. Philadelphia has a truly elevated culinary scene. It’s no longer just hoagies and cheesesteaks. There is so much my team is learning from the chefs here. I wish one day I could open a culinary school here. What makes the difference in Philly is the pride people take: pride in the food people cook and in the atmosphere they create. Beyond even that, the staff here are experts in what they offer. It is remarkable how much each server and bartender knows.
Perhaps having access to the Philly food scene has made a difference, because Park City Culinary Institute was just recognized as one of the Top Four Culinary Schools in America by Passport Magazine! The other mentions are the CIA [The Culinary Institute of America], Johnson & Wales, and ICE [Institute of Culinary Education]. It is such a huge honor for me to have this recognition for all the hard work we have done. We continue to be inspired by the Philly food scene! For those of you interested in attending culinary school, check out our online culinary certificates. You can learn the techniques in our courses Cuisine, Pastry & Baking and at-home Culinary Arts. Visit ParkCityCulinaryInstitute.com or call (801) 413-2800 for more information. ■
Aloha, Mahalo!
Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ, 117 South Street
By Michael Allen
If you’ve always wanted to visit our 50th state but aren’t keen on the long plane ride, look no further and you will be filled with "mahalo" (the Hawaiian word for “gratitude”) to find a taste of the islands in Queen Village. Owners Ivy and Jason Cheng define dedication and hard work. Ivy, whose family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, appreciates how demanding this industry can be. Jason became a chef by working in a variety of restaurants and styles and brings a few secret touches of his own to the sauces and seasoning. “People born and raised in Hawaii have said to me that our food takes them back home,” said Ivy. "Making someone happy like that makes all the effort worthwhile!" No wonder a close bond has formed between Mahalo and the neighborhood.
Talking to Ivy, we learned about the Hawaiian "plate lunch." It features an entrée, two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. It is an extremely popular comfort food in the islands. First timer? The best way to sample is the BBQ mix platter: a combination of
freshly grilled chicken, short ribs, and beef, accompanied by those traditional sides. Feeling more adventurous? Catch the musubi: a Hawaiian snack resembling large sushi that’s comprised of meat and rice wrapped in seaweed. But if you really want to catch a tasty wave and hang ten, try the loco moco, a breakfast-all-day delight that consists
of a hamburger topped with gravy and a sunny-side-up egg over a bed of rice. But please, save room for the signature dessert, a fresh fruit and pudding parfait that packs rich vanilla and peach in every bite!
We all need a little extra Aloha in our lives. Ivy and Jason are ready to brighten your day! ■
Tree Tenders Working For All Of Us In Queen Village
By Jamie Bischoff and Jack Miller
Our Queen Village Tree Tenders operate as a volunteer offshoot of the larger Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). PHS has partner Tree Tender groups throughout the city; the Queen Village group is just one of several hundred Tree Tenders groups in the Greater Philadelphia area.
The Tree Tenders conduct two weekends of plantings, one taking place in the spring, and the other in the fall, in which volunteers from the neighborhood plant young saplings in predetermined locations throughout the neighborhood. On non-planting weekends, the group continues to do a great number of things. They lay mulch, a carefully mixed blend of shredded tree parts and nutrients, to nourish each tree. They prune branches that appear to be dangerous or otherwise problematic. And they carefully water all the young saplings. In the last 15 years, the Village Tree Tenders group alone has planted over 300 trees. Many of these young saplings now provide much of the
summertime shade and beautiful fall colors that we all enjoy in the Village today.
The tree tending process is not always a simple one. Much of the onus falls on our
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own volunteers to seek out new locations for these trees. The volunteer organizer for the Village Tree Tenders, Dan Gibbon, provided us with an overview of the en-
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tire tree planting process. Gibbon explains that the process begins with a walking assessment of streets where trees would be good additions and finding spots for them that are viable. A tree pit, for example, cannot be within 15 feet of a utility pole or a street corner. Once a spot has been located, a seemingly simple inquiry comes next: knocking on front doors and talking to residents or business owners to see if they would be interested in having a tree planted in front of their property. Many properties in Queen Village are owned by landlords, though, rather than the occupants, and sometimes the landlords are in other cities and must be tracked down to obtain their permission.
Once the consent of the resident or landlord/owner has been obtained, an application is prepared and submitted by the Tree Tenders and the property owner to PHS, which reviews the application. If it is acceptable, PHS then submits it to the Department of Parks & Recreation. City arborists will then assess the proposed tree sites. Looking at the location, drainage, sunlight, and other foliage in the area, they consider whether the site is viable, and if so, determine what type of tree would be best for each location. The arborists report back to PHS, which then purchases the saplings from various local nurseries. The saplings are picked up from these nurseries by neighborhood volunteers on planting weekends.
