Powelton Then and Now - Page 2 - PhillyBlog

gap27 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin P. Varga

The house across the street, that is on Baring St. which I don't think you have a photo of, is known as "The Castle" because of its turret and crenellation, but at one time a group of Nuns ran a school for girls teaching practical things something like a vocational school.

Thats interesting. When did you live in the neighborhood? The house has since been restored into a single-family, but with a few apartments on the upper levels. Afterall, who would ever need a house that big!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin P. Varga

The apartment in Mrs. Baring's mansion that I rented was on the first floor on the left facing the bldg. It had a beautiful beamed ceiling all done in cherry wood, and there was a fireplace which didn't work but it had a terrazzo floor in front of it with a fish or something in high relief over the fireplace. It also had an infestation of flying ants...

That sounds about right. It does have some neat old details, but the house obviously hasn't had a proper restoration. I also heard the home had a serious termite infestation, which could explain your flying ants. Either way, its neat to think of how opulent the house would have been originally. Thanks for sharing!

arlee · #12 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 01:57 PM

This was fun to look at. Thank you for the comparison shots!

I love those houses out there. And it's nice to see how many trees there are.

Colin P. Varga · #13 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gap27

Thats interesting. When did you live in the neighborhood? The house has since been restored into a single-family, but with a few apartments on the upper levels. Afterall, who would ever need a house that big!

I lived there from 10/1987 - 9/1990. Then I moved to Manayunk which I regret; however, my rent was going up and Manayunk was cheaper.

Red · #14 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 08:11 PM

I liked the comparisons as well. I remember the old small mailboxes on a pole which have long been replaced with the free standing bigger mailboxes.

Thanks!

1AplBeauty · #15 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 11:05 AM

I was thouroughly impressed...I use to work at 38th and market so I took long walks thru the neighborhood to relieve the stress..you should totally consider making a coffee table book...did you show the businesses the archive photos

brooklyncat · #16 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 02:50 PM

That is fantastic!

BTW, this is the last week for the PhillyHistory.org gallery show, it closes on Friday.

1622 Chestnut St.

RollinRox · #17 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 07:59 AM

Judging from the ways cars were parked on 36th and 38th, it looks like they used to be 2-way. I wonder when the 1-ways came about?

tudor · #18 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 08:21 PM

Great job--thanks so much. It's also nice to see some of the buldings not only preserved but actually upgraded--the auto service place turned into what looks like a residence now, for instance.