IMAGINING FRANKFORD: Mural Arts Project at Society
Sunday afternoon, January 29, 2012
Several dozen true Frankfordians came by the Historical Society of Frankford to share their stories about this area. Some grew up here. Some had parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who grew up here. Others were “newcomers” — having moved here as adults and only spending 30 years in Frankford. Others grew up here and moved away — but retained strong ties to this community. What they all had in common was they loved Frankford. They felt strongly enough to give up their Sunday afternoon to share their reflections and be videotaped by the Mural Arts Project.

The Mural Arts Project is developing a series of murals along Frankford Avenue that will explore the past achievements, present developments, and promising future of Philadelphia’s Frankford area. Residents were invited to collaborate in the creation of these murals and inspire the artist by sharing their experiences, stories, memories, hopes and dreams for Frankford and record them on video.

Muralist Cesar Viveros led each through a series of questions — including “if you only had one word to describe Frankford — what would it be?” Folks rose to the challenge — and an inspiring picture of this area emerged.

For information, contact Netanel Portier, Mural Arts Project Manager, 727-29 Mt Vernon St, Phila, PA 19130. Or you can call 215-685-0725 (office), 856-906-0078 (cell).

HOWARD BARNES, WE WILL MISS YOU
September 14, 2011
— by Gil
It was a busy day yesterday and I thought about passing up the Historical Society of Frankford meeting but decided to go anyway and see what was on the agenda. I knew there would be a video of Howard Barnes who was the former curator of the society. He lived on Penn Street only a block from us and I have his autographed book so I thought I had heard it all. The video ran over an hour but it was fascinating to hear this guy go on about the history of Frankford which he clearly had spent a long time researching.

Jim Young made his first appearance as the incoming President of the society since the departure of Paul Andell in June. Jim spoke about some of the initiatives that the society will be taking on in the future. Volunteers are always welcome and much needed. I noted some new members sign up last night which is really the most valuable resource of this organization.

Before I left I met with Debbie Klak who has been following a discussion on the Gazette about the Overington mansion. She dug up some clippings from the scrap books that the society has in its collection. As time goes on those scrap books are golden with their treasure trove of information. Posted below are some pictures of the meeting and also those clippings that may further illuminate the fate of the Overington mansion.