During this last spring planting, 18 volunteers showed up to help plant the trees. Jeff Booth, a Village Tree Tender for over 20 years, was one such volunteer. Booth spoke to us about his history volunteering in the organization and some of the most rewarding things he has gotten from his experience. Among other things, Booth recalled the pruning classes which were provided to Tree Tender volunteers and given free of charge by an arborist licensed by PHS. When it comes to pruning, there is a lot to learn!
It has been shown that trees planted in urban spaces benefit their neighborhoods financially and socially. HGTV has reported that mature trees actually increase the property’s value between 7 and 19 percent. But trees provide communities with more than just financial advantages. In addition
to providing a diverse landscape for the community, trees can make residents feel safer physically. Studies have reported that the existence of greenery can significantly lower anxiety among the area’s residents.
The Tree Tender Committee at PHS, comprised of the leaders of each Tree Tender group, meets every quarter to discuss, among other things, upcoming tree plantings and the City’s comprehensive Tree Plan—for which it recently received a governmental grant of $12 million from the U.S. Forest Service.
Our Queen Village Tree Tenders are always looking for more volunteers. If you are new to the Village or want to volunteer with the group, please reach out to Dan Gibbon at dgibbon@clarkhill.com or call him at (215) 805-4786 for information about how to get involved or how to get a new sapling for your property. ■
Queen Village Staycation Guide
By Cait Allen
Fall is here. And while we celebrate the return of pumpkin-flavored everything, the new school year, and sweater season, many mourn the loss of regular trips “down the shore.”
Fear not! While the Village may not boast roller coasters, Kohr Brothers frozen custard, or Manco’s Pizza, we have some of the most amazing restaurants, retailers, and nearby activities—all attainable without having to sit in hours of shore traffic.
So, throw on your quilted coat, grab a Cinderella Latte, and check out our Queen Village Staycation Guide. Maybe you’ll have such a great experience that you will want to skip a weekend away next summer and plan to stay in town!
Visit qvna.org/staycation for more information and regular updates to the Staycation Guide.
Featured Category: Unusual (and Instagrammable) Bites
• Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ (117 South Street)—Loco Moco: a hamburger served over white rice, topped with gravy and a sunny-side-up egg. The breakfast food you didn’t know you were missing.
• Sam Shaw’s Treatery (302 South Street)—Crookie: part cookie; part croissant; completely delicious
• Lightbox Café (704 S. 4th Street)—Kava Kava: Looking for an alternative to booze? Try this delicious, peppery brew from the Pacific Islands for a relaxing elixir unlike anything you’ve tried before.
• Ishkabibbles (337 South Street)— Flounder Hoagie: Step aside turkey and Italian. This seafood sandwich is a one-ofa-kind culinary experience.
Featured Category: The Perfect Present for Your Loved One Who’s Impossible to Shop for
• South Street Art Mart (530 S. 4th Street)—Retro T-Shirts: This vintage South Street design was lovingly recreated by @TapedOffTV and printed here in Philly by Bombardment Printing. We stock sizes small to 4XL, all available instore and online.
• Bodie (520 S. 4th Street): Food-shaped candles and pillows for your hard-toshop-for foodie friend! Wouldn’t a Philly pretzel candle make the perfect gift?
• Stitch and Destroy (523 S. 4th Street)— Got a friend who loves to LOOK RAD and RECYCLE? Check out their one-of-a kind T-Shirt Tees, handmade by STITCH AND DESTROY from pre-loved t-shirts and scrap fabrics!
• Wayward Collection (707 S. 4th Street)—
One-of-a-Kind Vintage Finds: The jewelry counter is especially great for gifting. the shop carries a beautiful edit of vintage sterling silver and unusual designer jewelry from the 1900s and beyond.
• 3rd Street Gallery (610 S. 3rd Street)— Unframed originals and prints directly from artists’ studios: perfect for finding unique pieces that match your style and budget. They make art appreciation and collecting easy.
• Moon + Arrow (742 S. 4th Street)— Jewelry: Made from all recycled metals, designed by owner Chelsea Pearce and jeweler Teresa Kahres right here in Philadelphia.
• Jack B. Fabrics (748 S. 4th Street)—A never-ending selection of textiles, perfect for the DIY enthusiast in your life
• Full Moon Blends (716 S. 4th Street)— Joe, a hand-blended, all-natural coffee exfoliant crafted from espresso, sea salt, demerara sugar, organic coconut and vanilla oils.
• LuvOnFire (716 S. 4th Street)—Treat a loved one to immerse in the warm glow of creativity with their exclusive candlemaking workshop. Simply unwind and express your creativity in an experience designed for everyone—from beginners to seasoned DIY enthusiasts. ■
