Deep in the Wissahickon Valley, nestled along Forbidden Drive, sits the Ten Box. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you. The Ten Box holds a unique piece of Philadelphia park history. Originally built in 1940 by the WPA, the Ten Box wasn’t always a shelter for hikers seeking refuge from a sudden downpour. It once marked the location of the tenth phone box along a vital communication line. This line, strung along Forbidden Drive, connected park guards stationed throughout the Wissahickon. There were ten locked boxes in total, each housing a telephone. Imagine the crackle of static as guards relayed messages, ensuring the safety and security of this beloved green space. The phone line itself is long gone, a relic of a bygone era. But the name “Ten Box” stuck, a testament to its original purpose. The structure itself, built during the Great Depression, offers a glimpse into the WPA’s impact on Philadelphia’s landscape. Its sturdy construction provided a haven for park guards then, and now it serves a similar purpose for hikers and bikers. Today, as you stand near the Ten Box, picture a park guard in 1940, unlocking the box, and reporting a fallen tree or a lost hiker. The call might be brief, but the connection it represents, between the guards and the park, remains strong. The Ten Box is more than just a shelter; it’s a tangible link to the Wissahickon’s past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to