Neighborhood History and blogger origins - PhillyBlog

CityMan · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 10:54 AM

Out of curiosity, are many of the good people who post here long-time residents? Many born and raised here? The reason why I ask is because I'm not sure how many bloggers know how the neighborhoods were back in the days preceding the late 80's. It was a much different area then, especially the Spring Garden area. Today's 1600 block of Mt. Vernon would be one of the better spots if this were the 1970's. Just thought I would throw that out there.

Titus · #2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 12:07 PM

35 years.

What do you mean by one of the better spots? For comparrisons?...

raider.adam · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityMan

Out of curiosity, are many of the good people who post here long-time residents? Many born and raised here? The reason why I ask is because I'm not sure how many bloggers know how the neighborhoods were back in the days preceding the late 80's. It was a much different area then, especially the Spring Garden area. Today's 1600 block of Mt. Vernon would be one of the better spots if this were the 1970's. Just thought I would throw that out there.

2 years.

CityMan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 01:16 PM

Titus, some old timers tell me that back in the 70's, streets such as Wallace, Mt. Vernon and Green were notorious for gang violence, crime, and general dangerousness. Once my uncle overheard me saying that we were going to 19th and Green to a bar and he said that the area was terrible and that we were "asking for trouble" by going there. These days, to me, 1600 of Mt Vernon seems to be the last remnant of those times, at least by my observations and what my police and paramedic friends tell me.

violesent · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityMan

Out of curiosity, are many of the good people who post here long-time residents? Many born and raised here? The reason why I ask is because I'm not sure how many bloggers know how the neighborhoods were back in the days preceding the late 80's. It was a much different area then, especially the Spring Garden area. Today's 1600 block of Mt. Vernon would be one of the better spots if this were the 1970's. Just thought I would throw that out there.

It pained me to move off the 1600 block of Mt. Vernon, I loved living there seedy company included...

Ronnyk737 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 02:47 PM

I would estimate that 99% of the long time residents of Faimount have never used a computer...

oscar da g · #7 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 03:06 PM

Bet you're wrong.

Titus · #8 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityMan

Titus, some old timers tell me that back in the 70's, streets such as Wallace, Mt. Vernon and Green were notorious for gang violence, crime, and general dangerousness. Once my uncle overheard me saying that we were going to 19th and Green to a bar and he said that the area was terrible and that we were "asking for trouble" by going there. These days, to me, 1600 of Mt Vernon seems to be the last remnant of those times, at least by my observations and what my police and paramedic friends tell me.

I agree it's the last real remnant of how these blocks - all of them - used to look. I recall being advised not to walk east of 22nd...

In the 60's and early 70's there was real gang trouble in the 17th & Wallace area - all over really, but especially located there. Many storefronts were smashed in during riots in the late 60's, I'm told, by lifelong residents.

As to computer use - plenty - plenty! of younger folks here have or use the internet.

Rhodesian · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityMan

Out of curiosity, are many of the good people who post here long-time residents? Many born and raised here? The reason why I ask is because I'm not sure how many bloggers know how the neighborhoods were back in the days preceding the late 80's. It was a much different area then, especially the Spring Garden area. Today's 1600 block of Mt. Vernon would be one of the better spots if this were the 1970's. Just thought I would throw that out there.

Lived in Philly for 5-6 years

Fairmount for 1.5 Years

Originally fom upstate NY

JahDW · #10 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 05:56 PM

originally from Upper Darby

lived in University City (40th and irving, 33rd and powelton) ~2 yrs

lived in CC (9th and spruce) 2 yrs

lived in fishtown (Almond and Norris) 1 yr

and now RINGGOLD BLOCK BABY!! ~2 yrs so far